16 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, followed by the other A1s, headed north through Blackney Pass just before & just after daylight, and are presently in Blackfish Sound. We're listening to their lovely calls without boat noise, and are sorry not to be able to share them with you, as our connection is still down.
Helena
16 Nov 2006 08:54:18 PST

15 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

Hey it is an A1 day! The A30s,A12s and the A36s (vocal at the moment) have travelled south through Blackney Pass on their way to Johnstone Strait. They look like they might be excited by the prospect! We are.
Helena
15 Nov 2006 16:28:14 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, A12s, and A36s are in Johnstone Strait now.
Helena
15 Nov 2006 17:09:50 PST

Performing maintenance

Unfortunately, we lost our connection again earlier this evening, while we were enjoying listening to all the A1 matrilines being together. This time, the problem is beyond our control, but we're hoping to be "up" again tomorrow. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Paul & Helena
15 Nov 2006 23:11:00 PST

04 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Yesterday the A12s and the A30s came back into Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass and headed east from there. Today has been uneventful.
Helena
04 Nov 2006 20:41:50 PST

03 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

We still have our broadcast problems but for the last several hours we have been listening to the A12s and the A30s at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The calls have stopped and we are not sure where the whales ended up.
Helena
03 Nov 2006 13:33:54 PST

02 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Around 8pm last night the A30s turned up in Blackfish Sound and travelled south through Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. Once through the Pass they met up with the A12s who may have returned to the Strait via Weynton Pass. It was an energetic meeting. But as if an echo of October 28th both groups just vanished off our radar. Finally, just before 3am we heard A1 calls once again in the Strait. The calls didn't last long and it has been quiet since. Stormy day today.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 08:13:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

Of course, as soon as we posted the no calls sign, the whales turned up off of Robson Bight. Both the A12s and the A30s are likely westbound in Johnstone Strait. There is also loud boat noise.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 08:28:15 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s and the A30s came west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Two hours before the slack to ebb tide they began their entrance into the Pass & into view. With the A12s in the lead the whales have slowly made their way towards Blackfish Sound. The A30s are now opposite the Lab mid channel while the A12s are most likely already in Blackfish Sound. Good calls from both groups. Very sorry we are still unable to broadcast sound.
Helena
02 Nov 2006 12:50:30 PST

01 November 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Guess what? There be whales! The A12s are not far off Robson Bight at the moment. It is possible the A30s are in the Strait as well but the A12s are doing all the talking.
Helena
01 Nov 2006 15:12:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are travelling west towards Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. They sound as if they are fairly spread out in the Strait.
Helena
01 Nov 2006 15:43:57 PST

Distant calls audible.

And there they went! The A12s travelled quickly once in Blackney Pass. They are now continuing westward through Blackfish Sound. A12 and A33 were way out in front. A55 led the rest. It was all business and no stopping. They called continuously throughout Blackney and are still vocal in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
01 Nov 2006 16:53:37 PST

28 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and the A12s are back in Johnstone Strait heading east toward Robson Bight. We first heard their calls at 6:25 am.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 08:54:37 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s (A33 in the lead) and the A30s just passed through Blackney Pass again. They are now in Blackfish Sound heading west. Again they were very relaxed in the absence of any boats. The "kids" were particularly energetic doing breaches and roll overs several times. A39 seemed to pace himself at the back of the main grouping. A38 was not too far away from A55.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 11:37:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s have contiued to call throughout the day while in Blackfish Sound. All of their calls have been very distant leading us to suppose they "hung" out at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The calls are just now a bit stronger and the tide is coming this direction now although there is very little associated current with this high tide. Maybe it will be enought to encourage the whales back this way. Heavy rain & moderate wind today.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 16:31:28 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Well they did it. The A12s and the A30s are travelling through Blackney Pass. A12 and A33 were way in front. The"kids" & young mums from both groups were bunched together, still very playful. There were lots of spyhops but no breaches this time. A55 was was with A34 while A39 and A38 foraged. The progress south is quite slow with lots of stops & turns but they are more than half way through.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 17:40:53 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Its been weird and wonderful off of Cracroft Point but the whales now seem like they are settling down to a rest. A tug just entered the Strait and it is now quite noisy.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 18:58:07 PDT

Boat noise

An added note: We have had good news from the DFO. Earlier we thought G23 (G17s) was missing. She is a relatively young mother and her loss would have been very sad and unexpected. Happily, it seems she is fine and still with her group. Meanwhile: The A12s and A30s are now continuing eastward toward the Reserve. We still do not know what happened to the A36s and the Gs after we lost track of them when they headed east a few days ago.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 19:11:36 PDT

No orcas present.

All quiet after the tug passed the whales in the Strait.
Helena
28 Oct 2006 21:41:05 PDT

27 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Just so you know: the A12s (we think all of them were there) and the A30s passed back through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound this morning on the slack tide. They were through Blackney by 9:25am. Both groups looked very relaxed. There were several breaches, some foraging, lots of tail slaps from the kids, and everyone was rolling around as well. They stayed in Blackfish Sound for a while until presumably they caught the ebb tide and moved on.
Helena
27 Oct 2006 12:21:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are back in the Strait. We believe they came back via Weynton Passage and must now be heading eastward. Not a lot of calls.
Helena
27 Oct 2006 17:18:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just before dark and just before the slack tide,the A30s and the A12s, came into Blackney Pass and headed into Blackfish Sound where they are now. They were still very relaxed and "opened up" vocally while in the Pass.
Helena
27 Oct 2006 19:34:41 PDT

26 October Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

These distant A1 calls are in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 00:06:51 PDT

Performing maintenance

We are experiencing connection problems & are unable to stream live audio at the moment. Please excuse the inconvenience - we'll be back again as soon as possible, hopefully later today. Just now, all the "A1" groups are in Johnstone Strait, along with several G clan groups.
Paul & Helena
26 Oct 2006 09:05:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Currently we are listening to the A30s and possibly the A12s as well. Earlier today the A30s left the Strait (around 2:30am) and then returned to the Strait with the A12s,A36s and G clan groups possibly via Weynton Pass. We were experiencing a power outage around the time the whales arrived in the Strait and so can't be sure which route they actually took. Regardless, they continued east past CP and Robson Bight. The A12s and the A30s hung back for a while and the A30s came back to the entrance of Blackney Pass. Since then, and quite recently, the A12s resurfaced. Both groups continue to be vocal in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 17:20:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just a very short while ago we had a largish group of whales silently travel Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait. We suspect that this was likely the A30s and maybe even the A12s heard earlier heading west in Johnstone Strait. Possibly these whales circled Hanson Island via Weynton & Blackney Passes. Horrible boat noise at the moment as yet another tug travels south through the Pass.
Helena
26 Oct 2006 22:11:47 PDT

25 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The whales are off CP. We have heard the A12s along with other G clan groups. Not sure where the A36s are at the moment but there seems to be groups still closer to Critical Point. There is also a tug heading into JS right now.
Helena
25 Oct 2006 16:42:28 PDT

24 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A36s have pulled some of the Gs back with them to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. They are headed eastward.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 08:11:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1 calls we heard a short while ago were in Blackfish Sound. We have been waiting to see what might develop. The tide is flooding and this may mean this group might make it to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 13:33:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Hmmm...the last note made need a bit of revision. We are now hearing both A1 and G clan calls off the very top end of Blackfish Sound. So we are going to wait a bit longer to see if these groups are "incoming" or as we now suspect "out going". The flooding tide is a confusing factor but : Time will tell.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 13:49:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Should have stuck with the first guess! The flooding tide did bring the whales into Johnstone Strait. It sounds like A12 vocals along with some of the G groups.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 14:27:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The 200+ dolphins that rushed through Blackney Pass to Johnstone Strait sound like they have found the A12s & Gs! By the way a lone humpback also transited Blackney Pass bound for the Strait as well.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 15:28:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

it does sound like there are a lot of G clan groups on hand. We are also wondering if the A12s might be reunited now as there has been quite an increase in their type of calls. The groups sound like they are off the CP area now. We are finally getting real rain - only trouble is - we are not use to it now!
Helena
24 Oct 2006 16:16:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Forgot to mention that the A36s are there too.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 16:17:55 PDT

Boat noise

We believe the groups carried on to the east. There have been a few bouts of dolphin calls since.
Helena
24 Oct 2006 22:10:35 PDT

22 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

We got a report this morning that one group of orcas (probably G group)was seen near Port McNeill heading west. We don't know anything of the other groups from yesterday evening. They might be still in the east.
melanie
22 Oct 2006 11:12:39 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Finally the other groups from yesterday are coming up to Crpt from the east now. We are hearing some of the G's,the A36's and probably the A12's as well. It sounds like they are going into the bight.
Melanie
22 Oct 2006 15:41:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Now the G's, A36's and A12's are coming up to CP. But we are hearing them still on Crpt too. It starts to ebbing 1/2 hour ago...so hopefully they will visit us in Blackney Pass.
Melanie
22 Oct 2006 17:08:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The G's, A36's, A33 and A12 came into Blackney and stopped with calling. Now they cleared already to the north into Blackfishsound and started with calling again. Nice to see them again.
Melanie
22 Oct 2006 18:18:26 PDT

21 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

As you may have guessed the whales continued to the east. We just received a report from DFO that they are currently off Adam River and heading west. if they keep their direction it will be a few hours before we are able to hear them.
Helena
21 Oct 2006 08:59:47 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Now the A36's and the big group of G's are coming up to CRPT from the east and aproaching the bight. But there are also a lot of Tugboats in the strait.
melanie
21 Oct 2006 12:45:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We hearing sporatic distant calls from the G's and A36's on CP with louder echo to Crpt. So probably they turned and going east again.
Melanie
21 Oct 2006 15:57:07 PDT

No orcas present.

After the A36's, A12's and the G's visited the bight, they are on the way to the east again.
melanie
21 Oct 2006 18:44:14 PDT

20 October 2006, Orcalab reports:


Superb sounds!!

Very close and very beautiful! The A12s,A36s are in good company with the Gs and the I31s and perhaps the I11s as well. All groups are lingering near Robson Bight: Friday night and all dressed up and somewhere to go.
Helena
20 Oct 2006 20:00:23 PDT

16 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Finally, the whales have given up their mystery tour of the east. Sounds like they are westbound on the flooding tide. So far both Gs and A1s (? the A36s) have been heard.
Helena
16 Oct 2006 08:04:02 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Gs,the A36s and the A12s have come up to Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. Great calls!
Helena
16 Oct 2006 10:45:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago the Gs and the A36s together with A12 and A33 travelled north through Blackney Pass. We saw the G3s, G12s,G18s, G29s and the G2s. We did not see the A34s, I31s or G17s.
Helena
16 Oct 2006 13:52:55 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the G17s have just crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound after travellling through Weynton Pass. They will be following the others into Queen Charlotte Strait. Meanwhile, both dolphins and transients have occupied the Strait after the resident orcas left to the west.
Helena
16 Oct 2006 16:15:08 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We just heard blows in Blackney Pass. The silent orcas were Strait bound along the far side of Blackney. A few dolphin calls is all we have heard since.
Helena
16 Oct 2006 22:37:32 PDT

15 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

So here is what we know. Around 5:30am, we heard A1 calls off Cracroft Point. Soon after there were both A1 and G calls in the entrance to Blackney Pass. The G calls unfortunately ceased. However, we are fairly confident that the A12s entered the Strait at this time and headed east. Independent of the A12 calls was another A1 group further east. To make matters more complicated as the A12s were entering a group headed north in Blackney Pass. As this group reached Blackfish Sound we heard a few A1 N3 calls so we know one of the 3 A1 groups went that direction. Acoustic discrimination was difficult because the group only made "resting calls" .Then as if this wasn't enough activity, a small group of transients headed south through Blackney around 8am. We have since heard the A12s travel past Critical Point and continue east. Whew! and it is not yet 10am. Hopefully, we will get the chance to sort out who left & who stayed later today.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 09:33:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

This day just keeps being interesting. We just saw A12 and A33 travel north through Blackney Pass. (It was probably their calls we heard earlier). We have no clear idea where the A34s (the rest of the A12s) might be. Just what is going on?
Helena
15 Oct 2006 14:35:35 PDT

Orcas near mics.

We are hearing once again A12 calls on the Cracroft Point system. Perhaps a12 and A33 have returned to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
15 Oct 2006 21:50:55 PDT

01 October 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Dolphins and orcas both in Johnstone Strait. The A1s ssound like they have returned via Weynton Pass. The dolphin group, may be the 400+ strong group which went east yesterday and may be taking up a goodly stretch of the Strait.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 05:54:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s came up from the east briefly and then turned back quickly off of Critical Point. The Naiad Explorer reports that the A12s are in Browning Pass (western Queen Charlotte Strait). The dolphins we heard earlier this morning were later reported off the Eve River still travelling eastward.
Helena
01 Oct 2006 11:36:03 PDT

30 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A12s came up to CP and turned into Blackney Pass they are now headed north against the flooding tide.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 06:26:03 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Just after writing the last report the A30s started calling in Johnstone Strait. The A12s are still making their way to Blackfish Sound. It sounded from the blows as if A12 and A33 were out in front with the A34s following.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 06:31:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s have now followed the path of the A12s up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass. A large tug heading south through Blackney Pass will soon drown out the nice calls for a while. The A12s seem to have continued west from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 08:54:39 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Just a short while ago there were fairly close dolphin vocals on Critical Point. Apparently, 400+ dolphins came into Johnstone Strait last night. Some went through Weynton Pass and just before midnight a small group wer in Blackney Pass. The A30s have left the Strait. They travelled through Blackney Pass to the north. They breached 15 times in a row and then a few more times before leaving our view to the north. They have just started calling. The A12s are further west in Queen Charlotte Strait foraging and milling.
Helena
30 Sep 2006 11:44:14 PDT

29 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Calls ended around 1:30am when the A30s passed offshore of the rubbing beaches and continued east. We lost track of the A12s when they were passing the entrance to Blackney Pass around 8:30pm. It is possible they continued along with the A30s or did something completely different. It will be interesting today to see what happens.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 08:41:52 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales are on their way back to the west via the rubbing beaches. They don't sound too, too energetic yet.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 09:09:27 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Westward to Robson Bight! It was the A30s who touched in for a nice rub before continuing west. The day is trying to be foggy but still patchy.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 09:57:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s continued "up" the Strait and are now mid strait between Kaikash Creek and Blinkhorn. The A12s are following and have reached the "Pig Ranch" (near the Sophia Island east of CP). They are also mid strait.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 13:08:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The a12s are moving onto Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 14:13:58 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s followed the A12s into Blackney Pass. The calls are wonderful! The whales are very excited, breaching as they go. Company coming?
Helena
29 Sep 2006 14:33:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s and the A30s are now in Blackfish Sound. A tug is heading south now through Blackney.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 14:45:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sorrry, around 5:20pm the A12s and the A30s were seen travelling toward Johnstone Strai via Weynton Passage (thanks to the MapleLeaf). They have arrived in the Strait and have been calling since entering and travelling east.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 18:52:31 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Moving on, the A30s and the A12s have steadily moved closer to Robson Bight on their journey eastward.
Helena
29 Sep 2006 20:49:35 PDT

28 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

And now for the A12s! The A12s are at the western end of Blackfish Sound arriving back to this area for the first time in days.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 02:41:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The a12s have travelled through Blackney Pass and are just entering Johnstone Strait.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 03:21:22 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s after reaching Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass continued east and passed Robson Bight by 5am. The A30s had passed Robson Bight earlier around 2:30am.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 08:35:25 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Swinging back to the west with a stop over at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 10:11:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

And now up to Robson Bight and the west beyond.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 10:46:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s are continuing westward past the entrance to Blackney Pass. They are favouring the Hanson Island side of the Strait.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 12:47:29 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are now in Blackfish Sound after travelling north together through Blackney Pass. The A12s followed and are now 1/2 the distance through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. Like the A30s they are silent and travelling close to each other. Sunny clear afternoon.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 16:09:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At least the A12s came back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They are silent now but most likely continuing eastward past CP etc.
Helena
28 Sep 2006 21:18:59 PDT

26 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We lost track of the A12s soon after the last post (before 10pm). It is an extremely foggy morning here so conditions visually are difficult. We are waiting.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 08:57:29 PDT

Orcas relaxing.

Very infrequent resting calls from the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 11:02:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, who spent the morning off the western end of Blackfish Sound, finally moved on to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. The A12s have not showed up but last night we had the impression that they may have slipped back to the east past robson Bight. The tide is just turning to the flood.
Helena
26 Sep 2006 13:29:47 PDT

25 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s may have company. The A12s are entering Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 00:38:47 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s sound as if they were closer to Critical Point as the a12s went around Cracroft Point. There is quite the exchange going on at the moment as the groups meet up in the Strait.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 00:45:15 PDT

Distant calls audible.

What a long conversattion! The A12s and the A30s remained in Johnstone Strait for the night, moving mostly back and forth within the area east of CP.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 07:57:51 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s are approaching the entrance of Blackney Pass from the east. The A30s may still be further east of them.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 09:14:56 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s headed into Blackney Pass from the Strait and are now on their way to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 09:43:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A30s did not go very far into Queen Charlotte Strait this morning. They have been shifting around the area off of Stubbs Island, Donegal Head and Bold Head. Together for part of the time they have split into their respective groups crossing the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 14:10:13 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We believe the A12s decided for Weynton Pass as a route to the Strait. The A30s are still at the western end of Blackfish Sound, undecided.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 14:39:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are now off CP. Still wondering what the A30s will do.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 15:42:29 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Beautiful A12 calls off the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 18:03:20 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s moved off of CP and headed to the Ecological Reserve and possibly kept going east from there. The A30s may have headed off to Queen Charlotte Strait and the west. All has been quiet since the A12s neared Critical Point.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 20:13:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Nice calls once again in Johnstone Strait by the A12s heading back to the west.
Helena
25 Sep 2006 21:03:37 PDT

24 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

It was quiet over night. The A30s are fairlyelusive. We were last aware of them off of CP just after the A12s went through Blackney Pass around 6pm.
Helena
24 Sep 2006 08:59:52 PDT

23 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30 were located a short while ago. They have been leading another group west. The whales have just arrived in range of our hydrophone as they entered the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 11:33:57 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

A possible correction. We have been hearing the A12s first so perhaps the A30s are further down the line. The rub has just started.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 11:44:30 PDT

Orcas near mics.

While the A12s and the A30s neared CP a fairly large group of Transients (including the T18s) circled around Hanson Island and entered Blackney Pass. They are now well on their way to Blackfish Sound while the A12s and the A30s forage off of Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. The transients are silent, the residents very vocal.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 15:12:59 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s have gone through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. The A30s stayed in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
23 Sep 2006 17:16:15 PDT

21 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Both the A12s and the I11s are now in Johnstone Strait. The A12s travelled ahead of the I11s and after a brief vocal exchange the I11s followed the A12s through Blackney Pass. We had a report from Spirit of the West that two groups went east past their camp at Boat Bay this morning soon after we lost track of the A30s and the I31 calls in Johnstone Strait so this may have been these two groups.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 12:15:04 PDT

No orcas present.

We have not heard any calls since just before 3pm. We believe the I11s and the A12s moved off of CP to the east, following the A30s and the I31s.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 17:49:50 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

That's cute! I just finished writing and sending the last comment when the whales arived at the beaches for a rub. Sounds like the A12s.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 18:01:36 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a bit of a break we started to Hear A1 calls again at the eastern end of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 19:25:14 PDT

19 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The plot thickens. The A12s are in Blackfish Sound! The A30s are in the Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 07:53:05 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s headed east to the rubbing beaches where they are right now. The A12s are still in Blackfish Sound but seem to be steadily getting more distant. Where is everyone else?
Helena
19 Sep 2006 08:56:07 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

Just recently: very close echo location in the Bight. Is this the A30s coming back west again after their brief rub? We have not heard the A12s in Blackfish Sound for a while.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 09:42:19 PDT

No orcas present.

Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT

18 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Nick Templeton relayed that the "Crowd" was westbound from Camp Point at around 2pm. The A30s, A12, G2s,G3,G12s,G18s,G17,G29s, I11s,I15s,I31s have been in the east for the last two days. The A36s were sighted (thanks to Discovery)quite far west in Queen Charlotte Strait today. They were foraging for most of the time observed.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 17:32:28 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

They are back! The groups are parading west past the Ecological Reseerve.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 22:18:56 PDT

16 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Back and forth. After a clear signal from the A12s off CP the groups who had followed them to the Strait earlier came back to Blackney Pass and out to Blackfish Sound. Not at all vocal, still difficult to say who. Perhaps they will oblige once they all get into Blackfish. Lovely starry night though to listen to blows.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 05:42:46 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s, who spent most of the morning off of Donegal Head, moved to the west to join up with the larger group heading east at Lizard Point. All these whales are nearing Donegal Head and closer to being in range of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 13:48:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are at the moment fixing the Flower Island hydrophone but we can still hear the I15s as they and the others head east from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 15:11:18 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Today is the first time for this area that all of G clan has been together. The G17s arrived to complete the list! We just had a lovely pass of all the groups through Blackney Pass. The groups are all past CP now and continuing eastward toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 19:15:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As you have already guessed the whales are at the rubbing beaches,
Helena
16 Sep 2006 21:06:22 PDT

No orcas present.

After the beaches the whales most likely continued east.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 22:23:03 PDT

15 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Time to review: We now thinl that only the A12s, I15s,I11s, part of the I31s came in last night and met up with the A30s off of Ecological Reserve before continuing eastward out of range. Possibly the G2s were there as well but that is still unclear. This morning the rest of the "crowd" arrived going through Blackney Pass. These were the G12s, part of the I31s, the G3s,G18s,G29s and, of course, the A36s.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 13:46:27 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Thanks to Discovery we know that the BIG CROWD has neared the Ecological Reserve on their way to the west. Might be exciting!
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:27:09 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

They are just coming into range now.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:29:17 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups are moving westward,already past CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 17:54:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s are the last group to come back from the east. They are approaching CP at the moment. The other groups are still to the west of CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 18:42:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The "crowd" went through Weynton Pass and are now at the top end (western) end of Blackfish Sound. The tide has just turned to the flood.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 19:54:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

If you are wondering? The A12s rushed through Blackney, no one else followed. They are now closing in on Robson Bight after heading east in the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 21:45:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We are hearing whales move through Blackney Pass heading south. There are no calls yet so we cannot be sure who is following the A12s into the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 23:10:48 PDT

14 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The "crowd" came up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass and headed out to Blackfish Sound and beyond very quickly on the ebbing tide.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 00:43:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are listening to distant A1 calls from the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 07:39:19 PDT

No orcas present.

The whales have stayed pretty much in Queen Charlotte Strait all day but we got a report around 3pm from Stubbs Island Whale Watch that the A12s,A36s, I11s,I31s and the several other G clan groups are now moving eastward from Malcolm Point. The A30s spent the day very slowly moving toward that group and in Queen Charlotte Strait as well.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 16:03:42 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Beautiful resting calls from the Gclan and A1s coming through Blackney Pass. They are travelling south toward Johnstone Strait. The A30s are quiet at the momnet but were recently in Robson Bight.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 21:43:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The "crowd" (described earlier by Stubbs Island: A12s,A36s,I11s,I31s,I33s,G02s, G12s, G18s G29s. G03s, I15s) are now past CP, following the A30s eastward.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 22:28:51 PDT

13 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

For us it was a quiet night and we suppose the I31s,A30s and the A12s went back to the east around midnight although the tide was still ebbing for a couple more hours. If they did move west, they did so pretty quietly. The map indicates where we last heard calls.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 07:50:41 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Just after 8:30am we heard the whales from the east arrive at the rubbing beaches. So far we have heard only A1 calls. Sounds like they are on their way west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 08:49:00 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A1s have moved from the beaches and are now passing Robson Bight.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 09:15:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Possibly all the groups from the past few days are here, travelling west, together. We have heard all three A1 groups, I31s, possibly I11s and various other G groups as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 11:20:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales too two different routes to Blackfish Sound, some via Weynton Pass and others through Blackney Pass. All ended up at the top end of Blackfish Sound where they foraged and waited for the tide to turn. An hour before the slack they made their move and all came through Blackney Pass and on to Johnstone Strait. Now with the tide and the wind at their backs they are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve. A wonderfully blustery day, sunny, high waves and fluffy clouds!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 16:57:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After the A12s,A30s,A36s, I15s,I11s,I31s and the G3s,G29s, G18s, G12s, G2s got into Johnstone Strait thy headed soon off to the east. The A30s seemed rather restless but stayed as part of the crowd. They were rather quickly out of our range after a few good rubs.Just now, we started to hear distant A30 calls returning from the east.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:22:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It sounds like the A30s are pulling the whole crowd to the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:32:12 PDT

12 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Not sure when it happened but all the groups are back in the Strait and already heading back to the west. CP can see groups on the Vancouver Island spread from Kaikash Creek and almost Blinkhorn! There must have been a alot of movement last night from the time after we heard the A12s pass through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 07:25:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Around 8:30am these very interesting whales turned around a little shy of Blinkhorn. The I15s were first get get to the beaches and we suspect the A36s followed. There are whales spread out back to Critical Point and across the Strait - all moving eastward despite the ebbing tide (the tide turned at 8:30am as well). The Gikumi has found the A12s stalled off of Donegal Head. We believe the A30s,A36s,I15s,I11s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G29,G18s and G12s should be the groups in the Strait.
Helena

Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing distant A12s (not a lot of calls) in Blackfish Sound. They apparently dropped into the western end of Blackfish for a bite to eat. The other groups are still eastbound past Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 13:12:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s went through Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The other groups (the A30s,A36s, Gs, I11s, I15s and I31s) have continued eastward from Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 14:31:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a lovely long foraging pause off of the entrance ot Blackney Pass and CP the A12s have finally moved off towards the east. We got a report that the G18s left all the other easbound groups off the Adams River earlier and are on their way back to the west.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 18:10:44 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s met up with another group at the beaches. After enjoying a good rub the whales moved toward Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 20:49:00 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It sounds like the A30s have returned from the east as well as the I31s (this was the group who joined the A12s at the beaches earlier).
Helena
12 Sep 2006 21:42:26 PDT

11 September 2006, Orcalab reports:


Orcas near mics.

Several notes: Most current, we are hearing the A12s off of the Ecological Reserve and most likely headed west; we saw a small group of transients heading north through Blackney Pass; the large group of residents who went into Queen Charlotte Strait are most likely still there. Thanks to Jackie of Stubbs Island Whale Watching and Jared Towers for help with the visual IDs today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 20:26:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s just passed through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 22:42:07 PDT

10 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

After staying off the entrance to Blackney Pass for quite a while, where to go was finally resolved with the A30s taking off and heading into Blackney Pass. The I15s stayed with them until the decision was made and then they followed the I11s and I31s to Robson Bight. Just recently, we thought we might have heard the A36s in the big group off of the Bight - did they come up from the east? The A30s have not had a lot to say. Reports from the east said the A12s spent the day in Discovery Channel. No word on the other G clan groups who should be still to the east - somewhere.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 20:32:01 PDT

09 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Except for a few additional distant calls east of Critical Point around midnight, it has been a pretty quiet night. So we think the whales kept going east.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 08:49:23 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We just started to hear super faint G and A calls east of the eastern end of the Reserve. Whales coming west!
Helena
09 Sep 2006 10:50:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

What a busy place - Johnstone Strait. So far the A30s, A36s, G18s, I11s, I15s, G02s have been identified. There are probably more, if not most of the groups from yesterday. They all went up west to the entrance of Weynton and then pushed their way partly through the Pass against the strongly ebbing tide before they turned around. They are now moving with the current back into Johnstone Strait. Hard at this point to tell if they have met up with new incoming groups.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 15:30:34 PDT

No orcas present.

This feels very similar to last night with the whales continuing to the east past the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve despite the ebbing tide. After midnight they will have the tide with them which will certainly make it easier for them to go further east. In the area we believe are: all the A1s, the I11s,I15s,I31s, G2s,G3s, G18s,G12s, G29s.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 21:47:08 PDT

08 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The I15s showed up at the top end of Blackfish Sound after apparently coming through Weynton Pass earlier. (Thanks to Jim Borrowman for the sighting)They have met up with the A30s who went north through Blackney Pass earlier to arrive at the same location as the I15s. Both groups are spread out, vocal, milling. We have heard of an "Incoming" group further west in Queen Charlotte Strait. This might be an interesting afternoon.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 09:55:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the I15s eventually made it into Blackney Pass just as the tide was changing from slack to flood. They are now in Johnstone Strait. They were excited,breaching, spyhopping, porpoising when travelling through the Pass. We have heard (thanks to DFO) that at least the Gs,A36s,A12s and some of the I31s are the incoming group reported earlier. It is raining harder! Yea! Yea!
Helena
08 Sep 2006 12:02:29 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The map will not show it but all the groups who were in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier went through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass to get into Johnstone Strait. These groups are now eastbound following the I15s and the A30s who disappeared that direction quite a while ago. As reported: the A12s, I35s (including I46 and I80), the G2s, G3s,G18s,G12s, I112s and A36s all arrived today.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 17:45:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After quite the jamboree (?sp) in Robson Bight, it seems as if the whales have kept going to the east. The tide is now ebbing but whether that will change their momentum is hard to say. Anyway, we figure around 80 whales are "in" today. Nice to have all the A1s back. Just about the whole of G clan is here as well.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 21:18:29 PDT

04 September 2006, Orcalab reports:


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We just started to hear the A12s at the rubbing beaches. They have come from the east. The Tuan also reported the A30s left the out going group and one hour ago they were at Lizard Point headed back into the area.
Helena
04 Sep 2006 16:21:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s moved quickly to Robson Bight. The Bs are there as well and the two groups seem to be travelling together. It is a nice mix of their calls.
Helena
04 Sep 2006 16:49:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The Bs and the A12s continued west past CP.
Helena
04 Sep 2006 20:18:15 PDT

03 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Good morning! Iy sounds like the A12s and the I33s are on their way back into the area. We are hearing their calls at the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 06:53:22 PDT

Boat noise

We think the A12s & I33s went through Weynton Pass. We are waiting to hear them come into the Strait. Last night we lost track of the I11s when they were westbound in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 08:36:29 PDT

Boat noise

The whales decided not to go Weynton Pass after all.We just had the B07s,A12s and I33s pass through Blackney Pass. They are now east bound in the Strait. B13 has flopped over even further. The A12s and the Bs were travelling together in mixed groups. A55 looked very interested in B14 at one point.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 11:11:15 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the Bs,A12s,I33s move further east we have become aware of other groups moving west into the eastern part of the Reserve. So far, at the beahces we have heard: I11s,Gs,I15s,As and now I11s again I31s. There are, to put it mildly, a lot of whales in Johnstone Strait - all near and around the Michael Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 12:35:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,Bs & A5s have gone in for a rub as the other groups make their way eastward toward them.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 17:58:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s & the I31s have just led the I11s through Blackney Pass. It is possible the Bs & A12s continued east, we have not heard their calls since they were at the beaches. We have heard a report that the very large group that was to the east all day today were westbound at St Vincent's Bight. Also, there was another group reported headed "in" from Donegal Head - our heads are spinning.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 21:05:22 PDT

02 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Always interesting. As the A12s moved toward Robson Bight, the A30s and the I15s were heard once more on the Rubbing Beach system. They were not rubbing, just chatting. After a while the I15s slipped away to the east and the A30s continued. The A12s continued calling as well. Then finally the A30s slipped away to the east too, leaving the A12s calling on their own. Finally the A12s rounded Critical Point and headed to the beaches where they are now. A few quiet rubs have followed a few energetic ones and we wonder if the A12s won't follow everyone east.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 00:26:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the I33s travelled west up the Strait, starting at 4:30am. Both groups came through Blackney Pass, the A12s leading, and are now carrying on through Blackfish Sound. While this was happening we heard a brief rub at the beaches followed by close calls on Critical Point leading us to believe that other groups are also on the move west.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 08:18:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I11s and the I15s were the groups westbound in the Strait as the A12s and the I33s came through Blackney Pass. The Johnstone Strait groups are spread out off the western end of Hanson Island to the Vancouver Island side. Their progress is now quite slow as they stop and forage. The a12s and the I33s continued west and are now past Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 11:41:16 PDT

01 September 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The day keeps developing along positve lines. The Gs have joined the A30s, I15s and I11s off the Robson Bight area after a brief rub at the beaches. The A4s,A5s and A12s are not far off as well.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 09:17:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT

30 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT

28 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT

Boat noise

After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT

Boat noise

Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT

Boat noise

We have been following reports alll morning about the whales coming east from Queen Charlotte Strait. Very briefly we heard the G3s and the Bs. Jim Borrowman of Stubbs Island Whale Watching also heard R clan calls. Since then the fog confounded everyone. The Gs (including the G18s) took the unusal path of rounding Donegal Head and began to go west past Mitchell Bay on the last of the ebb. They have since turned and are headed to Johnstone Strait now. But the Bs and the Rs have been lost. We have not heard anything. The tide is now in flood so we are hoping things will develop.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 14:16:18 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The G3s & G18s have just entered Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass & are now heading east.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 15:02:08 PDT

No orcas present.

The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT

27 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

A great start to the morning. At 5:40am we began to hear groups coming into Blackfish Sound. They did go out through Weynton Pass last night. Jim Borrowman saw them heading into Weynton around 7:50pm. Then 12 hours later here they were, in Blackfish Sound. The first calls were Gs so we thought we might see a lot more groups. When they came around the corner into Blackney, close to the Lab, we only identified the G29s! But they were with the A11s, all the A5s, A30s, I15s, A35s, maybe the A24s. Missing from yesterday were the I31s. We also could not clearly say that the A12s were there as well. It was lovely and as the tide turned to the slack the whales picked up speed and rushed (breaching) into Johnstone Strait. They are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 07:25:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Great! A second wave. This time the A12s led the I11s,G2s and others into Blackney from Blackfish Sound. They went into Johnstone Strait against the ebb tide and then headed eastward only to "shut down" and become still just west of the Sophia Islands. The "first wave" is to the east of them still.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 11:18:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are on their way back to western johnstone Strait. The A12s seem to be in the lead but the A30s are not far behind. They are spread across from shore to shore.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 19:18:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looked like they wanted to go west, some were up to Big Bay but the A24s had other ideas... they wanted to go out Blackney Pass so they called and called and pretty soon all the groups followed them through to Blackfish Sound. The calls are now distant as they continue to move west.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 22:04:41 PDT

26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT

No orcas present.

While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT

25 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Starting at 3:40am we began to hear the groups coming back to the west. A few skipped over the rubbing beaches. Mostly we were hearing A12 and A5 calls. After rounding Critical Point they fell silent until they were in the entrance of Blackney Pass and about to go through the pass. The A11s were in the lead followed by a large group. We clearly saw the A12s, A5s and possibly the rest of the A4s. They are in Blackfish Sound now. Still no calls.
Helena
25 Aug 2006 07:13:57 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Sorry, it was a town run today (groceries & laundry) . When we got back in the early evening we passed the whales heading east in the Strait around Big Bay. The a12s, A4s & A5s after leaving Blackfish Sound this morning travelled west in Queeen Charlotte and found the I31s. All the groups then travelled back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They, then went down to the Reserve and had a rub. once finished at the beaches they have started back to the west. Quite the routine, quite the day!
Helena
25 Aug 2006 21:39:39 PDT

24 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The last calls we heard early this morning were at 1am as the whales moved east past the Ecological Reserve. But they have returned. Just a short while ago we heard the A12s,A5s and A4s round Critical Point. They moved off to the west fairly smartly, heading toward the Sophias & CP.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 08:03:01 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales continued to the west until big Bay. They have just turned back to the east. The A12s,A5s and some of the A4s passed on the cracroft/hanson side. The A11s may be over on the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 09:55:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sorry, we lost our connection and the ability to update. It was quite busy. Earlier as the main group of A12s, A4s & A5s neared the western boundary, the A24s splintered off and rushed back to CP, through Blackney Pass and around Hanson Island. They moved down the Strait and met up with the others. The whales then came back to the west, some as as far as Telegraph Cove. Another turn happened and the whales grouped up and moved quickly east, stalling for a bit in the Bight before heading to the rubbing beaches where they are now. The flood is not until after midnight.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 21:59:00 PDT

23 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A12s,A4s, and A5s finally all made it to Johnstone Strait at the start of the flood tide. They headed east quickly and we lost track of them around 1:30am. The A12s & some of hte A5s were the trailing group, the A4s were in the lead.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 07:52:13 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A5s suddenly rounded Critical Point with the A12s further off shore of them. The groups are rapidly moving to the west. The A4s will most likely soon follow.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 08:59:03 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A5s and the A4s all went west to the Turn Point area and then turned (how appropriate!) and crossed toward the Vancouver Island shore for the trek eastward. Seams like a typical summer routine.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 12:44:34 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

These whales continue to be interesting. They came west only as far as Big Bay on Hanson Island, west of CP. They then turned and formed up into what looked like resting lines but judging from the constant vocals it is a weird "rest". They are facing into the ebb tide however and not moving very far from the area off CP.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 21:43:49 PDT

22 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Soon after 3am we began to hear the groups coming back through the Ecological Reserve on their way west. The A12s, A4s,A5s, Cs and Ds marched up the Strait and through to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 06:45:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

At 7:40pm we began to hear distant A calls in Blackfish Sound. This turned out to be the A12s,A4s and A5s returning from their day's journey into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Cs and the Ds have not returned. The whales made slow but somewhat steady progress against the ebbing tide. They will now have the advantage of the slack tide and then the flood to help their progress to the Strait and points east. The last of the groups are still in Blackney while others have already made it through. It was quite interesting that at one point we had an A4 group on CP, another on Parson Island and the third on Local left at the same time.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 23:38:34 PDT

21 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

We had a busy and interesting night. Before 1:30am we started hearing Cs and Ds in Johnstone Strait. They headed east toward the Ecological Reserve. After a while the A12s, A4s and A5s became vocal and move into the Robson Bight area. Possibly, at least some of these groups headed back to the west. We are now hearing calls once again and CP can see blows over by Little Kaikash, just to the west of CP. It is rather like where we left off yesterday evening although there are now more whales!
Helena
21 Aug 2006 08:30:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We think we might now understand what has happened. Not only is the Strait a busy place for boats but the whales have been on the move all night as well. We now believe the c6s and the Ds came in just after 1am. The A12s,A4s & A5s were there to meet them either up near Weynton Pass or by coming up from below Robson Bight. The A12s,A4s and A5s definitely followed the Cs and Ds to the east past Robson Bight/Boat Bay. AND this morning the C10s (maybe) also came in via Weynton Pass and once again the As came over to meet them as they approached the western boundary. The C6s also returned and made it to CP where they negotiated a quick turn around, only to head over to the very social scene on the other side near the western boundary. All groups are now spyhopping,breaching but still moving eastward slowly together.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 10:01:56 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After the resident groups met & socialised they headed east out of the Reserve and continued with the flood tide. Just recently a small group of transients were spotted off Blinkhorn in the Strait. They crossed to the Hanson side and then through Blackney Pass and "up" Baronet Passage. We caught a glimpse of them as they moved along the Blackney pass side of Cracroft Island before disappearing.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 17:24:06 PDT

20 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

After spending a couple of days to the east of Johnstone Strait, at least some of the groups are heading back to the west & are now approaching the Ecological Reserve. Another lovely sunny day here.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 13:12:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

To catch up: the A12s,A4s and the A5s are westbound in Johnstone Strait. After quick, on the fly, rubs they past the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay. CP watched the A24s and the A35s pass on their side . The whales are spread out across the Strait still pretty much in the Kaikash Creek and CP area. And they are having a bite to eat. The surprise of the day were the transients (T11,T11A and possibly two others) who turned up suddenly at the eastern end of Hanson Island. They went west quickly ahead of the advance of the resident orcas who were passing Critical Point at the time. They have since been sighted in Bauza Cove. The Cs and Ds and the I35s have been reported eastbound by the Roller Bay nearPort Hardy.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 16:16:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The tide is still ebbing, the Strait is flooded with boat noise and the calls a re infrequent. We know that the A12s, A4s and A5s went west towards the Wastells and the entrance of Weynton Pass earlier and we suspect that they turned and started back east. The mystery for us is how far east have they come? At7pm CP thought they saw blows right up against the Vancouver Island shore near Little Kaikash, west of CP. Since then we have heard both A5 and A1 calls but only on Cracroft Point. Hopefully, we will soon be able to figure out just where in the Strait are the whales.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 22:31:53 PDT

19 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Quiet night so we think the whales stayed to the east.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 07:35:09 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s,A4s and A5s stayed in the far east all day. We heard reports that they were seen in Nodales. Meanwhile, the Naiad Explorer and the Roller Bay found the I35s near Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 22:49:21 PDT

18 August2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Good morning! The A12s,A4s and A5s came back into range just after 3am. After a rub they continued west through the noisy Strait. Leading the groups, the A11s and the A8s travelled north through Blackney Pass. While the A11s/A73 continued into Blackfish Sound the A8s doubled backed to wait for the A12s and the rest of the A4s & A5s. They have all just cleared into Blackfish Sound. A Scotch mist and busy squirrels gathering pine cones.
Helena
18 Aug 2006 07:39:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s,A4s and A5s have come back from the west. They turned between the Penfolds and Fosters around 12:30pm. At the turn they formed a resting line and started to move east in Queen Charlotte Strait. They all came in through Weynton Passage and they are now making their way east parallel to Hanson Island, getting close to the "bottom" end.
Helena
18 Aug 2006 15:29:08 PDT

No orcas present.

After travelling back the A12s, A4s and A5s continued east to the beaches and beyond. The rest of the evening has been "quiet".
Helena
18 Aug 2006 23:26:17 PDT

17 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

A foggy morning... yesterday evening the A12s came back to the west with the A4s and the A5s. They eventually made their way past CP and into Blackney Pass and out to Blackfish Sound. One A4 group (?the A11s) were left in Johnstone Strait and we wonder if they went back to the east. All quiet for the ret of the night after 11:30pm.
Helena
17 Aug 2006 07:00:26 PDT

No orcas present.

Sorry, it has been a busy day here.... The travels of the A12s, all the A4s & all the A5s made for an interesting day. Starting off near Pulteney Point (western end of Malcolm Island) these whales took the not so common route past Port Mcneill, Haddington Island, Alert Bay to reach Johnstone Strait. Once there they continued east as usual. Some of the A4s and the A5s went in for a beautiful hour long rub which ended around 8:30pm. We think they have carried on eastward. busy night in the Strait as fishing is still happening.
Helena
17 Aug 2006 23:20:49 PDT

14 August 2006, Orcalab reports:


Multiple pod calls audible.

Good Morning! The A12s,A4s,A5s and the Bs continued to wait off Robson Bight/Boat Bay until around 2am and then finally shifted east. This was very close to when we started to first hear the I15s and the A30s in Blackfish Sound. They were joined by the A36s and several Gs groups, who then proceded ahead to Blackney Pass. After passing through Blackney Pass in a BIG rush all these groups entered the Strait and continued east. They are currently still passing Robson Bight. The tide is in full flood.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 05:36:24 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales who went east early this morning are returning and the lead groups are already up to Boat Bay. Meanwhile, the Naiad has been reporting a very large group (included are Ws,Ds,Rs and more) off the Port Hardy area. They are not yet committed to fully coming down to the east.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 13:56:15 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s are once again leading the several G groups westward in the Strait. We are also hearing A4s,A5s,A12s & Bs but i don't think we have heard the a30s and the I15s yet. It is,however, a BIG crowd.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 16:18:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

My goodness what a day. The OLers were here after their encounter with the Rs, Ws,Ds,C6s,C10s mid Queen Charlotte Strait off Pine Island on the Naiad Explorer. Meanwhile, the A30s,A36s, I15s, A12s, A35s,A24s,A51s, A43s, Bs and the several G groups came out of the east and travelled toward WeyntonPassage. There the Gs probably took off through Weynton Passage and the others returned to the entrance of Blackney Pass where after sorting themselves out they headed into Blackney Pass and past the Lab. The A24s and the Bs were the last through. CP saw the A12s continue to the west in the Strait and it is still unclear what they are going to do.
Helena
14 Aug 2006 20:48:52 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A4s,A5s are back in the Strait after circling Hanson Island. The G groups are with them as well as the A12s/
Helena
14 Aug 2006 22:17:28 PDT

Boat noise

A little bit confusing... the A12s along with one of the A5 groups have rounded Critical Point and have gone east. The Gs,the other A5s, A4s and Bs who were further west have disappeared. Did they go back out? Or did they fall asleep?
Helena
14 Aug 2006 23:31:36 PDT

13 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Just after the I5s and the A30s headed through Blackfish Sound, the A12s, A11s,A35s,A24s, A51s 7 possibly the A43s came up from the east with the B7s and travelled west on both shores to the Weynton Pass area. They have since turned and are now making their way back. So far we have heard A1 and A4 calls. Lots of boat noise as the seine boats prepare for the 8:30am opening tomorrow.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 18:31:15 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales,especially the A5s have been very vocal while off Robson Bight. The A12s, A4s and Bs chirp in from time to time. The increase in the A5 calls has made us wonder if the A8s have joined the others. We keep expecting them to all head for the beaches but so far they have stalled and there really has not been a lot of movement west or east, more north and south, shifting from one shore of Johnstone Strait to the other. There is still a lot of boat noise.
Helena
13 Aug 2006 22:45:23 PDT

12 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The I15s and the A30s crossed the Strait to Vancouver Island and are now in the Ecological Reserve rounding Critical Point. The A12s,A4s, A5s, Gs and A36s are still to the east. There is a report of a group near Port Neville westbound. Sadly, it looks like I15 and I41 are missing. Graeme Ellis had a chance to look at the group this morning. We had already guessed that I41 was gone but did not know about I15. I16 has most likely lost her youngest calf.
Helena
12 Aug 2006 14:43:49 PDT

11 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the A30s and the I15s disappeared to the east in Johnstone Strait all was quiet until 11pm. Then... calls in Blackfish Sound. In came the Cs, Ds, Gs, and A36s through Blackney Pass. They reached Johnstone Strait on the slack tide andthen made their way east. Just as the last of these groups were approaching Robson Bight the A12s,A4s,A5s,A30s and Bs came up from the east. By 2:30am everyone had turned and moved in the same direction together, We last heard calls at 3:15 as the groups passed the eastern boundary of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 07:17:59 PDT

No orcas present.

The resident orcas who came during the night have remained east all day. A fairly large group of transients (the T100s) turned up off Donegal Head this morning. The went west toward Alet Bay and Port McNeill and then turned around and headed for Alder Bay and Beaver Cove. They were identified by DFO. The fishing opening will close at 6pm so we anticipate the area to be a little less busy tonight.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 16:40:01 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Ds, Cs & A30s have returned from the east and are now off Robson Bight. Nick Templeton of Painter's Lodge reported tonight that the I15s were on their way through Seymour Narrows (north of Campbell River) on the slack tide while the A12s, A24s & A11s had been in Frederick Arm (also very far east). The Bs were in Nodales (also very far east) The A36s and the Gs were also seen in the east today. The T100s continued to tour the area. After nearing the Reserve they turned and headed back west. They were last seen by the Blue Fjord around 8:30pm off the Nimpkish River opposite Alert Bay.
Helena
11 Aug 2006 22:00:21 PDT

10 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good morning! The A12s & A5s kept us busy for most of the night while they stalled off Robson Bight. The A24s & Bs were further east but eventually made their way back to the A12s and A5s. Finally, just as these groups moved off to the east, the A30s and the I15s entered the Strait via Weynton Pass. The A30s, ahead of the I15s, went past CP mid strait around 6am. As they crossed over to the Ecological Reserve the I15s followed. The I15s have just rounded Critical Point. Very low tide this morning and it will be ebbing until around noon. This means the I15s and A30s worked the whole time against the tide in order to reach the Strait & the Reserve.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 07:52:57 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s turned up unexpectedly in Johnstone Strait. We probably missed them going through Blackney Pass. They went west briefly and then turned and headed over to the Vancouver Island shore and down to the Reserve. They are now past Critical Point. While westbound and before their turn they were vocal briefly. This may have influenced the other groups (the A30s,A12s and I15s to finally turn around at the entrance to Weynton Passage. These groups are now slowly moving east but still west of CP. Lovely day ... strong northwesterly breeze but very sunny. There was a large group reported off Camp Point. This may be the Bs, A24s and maybe all of the A5s and the A35s. Hopefully, we find out for sure.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 15:48:09 PDT

No orcas present.

It has turned into a sleepy afternoon. On the turn the whales moved very slowly. The A30s were ahead and further off shore of the I15s. When they got to CP the foraged for a short while as the I15s poked their noses into the entrance of Blackney Pass. By this time it was apparent that the A12s were not around. Perhaps they slipped back east. Meanwhile, the A30s and the I15s are still headed east.
Helena
10 Aug 2006 18:49:11 PDT

09 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT

08 August Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT

No orcas present.

Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT

07 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A30s held firm and we believe that none of the other groups came back to the west afterall. The A30s remained near the Robson Bight area until around 2am. Around that time we may have heard the A12s pass Cracroft Point and follow the A30s to the east. All calls ended soon after 4am.
Helena
07 Aug 2006 08:33:32 PDT

04 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

All "quiet" again tonight - can't remember a season where we have such uninterrupted sleep! We presume the A30s, ?A12s, A4s and A5s are still to the east. This is a long, long weekend with a salmon derby in progress.
Helena
04 Aug 2006 08:59:52 PDT

02 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A12s did make it to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass and they did move toward the east for a while but we believe they turned as the incoming groups ( ? the Bs+) entered, also via Weynton Pass. There were not many calls and just after 11pm the calls stopped soon after the whales neared the Cracroft point area. We were left wondering if they continued east against the ebbing tide.
Helena
02 Aug 2006 07:48:42 PDT

01 August 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Last night I was just about to write an update when there were calls heard in Blackfish Sound. It turned out to be the A12s. Just before 9pm when the A30s,A11s and some of the A5s turned back to the east off Hanson Island, the A12s continued out through Weynton Pass. The A30s & Co continued going east toward the Reserve where they may have encountered the rest of the A5 groups along with the A24s. All these groups then conntinued east past the Reserve and were out of our range by 1am. We believe the A12s kept moving west into Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Aug 2006 07:30:41 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s have spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait. They eventually began to move back toward the east just about the time reports reached us that there is a large group of orcas incoming from further west. The A30s,A4s and A5s are still in the eastern part of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
01 Aug 2006 16:19:19 PDT

31 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A4s and the A12s are off Robson Bight after coming south through Blackney Pass around 5:30am this morning and heading east in Johnstone Straitg. Yesterday evening these groups left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Passage on the start of an ebb tide. It is trying to be foggy this morning but the seas are calm.
Helena
31 Jul 2006 07:36:07 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Most of the activity today has been off the eastern end of Cracroft Island. The whales (A30s and A5s) finallly decided to head back to the west. The A12s and A11s, who had earlier travelled back to the Strait via Blackney, turned back to the west, after reaching the Broken Islands. Their progress has been slow all day as they may have been waiting for the A30s and A5s to catch up. Despite the flooding tide they have all managed to keep moving west and the lead groups are now in the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
31 Jul 2006 17:10:12 PDT

30 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

No calls overnight so we believe the A30s,A12, A4s and A5s are still to the east in Johnstone Strait. Yesterday, the Naiad thought that there may be additional groups there as well.
Helena
30 Jul 2006 09:13:17 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s came back from the east. They passed CP and continued west to Turn Point. A short while ago they turned. Meanwhile, some of the A4s followed the A12s up from the east. They are still east of CP. The A30s were reported still quite far east and so far we have not heard the A5s.
Helena
30 Jul 2006 15:59:05 PDT

27 July Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The whales carried on calling off the Ecological Reserve until about 1:30am. Some of the A4s and the A12s followed the very vocal A5s to the east. Three hours later the whales went in for a couple of rubs. We last heard calls there at 5:30am.
Helena
27 Jul 2006 08:38:16 PDT

No orcas present.

This is a VERY blustery day & difficult conditions for the whale watch boats. The A12s,A11s,A24s, A8s,A51s, and A43 are most likely the whales headed east toward Kelsey Bay. A short while ago they were off St Vicent's Bight (Big Beautiful Bay). In the opposite direction are the A35s who were missing form yesterday's groups. They are coming east through Queen Charlotte Strait approaching Lizard Point.
Helena
27 Jul 2006 12:44:15 PDT

26 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A4s and A5s just rushed through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass. They are now in Johnstone Strait and heading east toward the Ecological Reserve. The A12s were all together and slightly behind the rest. The A24s,A43s and A51s were just off the Hanson Island side while the A11s were midstrait just ahead of the A12s. We did not clearly see the A8s and the A35s but they may have been the spread out whales in the front.
Helena
26 Jul 2006 14:59:27 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Actually the rub is just over but the whales enjoyed quite a rub and are not headed back to the west.
Helena
26 Jul 2006 17:10:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales came back west until they got to the eastern end of Hanson Island. They then turned around and moved closer to Vancouver Island for the run back to the Reserve. The A5s just went past Critical Point. Could they and the others be on their way back to the rubbing beaches?
Helena
26 Jul 2006 20:36:43 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Just a slight amendment: the A5s must be travelling back up the Vancouver Island shore in the Reserve. The others still sound further off shore.
Helena
26 Jul 2006 23:17:54 PDT

21 July Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We think the orcas are probably still somewhere to the east of us in Johnstone Strait, though we arent sure. Lovely sunny morning here, with fog low to the water & islands peeking avove.around the edges of the islands.
Helena
21 Jul 2006 08:53:00 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

What a contrast to yesterday's lazy, hazy summer day! All was quiet this morning and then the reports started to surface. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watch) heard R calls out in Queen Charlottee Strait. The Tuan (Seasmoke Charters) saw the A36s with many, many whales off Donegal Head. Then we were told the super big group was headed east in Blackfish Sound and headed for Blackney. And then: In rushed over 80 whales, spread out across Blackney, excited and in a rush to get to the Strait. In the Strait, the A12s, A4s and the A5s were coming up from the east and Robson Bight to meet the incoming gang. Whales were everywhere! It was a superpod of grand proportions. At last count, 117 (thanks to Graeme Ellis and John Ford of DFO)whales were in the area. There were several G clan groups, the Ds, several R clan groups and of course the same As of the last several weeks. They rushed toward the Ecological Reserve where one group went into the Main rubbing beach for more than an hour. Now, the groups are reorganising for a trip back to the west.
Helena
21 Jul 2006 17:55:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The official count is now 127! An opportunity for another look by the DFO came when the whales moved toward CP early this evening. Our day was made complete when,after passing CP with beautiful calls and a glimpse underwater, they entered Blackney and headed northwest to the sunset. The big question is: Will they be back or was this the visit?
Helena
21 Jul 2006 20:51:28 PDT

Add from the comment board:
Hi Jan,The list we got from Graeme Ellis included: The R4/5s, Ws, I31s,G3s,G12s,G31s.G2s,G29s,A36s,A12s,A4s,A5s,Ds,C6s. I will ask if other Rs (R2s,R17s)were present. I hope this helps. It was quite a day!
Helena@Hanson I
21 Jul 2006 22:58:56 PDT

20 July Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12,A4s and the A5s stayed off the Robson Bight/ Sophia Islands area for most of the night. The whales were very vocal and from their non stop sounds we guessed that they were feeding most of the night. Around 4:30 they finally slipped past Critical Point to the east. They are now returning and we are once again picking up calls from Critical Point.
Helena
20 Jul 2006 07:50:12 PDT

No orcas present.

it was not much of a move to the west. In fact the A12s,A4s and A5s are eastbound, currently off Windy Point (about 1/2 the way from the Ecological Reserve to Kelsey Bay).
Helena
20 Jul 2006 14:31:21 PDT

19 July 2006 Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A4s and A5s are passing Robson Bight on their way to the west. Silent just now, they were quite vocal as they passed Critical Point a short while ago.
Helena
19 Jul 2006 07:08:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Kind of like yesterday. Up and down the Strait. This time the A12s,A4s and A5s made it past CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass and further before turning & crossing over to vancouver Island & back to the east.
Helena
19 Jul 2006 09:39:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Another day of back and forth in the Strait ending with a late evening bite to eat off Cracroft Point and a pass through Blackney. They are back in the Strait via Weynton Pass after a quick circle of Hanson Island. We assume they will head east.
Helena
19 Jul 2006 23:42:53 PDT

18 July 2006, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Last night the A12s, A4s and the A5s passed Robson Bight and seemed to keep going. It would be nice if the A36s convinced the D7s to return. They were last seen still headed west near the Jeanette Islands in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
18 Jul 2006 07:23:23 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Very "reserved" whales today! The whales came back from the east this morning (A12s,A4s, A5s) but they have spent the day going back and forth in or near the Ecological Reserve. At the moment they are off the Sophias (the furthest they have come so far) and still moving slowly westward.
Helena
18 Jul 2006 15:18:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

This time they only got as far as the entrance to Blackney Pass before they turned back to the Reserve once again. On this turn they fell asleep and drifted on the flooding tide. The calls ceased. Right now they are passing Robson Bight on their slow roll to the east. Lovely, lovely day here, sunshine all around and light winds.
Helena
18 Jul 2006 18:55:15 PDT

17 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Well we found the rest of the groups. This morning they came west from the Robson Bight area and passed through Blackney Pass in front of us. The A36s were in the lead with the A24s, A8s, A34s following. behind then came A12 & A33 along with the A35s. The small A11 group with A73 were the last group through. They were travelling with another group who we did not confidently identify - it may have been someone else from the A5 pod. They are all in Blackfish Sound now. A large humpback was in Blackney (and still is ) as the groups went through.
Helena
17 Jul 2006 07:55:28 PDT

No orcas present.

Since this mornings update, the whales continued to the west. A very faint "D" call in the Strait this morning suggests that yesterday's evening arrival into the Strait most likely stayed with the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s but took Weynton Pass back out to Queen Charlotte where they advanced to the west ahead of the A36s etc. This all happened before 8am and for the rest of the day we followed the reports of their progress on the radio and watched the humpbacks in Blackney Pass and off CP.
Helena
17 Jul 2006 18:37:50 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Tonight: in rushed the A12s, A4s and some of the A5s via Blackney pass. They put on quite a show as they grabbed a bite or two as they moved through Blackney. They are well on their way now toward Robson Bight, excited to be back after their quick but long jaunt to the west.
Helena
17 Jul 2006 22:22:04 PDT

16 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

An interesting start to the day! The whales are just where they left off at 1am. Just a short while ago we began to hear distant calls. The whales are still east of CP but they are headed west.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 07:13:18 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sorry I forgot the map. It should be the A36s (in the lead) along with the A4s,A8s and A12s if all the groups are there.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 07:15:45 PDT

No orcas present.

After a lot of back and forth starting just after day break the day ended in some confusion. In the afternoon we heard of new incoming groups.A while later the A12s,A4s,A8s and the A36s became very excited as they trekked west past CP. The reason for their excitment became evident when we heard the distant calls of the Cs and Ds just in via Weynton Passage. Then for some reason the calls dropped. Finally, A32 was seen travelling back to the east and a short while after that a few A4 calls. Unfortunately, those were our only clues and we are not sure where the A12,A8s and those new whales ended up. Time will hopefully tell.
Helena
16 Jul 2006 22:31:59 PDT

14 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We believe that the whales who had been stalled off Robson Bight for several hours finally shifted east of the Ecological Reserve, just after 11pm last night. The rest of the night was quiet
Helena
14 Jul 2006 07:15:19 PDT

No orcas present.

The resident groups (the A12s,A36s,A4s and A8s) stayed far to the east today. Two transients wandered Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
14 Jul 2006 22:41:44 PDT

13 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Living inside a vortex: Yesterday "everyone" came back and headed into Johnstone Strait where they went east briefly. After milling around the Robson Bight area they moved west early this morning. The A36s led the A4s and the A8s into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait and headed into Blackfish Sound. The A36s were all business but the rest were very social, kids playing, mums travelling with mums. A13 has suffered some damage to the top of his fin. The recent wound is showing up white. It makes for quite change in appearance. We did not see the A12s and could not say for sure that the A24s were in this crowd.
Helena
13 Jul 2006 07:13:16 PDT

Superb sounds!!

A long day... the A36s,A4s and A8s headed into Queen Charlotte Strait via Blackney Pass at first light. The A12s elected to head east in Johnstone Strait. While the A12s began their trekk back west toward Robson Bight the sleepy Queen Charlotte gang managed to turn around and head back also.They "drifted" east in Blackfish Sound along the Hanson Island shore, passing Dong Chong Bay (the scene 4 years ago today of Springer's arrival by boat and short stay in the pen),toward Johnstone Strait. After a brief stall in the Johnstone Strait entrance way to Blackney they pushed on and eastward toward the A12s who were coming from the opposite direction. As the A12s passed, the bigger group, turned around and followed. Eventually, everyone turned again and excitedly rushed toward the Ecological Reserve. One "final" move back to west brought them only as far as the area in front of the Bight where they parked themselves for hours, calling, calling, calling. At this stage, one can only guess if the strong ebbing tide will eventually encourage them to go further west.
Helena
13 Jul 2006 23:03:52 PDT

12 July 2006, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A4s and A5s have come back from the east and are continuing west past Kaikash Creek.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 06:56:02 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like the whales that were headed west in Johnstone Strait went through Weynton Pass and are now headed out into Queen Charlotte Strait, crossing the top end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 08:44:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After travelling Queen Charlotte Strait for most of the day the A12s,A4s and perhaps the A8s returned to the Strait via Weynton Passage. They then travelled east past Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 20:43:57 PDT

I forgot to mention thta the A36s were with the other groups at least as far as Weynton Passage but it was unclear if they continued into the Strait.
Helena
12 Jul 2006 20:45:27 PDT

11 July 2006, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

A quiet day since the A12s,A4s and A8s went east just after midnight. They kept going and this morning were seen near Sayward still eastbound. The whalewatch boats found four humbacks to fill out their day and then in the later part of the afternoon the A36s were found miling off of Lizard Point. We are hoping that they will "drop down" just a bit further and get in range of Flower Island. Finally, rain, real rain, today - you can just about hear the forest sigh with relief. But we need much more and the sky is now lifting.
Helena
11 Jul 2006 16:38:15 PDT