Sunday, December 25, 2005

25 December. Cetaceanlab reports:

We would like to wish you all a peaceful and loving Christmas from Gil Island and share with you a beautiful acoustic surprise which happened at just passed 6am this morning.

We were just getting up to start a fire in our stove and make fresh morning coffee, as we started to hear faint A1 calls on our "Home" station. It turns out that we are listening to the A12s. It is still dark outside, so we really don't know exactly where they are.

It is however a wonderful start to this special day and hopefully the A12 stay around for a little while today.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

30 October Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (apart from boat noise) & think that the A1/A4/A5 group of orcas that headed east in Johnstone Strait after their energetic entrance at midnight 2 nights ago, are probably somewhere to the east. We are, of course, hoping they will return soon! Meanwhile, we're enjoying a rather blustery morning here, & all's well... we hope things are going well for you, too, wherever you are.
Paul
30 Oct 2005 10:13:05 PST

Saturday, October 29, 2005

29 October Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A5s & A4s are back! We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone as they head towards Johnstone Strait.
Paul
29 Oct 2005 00:46:36 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been a while now since we heard calls. Possibly the whales (the A4s, A5s and A1s)continued to the east after lingering off Critical Point. Meanwhile Pacific Whitesided dolphins can still be heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 04:08:09 PDT

No orcas present.

We have not heard anything now for a few hours but the whales went east and will come back at some point. We read with interest Cetacealab's report about seeing the A4s a few days ago. They have travelled! And by the sounds of things earlier this morning they still had energy to burn.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 10:36:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since early this morning, & think that the large group of orcas (A1s, A4s, A5s) that headed into Johnstone Strait shortly after midnight must have continued to the east. We are waiting for their return!
Paul
29 Oct 2005 18:46:31 PDT

Thursday, October 27, 2005

27 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The whales were active throughout the night and carried on moving around the area. Right now we are hearing very faint calls in the Strait and wonder if the A12s and the A36s are both to the west of CP nearer the "top" end of Hanson Island not far from the entrance of Weynton.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 09:50:49 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have turned up in front of CP on this sunny (soon to be grey) south east day.
Helena
27 Oct 2005 10:32:21 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s have headed north through Blackney Pass, on the slack tide, & are now in Blackfish Sound. For the moment, they are silent.
Paul
27 Oct 2005 14:38:29 PDT

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

26 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We're back, almost (Channel B so far) & are listening to occasional calls from the A12s, who are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
26 Oct 2005 11:36:58 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are foraging off CP at the moment after traveling from Robson Bight. The A12s are reported to be between Penfolds and Bold Head.
Julie @ CP
26 Oct 2005 14:02:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s have turned back to the east and are crossing towards Blinkhorn Pen. at the moment. Also we had a report that the A12s after foraging in Queen Charlotte Strait grouped up and turned eastward as well before 4pm.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 17:04:57 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s are heading back into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone, without boat noise!
Paul
26 Oct 2005 19:28:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Lovely calls from the A12s as they entered the very noisy Johnstone strait. nice reality there for a while. We think the A36s continued east ahead of the A12s earlier.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 20:03:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

So.... the A36s left the Strait for Blackfish Sound! This was a surprise and it was quickly done. Now we are not sure where the A12s ended up. The constant boat noise in the Strait is unfortunate.
Helena
26 Oct 2005 22:00:04 PDT

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

25 October Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A12s appeared from the east in stormy waters about 20 minutes ago and are now foraging in the rip of Blackney Pass, its difficult to see everyone and so far we are not sure of the whereabouts of the A36s.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 09:07:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12's travelled through Blackney Pass, foraging along the way and we are now hearing them in the Blackfish Sound.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 12:31:07 PDT

Boat noise

The A12's have made it back into the Strait via Weynton Passage. We can't see them at the moment due to rain, but keep an eye on channel A in case they come close!
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 15:39:08 PDT

Boat noise

The A12s are probably foraging in the rip of Blackney Pass again. The weather here turned about 20 mins ago after a brief calm spell and we can't see them at the moment due to rain and waves.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 16:32:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are still listening to distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 19:19:28 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12's are making their way East in Johnstone Strait. We are hearing them on C.P. and Critical Point.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 22:24:06 PDT

Superb sounds!!

For once there is no boat noise, and we are listening to these beautiful calls of the A12's on Critical Point.
Julie and Andy @ CP
25 Oct 2005 22:46:00 PDT

Monday, October 24, 2005

24 October Orcalab reports:

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s have been sighed heading west towards CP. Possibly, the A36s are there too, though we're not sure at the moment. Channel A. It's another stormy day here!
Paul
24 Oct 2005 08:48:31 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

As the tide moves towards slack, the A12s (& possibly A36s) have finally decided to head north into Blackney Pass.
Paul
24 Oct 2005 10:40:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

While the A12s finish their path through Blackney Pass towards Blackfish Sound we can hear the A36s approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass in the Strait. A tug heading south is providing loud boat noise in the same entrance way. Slack tide (to the ebb) began at 11:15am.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 11:28:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Every so often we still catch a few calls in Blackfish Sound so the whales arenot moving off too quickly - most likely a good fishing day.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:15:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

I knew I waited too long to post. We are now hearing calls once again in the Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 16:27:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We feel a bit like we are chasing the A36s. We certainly can't catch up - they are too fast & too complicated. We have lost track of them again. The a12s certainly have made it a bit easier. After they re-entered Johnstone Strait they vocalised as they moved east to the entrance of Blackney. Just after we got word they were coming into Blackney we suddenly saw the A36s half way through BUT headed south with a group of porpoises. One of them breached. As they moved into the gap between Parson Island and Hanson Island they met up with the waiting, floating A12s. Everyone (orcas and porpoise) took a deep dive. Finally the A12s showed, headed north along Parson Island. The A36s and the porpoise were no where to be seen and everyone was quiet. We are pretty sure the A12s made it to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
24 Oct 2005 19:08:47 PDT

Sunday, October 23, 2005

23 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We've been listening to distant "A1" calls, amidst persistent boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone for the past hour. Possibly, both the A12s & A36s have come back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. However, there is so much boat noise that we're not sure if both groups are there.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 10:25:51 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A36s are approaching the Blackney Pass "gap" & are visible on Channel A. The A12s are further behind, on the Vancouver island side of the Strait.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:08:20 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

It looks like the A12s & A36s are heading north into Blackney Pass. Some of them are still visible on Channel A.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 11:49:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s & A36s have travelled north through Blackney Pass & are now in Blackfish Sound - A55 & A46 were together. The calls we're listening to are on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 12:38:51 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're still listening to the A12s & A36s... sounds like they are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 13:49:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're up again, & hearing distant calls from the A12s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like they have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are heading east.
Paul
23 Oct 2005 17:28:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s and the A36s have circled around Hanson Island via Weynton Passage once more and are moving east toward the area off the entrance to Blackney Pass.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 17:43:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the whales have decided to stay in the Strait for now. We are hearing calls on the Critical Point station.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 20:14:22 PDT

No orcas present.

We are back to guessing what direction the A12s and the A36s chose in the end. The A36s were the last group heard and as the tide is now ebbing it is tempting to think that they went back out to the west but when they were last calling the tide was still pushing eastward. So now we wait and hopefully they will give up a few more clues before long.
Helena
23 Oct 2005 23:08:43 PDT

Saturday, October 22, 2005

22 October Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Good morning everyone! We heard the A12's in Blackfish Sound a couple of times during the night, and think they probably moved to the north as the tide changed to ebb around 9am. We are waiting, and meanwhile enjoying a quiet rainy morning after yesterday's storm.
Paul
22 Oct 2005 11:17:20 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A12s have come back into Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Oct 2005 13:07:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are still in Blackfish Sound just a bit further away from the hydrophone than before. The tide will turn to the flood around 3:30pm. This may encourage them back to the Strait.
Helena
22 Oct 2005 14:48:44 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the A12s were at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. It's most likely they are somewhere to the north of Blackfish Sound, though we're not sure.
Paul
22 Oct 2005 22:47:58 PDT

Friday, October 21, 2005

21 October Ocalab reports

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A12s have just passed CP & are now (probably) heading north into Blackney Pass.
Paul
21 Oct 2005 12:57:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The a12s are travelling close to each other through Blackney Pass. They are silent so far and about half way through the pass on their way north.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 13:23:58 PDT

No orcas present.

We forgot to post a note re the A12s and their movements. They continued into Blackfish Sound where they were vocal briefly and then silent.
Helena
21 Oct 2005 18:04:50 PDT

Thursday, October 20, 2005

20 October Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

After the A12s came back into the range of the Critical Point hydrophone, we're now listening to their echoing calls in the Robson Bight area again.
Sven
20 Oct 2005 00:59:31 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s might have gone east in Johnstone Strait with the flooding tide...we didn't hear any more calls for about 45mins now.
Sven
20 Oct 2005 02:27:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The a12s came back from the east just a little while ago. Julie and Andy can see two blows in the direction of Izumi Rock (just west of the Ecological Reserve. John Ford reported the A36s are off Lizard Point foraging.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 12:11:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s moved up the Vancouver Island side fairly quickly on the last of the ebb and got as far as opposite Big Bay where it looks like they may be turning. The tide (by the book) turns in 15 minutes to the flood. We are hearing distant calls.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 13:04:21 PDT

No orcas present.

After just a brief call the A12s disappeared to the west. possibly they are headed for Weynton Pass.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 16:58:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After chasing the calls of the A12s we have finally caught up with them off the top end of Blackfish Sound after they presumably went through Weynton Pass.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 18:27:49 PDT

No orcas present.

Well, the A12s may have headed out to Queen Charlotte Strait. The tide is ebbing (strong currents) and this may have encouraged them. The A36s were out that direction earlier today so perhaps they also went to find them.
Helena
20 Oct 2005 20:52:29 PDT

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

19 October Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass (Channel A), due to the weather and the A12s being reasonably quiet we are not sure which direction they came from. Apologies for any flickering on the surface camera we are trying to combat the technical difficulties.
Julie and Andy @ CP
19 Oct 2005 14:56:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're listening to distant A1 calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The whales are not calling very frequently so we're not sure who this is, yet.
Sven
19 Oct 2005 19:45:56 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It sounds like the A12s are in Robson Bight, close to the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
19 Oct 2005 21:04:55 PDT

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

18 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A12s in Johnstone Strait since a bit before 5am. At the moment, they are mid-Strait off Blackney Pass, heading east. We're hearing them on the Critical Point, CP & Parson Island hydrophones.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 07:52:20 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

It;s now light enough to use the surface camera - the A12s are vicible in the distance on Channel A.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 07:59:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're hearing occasional calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the A12s make their way to the east. At present, they are mostly on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, approaching Izumi Rock.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 09:10:32 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s are back in the entrance of Blackney Pass (Channel A). They may head north through Blackney soon.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 10:07:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have gone into Blackfish Sound while the A36s headed east toward the Bight. Today is A55's birthday! Sixteen years ago we saw the four adult A12s in Blackney Pass in the morning. They disappeared for a while to the west and when they came back in the afternoon A34 had her little calf beside her. A12 was positioned not too far away while A33 and his brother A31 waited off to the side.
Helena
18 Oct 2005 11:20:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

How cool is this? The birthday boy A55, all by himself, came into Blackney and foraged mid channel opposite the Lab! AND he was vocal! - now what did Dave just say to Libby? While alone in Blackney his family continued to call in Blackfish Sound. Eventually he turned north to rejoin his group. The are calling now in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, we heard the A36s again in the Strait. Just for interest sake, A55 did a variety of calls while opposite us. Its all on the tape!
Helena
18 Oct 2005 12:28:31 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

While we continue to hear the A12s at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, we're watching the A36s, who are now foraging mid-Strait off Blackney Pass, on Channel A.
Paul
18 Oct 2005 15:07:31 PDT

Monday, October 17, 2005

17 October Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We just suddenly heard a call while in the house. The call was from the Strait.
Helena
17 Oct 2005 17:19:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We have sent an alert. This sounds like the missing whales. CP can see a large group heading west from the Sophias. Right now we are listening to the A12s.
Helena
17 Oct 2005 17:30:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

What a day! The A12s dropped the Gs off at Blackney and the Gs rushed through leaving the A12s still in the Strait. The A12s have since sounded like they are moving west. Perhaps they will go around via Weynton. We lost track of the Gs in Blackfish Sound presumably still heading west to Queen Charlotte Strait. But did I mention the lovely Harvest Moon which rose directly opposite the Lab?
Helena
17 Oct 2005 19:42:24 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are audible on the Critical Point hydrophone again after they dissappeared earlier to what sounded like the west. We just began to hear them on CP, so they probably going east again.
Sven & Thomas
17 Oct 2005 21:55:43 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s went silent more than an hour ago now, so we are not sure if the whales continued to go east or they turned again.
Sven
17 Oct 2005 23:27:22 PDT

Saturday, October 15, 2005

15 October Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

We're listening to A & G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The orcas are probably mostly on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait, near Robson Bight. Sounds like the same groups as yesterday. They re-entered Johnstone Strait around midnight & have been making their way to the east since then.
Paul
15 Oct 2005 03:50:36 PDT

No orcas present.

(Maintenance complete) The A12's, A36's and the G's were vocal till about 6am and then headed farther east. We heard no calls since then.
Sven
15 Oct 2005 12:35:46 PDT

Friday, October 14, 2005

14 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We began to hear distant A1 and G clan calls on Flower Island hydrophone. Yesterday evening the whales remained at the top of Blackfish Sound for quite a while, so we'll see if they decide to come 'in' this time.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 01:20:39 PDT

No orcas present.

Obviously they G's and A1's decided not to come east this time. We heard no calls for more than one hour now.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 02:46:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Just before 9am we once again heard the "gang" arrive within range of the Flower Island hydrophone. Once again they seemed to have stalled at the top end of Blackfish Sound no doubt enjoying hopefully a good feast of salmon. Yesterday Paul saw the largest group of finning chums he has ever seen. Finning is when the chum rise to the surface exposing their dorsal fin as they move along. It can be quite the sight. very often their heads poke up as well. So far we have heard both the A12s, A36s and the same G clan groups of the last several days. Still waiting to have a peek to confirm just who is out there. The offshores were last seen near Port Hardy. Graeme Ellis of DFO was up in the area and had the day & good conditions to get the ID photos. Very exciting.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 09:34:33 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are not going to get our "peek". The whales decided to go into the Strait via Weynton Passage. We just started to pick up their calls way to the west of CP. Quite a miserable day out there - wind and rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 10:51:25 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to the A12s, A36s and several G's on the CP and Parson Island hydrophones. They're foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass for quite a while already. The weather is rainy and windy again, so it's difficult to identify them.
Sven
14 Oct 2005 12:53:11 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The orcas (A12s, A36s, G18s, maybe others)have just travelled north through Blackney Pass & are heading west in Blackfish Sound. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
14 Oct 2005 15:01:34 PDT

No orcas present.

Good evening. It has been quiet for hours ever since the orcas headed off to the west. We had a wonderful surprise this afternoon just as the storm eased off . Many flocks of geese passed overhead. The Snow geese flew over Blackney Pass stark white against the dark green island shapes.
Helena
14 Oct 2005 21:48:06 PDT

Thursday, October 13, 2005

13 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We've been listening to distant "G" & "A" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone for about half an hour. They sound like the same groups that were in Johnstone Strait yesterday afternoon.
Paul
13 Oct 2005 04:10:51 PDT

Boat noise

We began hearing distant calls, amidst boat noise, on the Critical Point hydrophone, about 45' ago, but are uncertain as to whether they were from resident or offshore orcas. After travelling rapidly to the east last evening, the offshores returned to the west, and were near Robson Bight around 1am. By 9am they were off Pearse Passage, near Alert Bay. They were still in that general area around 10:30am, when we heard calls that could have been from G clan or offshore orcas. Boat noise has been very persistent since then, and we've heard no more calls. We are waiting.
Paul
13 Oct 2005 11:24:21 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A short while ago we started to hear the A12s on Flower Island. Earlier this morning we must have been listening to the Offshores when they were stalled off Alert Bay. This is normally out of our range but every so often we experience extended coverage. The offshores are now off Port McNeill still west bound.
Helena
13 Oct 2005 13:43:11 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're now hearing distant "A" & "G" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, as well as continuing to hear the A12s on Flower Island. Sounds like at least some of the orcas that have been together over the last few days are back in Johnstone Strait, with the A12s nearby.
Paul
13 Oct 2005 14:43:38 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think everything shifted back to Blackfish Sound and the A12s. We are now listening to the several G groups in Blackfish and CP can no longer see any whales up near Blinkhorn. Most likely they moved back to Blackfish via Weynton. Maybe they were checking the Strait for those offshores! The tide is now ebbing.
Helena
13 Oct 2005 15:49:08 PDT

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

12 October Orcalab reports:

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Good morning everyone! It's a cool, wet & windy morning here, with the A36s in front of CP, heading east. Channel A. We're also hearing G clan calls further away.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 09:13:43 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s sound like they went ahead toward Critical Point with the various G clan groups while this time the A12s followed behind. Currently we are listening to the A12s on CP and the others on Critical Point.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 10:44:20 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Interesting that, although I thought I had selected the map highlight for the area including CP and Critical Point last time, only the CP area came up! Just after that the whales (the A36s and Gs) who had gone east of CP came back & joined up with the A12s off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 11:58:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're still hearing distant "A" & "G" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone, and think that the various groups that were foraging in the entrance of Blackney Pass earlier have moved off to the west. We're not sure about their exact location because it's raining too hard for CP to see. Boat noise is still very persistent in Johnstone Strait.
Paul
12 Oct 2005 15:24:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

This is exciting! We had received reports around 3:30pm of a large group of whales moving through Pearse Passage (between Alert Bay and Pearse Islands) headed for the Strait. We had been listening to the A12s,A36s and various G groups all morning and when they headed off to the west we thought that they might be going to meet the incoming group. As the new group moved east in the Strait we started to understand that they were Offshores. The northern residents have been very quiet - listening too no doubt. The weather is very wet and quite dark. The boat noise is not making it very easy either.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 16:40:05 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The offshore calls are getting stronger as they move closer toward the Bight.
Helena
12 Oct 2005 18:30:04 PDT

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

11 October Orcalab reports:

10:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
just a short while ago we started to hear A1 and G calls on Critical Point. CP has seen one male mid strait off to the far west so most likely the whales came in via Weynton on the last of the flood and are making their way to the east.

10:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
We have heard the A36s along with the Gs. They are getting closer and are now in range of CP but still to the west.

12:34 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A36s and Gs have passed CP and are heading into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. They are traveling mid strait and along the Vancouver Island shore,we didn't get a clear look at the group this time and so we are not sure which Gs are present yet.

12:37 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Gs and the A36s have moved on closer to the Bight. They can still be heard even with the constant boat noise. They sound pretty relaxed & social. There are a lot of "quiet" calls with a few slightly more energetic bursts from time to time.

13:06 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It is beginning to sound like the A12s are there as well. Also there have been a few I31 type calls as well. Perhaps the same groups of the last week are again together in the Strait.

13:43 PDT Orcas near mics.
The groups have moved into the area near to Robson Bight.

14:27 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas are rubbing.

15:28 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
It looks like the orcas have left the rubbing beaches and are returning to the west... possibly, we'll soon hear them again on the Critical Point hydrophone.

15:36 PDT Distant calls audible.
At least some of the orcas returning to the west have reached the area off Robson Bight. We're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone, along with a lot of boat noise.

16:13 PDT Superb sounds!!
Some of the orcas are closer to the Critical Point hydrophone now... we've heard the A36s & possibly G3s so far, along with another "G-G" group, and with others likely to come.

16:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The whales after stalling near the Bight for a while may now be moving "up" the Strait to the west. We are hearing calls in the CP range.

17:19 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
As they move westward, some of the orcas are coming within range of the surface camera at CP. Channel A.

18:46 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A36s are taking up the rear. They finally left the area off the Bight and are now approaching CP & the entrance to Blackney Pass area. We can still hear the others to the west of the A36s from time to time.

20:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
The distant A1 and G clan calls we're hearing are still on Critical Point. We just started to hear them on CP again after they disappeared there for about an hour. Sounds like they have turned on their way west and going east now with the flooding tide.

22:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A1's and G's went into Blackney Pass and we're now listening to them on the Local Left hydrophone as they're heading north.

Monday, October 10, 2005

10 October Orcalab reports:

07:26 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're listening to multiple pods (mostly A1 calls) at the CP hydrophone, echoes to Critical Point and to Parson Island hydrophones. We've send an alert.

09:44 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s have just entered Blackney Pass, we didn't see anyone else but the visibility is poor. We will see what the day brings.

10:58 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A12s have spent four hours pacing back and forth in the entrance to Blackney Pass. It looks like they may have decided to go in this time.

11:40 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A12s passed by the lab and we are now hearing them on Flower Island.

20:45 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the A12s were at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Possibly, they continued on into Queen Charlotte Strait, though we're not sure. We are waiting.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

09 October Orcalab reports:

10:52 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
There are Orca opposite C.P on channel A quite distant going East still no positive I.D.!

12:57 PDT Boat noise
We think we have the A12s midstrait slowly going east at Kaikash Beach, but we are not sure who else might be here. Hopefully the whales will be more vocal soon, the weather is making it difficult for us to see everyone.

20:15 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
We just heard some short calls and also a few rubs on the Rubbing Beach hydrophone. The A1's and G's we heard around noon today were silent since then and headed east when last seen, so probably we heard some of them rubbing about 20 minutes ago. Looks like it was just a brief rub.

22:26 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're listening to distant A1 calls (so far) on the Critical Point hydrophone. They most likely came from the east and are now in the robson bight area. A general waternoise is audible since it is still windy and rainy in Johnstone Strait.

Friday, October 07, 2005

07 October Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.
Good morning everyone! We're listening to A1 and G clan calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the A36s, A12s & at least part of the I31s (probably I46 & I80) are back in Robson Bight. We're not sure what route they took to get there, or if the "G-G" groups that have been with them lately are also there, but silent, or if they have separated. Nice way to start another rainy day!

08:42 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls for over 2 hours, and think that the orcas we were listening to earlier were headed east past Robson Bight. They're probably not too far away, and though they could keep going, they might turn back to the west soon. We are waiting, and meanwhile enjoying what has turned out to be a lovely morning.

10:10 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
It turned out that the orcas were headed east early this morning, and did turn around not too far away. They are now headed west, spread out across from Robson Bight, approaching the Sophias, and should be within sight of the CP camera soon. Channel A. We're hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. The large group sounds like it has the same members as it has over the last few days, i.e. A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G18s, though it's possible others are there too.

11:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
The orcas (A12s, A36s, I46+I80, G3s, G29s, not sure if the G18s are still with them) are now in Blackfish Sound, heading west, having passed quickly through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. We're listening to them in the distance on the Flower Island hydrophone.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

06 October Orcalab reports:

09:29 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A36s in Blackfish Sound for the last couple of hours, and recently, to the A12s & Gs as well (probably the G3s & G18s). They all came back from the east last evening, and headed through Weynton Pass around midnight. Since then, they've been hanging out at or near the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Now, because the calls are getting closer to the Flower Island hydrophone, we think they may be heading back towards Johnstone Strait.

15:24 PDT No orcas present.
Rain, Rain & Rain. It is a wet one today! The ocean is calm and we were hoping that the whales would come down this way but there were just too many ebbing tide hours to go while they were off the top end of Blackfish Sound. Their collective sounds faded off our systems around 10:30am. At that point it wasn't clear if they were moving further into Weynton Passage or heading "out". It turned out that they were moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Naiad Explorer saw the large group off Lizard Point later that morning. They have not yet returned on the flood. We are waiting.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

05 October Orcalab reports:

11:18 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning! Other than the brief weird sounds at 5am (sealion close to hydrophone?) it was a quiet night. We lost track of the whales around 11pm when they were still vocal in the Strait. The tide was still ebbing at the time but due to turn withing an hour. So it is possible they went either direction with ease. The guess around here is split. It will be interesting to find out who guessed correctly. Any bets?

19:09 PDT Orcas near mics.
They are back! Clear A1 and G calls off Robson Bight. They sound like they are coming from the east.

20:48 PDT Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the whales have moved west up the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass. So far this evening we have heard both the A36s and the A12s along with the Gs of yesterday and the I31s (maybe still just I46 & I80).

21:51 PDT Distant calls audible.
They have kept to the Strait so far asnd we think they may have gone west past CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass. Still quite windy out but not as bad as last night.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

04 October Orcalab reports:

09:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading west in Blackfish Sound, after travelling north through Blackney Pass. They are mostly silent, but made a few calls as they headed through Blackney Pass.

12:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like at least some of the orcas who headed north through Blackney Pass earlier this morning have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.

14:05 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s, A36s & I46+I80 are heading east in Johnstone Strait, now opposite Blackney Pass. They are mostly on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, but may be crossing over towards Cracroft Island. Channel A.
Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

14:25 PDT A "G-G" group of orcas, including the G18s, has just headed into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are in front of CP. Channel A.

16:22 PDT Superb sounds!!
After lots of foraging and playful behaviour all the groups for the time being at least have passed CP and are now going east.

17:31 PDT Superb sounds!!
The various groups of orcas are in or near Robson Bight... we're listening to them on the Critical Point hydrophone.

18:36 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches - Channel B.

19:10 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The orcas have left the rubbing beaches and headed east. The sounds of pebbles moving that we're hearing are from waves crashing on shore at low tide, not from orcas rubbing. Apologies to those who logged on after we sent an alert, only to find the (brief) rub was over.

Monday, October 03, 2005

03 October Orcalab reports:

00:13 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A1" and "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone a short while ago... sounds like the A12s, A36s, & at least some of the I31s have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass.

03:10 PDT Superb sounds!!
We're still listening to very clear A1 and G-I calls now in the Robson Bight area on the Critical Point hydrophone.

05:32 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The whales that had been in the Strait changed direction just before the slack tide and travelled back to the entrance of Blackney Pass and then travelled north to Blackfish Sound where they vocalised briefly. We had heard both A1 and I31 calls in the Strait but only clearly heard A12s in Blackfish Sound. However there were enough blows heard in Blackney to possibly account for all the A12s, the I31 pair of I46 & I80 as well as the A36s. All has been quiet since just before 5am. We believe they kept going west into Queen Charlotte Strait with the ebb tide.

13:48 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
We've heard no calls since early this morning, but the A12s, A36s, & part of the I31s (I46, I80) are not far away. They spent the morning just to the north of Blackfish Sound, & are presently near Lizard Point. It's possible they will come back "in" on the flooding tide this afternoon.

20:33 PDT No orcas present.
It apppears that the A12s, A36s and I46 & I80 stayed in Queen Charlotte Strait for the day.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

02 October Orcalab reports:

12:58 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're listening to A1 and G-clan calls on the entrance of Blackney Pass area, mid-Strait to the Vancouver Island side.

15:23 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A36s are heading south through Blackney Pass, and will probably soon meet up with the A12s & I46/I80. We're presently listening to the A36s & A12s on the Parson Island & CP hydrophones.

18:16 PDT Distant calls audible.
On the ebb tide: With A33 in the lead, I46 following and I80 with the A34s & A12s and finally the A36s in the rear, the scene quickly shifted from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound via Blackney. The whales are still in range in Blackfish Sound.

22:12 PDT No orcas present.
It seems that the A12s, I46, I80 and eventually the A36s continued travelling west into +Queen Charlotte Strait.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

01 October Orcalab reports:

08:36 PDT Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! After a quiet night (except for boat noise) we began hearing distant "G-clan" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone a little before 7:45am. It sounds like the orcas are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound. Perhaps they will head into Johnstone Strait when the tide turns to flood in about an hour from now. Meanwhile, we're enjoying our first (lovely) October morning.

09:56 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s & at least some I31s have entered Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass & are now heading east past CP. Channel A.

12:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s and the I31s have finaslly moved closer to the Reserve and Robson Bight.
Distant calls audible.

15:50 PDT The A12s along with I80 and I46 are headed west back to CP.

Distant calls audible.

17:47 PDT The A12s, along with I46 & I80, have travelled north through Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide, and are now in Blackfish Sound. They are making occasional calls amongst intense boat noise.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

27 September Orcalab reports:

06:48 PDT Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the A12s as they make their way north through Blackney Pass, and a short while ago heard what sound like the I15s in Blackfish Sound. The A12s breached several times in Blackney Pass, making us think they might be excited at the prospect of meeting up with incoming orcas!

08:08 PDT Distant calls audible.
Indeed the A12s and probably the A36s as well have met up with incoming G clan whales! They are currently milling together at the top end of Blackfish Sound undecided at the moment which direction they will choose. Lovely September morning here.

22:08 PDT No orcas present.
The big group of Gs and A1s have not yet come back to this part of the area. They were last seen well west in Queen Charlotte Strait but they had turned at that time (Naiad Explorer report). We'll have to "see" what tonight brings.

Monday, September 26, 2005

26 September Orcalab reports:

14:07 PDT Distant calls audible.
Overnight, the A12s & A36s went some distance to the east. They are now returning to the west, & are mid-Strait opposite Robson Bight. They are moving slowly, & foraging a lot of the time.

16:04 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
At least some of the A12s are heading across the Strait, towards CP. Channel A.

18:18 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s who earlier ventured all the way through Blackney Pass to the north did a short turna around and came right back to Blackney just after entering Blackfish Sound. They have now almost gone from our view as they head towards the Strait and the A36s once more. We have heard reports of a large group of orcas in the Port Hardy area headed east this afternoon. Tugs & humpbacks have been using Blackney while the A12s have moved around.

22:03 PDT No orcas present.
It is hard to know just what the A12s and the A36s decided to do once the A12s were back in the Strait. All calls were only distant suggesting they were still some distance from Robson Bight. However, the A12s were last seen resting facing east. The tide has now turned to the flood so perhaps they have drifted along with it to the east.. Hopefully they will give us a stronger clue before morning.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

25 September Orcalab reports:

18:21 PDT Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Flower Island hydrophone a short while ago... seems like they're heading for Johnstone Strait on the flooding tide.

21:14 PDT Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A12s and the A36s have met up in Johnstone Strait.

23:43 PDT Orcas near mics.
The a12s and the A36s sound as if they are moving closer to the Reserve.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

22 September Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight, and think that the numerous groups (A12s, A30s, A36s, I15s, I11s, I31s) that headed "out" yesterday afternoon, after many days of intense socialising, may have moved further to the west. We are hoping that at least some of them will return before long, but meanwhile, we are waiting.
Paul
22 Sep 2005 09:24:05 PDT

No orcas present.

Well this has been the first day all season without orcas in the area. We did receive two reports from MacKay Whale Watching that a very large group of whales were west of Port Hardy this morning: Most likely the same whales as of yesterday. After all the intensity of movement and vocals the quiet takes some adjustment. But the return will be like starting over again!
Helena
22 Sep 2005 22:13:21 PDT

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

21 September Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Good morning everyone! The wonderful morning chorus of "A1" and "G-I" calls we're listening to is in Robson Bight. Sounds like the groups that were in the Strait yesterday afternoon & last night (A12s, A30s, I15s, I11s. I31s) are probably still together. It's another very foggy morning here... but hopefully it will become clear later this morning.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 07:35:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The party in Robson Bight seems to be going on & on, so we've sent an acoustic alert.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 08:54:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Some of the crowd have moved off to the east & are at the rubbing beaches... Channel B. Others are still in the Bight.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 09:19:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems that at least some of the orcas have moved off to the west & are now in the vicinity of Izumi Rock... we're starting to hear them in the distance on the CP hydrophone.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:01:04 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Some of the orcas are close to CP & are occasionally visible through the fog. Channel A.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 10:40:28 PDT

Orcas approaching Orcalab.

The A36s have headed north through Blackney Pass on the swiftly ebbing tide. Others may follow them soon. It's too foggy to see much, but their calls have been clear on the Local Left hydrophone, now on Flower Island as they head into Blackfish Sound. The I15s are in the entrance to Blackney Pass, audible on the Parson Island hydrophone. There are still many orcas in Johnstone Strait, including the A12s & I11s/I31s. We're listening to them on the CP & CrPt hydrophones.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 11:23:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A36s continued to the west through Blackfish Sound this morning while the other groups (the A12s,A30s,I15s,I11s,and I31s) continued to the west in Johnstone Strait and out through Weynton Pass. They have lingered off the top end of Blackfish and the eastern regions of Queen Charlotte Strait for some time now. From time to time we can hear their distant calls.
Helena
21 Sep 2005 15:50:28 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since mid afternoon, when the various groups of orcas were headed north from Blackfish Sound. We are waiting.
Paul
21 Sep 2005 23:05:34 PDT

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

20 September Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! It sounds like the crowd that headed south into Blackney Pass on the ebbing tide last evening, and then turned back, has finally made it into Johnstone Strait, this time on the slack. We began hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 6:30 am, & since then have heard the A30s, A12s, I15s, & I11/31s. They are heading east, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait.
Paul
20 Sep 2005 07:10:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s left the other groups andjust passed by the lab in Blackney on their way to Blackfish Sound. Just as they entered Blackfish Sound we could hear the A36s there as well. The calls are now growing distant perhaps going with the ebbing tide. The large group in the Strait have been silent for a while and now there is boat noise.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 08:42:45 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just had an interesting pass. We think the I35s along with I80 headed to Blackfish from the Strait. They were followed by the A30s and part of the I15s (including I41). It certainly was not all of the I31s nor all of the I15s. Meanwhile, the A36s and the A12s are headed toward the Foster Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait. Where are the other I31s, I15s and I11s?
Helena
20 Sep 2005 10:22:42 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Although they just became quiet. The whales have been making their way through Weynton Pass on the flood tide. The turn in Queen Charlotte Strait started just before the slack tide and by the time the lead group was nearing Weynton Pass the flood was in progress. We are now beginning to hear the first groups arrive in Johnstone Strait. Their calls are very distant. The large number of whales were so spread out that the calls on Flower Island faded at the same time the lead group reached the Strait. If everyone who was here returns (this time including the A36s) there will be near to 60 whales in the area. Acouple of humbacks have added to the spectacular day.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 14:10:19 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The whales have now reached the entrance to Blackney and are soon to cross over to CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 15:21:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s, I31s,I11s, A1s have moved closer to the Reserve. Thunder and lightening have given way to lovely sunshine once more.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 16:58:55 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We just had quite a few whales head east past CP. They were spread out from midstrait to the Vancouver Island shore and they stretched all the way from the Reserve to CP. Everyone seemed to be mixed up but we definitely saw I41 (I15s), I64 (I11s), I42 (I31s), and I46 (I31s), as well as the A30s, A12, and possibly the A36s.
Mary and Julie@CP
20 Sep 2005 17:20:10 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Now the whales are spread out from Critical Point to the Beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 17:51:14 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the whales left for the east after their pass of the beaches.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 21:46:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

All the groups are making their way back past the Bight and on towards CP. Right now the A30s and the I15s are closest to the Bight but before them the I11s,I31s and A12s already made their way and we are just picking up their calls on CP.
Helena
20 Sep 2005 23:32:13 PDT

Monday, September 19, 2005

19 September Orcalab reports:

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The A12s have just travelled south throuigh Blackney Pass & are entering Johnstone Strait. A12&33 are in front of the A34s, who are close together in a group. Channel A.
Paul
19 Sep 2005 18:37:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sometimes standing still is the perfect thing to do. This evening in front of the lab the I31s, I33s and I11s passed by mid channel ahead of the I15s and the A30s. When just past the lab in they all suddenly made a loud collective burst . Then as they re-surfaced most were pointing the opposite direction towards Blackfish Sound. After some serious milling they all headed off back to the north silently. The evening colours on the calm sea were wonderful and as the whales disappeared we could hear the A12s moving eastward in the Strait. The A12s had passed us just a short while before only they actually made it to the Strait. So CP too had its treat when the A12s passed closely by. Amazing and wonderful.
Helena
19 Sep 2005 19:53:37 PDT

Sunday, September 18, 2005

18 September Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Sorry, it has been a busy morning but we should update everyone. There was a lot of movement during the night. The A12s came back to the Strait at the same time the other groups were east of the Reserve. Early this morning the groups "re-grouped" and came back westward in the Strait. They left the area via Weynton and we eventually picked them up in Blackfish Sound as they continued to make their way to the west. We last heard calls (the I15s and the A30s) around 7:30am.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 09:18:19 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups have moved down toward the Reserve now. The A30s held off for a while while the I15s and the other groups passed by. We think the A12s, I31s, I11s, I15s and A30s all came in together earlier.
Helena
18 Sep 2005 16:14:18 PDT

Saturday, September 17, 2005

17 September Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning everyone! Between bouts of boat noise, we've been listening to the A36s, A12s, A30s, I15s & I31s since around 5:30am. The A36s & A12s travelled north through Blackney Pass around 6am. We think the others are still in Johnstone Strait, though it wouldn't be surprising to see them head "out" on the swiftly ebbing tide too.
Paul
17 Sep 2005 07:24:28 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We began hearing distant "A1" calls on the Flower Island hydrophone about half an hour ago... sounds like the A12s & possibly the A36s are returning!
Paul
17 Sep 2005 23:39:51 PDT

Friday, September 16, 2005

16 September Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A30s have moved back towards the west from Blackney Pass, possibly to meet up with the rest of the groups they were with earlier (A12s, A36s, I11s, G17s) now re-entering Johnstone Strait at Weynton Pass.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 15:46:40 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just a short while ago we started hearing the A36s and G clan calls (I11s most likely) on Flower Island. Previous reports from the whale watch boats had said that the I11s had doubled backed through Weynton Pass after just reaching the Strait. The impression then was that the other groups including the A12s nd the I15s continued east in the Strait. We have not heard any calls other than the A30s in the Strait so we are waiting to see where the various groups end up tonight. So far today we have heard the A30s, A12s, A36s, G17s, I11s and I15s. The I31s were reported east yesterday.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 18:10:08 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are currently listening to the A36s and the I15s making their way back closer to Blackfish Sound after venturing into Queen Charlotte Strait with the I11s, A12s and G17s. Too early to tell whether or not the I11s and G17s were "dropped off" and have continued to the west. As far as we know the A30s remained behind in the Strait and were last seen a few hours ago resting off of Blinkhorn.
Helena
16 Sep 2005 21:08:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A12s are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, along with the A36s & I15s. We also heard the A30s in Johnstone Strait a while ago. With the moon shining on a calm ocean, this is shaping up to be a lovely night.
Paul
16 Sep 2005 22:47:31 PDT

Thursday, September 15, 2005

15 September Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the I15s, A30s, and A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone. It sounds like the whales are enjoying the relief from boat noise as much as we are.
Mary@the Lab
15 Sep 2005 00:27:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s and I15s just traveled North through Blackney Pass, we were hearing GI calls on Flower Island before this so perhaps they were going to meet someone. We are not sure what happened to the A30s yet.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 07:28:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are listening to the A30s on CP right now. The I15s and A12s and possibly some others are spread out from Bold Head to Stubbs Island. We are waiting to find out which way they are headed.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 09:13:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We've got orcas everywhere this morning. The A30s are still hanging out off CP. They are calling occasionally. Up in Blackfish Sound, the A36s, A12s, I15s, and G17s are reported to be nearing Donegal Head. The I31s are to the east, way down near Campbell River. The tide is going to reach maximum flood in about an hour, so we are waiting to see if the big group up to the north will turn and head back this way.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 11:23:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The large group have entered the strait through Weynton Passage, we are not sure exactly if everyone came in but if they did, the A12s, A36s, I15s and G17s should now be going east along the Vancouver Island shore. The A30s started going east shortly before they came into the strait.
Julie @ OL
15 Sep 2005 14:37:02 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

We have now all the groups in the Strait. Three groups at the Vancouver Island side near Kaikash and the A36´s and some small fins are with them midchannel at little Kaikash...they coming up to CP now...channel A
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 14:52:43 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

Now the I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the East of Johnstone Strait, going still east near the Vancouver Island side. The A12´s are now in Blackney Pass after foraging in the Gap. The A36´s are still near CP. Channel A
Paul T and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:01:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15´s and maybe the G17´s are in the Bight now. We can here them close to the Crpt Hydrophone. The A36´s are in Blackney and the A12´s are in Blackfish Sound.
Paul T. and Melanie @CP
15 Sep 2005 16:46:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A36s are calling on Flower Island again. They sound as if they may have turned back towards us. After a quick rub, all is quiet in the Strait. We will have to wait and see where the I15s, G17s, and A30s ended up.
Mary@OL
15 Sep 2005 18:15:52 PDT

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

14 September Orcalab reports:


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & at least some of the "As" are at the Main rubbing beach! Channel B.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:20:33 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The I15s have reached Robson Bight, along with some of the "As", westbound.
Paul
14 Sep 2005 12:45:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the I15s , A30s and A12s are coming west. Just now they stalled off the western boundry in the Reserve. The I31s are apparently near Kelsey Bay and the transients have continued west toward Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Sep 2005 13:38:35 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

After A30´s, A12´s and the I15´s passed CP one hour ago to the west, the A12´s back at CP going east again...Channel A
Paul and Melanie@CP
14 Sep 2005 17:33:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Although the whales aren't very vocal, we are hearing a couple of A1 calls (probably the A30s) on the Flower Island hydrophone and some very distant calls on Cracroft Point from the A12s and I15s.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 18:43:26 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We actually have the A30s in the Strait with the I15s and A12s. The A36s are calling on Flower Island and we are hoping they will come past the lab before it gets dark.
Mary @ the Lab
14 Sep 2005 19:28:03 PDT

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

13 September Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Good morning everyone! The A30s are back at thr rubbing beaches! They were the first of the groups to come back from the east, around midnight, followed by the A12s, I15s & I31s. By around 4am all the groups had gone back to the east (we think). It now seems that at least some of them are heading west again.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 07:27:21 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

The A30s headed west after their brief rub, and are now back in Ronson Bight, fishing... we're hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:01:32 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Correction to my earlier note - the A12s headed north through Blackney Pass around 2:30am. We've been hearing the A30s in Robson Bight for the past while.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 08:34:00 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and A30s have tuned back to the east at the top of Johnstone Strait. The A12s are also reported to be heading this way from the top of Blackfish Sound. If any of the groups are vocal, we should start to hear them soon.
Mary @ the Lab
13 Sep 2005 16:25:53 PDT

Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.

The Johnstone Strait groups (the A30s and the I15s) are passing CP at the moment. only a few calls from the A12s up in Blackfish Sound earlier.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 16:57:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are making their way down Blackfish Sound, towards Blackney Pass & Johnstone Strait. We're listening to them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Paul
13 Sep 2005 18:02:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We believe the a12s are on their way toward Blackney but we are not sure what happened to the I15s. We had a report that they had turned at the same time as the A30s but CP only saw the A30s. We are also waiting to determine if the A36s are with the A12s. So lots still to figure out!
Helena
13 Sep 2005 18:15:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We have had quite a few calls. The I15s let us know that they did get down to the Reserve from the west not long ago. There they joined the A30s. While they were chatting it up the A12s came into Blackney Pass and our view. They are still making their way slowly to the south & Johnstone Strait. They are very spread out content so far to take their time.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 19:50:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The a12s took a long time getting to the Strait but once they did they did not take long to pass Cracroft Point and head east. We heard the A36s briefly and are not sure if they went "in" or went back out. Perhaps we will know in a while.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 21:30:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We re still hearing faint calls in the Strait. generally the whales seemed to be headed east, perhaps taking the Cracroft side instead of going through the Reserve.
Helena
13 Sep 2005 23:07:13 PDT

Monday, September 12, 2005

12 September Orcalab reports:

07:50 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Good morning everyone! We've been listening to the I15s & A30s in Johnstone Strait for the past several hours, sometimes in Robson Bight & sometimes more distant. At the moment, they are westbound, with the A30s close to CP. Channel A. We think the A12s may have headed north through Blackney Pass around 3am. We don't know where the A36s are, or what happened to the "incoming" orcas sighted heading east from Port Hardy yesterday afternoon. It's a foggy morning here, and the ocean is calm... looks like another fine day ahead.

08:51 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
At least some of the orcas that were near CP a short while ago are heading north into Blackney Pass. The list of groups present in Johnstone Strait this foggy morning is the same as yesterday - A30s, A36s, A12s, I15s. We think the A12s must have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass silently. The calls we're listening to are on the Parson Island hydrophone.

10:09 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
This morning is so foggy, it's hard to see what's happening. However, we are fairly sure that the I15s & all the "A1" groups (A30s, A12s, A36s) are in or near the entrance of Blackney Pass. Occasionally, from glimpses in fog, some of them look like they want to head north through Blackney, & others seem to be heading west.

12:37 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The world's greatest pingers, the I31s, have arrived on the scene! Quite possibly, they were part of the large group of orcas sighted heading west from Port Hardy yesterday, though we're not sure. They are presently heading east in Blackfish Sound, so we hope to see them soon. It looks like the I15s, who travelled north through Blackney Pass about an hour ago, may have joined them. Meanwhile, the A12s & A36s are foraging at the "top" of Blackfish, & the A30s are slowly headed east from CP, angling towards Robson Bight.

14:39 PDT Orcas near mics.
we had a visit from some of the I31s, others remained in Blackfish Sound. The small group included I46, I80 and I62 spread out in Blackney, lingered, foraged and milled before turning back to the west to join the rest of their family & the I15s. The A12 s and the A36s moved on to Queen Charlotte Strait. The I15s moved over toward the Hanson Island side of Blackfish Sound putting them between the I31s and the A12s. The A30s as far as we know remaind in the Strait.

16:13 PDT Boat noise
The I15s went back to the Strait via a small passage adjacent to Weynton Pass. The AS30s gave a brief but intense burst of calls just prior to this move. We do not, at this moment, know what happened to the A12s, A36s and the I31s. The A12s were vocal for a time in Blackfish just before the I15s made their move.

17:17 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We think the a30s have arrived at the beaches while the others make their way east along the Vancouver Island shore from Kaiakash to east of Blinkhorn.

17:44 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A30s have finished their rub abd headed off to the west. The I31s are passing CP to the east. Others are following.

18:06 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A30s have returned to the Bight while the I31s, I15s and A12s continue east toward them.

19:49 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have arrived at the beaches again. (?As first)

22:53 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours & think A30s, A12s, I15s, & I31s have headed to the east in Johnstone Strait. The A36s are probably somewhere to the north/west of us. We are waiting.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

11 September Orcalab reports:

06:53 PDT Superb sounds!!
Good morning everyone! It's another lovely September morning here, after a very interesting night, not the least of which was a spectacular display of Northern Lights. The A12s headed north through Blackney Pass a little before 11pm, leaving the A30s, A36s & I15s in Johnstone Strait. We heard these groups off & on during the night, sometimes close to the hydrophone in Robson Bight. There were a couple of rubs. At dawn we were listening to the A36s close to the Critical Point hydrophone, and another "A1" group at the beaches. The A1s are now also in Robson Bight. It's possible they are the A30s, though the A12s could have come back into the Strait silently. We think the I15s may be a little to the east, though we're not sure. Altogether, this is shaping up to be another fine day.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 06:53:31 PDT

07:10 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the I15s are back in the Bight, as are the A30s & A36s.

09:11 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The I15s, A30s & A36s are heading west past CP. Channel A.

12:29 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s turned up at the top end (western end) of Blackfish Sound. They are headed east. The Johnstone Strait groups (the I15s, A30s and A36s are east bound with some angling straight for CP. CP is filming.


13:15 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s are heading south through Blackney Pass, swimming quietly in a group, amidst intense boat noise from 2 tugs and other vessels. Meanwhile, the A30s are hanging about at the entrance of Blackney Pass. Channel A.

16:18 PDT Distant calls audible.
After exchanging places with the A12s the A30s travelled north through Blackney Pass and stalled at the western edge of Blackfish Sound. The A12s carried on to the Bight area & the I15s. The A36s followed after pausing at CP. The A30s have since turned and are making their way back toward Blackney Pass. We heard reports today of a large group (including the G17s & the I11s).
Helena
11 Sep 2005 16:18:28 PDT

16:47 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A30s turned around in Blackfish Sound & are heading back south through Blackney Pass. They will probably be within sight of CP soon. Meanwhile, a group of orcas is hurrying westward along the Vancouver Island shoreline, presently off Kaikash. Possibly, these are the I15s. Further to the west, a large group of orcas, possibly including the I11s & G17s is heading to the east from Port Hardy, & should be approaching Malcolm Point around now.
Paul
11 Sep 2005 16:47:45 PDT

22:11 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A1s are making their way toward Cracroft Point.

23:05 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
We think all the A1s (A30s, A36s, A12s) are in western Johnstone Strait. At the moment, we're listening to the I15s & A30s, on the Critical Point hydrophone, but the other groups are probably not far away.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

10 September Orcalab reports:

08:25 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 3:30am, when the A36s & a "G" group of orcas were in Robson Bight. We're not sure what happened to them after that, or what happened to the A30s & A12s after we lost track of them late yesterday afternoon. We are waiting, & enjoying a lovely September morning.

11:54 PDT No orcas present.
We heard a report this morning that the I15s were off Cedarstedt Creek (east of the Reserve) in Johnstone Strait. Just recently, Robson Bight Charters spotted blows not far from Naka Creek which is a bit further to the west of cedarstedt creek. It looks like they may be heading west. Also Discovery Expeditions found a large group of whales near Wells Passage in Queen Charlotte Strait. There has been mention of the A11s. A73, A8s, A12s and possibly I11s as well. This sounds like the group which went west two days ago. We have not had any reports of the A36s, A30s & G17s this morning. There are also lots of humpbacks in the area this morning and 3 harlequin ducks arrived back from their summer haunts.

12:22 PDT Orcas near mics.
The whales have entered the rubbing beaches.

12:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
We can hear the A30s and the I15s at the beaches.

13:08 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales did a hurried but intense rub and then quickly left for the west. They are spread out and besides the A30s & I15s we now think the A12s and the A36s are there as well.

14:43 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s, I15s, A12s, & A36s are continuing to the west after passing CP.

16:26 PDT Distant calls audible.
The whales got as far as the wastell Islands just shy of telegraph Cove and turned back to the east. We began hearing the A36s (probably furthest east) first and then the I15s who turned out into mid strait from the Hanson shore. (Stubbs Island report)

19:08 PDT Superb sounds!!
The I15s and the A1s must be in the Bight now. Next stop the beaches?

20:42 PDT Distant calls audible.
It really doesn't sound like any of the whales went to the beaches afterall. We are now mostly hearing the A30s and the I15s. The tide is ebbing and that may be enough to bring them back to the west.

Friday, September 09, 2005

09 September Orcalab reports:

08:03 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since the A12s headed up into Blackfish Sound last evening. We are waiting.

08:31 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Almost as soon as I posted the last comment, orcas were sighted approaching CP from the east. They are probably the A12s. Channel A.

09:46 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s are headed north through Blackney Pass.


13:25 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s have re-entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are making their way to the east again, now approaching Big Bay on the Hanson island side. We're hearing their calls in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone.

14:05 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are now off CP generally headed still to the east.

16:18 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s continued east toward the Reserve. The blustery NW winds have begun to lessen.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

08 Septeber Orcalab reports:

08:24 PDT No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We've heard no calls since around 4am, when the A30s were audible in the diatance on the Critical Point hydrophone. We're not sure what direction they were going in, or where they are now. We are waiting.

08:50 PDT Orcas hunting fish.
We began hearing echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone a few minutes ago... sounds like someone is having a bite in the Bight!

10:19 PDT Distant calls audible.
The DFO research vessel, the Roller Bay, confirmed that both the A12s and A30s are in the Strait together. They are spread out and west bound mid strait opposite the Sophia Islands. The Roller Bay will be continuing their prey reseach throughout today.

10:32 PDT Distant calls audible.
CP reports that they now can see the A30s all together midstrait opposite the Sophias. They look, at this point, like they are headed toward CP.

11:04 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s (in the lead) are about to come into Blackney Pass. Hopefully, the A30s will follow.

11:39 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
After a brief rub, the A30s are continuing to the east. Meanwhile, the A12s are heading into Blackfish Sound, travelling quickly on the ebbing tide.

11:43 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
It looks like the A30s have turned back to the west again - they may be going in for another rub!

13:46 PDT Distant calls audible.
We've been hearing occasional distant calls from the A12s after over last while, on the Folower island hydrophone. They are at the "top" of Blackfish Sound, and look like they may head back to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass soon. We don't know where the A30s are at the moment.

15:50 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are heading east past CP. Channel A.

17:53 PDT Orcas approaching Orcalab.
The A12s may be heading into Blackney Pass.

18:13 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s remained in the Strait.

19:28 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s finally decided to come through Blackney Pass. They have entered Blackfish Sound now.

23:07 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls for several hours & think the A12s probably continued to the north from Blackfish Sound, & the A30s probably headed east in Johnstone Strait. However, we aren't sure. We are waiting.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

07 September Orcalab reports:

10:25 PDT Orcas near mics.
Earlier this morning the A30s came out of the east and went west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. After travelling a bit further the west (by the sounds) they may have crossed over closer to the Vancouver Island side and then back past the entrance of Blackney and into the Reserve. We heard them again briefly at the beaches and believe now they turned back to the wesy yet again and are currently somewhere in the Reserve. Yesterday, was an intyeresting day, especially after the A12s and the I11s entered the Strait. In total there were about 60 whales. Although it was difficult to track all their movements we think the A30s, I15s and G17s formed one large group that kept to the same general movements. The A12s and the I11s may have picked up the A11s and the A8s after they came out of the east. And perhaps the A12s.I11s etc went off back to the west while the I15s, G17s and A30s went east. Hopefully today will sort out and confusion or whether this was a reasonable guess as to what happened. Time will tell but we won't be surprised by diffeent realities. Stand by!

13:33 PDT Orcas near mics.
The overall picture is a bit clearer thanks to two reports;Robson Bight Charters reported that the A12s were off Camp Point in the lower Johnstone Strait earlier this morning and Troy Bright reported hearing both Gs and As pass Black Bluff around 4:30am headed to the west. We still don't know if all the Gclan groups left the area. We certainly did not pick up any sounds off the top end of Blackfish during the night. Meanwhile, the A30s turned between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn around 1pm and are now headed east past CP. Very nice calls regardless of the boat noise.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

06 September Orcalab reports:

09:01 PDT Boat noise
Good morning everyone... it's another lovely morning here! At the moment, we're only hearing boat noise, but around 7am we began to hear distant I15 & "A" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. We've heard occasional calls since then, but boat noise has been persistent too. We're not sure where the orcas are at the moment, but they're probably not far from Robson Bight.

11:03 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
Ok! So this is exciting. At some point in the night the G17s moved into the Strait. They found the I15s and the A30s and all three groups are off Kaikash Creek at the moment perhaps waiting for the A12s and the I11s who are off Donegal Head slowly coming into the area. Not sure if the A12s and the I11s will take Weynton Pass or come down by the Lab. The A30s, I15s and G17s are being very quiet and we have only heard a few I11 calls on the Flower Island system. The A36s are further west in Queen Charlotte Strait also headed east.

11:30 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
Adding to today's mix, the A11s & A8s, are heading west past Adams River, on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait, and could be approaching the Ecological Reserve in an hour or so. Meanwhile, the I15s, A30s & G17s have turnnd back to the east & are heading for Robson Bight, also close to Vancouver Island.

13:03 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s & I11s have suddenly become vocal as they make their way through Blackney Pass... we're listening to the on the Parson Island hydrophone.

13:27 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s & I11s are heading east past CP. Channel A.

13:58 PDT Superb sounds!!
Despite the boat noise the day continues to be exciting. There about 60 orcas in the Strait at the moment. They are converging. The I11s and the A12s came in via Blackney (past the Lab). They were all mixed up together, playful and in a hurry. They passed CP (some close) and rushed off to the east and the rest of the waiting groups (the A11s, A8s, A30s, I15s and the G17s). The get together will probably happen offf of the Cliff and Robson Bight. It will be interesting to see how they pull it off.

15:17 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Whales have reached the Beaches.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

16 August Orcalab reports:

02:59 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
the A12s and A4s are at the Beaches

09:19 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s with A12 and A33 in the lead led the A35s and the C10s into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, other groups moved past CP and into the entrance of Blackney Pass. One group may be heading up the Hanson shore to the west, some might come into Blackney after the others.

10:52 PDT Distant calls audible.
here is a surprise. Around 10am Stubbs Island Whale Watching and the Bluefjord reported that the Bs popped up, unanounced, in the middle of Blackfish Sound! This was as the A12s/A35s/C10s moved westward through Blackfish. We think it is the A5s (A8s+) and A11s who are still in the Strait. Noone has seen the A30s and A36s this morning. Are they still to the east in Johnstone Strait?

11:22 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Bs just entered the Strait after travelling through Weynton Pass. The A8s and A11s are in the Bight. The A12s & the A35s are heading into Queen charlotte Strait. The C10s have disappeared.

12:10 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A11s sound like they are close to Critical Point in the Bight. The A8s should be with them. The Bs are moving steadily eastward and now can be heard on CP. The A12s & A35s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait.

23:34 PDT No orcas present.
We've heard no calls so far this evening, and are not sure what happened to the A36s as they headed west in Johnstone Strait this afternoon. We think the A11s, A8s, & Bs all headed east after an intense rub, and that the A12s, A35s & C10s headed north into Queen Charlotte Strait. We are waiting.

Monday, August 15, 2005

15 August Orcalab reports

11:06 PDT No calls but orcas nearby

Oh Boy! It was very difficult to read the c10 calls and figure out what direction they ended up going. max flood was happening just when we stopped hearing their calls and logic would have them taking advantage of the tide to go east but we never heard the calls get very loud on the critical Point station. Meanwhile the a12s and the A4s have been seen in Queen Charlotte Strait. They are slowly east bound at Black Bluff. (Tuan/Seasmoke Whale Watching report).

18:48 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
We feel like we have been in suspended animation. The A12s and the A35s took forever to come out of Queen Charlotte Strait and into Blackfish Sound and through Blackney Pass. It was worth it! They were beautiful passing the lab. They are now on their way to Johnstone Strait and hopefully CP.

19:23 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s and A35s have passed CP now and crossed over to mid strait, they are making their way to the east slowly.

21:31 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
No calls but the whales are at the beaches.

Sunday, August 14, 2005

14 August Orcalab reports

03:35 PDT Orcas hunting fish.
We are hearing A1 echo locations on PI hydrophone. it possibbly the A12s, we believe everybody else have continued to the east after rubbing. soundslike they are coming into Blackney Pass.

04:36 PDT Orcas relaxing.
The A12s have gone to the north through Blackney Pass.

10:03 PDT No orcas present.
Another foggy morning here. We think the A12s continued up into Queen Charlotte Strait after passing through blackney pass at 4:30am. There has been a report of whales off Lizard Point milling. As of now there has been no identifications. Down to the east the A36s are off Kelsey Bay (Robson Bight Charters report). They are headed east with others yet to be identified. We thought that after the 1:30am rub the A30s, A4s, A5s, Cs and A36s went off to the east. The A5s we believe came up from the east to have the rub and encourage the others to follow them back to the east. We will keep you updated when the information comes in. meanwhile, we are waiting for the thick fog to lift and begin our day.

11:57 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The a12s have moved into the kelp bed just off Donegal Head. This is just out of range of the Flower Island hydrophone. We also heard a report (kayak group) of a group of 9 heading west along the vancouver Island shore from Naka Creek (also out of range). So.... it is all beginng to happen.

O12:42 PDT rcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales from the east have not yet gone into the beaches but they have approached the east end of the Reserve. We are filming, CH B.The A12s meanwhile are heading to the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Distant calls audible.

13:14 PDT The A12s have entered the Strait. Unidentified whales are still westbound through the Reserve.

14:06 PDT Orcas near mics.
Ah ha! It must have been the A4s coming up from the east. They just passed Critical Point very closely. The a12s are coming east along the Hanson Island shore at Big b|Bay. CP is watching them.

17:25 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s and the A4s, after reaching Blinkhorn, turned and crossed into mid strait. they are now drifting eastward. there is a small group of transients by Donegal Head moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait.

20:14 PDT No orcas present.
The a12s are still asleep, drifting east toward the Bight. When will they wake up?

21:42 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A12s have become very vocal as the head through Blackney Pass. We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

13 August Orcalab reports

04:54 PDT Superb sounds!!
We are listening to the A12s who come back from the east.

06:10 PDT Distant calls audible.
the A12s and the A4s became quiet. now we are listening to the A36s, on CP hydrophone. Foggy morning.

08:17 PDT Distant calls audible.
We think we are getting the next wave of orcas coming up out of the east. We are now listening to the cs and possibly the A5s as well. The A36s,A11s and the A12s faded off to the west a short while ago. Very foggy this morning.

09:34 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s have arrived back in the Strait and have met up with the A12s,A4s,A36s and Cs. they are eastbound from the west end of Hanson Island. meanwhile the very big group of transients of the last couple of days just went through Blackney to blackfish Sound after passing CP.

10:01 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The whales have moved down the hanson shore and approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass. We may be filming soon.

11:30 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
It is certainly one of those days - very intense. The transients are continuing west from the west end of Blackfish Sound while the residents (the A36s, Cs (C10s,C6s), A4s (A11s at least) and A30s continue to move into the Reserve. The A12s turned back to the west at the Sophias and are moving towards CP once more.

15:01 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
the A12s are up to (but not in) Weynton Passage and the A36s & Cs are moving west towards CP.

17:46 PDT Distant calls audible.
all the groups have turned. Spread out, heading to the east.

18:23 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
As the A12s went the farthest east they became last on the turn. We are currently listening to the A30s closing in on the bight & Critical Point .
Helena
13 Aug 2005 18:23:38 PDT

Friday, August 12, 2005

12 August Oraclab reports

09:55 PDT No orcas present.
Rather a late start this morning. But it was quiet through the night. There are still whales to the east (most likely the A4s/A5s/C10s and A12s). There is no further word on the Rs or the transients of yesterday. Calm day and we will see what unfolds.

11:43 PDT No orcas present.
Everyone in the western Johnstone Strait is happily watching various humpbacks in different locales. There are 3 in Blackney Pass at the moment. Meanwhile,the C10s are far to the east,at Camp Point, while the A12s are travelling with the A4s and A5s in Nodales Channel which is not too far from the Cs.

15:58 PDT No orcas present.
Over the afternoon there have been a few developments: a group of orcas may be nearing the Eve River on their way to the west. This may be the C10s who were reported earlier going west from Camp Point. The a36s apparently turned up in Nodales! We lost track of them days ago and they must have gone east and not out to the west as first guessed. The other surprise is that there have been persistent reports of the A12s off Campbell River. Earlier it was reported that they and the A4s and A5s were in Nodales.The latest report has them and the A11s heading north through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River).

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

10 August Orcalab reports

00:38 PDT Orcas near mics.
Sounds like the A12s are coming up to CP closer to Cracroft shore. Their calls are on CP hydrophone.

00:58 PDT Orcas near mics.
the A12s are heading into Blackney Pass.

01:53 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s and (maybe)the A36s have cleared into Blackfish sound.
Tomoko

08:13 PDT Distant calls audible.
Good morning everyone! We began hearing distant calls from the A12s on the Critical Point hydrophone a little after 7am. It sounds like they have returned to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. We don't know if the A36s are with them.

08:29 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Some of the A12s are visible through the fog off CP as they head east. Channel A.

09:02 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s very slowly passed CP and disappeared to the east in the fog, when we last saw them most of them were crossing to the Vancouver Island shore and aiming for the reserve. Others were farther back but also aiming for the other side.

09:34 PDT Distant calls audible.
We've been hearing distant calls on the Critical Point hydrophone as the A12s make their way to the east in Johnstone Strait.

11:52 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
It looks like the A12s are passing the rubbing beaches, heading east, without going in for a rub.

12:10 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the A12s are rubbing! Channel B.

14:26 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s turned back to the west after their rub, and are now approaching the Sophias, heading towards CP. They will probably be visible on Channel A soon.

16:40 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Lots happening! the A12s turned off big bay and are now headed across to the Vancouver Island shore. A group of transient orcas have come out of Knight Inlet and are headed toward Donegal Head. And finally, the very BIG group which was seen earlier in the day is still far to the west of the "core area". Some of the groups have broken off and moved away while another group remains off the Port Hardy airport and is still eastbound. There is not yet a complete description of who has been positively sighted but it may include A4s, A5s along with Cs.

20:07 PDT No orcas present.
We believe the A12s continued to the east.

20:36 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Famous last words. The A12s have formed a resting line and are coming off the Reserve centre Strait approaching the Sophias. Tuckered out!

22:53 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
Everyone is momentarily quiet BUT the Rs are negotiating the last part of Blackney while the A12s,A4s, A5s and Cs are passing Critical Point. Strange how they all fell silent at the same time!

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

9 August Orcalab reports

08:49 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are heading west in Johnstone Strait - A12 & A33 are off CP & are visible on Channel A. We began hearing their calls on the Critical Point hydrophone around 7:30am.

09:51 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A12s are still slowly westing at the top end of Hanson Island and may well go through Weynton Passage.

11:29 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s turned to the east at about 10:30am, they are currently very close to the Hanson Island shore but we can't see them yet. However if they stay on this side we will film on Channel A.

12:49 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The a12s have crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are passing CP right now. A12 and A33 have been in the lead as the group travelled along the Hanson shore into the rip off Blackney. They are still leading.

15:25 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The a12s, just a moment ago, reached the Main rubbing beach. We are sending an alert. Ch. B

16:31 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After the rub the a12s headed out from the beaches fairly quickly to the west. They crossed over to the Cracroft side and are currently of the Boat Bay light at Swaine Point. It looks like they are again choosing to come up the Cracroft shore towrd CP. The naiad and the Lukwa reported that the A36s are in Queen Charlotte Strait near the Penfolds along with an as yet undintified group at Lizard Point.

17:51 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are heading towards CP from the Sophias & are visible on Channel A.

19:09 PDT Multiple pod calls audible.
Time to catch up. The A12s came up to Blackney in time to meet up with the A36s who came in via Weynton passage. Both groups are now eastbound.

20:04 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s and the A36s are nearing the Bight.

20:32 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Back to the beaches.

21:28 PDT Distant calls audible.
After a beautiful rub by sunset the A36s appeared to head to the east. The A12s didn't make it that far yet and light is fading.

22:46 PDT Distant calls audible.
We're hearing the A12s in the distance on the Critical Point hydrophone again, so it seems they're returning to the west, probably on the Cracroft Island side of the Strait.

Monday, August 08, 2005

8 August, Orcalab reports:

08:15 No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! We heard no calls overnight, & are not at all sure what happened to the A12s after they were headed west in Johnstone Strait last evening. We are waiting.

09:52 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
CP can see blows on the Cracroft side headed toward CP.

11:45 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After very slowly going west up to the top edge of Hanson Island the A12s crossed the straight to the Vancouver Island shore and are now going east. They have just passed Kaikash Beach.

13:28 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s have hardly made any calls today but upon entering Robson Bight they did call. It may only be a brief event however they are fairly near the hydrophone. The a12s earlier came west near to the Cracroft side, then moved up the Hanson shore, crossed to Vancouver Island and then returned to the Reserve where they are now. No word on the A36s today so far. Yesterday they were seen up in Queen Charlotte Strait for part of the afternoon and early evening.

14:20 Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A12s have reached the Main rubbing beach... we've sent an alert.

14:30 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
It looks like the rub is over, though we're not sure. We aren't sure what direction the A12s headed in after their rub either, though we should know soon.

15:20 PDT Orcas near mics.
We're hearing close calls & echolocation on the Critical Point hydrophone... sounds like the A12s headed back to the west after their rub, & are now in Robson Bight again.

16:15 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
Westbound A12s again.

16:54 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are foraging off the Sophias, they appear to be coming west we have them on Channel A, still quite distant.

18:12 PDT Orcas near mics.
After foraging for a while the A12s have now started to make their way to the west slowly, very spread out and most aiming for mid strait. A12 we think is making her way along the Hanson Island shore.

18:14 PDT Distant calls audible.
It looks like the A12s are continuing to the west.

20:11 PDT Distant calls audible.
The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) let us know that the A36s are coming towards Blackfish Sound slowly. Meanwhile we are continuing to listen to the A12s in the Strait. Jackie remarked on how A62 and her little one (A83) were with Dalls porpoise. The A12s are probably still near the western end of Hanson Island/Blinkhorn in Johnstone Strait.


22:18 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Not sure at this point where the A12s and the A36s are - very hard to track because of the infrequent calling.

Sunday, August 07, 2005

7 August, Orcalab report

00:33 PDT Distant calls audible.
We have started hearing the A12s again on CRPT hydrophone. They may have had turned at some point now heading east to the Bight.

02:12 PDT Boat noise
Sounds like the A12s have already passed Critical Point.

03:02 PDT Distant calls audible.
Sounds like some of the A12s passed the Rubbing beach on the way to go east.

09:20 PDT Orcas near mics.
Sounds like the A12s just rounded Critical Point headed to the west.

10:45 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s are steadily moving west but stll east of CP.

12:49 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s have turned back to the east & are mid Strait off Blackney Pass. They are visible on Channel A.

14:27 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
After foraging and resting opposite CP the A12s have now headed to the east, the A34s are very lively after sleeping.

15:56 PDT Superb sounds!!
The a12s have reached the Bight.

16:35 PDT Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A12s are at the rubbing beaches!

19:38 PDT Superb sounds!!
The A12s are slowly travelling west along the Vancouver Island shore approaching Kaikash Beach. We can't see them very clearly at the moment, but if they come closer we will film.

21:52 PDT No orcas present.
We lost track of the A12s as the sun set, they were moving very slowly west along the Vancouver Island shore.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

A12s 060805

6 August Orcalab reports

02:14 PDT Boat noise
a little whale ago, we started hearing the A12s on the CRPT hydrophone, but they became quiet again.

08:23 PDT Distant calls audible.
Good morning! The A12s have come up from the east and are westing in Johnstone Strait at the moment.

09:59 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s continued west and are passing Kaikash at the moment. We are not sure what the A36s did after entering the Strait via Weynton last night so we will have to wait and see where they turn up. The sun is struggling to break through the clouds and the wind is stirring.

10:34 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
Apparently the A36s doubled back to Blackfish after poking their noses into Johnstone Strait last night. They were seen headed towards Bold Head around 8:30pm. This morning, we just received the report, the researchers off Malcolm Island saw the A36s headed west near Black Bluff. The report came via the Naiad Explorer. The Lukwa ,meanwhile informed us that the A12s are still making their way to the west nering Blinkhorn.

11:56 PDT No calls but orcas nearby
The A12s just turned and are moving back to towads the Wastells (just east of Telegraph Cove). The A34s are close to Vancouver Island shore while a12 and A33 are more centre Strait. The Naiad Explorer also relayed that the A36s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait approaching Lizard Point.

13:55 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s are far on the Vancouver Island shore between Kaiaksh & Izumi Rock.

15:16 PDT Orcas near mics.
The A12s are in the Bight. The A36s apparently turned back to the west after getting to Lizard Point.

16:42 PDT Distant calls audible.
The A12s are coming out of the Reserve. they are spread out with A55 & A67 outside the boundary furthest to the west and A12 & A33 still east of critical. The rest of the A34s are off critical Point. (Tuan/Seamoke report)

18:35 PDT Orcas (may be) approaching cameras.
The A12s are heading west, past CP (Channel A)

18:51 PDT Superb sounds!!
As you may have guessed the A12s are in front of CP. We sent an alert. Ch. A

23:07 PDT No orcas present.
The A12s were last seen to the west of CP. It has been quiet now for a while.