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
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
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
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
Thursday, September 28, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 25, 2006
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
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
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
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
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
Thursday, September 21, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 18, 2006
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
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
Saturday, September 16, 2006
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
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
Friday, September 15, 2006
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
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
Thursday, September 14, 2006
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
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
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 11, 2006
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
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
Sunday, September 10, 2006
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
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
Saturday, September 09, 2006
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
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
Friday, September 08, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 04, 2006
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
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
Sunday, September 03, 2006
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
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
Saturday, September 02, 2006
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
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
Friday, September 01, 2006
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
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
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