A12 joined the A30s

Superb sounds!!

Time to catch up. Paul and I had to go to town. While on our way, the A30s were located off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait before 11am. Soon afterwards, they slowed down and turned back east. By the time they were between Lizard Point and Donegal Head A12 was seen travelling with the A30s. It is not clear when she joined them. A12 led the way into Johnstone Strait around 4:30pm, the others soon followed. They then travelled east and past Robson Bight but then doubled back without going in for a rub. Just now they have been very close to Critical Point and might go back east once more. We will soon know if that is their intention.
Helena
14 Jul 2009 22:31:23 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

They have gone east for a rub!
Helena

A12 returned from the east. Not sure were she went.

Boat noise

A12 was reported far to the east this morning; first, off Chatham Point (about as far east as you can go in Johnstone Strait!) at 9:30am, second off Bear Point slowly heading west (11:15 am). There is a possible transient group west of the Fosters in Queen Charlotte Strait, to the west of us, heading east very slowly.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 12:25:41 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It is possible that the group of transients who were in Queen Charlotte Strait have appeared in Blackney Pass. There are 6, in two groups o 4 and 2. They are moving very slowly towards Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 19:45:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Hmmmm...A12 has also made it to Johnstone Strait. She is off boat Bay (opposite Robson Bight) headed west after spending time in the east.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 20:00:50 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The male and female pair of transients has doubled back through Blackney Pass. They are on their way to Blackfish Sound. So far there is no sign of the other four. A12 gave a couple of calls before the transients exited Johnstone Strait. We have not heard her since so we don't know if she has kept going west. The tide is ebbing and so might encourage her to do so.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 21:33:53 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The evening gets more and more interesting. We heard transient calls briefly in Johnstone Strait. We were not able to source the calls other than generally.
Helena
12 Jul 2009 22:12:04 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those last transient calls, a short while ago were in Johnstone Strait. This probably means, the group of four (two females, two juveniles, stayed straitside while the pair travelled north in Blackney Pass. We do not know where A12 might have gotten to..
Helena
12 Jul 2009 23:10:45 PDT

A12 is returning from the east

A12 is by herself and westing at Chatam Point. (intersection of Discovery / Nodales & Johnstone Strait) 9:00 am
Hurricane Jack@Campbell River
12 Jul 2009 09:43:10 PDT

A12

Seasmoke reports
At the top end of Blackfish Sound A12 was sighted, she was traveling towards Donegal Head and an advancing fog bank. The fog rolled in and yet A12 was still visible, her black body was viewed in stark contrast to the white blanket of fog that engulfed all. And, as she has done so for the last few days, A12 turned and making her way at a steady pace, she slipped back into Johnston Strait via Weynton Passage.

A12 still the only girl in town

Orcas hunting fish.

Just a short while ago we heard close echo location. It sounded like it was off Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 06:25:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is headed north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 08:47:37 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 did a circuit around hanson Island to re-enter johnstone Strait at 11:47am. She is now east of Cracroft Point headed to the Ecological Reserve. Being the only whale in town she is getting a lot of attention: 1 whale to at least 7 boats!
Helena
11 Jul 2009 13:31:24 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 has rounded Critical Point (2:34pm) and is still headed east along Vancouver Island.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 14:45:49 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like A12 has arrived at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 15:40:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sounds like A12 has arrived at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
11 Jul 2009 16:15:12 PDT

No orcas present.

A12 carried on to the east from the beaches. This is very similar to her movements for the last couple of days,
Helena
11 Jul 2009 16:17:22 PDT

Seasmoke reports
A single A-Clan call heard early in the morning via the hydrophone network indicated that the Matriline A12, was likely returning from her travel east last evening and it was later in the morning that she was reported heading back to the east from Weynton Passage. At Big Bay we encountered her, our vessel having entered Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound. Although alone, A12 was a beautiful and significant sight to see. She was intent on traveling and although the flood tide had begun, she did not stop to forage off Cracroft Point. We left her as she began crossing over towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

A12 came back and left, still on her own!

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 just went past the Lab headed north! This was a bit of a surprise as was the sight of jumping salmon close to Hanson Island. Last year we saw only one salmon jump for entire dismal season. This is a good sign.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 09:20:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those last calls (through considerable boat noise) were from A12 as she re-entered Johnstone Strait from Blackney Pass. Sounds like she is headed back east.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 15:06:31 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 is now in Robson Bight, perhaps grabbing a bite to eat. She is still by herself and there are no reports of the A34s yet.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 17:24:32 PDT

No orcas present.

The Cliff research site reported that A12 kept going east along Vancouver Island past the Ecological Reserve at 6:30pm.
Helena
09 Jul 2009 19:56:58 PDT

A12 left to the east

Boat noise

last night we had the impression A12 went beyond Robson Bight. The rest of the night was quiet. Today, A12 has been sighted far to the east.
Helena
08 Jul 2009 10:29:36 PDT

A12 in the area on her own

No calls but orcas nearby

Another tour completed. A12is once again headed back to Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound. This time she travelled south through Blackney Pass to do so.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 06:09:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 is now calling.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 06:30:27 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like A12 may have decided to head east in the Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 07:03:51 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 turned back west and has come along the Cracroft Island shore to Cracroft Point, has crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and is now travelling close to the Hanson Island shore near Big Bay. Meanwhile, ther has been a report of three orcas near Black Bluff headed west.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 12:30:03 PDT

Orcas hunting fish.

A12 has come out of Johnstone Strait and has travelled into Blackfish Sound via Blackney Pass. She may be trying to secure a bite to eat!
Helena
07 Jul 2009 14:26:52 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

We can't keep up with A12! She is now in Johnstone Strait after doubling back through Blackney Pass.
Helena
07 Jul 2009 17:09:17 PDT

A12 moving around in the area

Distant calls audible.

Our internet connection has been down for a while today as the result of a huge lightning storm which passed over the area between 11pm and midnight. A12 spent the morning in Johnstone Strait. After her 2:20 am rub she headed back to the west and was calling off Cracroft Point by 4am. Later she was seen off of Big Bay (Hanson Island) at 7:50am. From there she crossed over to the western boundary of the Reserve (9:35) and carried on eastward to the Eve River where she once again turned west. She went past the Cliff opposite Robson Bight at 1:30 pm then straight on to Cracroft Point and Blackney Pass. She travelled energetically through Blackney Pass and is now in Blackfish Sound westbound (4:25 pm). Whew! Quite the tour.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 17:16:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

There are distant calls once again in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 21:35:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

It now sounds like A12 has found her way into Robson Bight.
Helena
06 Jul 2009 23:16:34 PDT

A33 is probably dead, A12 is doing well

A33, or Nimpkish,
with his mom A12
Kelsey Bay, 2006
Photo by Nick Templeman

Distant calls audible.

We have heard just two calls and as of yet have not been able to locate where they were coming from. Someone is out there. meanwhile, dolphinsagain.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 08:55:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The whales (A12s?)are now in Johnstone Strait having come through Weynton Pass.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 09:19:41 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Today has been a rather interesting day and one that is a cause for reflection. A12 turned up by herself in Johnstone Strait earlier this morning. Her son, Nimpkish (A33) was not with her. Nor had he been with her earlier this Spring when she was sighted furhter north. This was at the same time as when her daughter's family (the A34s) were here in Johnstone Strait. This most likely means he has died. He was her constant companion. So today, we have been sadly trying to follow her solitary movements in the Strait. She has vocalised every so often and between the whale watch boats like the Tuan, Naiad and Lukwa, researcher Marie on the Cliff, Straitwatch and our own recordings, we have been able to follow her through the day. Unlike the other day, when she was with the A34s in Queen Charlotte Strait, she now seems fairly energetic, travelling and foraging in the Strait. She is pretty much the oldest matriarch in the northern resident community and so must hold a special place in her community. We are hoping that it will not be too long before she is joined by her family.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 19:45:06 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 just went past the Loab headed into Blackfish Sound. She was breaching! and travelling at a good energetic pace. She looked well.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 20:06:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It sounds like A12 might be back in Johnstone Strait again. There has been a very dramatic lightening and thunder storm pass overhead. It is quieter now.
Helena
05 Jul 2009 23:14:38 PDT

Sad news about A-33. I am still hoping for the best, as he is my favorite big beatiful orca by far! Just wanted to send you my favorite picture of him and his mom together. It was taken in 2006 and i believe they were heading east past Kelsey Bay. We were out at Lizard two days ago when they all came in and it was sad to not see him there, but happy as well to see that they had two new babies with them. I believe since i have been whale watching and getting to know them all, he is the first older male that i know who has passed away. I called him "A-33 surprise" for his surprise visits beside the boat that he liked to pull off!
Nick Templeman, Discovery Marine Safaris

Seasmoke reports
It was at Cracroft Point that an orca blow was sighted, and as we drew near we identified the orca as being A12. Seeing A12 foraging alone today one cannot help but remember days and years past when all of the family was intact including A12’s oldest son, A31. We cannot be absolutely sure that A33 has died, for now he is reported as missing. The A12 Matriline we sighted yesterday: A12 along with her daughter A34 and her off-spring but A33 (A12’s 38 year old son) was not sighted. Today we observed A12 foraging steadily back and forth at Cracroft Point and the rest of her family, the A34’s were not seen.

A12s at Lizard Point

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are just west of Lizard Point, in Queen Charlotte Strait. This is just to the west of us so perhaps before they day is out they will drop down to these parts.
Helena
04 Jul 2009 14:02:33 PDT

Seasmoke reports:
It was exciting news to hear a sports fishing vessel reporting that orcas were traveling to the east from Lizard Point. En route to the orcas a Bald Eagle was sighted swimming in the water, using its wings to help propel its body along, it finally made it to shore; Dall’s Porpoises were also seen near by. At the time of our encounter with the orcas, the A12 matriline were mingling about, young calves were playful with tail slapping and some resting activity was also observed. A12 was sighted resting, not so far behind A34 and some of her offspring who included A67 and her new calf.

A34s still around?

No calls but orcas nearby

A group of at least 6 orcas has just passed swiftly northwards through Blackney Pass, on the ebbing tide. They looked like the A34s, though we aren't sure, and they were silent. Hopefully, they will call in Blackfish Sound, & then we'll know.
Helena
21 Jun 2009 08:26:48 PDT

A12s heading west or east??

Superb sounds!!

Most likely the A12s are heading back to the west. It is a lovely morning, a bit misty after yesterday's rain.
Helena
20 Jun 2009 06:37:28 PDT

No orcas present.

After the 6:30am calls off Robson Bight, the A34s disappeared. So, as of now, it is not clear if they went west or east. There was a report of 18 orcas off Campbell River today but there were no confirmed identifications. A smaller group of transients were reported in that area during the day. Keep your ears open, someone may yet turn up!
Helena
20 Jun 2009 23:22:48 PDT

A34s are back and with 2 new baby's

Photo Jim Borrowman.

Superb sounds!!

We are hearing A1 calls in Johnstone Strait! They are back! We will let you know who when we figure it out.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 15:00:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

It is the A12s! ... making their way eastward toward the Reserve.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 16:36:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Sounds as if the A12s have gone past Robson Bight to the east.
Helena
19 Jun 2009 18:27:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A34s are going through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. A12 and A33 are not with them. Jared and Stubbs Island Whale Watch informed us before they came into Blackney Pass that there are two new babies in the group! A62 and A67 are new mothers!
Helena
19 Jun 2009 20:42:06 PDT

A33 foraging in JS

Seasmoke reports

Heading out on tour this morning the fog was beginning to clear in Johnstone Strait and yet our first glimpse of an orca took everyone onboard by surprise including crew when the fin of A33 suddenly rose up through the water and out of the fog near to the boat. With the engine cut, passengers sat and watched as A33 continued on to the west, foraging as he went. The hydrophone was deployed and the wonderful A-Clan calls of the A12 matriline were heard, and beautifully so, and with the fog clearing rapidly, other orcas could then be seen further down Johnstone Strait and slowly making their way towards the west. As it turned out, the orcas passed by very near to the boat, and then turning back and forth as they foraged at Turn Point, some swimming under and alongside of the boat.

A12s went out via Blackney Pass

Distant calls audible.

Our up and down internet is difficult to work around and today was no exception. For your information: In short, the A12s went out via Blackney Pass just before 1 am. That left the A30s and the I31s still in johnstone Strait. This afternoon these two groups came back into range from the east. It was a pretty low keyed day with the I31s doing most of the vocals, and most of the time, just resting calls. We are not sure where the A36s ended up. Now, the fog has closed in.
Helena
14 Sep 2008 18:40:32 PDT

A12s picked up I31s in Queen Charlotte Strait

Multiple pod calls audible.

Right now we are listening to the A30s, A36s, A12s and the I31s. Earlier today the A12s went west into Queen Charlotte Strait and picked up the I31s while the A30s hooked up with the A36s who possibly arrived back from the east. Before the A12s returned with the I31s via Weynton Pass this afternoon, the A30s and the A36s paced Johnstone Strait. As they all got togethereast of the entrance to Weynton Pass a small group of transients decided the Strait was too crowded and they turned back east just shy of Cracroft Point. The resident groups are now east bound as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2008 17:28:51 PDT

A12s heading quickly east

Seasmoke reports

The A12’s were also sighted, they traveled quickly to the east down the VI shore, carried along by the flood current.

A12s in Blackfish Sound

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s are spread out off the Sophias, heading west, should be within range of the CP hydrophone soon.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 09:30:26 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Nice day, the A12s came back in via Weynton Pass while the A30s stalled off of Cracroft Point. TheA12s made an initial attempt to come through Blackney Pass after they arrived off the entrance of Blackney Pass. They retreated briefly but then traelled all the way through to Blackfish Sound. They moved slowly and stayed together in mid channel. The A30s finally moved on themselves but they stayed in Johnstone Strait. However, they were like the A12s and travelled mid strait as they went east. Just a few calls and then silence.
Helena
12 Sep 2008 17:16:01 PDT

A34s in the Robson Bight

Seasmioke reports

The orcas were east in Johnstone Strait at the eastern end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, they were the A34’s who were resting while A55 was further to the west foraging, just inside the boundary of the reserve. The rest of the A34’s soon began traveling to the west moving rapidly along in the ebb current, some pacific white-sided dolphins were seen intermingling with them nearby.

A12s foraging and later heading east

Seasmoke reports

Despite the mist that persisted for most of our tour, orcas were sighted this morning in Johnstone Strait. We encountered A12 and A33 traveling west towards Cracroft Point, they were foraging a few 100 meters apart. Distant A-Clan calls could be heard via the hydrophone but mist and fog conditions obscured the VI shore making visibility difficult. The A34’s were located on the VI shore near Kaikash Beach, they too were foraging, making their way to the west. With the hydrophone deployed, their A-Clan calls were heard, this time at a closer range and they were wonderful to listen to. Passengers observed when the A34’s suddenly turned and began heading back to the east, A12 and A33 on the Hanson shore had also turned.

Seasmokwe reports

The A12s were sighted at Big Bay early on in the tour this morning and passengers on the SV Tuan enjoyed observing them as they foraged, traveling east along Hanson Island when they turned into Blakney Passage making their way into Blackfish Sound.
It was an action packed afternoon for passengers on the motor cruise. A humpback whale fluke was seen disappearing out of sight out in the Queen Charlotte Strait at the same time that numerous stellar sea lions were swimming close by, exuberant and splashing about. While scanning for the humpback whale, waiting for it to surface again, it was surprising to suddenly see orcas, the A12’s who were also near by in the Queen Charlotte Strait.
A33 was well out in the Strait heading west when A12 turned towards Weynton Passage; the A34’s following. A33 circled around and was soon parallel to his mother and entering into Johnstone Strait on the flood current with the A34’s following. A12 and A33 commenced foraging on the VI shore while the A34’s rested, moving slowly down the Hanson Island side of the Strait.

A12s foraging in the mist

Seasmoke reports

It was a beautiful viewing of the A12’s that we were privileged to observe while out on tour today. When we first encountered the orcas they were foraging steadily, west towards Blinkhorn on the VI shore, A12 and A33 were in the lead. The A34’s followed, they too were foraging, A55 was in the lead and it was such a treat viewing this family group at the time that we did. They passed on by and while we were drifting in the current with the engine off listening to their wonderful A-Clan calls, the family suddenly turned and approached nearby. It was a very relaxed and special viewing with multiple spyhopping, resting on the surface, pectoral slapping and playful interactions between all members. Their calls still being heard via the hydrophone, passengers observed as they grouped together forming a resting line and then began to move very slowly towards Weynton Passage, changing direction to drift with the ebb current through one of the passages of the Plumper Islands (Lulu Island Passage). Stellar sea lions were everywhere in the water swimming and playing and amongst the chaos of them all, the A34’s were seen passing gracefully through the same narrow waterway (of which dozens of Stellar Sea Lions were also navigating their way through) and eventually into the Queen Charlotte Strait.

A34s foraging

Seasmoke reports
We first sighted the A12’s off Weynton Passage as they crossed over to the VI shore in the heavy flood current. A55 was foraging steadily in the current off on his own while A34 and the rest of her offspring were foraging and at times could be seen resting, near to the VI shore; their beautiful A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. They soon began to travel east, crossing over to Cracroft Point and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing as they foraged nearby the boat in the flood current at Blakney Passage. On our way home, when heading back to the west, 7 Transient orcas were also sighted traveling east down the VI shore. They had been identified as the T34’s, T37’s and T72. The sightings of Transient orcas this summer has been few and so it was an afternoon made even more interesting by their appearance in Johnstone Strait.

A12s foraging along Hanson Island shore

Seasmoke reports
Heading out on tour this afternoon passengers were thrilled to see orcas early on in the tour, they were foraging in the flood current near Turn Point in Johnstone Strait and across to the Vancouver Island shore, well spread out. The three A36 boys had been foraging at Blinkhorn for quite some time ahead of our arrival while the A12’s traveled to the west, foraging along the Hanson Island shore. As they made their way closer to Weynton Passage the A12’s worked their way into the heavy current providing some wonderful viewing. They were observed foraging, resting, spyhopping and pectoral and tail slapping was also seen.
We stayed with the A12’s and watched as they made their way slowly into Weynton Passage traveling at just 2 knots against the flood current, the viewing was superb.

A12s still in the area with the A5s and the A24s

Seasmoke reports

The orcas reported in the area today were the A12’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and A24’s. On the morning tour the orcas were in a long resting line, traveling slowly to the east, it was wonderful to watch their synchronized surfacing to expire and inhale. The A12’s, A25’s and A23’s were the pods closest to the boat and were enjoyed by all. The pods were again seen on our afternoon tours, this time they were traveling to the west along the Hanson Island shoreline, the viewing was superb from both vessels and A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone. The orcas made their turn back to the east, crossing towards the Vancouver Island shore. Their activity today included: resting, traveling, foraging, breeching and pectoral and tail slapping.

A12s with A5s and A4s traveling tot the west

Seasmoke reports

The orcas were traveling to the west from the Boat Bay Light, most of them were on the Cracroft Island shore, well spread out and stopping to forage along the way, the A12’s, A8’s, A24’s, A23’s and A25’s. A-Clan vocalizations were heard by passengers on both vessels, passengers on the SV Tuan enjoyed hearing some vocals from the A25’s above the water at one point without the hydrophone being deployed. Some quality viewing was observed of the A25’s. The behaviour today observed of the orcas was varied with tail slapping, pectoral slaps, breeching and half breeches, spyhopping as well some intense foraging, lunge diving and momentary resting.

A12s headed from JS to Queen Charlotte Strait

Seasmoke reports

There were many orcas to be seen in Johnstone Strait this morning, several pods were in transit, the A12’s, A30’s, A8’s and A24’s. Passengers on the morning tour enjoyed some wonderful encounters with the A12’s who headed into Blakney passage and were steadily foraging off Cracroft Point and near to the boat at times as it sat idle and drifting, their sleek bodies were seen as they swam underwater along side the boat, delighting and surprising everyone when they did so. Their A-Clan vocals were heard via the hydrophone. On the afternoon tour, the A12’s were again sighted, this time out in the Queen Charlotte Strait, they were foraging and moving somewhat slowly to the west but not in any rush.

A12s with A4s and A5s in JS

Seasmoke reports:

The pods that were sighted today were the A8’s, A23’s, A25’s, A24’s and the A12’s. They were again well spread out across Johnstone Strait. Traveling, foraging, tail slapping, breaching and spy-hopping socializing behaviour was observed.

A12s in the Ecological Reserve?

Seasmoke reports:
The orcas were reported as being to the far east in Johnstone Strait in the early morning, they were resting near Port Neville and began traveling to the west at a rapid and steady pace. It was on the afternoon tour that we encountered them just west of the Boat Bay Light on the Cracroft Island shore, the A8’s and the A24’s, other pods were further behind in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, foraging and heading west as well.

A12s with A24s and A5s up and down in JS

We have the A12´s, A24´s and all the A5´s in the strait going west again. They do everyday the same, going up and down the strait. Nice to have them around. The A36´s came back from the east last night around 10pm and went out through Blackney this morning at 4am. We hearing very distant calls on CP now. A lot of strange imitation calls today. So sad you cannot hear them. But hopefully soon. Cross your fingers.
Melanie
16 Aug 2008 14:21:04 PDT

A12s in the Bight, going east

We are so sorry that the live audio is still not working.But the internet is still on and off. A short update. The A12´s, all A5´s and the A24´s are in the bight, close to the hydrophone we can hear A12calls. A55, A62, A67 and A83 were a bit far off the others. All going east. We had a report of the A36´s coming up from the east. So maybe they join the others soon. This morning we had the A30´s with the I31´s in Blackfish Sound, after the A30´s went out last night they brought the I31´s back in. But they went already out again to the west.
Melanie
15 Aug 2008 15:42:25 PDT

A12s with A30s, A5s and A4s heading east

Orcalab reports:

Just try to give you an update. Our connection is still on and off. We had the A30s, A36s, A12s and A11s yesterday joining the A5s and A24s in Johnstone Strait. The A36s and A12s went far to the east. Today we have the A12s, A30s, A5s and A24s in the strait, going back and forth. The A11s went out yesterday evening. We saw the new calf of A35 and A64. They looking great. It's so good to see new babys. Now somebody is rubbing without calling. The rest is still in the bight. We had a report that all groups going slowly to the east. Maybe they will pick up the A36s, which were on the way back to the west. Lets see.
Melanie
14 Aug 2008 18:40:25 PDT

A1s all toghether at Malcom Island

Seasmoke reports:

The A36’s were sighted at the top end of Malcolm Island, they were foraging and then turned east with other incoming pods who were also sighted close-by, the A30’s and the A12’s. All pods were moving steadily eastbound.
Spy-hopping, tail slapping and breaching was observed. On the afternoon tour, passengers aboard the SV Tuan were delighted to view the same incoming pods as they headed east from Lizard Point, foraging and resting behavior was observed, some resting calls were heard via the hydrophone.

A12s traveling around in the area

Seasmoke reports:

Today we were sailing with the A12’s who were spread out and foraging at the top end of Johnstone Strait and also into Beaver Cove.
Tail slapping, foraging and two breaches were observed (A55). When A12 and A33 made their way over to the Stephenson Islands, the A34’s followed and they all passed through Weynton Passage.

On the afternoon tour, the A12’s were sighted at the Boat Bay Light. They had traveled back into Johnstone Strait via Blackfish Sound, and were swept through Blackney Passage on the flood current, traveling then into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We encountered them at the light, after they had left the Reserve, heading back to the west, foraging as they went.

A12s west of Lizard Point

Seasmoke reports

When the SV Tuan headed out on tour this afternoon there were reports of orcas heading east at the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve (A30’s, A23’s, A8’s) and orcas heading west, west of Lizard Point (A12’s). We began by heading west but when a report came in that some of the pods had turned back to the west at the east end of the reserve, we headed in that direction. The heavy flood current had us make our way swiftly down Blackfish Sound and we were soon in Johnstone Strait where blows and the dorsal fins of the orcas could be seen heading in our direction. A large dorsal fin was sighted nearby, identified as A38 (oldest surviving son of A30 from the A30 pod). He was separate from his family who were much further east in Johnstone Strait, he was observed foraging intensely, moving back and forth. The A8’s were also foraging steadily along the Cracroft shore, turning back at times to forage then moving west against the flood current, taking long dives. One lucky passenger managed to snap a wonderful photo when one of the orcas spy-hopped, delighting everyone. A few dall’s porpoises were observed to be traveling with the A8’s as they crossed Blakney Passage in the heavy flood current.

A12 all together!

Seasmoke reports:

Shortly after leaving Alder Bay this morning, passengers on both tours were delighted to see
the blows of orcas ahead of them in Johnstone Strait. The orcas were identified as being the A12’s who had traveled the distance back from Chatam Point where they had been sighted around 6.00 p.m. last evening. Initially, A55 was observed to be foraging nearby but soon rejoined his family as they traveled back towards the east, forming a slow moving resting line. Seeing all of the A12’s together, it was a wonderful sight.

On the afternoon tour, the A12’s were inside the Ecological Reserve and were viewed from the boundary initially when A12 and A33 began to move outside of the boundary and passengers onboard M.V. Cetacea enjoyed watching as A33 foraged back and forth.

A12s headed to the east

Multiple pod calls audible.

It seems we're connected again, after being down most of the night. Sorry about that, as it has been very exciting vocally & socially. There has been a lot of movement since yesterday. The groups that were in the east came quickly back to the west in the afternoon & met up with the I15s/I31s, who had spent hours resting in western Johnstone Strait yesterday afternoon before heading into the beaches for an excited rub just before the A11s & co met them around 7pm. The A12s & A36s came back into the Strait via Weynton Pass & headed east just before dark. Most of the groups headed north via Blackney Pass around midnight & then headed back into the Strait around 3am. At the moment, the A30s & I31s are in Blackfish Sound. We think the A12s headed east from Robson Bight around 3am.
Helena
29 Jul 2008 06:18:23 PDT

A12s show up and traveling north

No calls but orcas nearby

Surprise! We've just had the A12s (all of them) travel north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
28 Jul 2008 12:49:34 PDT

A12 and A33 also arrived, save and sound!

Multiple pod calls audible.

A lot has been happening while we were "down". First of all, this morning we have heard the I15s and possibly other G clan members arrive into Johnstone Strait. We are also hearing A1 calls and hopefully soon will sort out who. Yesterday, the A30s continued west toward the A24s and A5s who spent the day in the Lower Johnstone Strait (Nick Templeman report). Then yesterday evening, A12 and A33 travelled through Blackfish Sound,Blackney Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They were first seen by Troy Bright at Berre Point. They looked well and energetic, foraging as they travelled past us. A small minke kept company briefly. Again this morning, we had a group of dolphins who added to the mix.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 08:00:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After passing the Beaches, the I15s, I31s and the A36s turned back to the west. They have now passed CP and are on their way west. The A11s, who were seen earlier have not been yet identified as part of this western run. Meanwhile, the A30s,A5s, A12s and A24s were in the Lower Johnstone Strait where at least some, if not all, went southeast of Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2008 17:15:14 PDT

Orcalab reports: A34s back from the Sopia's

No calls but orcas nearby

We just learned that the A34s are back in these parts and are currently "hanging" out just east of the Sophia islands (east of CP). No reports yet of last night's Queen Charlotte Strait bound, A24s and A5s.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 09:14:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We are listening to the A34s calls on CP hydrophone. They are heading west off CP. Seems like others continued to the east.
Tomoko
25 Jul 2008 12:44:59 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A34s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and continued west along the Hanson Island shore. Meanwhile, the A8s, A2s and the A51s got to Naka Creek and then turned west.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 13:33:37 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s and the A5s (all) came back west from Naka Creek while the A34s sauntered up to Beaver Cove, west of Telegraph Cove. They eventually turned around and began a slow movement back to the east as the A24s and the A5s turned ahead of them and moved into the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 16:31:04 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The rub is finished and the A24s and the A5s are westbound. The A8s are midstrait opposite Critical Point while others are deep into the estuary. We can also hear the A24s and the A34s.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 18:26:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A4s, A5s and the A34s came up even with the entrance of Blackney Pass and now seem to be turning back to theeast once again.
Helena
25 Jul 2008 20:42:44 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After coming in close to Critical Point the A4 and A5 groups seemed to go around the "corner". The A5s have already been to the beaches. The A34s were still west of Critical Point.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 22:36:20 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Sounds like the A4s,A5s and the A34s have moved back toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 21:08:38 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Despite the boat noise in Johnstone Strait the calls have been quite clear at times as they come near the hydrophones. The Cliff" had the A34s, A23s, A8s and A24s pass by and by now the groups are passing CP, some in quite close.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 19:05:26 PDT

No orcas present.

It has been quiet (except for boat noise) since around 1am. We think several of the groups from yesterday (A12s, A5s, at least some A4s) remained in Johnstone Srtrait & were probably headed east by midnight. At least one C group headed north via Blackney Pass around 12:30am. It's a quiet morning here, on & under the water. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Jul 2008 08:01:17 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a busy night moving back and forth through Johnstone Strait, Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound, the A12s eventually ended up off the Rubbing beaches and eastbound from there by 5:55am. Just now, they are returning west off of the Ecological Reserve. We lost track of the A5s around midnight when they were still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 08:57:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It has been interesting trying to figure out all of the movement around the area. It now appears the A11s (including Springer) arrived in the Strait possibly past Alert bay. As they were making their way east, the Cs went past the Cliff to the west, ignoring the A5s, A34s and possibly the A24s (an earlier arrival this afternoon) who continued east to the eastern end of the Reserve. We still have plenty of questions and tracking.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 19:22:26 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Several developments! More orcas have been sighted heading east past Alert Bay; the A4 group that came in via Weynton Pass has made it as far as the rubbing beaches; the A5s & A34s are headed towards the Cracroft side from Robson Bight; and the Cs are westbound again, now off the Sophias.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 18:44:33 PDT

There have been new developments. The A4s are back via Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The A8s and the A23s are westbound to meet them. Currently, they are moving toward Cracroft Point. The A34s are following.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 17:21:44 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The Cs and the A34s are headed to the Ecological Reserve and the whales coming from the east have been identified as the A23s and A28.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 13:52:27 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The Cs just went south through Blackney Pass. They were very spread out but we believe both matrilines (C10s and C6s) were there. They are entering Johnstone Strait now. The A34s headed west past the entrance of Blackney Pass along the Vancouver Island shore earlier. Another group of orcas were also seen heading west at the Broken Islands (lower Johnstone Strait).
Helena
22 Jul 2008 12:21:30 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We are hearing calls from newly arriving orcas on the Flower island hydrophone! Meanwhile, the A34s are westbound on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, around Kaikash.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 10:26:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s made only a brief tour of Blackfish Sound. As the tide turned they have travelled back toward Johnstone Strait. One whale (?A55) has streaked ahead of the others and is already rushing eastward.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 03:13:24 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have travelled through Blackney Pass and are now vocal in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Jul 2008 02:29:12 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the whales are westbound from the Beaches.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 21:42:22 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The orcas are at the Rubbing Beaches.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 20:37:49 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s,A8s and A23s are moving west again opposite the Sophia islands. Meanwhile, yesterday's transient group (T124, T124D, T124E, T90s, T21s) are eastbound in Blackfish Sound not far from Blackney Pass. They took a dalls porpoise a short while ago.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 14:51:17 PDT

Distant calls audible.

THE A12s met up with the A5s (who came up from the east) and immediately formed a social, resting line. They are doing lots of spyhops but almost no calls. Right now, they are mid Robson Bight.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 12:21:46 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Those were the A12s arriving back to Johnstone Strait! Hundreds of dolphins are rushing southward through Blackney at the moment.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 06:26:33 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard the A12s intermittently since early this morning, the last time late this afternoon, when they were in Blackfish Sound, possibly heading "out". We haven't heard A4s & A5s today at all. Alexandra Morton heard "A" calls near Echo Bay yesterday evening, a rare treat for her!
Helena & Paul
13 Nov 2007 23:38:45 PST

12 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Performing maintenance

Our internet connection is still down, though it came back briefly yesterday evening. Meanwhile, we've continued to have the A4s, A5s & A12s nearby. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait, probably to the east of our hydrophone range, though we're not sure. Were enjoying a quiet night here after a huge storm last night, and hope all's well with you all.
Helena & Paul
12 Nov 2007 19:49:25 PST

10 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing A1 & A4 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
10 Nov 2007 03:05:53 PST

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales (A1s, A5s, A4s) are now in Johnstone Strait heading east. The boat noise is improving.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 05:30:23 PST

Boat noise

We've only been hearing boat noise for the past while. We think the orcas have headed east past Robson Bight but aren't sure. The boat noise is interfering with the Critical Point transmitter.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 07:48:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The boat noise has gone & we're hearing calls on the Critical Point hydrophone again. Sounds like the orcas are still in Robson Bight.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 08:13:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

We believe the orcas have travelled back to the west.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 10:24:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s, A8s and A11s have moved through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. There are at least two humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 14:09:23 PST

No orcas present.

We believe that the A12s, A8s and A11s (A11, A56, A13) and A73 (Springer) carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait after 4:30pm.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 17:34:07 PST

05 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Groups are streaming off to the west: First the Rs (they stayed on the Johnstone Strait side going west) and then the A36s with the I15s (who just went north in Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound). An I31 and/ or I11 group is currently approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side. All this and a touch of northeern lights too. We have not heard any A4,A5, A12 or A30 calls yet.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 02:39:11 PDT

03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s ventured into Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass between 5:45 and 6:15am. There they were greeted by the I15s and the A36s who had come west to the entrance of Blackney Pass. They are still not far from this area and still closer to the Vancouver Island side rather than Cracroft.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 08:13:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The I15s and the A12s are off the entrance to Weynton Pass. They are spread out and foraging. A few are pointing in toward Weynton Pass. meanwhile, the A36s are east of these groups, closer to the entrance of Blackney Pass a short while ago. A small group of transients were spotted travelling west along Cracroft Island from Boat Bay, past the Cliff and off toward the Sophia Islands. Busy, busy, busy.....
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:00:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The T10s just came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. They dove when opposite the Lab and we lost track of them. Meanwhile, the A12s and I15s have gone through Weynton Pass and are off the western end of Blackfish Sound. We are waiting to find out if the A36s went with them and to see if the calls of the residents will affect the movements of the transients.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 10:56:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're beginning to hear distant "R" clan calls on the Flower Island hydrophone, as they head quickly towards Johnstone Strait from Queen Charlotte Strait. Begind them are some of the I31s. & meeting them are the A36s, I15s & A12s, who turned back to the west in mid Blackfish a short while ago. This is shaping up to be quite a social day!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 12:47:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It looks like all of R clan has arrived, along with the I11s, so there are now well over 100 orcas heading towards Johnstone Strait. They are stalled at the north end of Weynton Pass, between Stubbs Island & the Plumpers, probably waiting for the ebbing tide to slow or reverse before they head on into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 14:09:41 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Many but not all of the groups are now in Johnstone Strait, heading east. We're listening to very excited "A" & "G-I" calls on the Critical Point hydrophone. It's possible some of the Rs are already in the Strait, but a lot of orcas are still in Weynton Pass, so they probably include most of the Rs. Whichever way you stir it, it's getting to be orca soup in the Strait!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 15:21:48 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And they keep on moving. The Rs and some of the A12s are following the others past CP and on toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 17:46:15 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The R clan calls are now louder on Critical Point and, with the calls of the G and A clan groups, a lovely mix is happening.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:35:04 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

And rubbing too!
Helena
03 Sep 2007 18:40:30 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The Rs have joined the I15s and othersat the beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 19:01:59 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups kept heading to the east in Johnstone Strait after their great session(s) at the rubbing beaches.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 22:15:27 PDT

31 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Where to start? The A30s are currently travelling north through Blackney Pass. Someone is at the beaches rubbing and recently there was distant A5 calls on Critical Point. Earlier the A30s were with the A4s, A5s and A12s off Robson Bight before scattering in different directions east and west.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 01:08:14 PDT


Distant calls audible.

Just after starting a recording because the A30s were reported off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound, we began hearing A5 calls in Johnstone Strait. We suspect this might be the start of the A12, A4, A5 parade from the east.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 10:42:43 PDT

30 August 2007, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT


Orcas near mics.

The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s have begun heading back to the east from CP, possibly to meet up with several groups of orcas coming west. They include at least some of the A4s, A5s, & A12s, who were reported to be heading west from Kelsey Bay around 11am today.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 16:08:51 PDT

Boat noise

Boy this was quick, The A12s,A5s and almost all of the A4s (only the small A11 group has not been accounted for so far) moved quickly to the west. The A30s doubled backed while the groups came "in" but now may also be westbound.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 17:50:56 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

Bight Party: A30s, A4s,A5s,?A12s
Helena
30 Aug 2007 20:43:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Bight party continues!
Helena
30 Aug 2007 21:26:57 PDT

28 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Getting even closer to Critical Point. The I31s need to be added to the list. No one left, the A36s came in. The wind has dropped (quite windy today),however, the rain continues.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 19:04:54 PDT

No orcas present.

And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT

27 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard no calls overnight & think the various groups of orcas in the Strait yesterday are probably somewhere to the east of us (though we're not sure).
Helena
27 Aug 2007 07:17:01 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A radio report of a small group of orcas heading west off Naka Creek about 40' ago suggests that at least one of the groups that has been in the east is returning to our area. We are listening.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 10:39:35 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We're listening to close calls from the I31s, I15s & A12s as they arrive in Robson Bight on their way to the west. A short while ago some of them went into the Main rubbing beach briefly.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 12:38:59 PDT

Orcas near mics.

An A5 group is passing CP, following after the I31s, A12s. The I15s and A36s are further away but also moving westward.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 14:19:29 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Since the last post: We think now that the I15s left via Weynton Pass at the time all the groups were opposite Telegraph Cove around 5pm. The I33s, A36s, A12s and A5s all then went back to the east. The A36s stalled off of the entrance of Blackney and eventually came north through the Pass. They were moving very quickly. The rest continued eastward and are now off Robson Bight.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:10:08 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Hmm... Just when we thought the whales were staging, getting ready to go past Critical Point, they stayed put. AND then the I15s turned up again so perhaps it was all about waiting for the I15s to catch up. Probably they didn't go out afterall. Will they go east now?
Helena
27 Aug 2007 21:55:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Sounds like they may be going to the east afterall.
Helena
27 Aug 2007 22:27:55 PDT

24 August, Orcalab reports:


No calls but orcas nearby

The day just gets busier. A group of transient (T46s +) who were first seen about an hour ago in Weynton Pass have turned up off cracroft Point heading east. Meanwhile, it appears that the A30s have picked up the rest of the I31s and are headed back east in Queen Charlotte Strait. The A36s never went as far as the A30s in Queen Charlotte Strait have been in range from time to time. And finally (?) the A12s who must have gone east and not followed the big group out to the west two nights ago, are on their way west in Johnstone Strait and have past the Eve River.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 13:39:19 PDT

22 August 2007, Orcalab reports:


Orcas near mics.

We are once again hearing A1 calls approaching Robson Bight.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 07:19:59 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

In addition to the A1 calls (?A12s) we are hearing A4s as well. The whales are westbound once again, not quite up to the area opposite Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:17:45 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is starting to sound like everyone is beginning to file back from the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:33:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The various groups have all turned (I15s off CP, others off Big Bay) and are headed back to the east again.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 10:58:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT

21 August 2007, Orcalab reports:


Orcas near mics.

The I33s and most likely soon the I15s have arrived back in the area adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. The A30s turned when between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn and are headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they have stopped to forage. A bit of a surprise, the A12s are reported to be east bound at Camp Point (as of 12pm) travelling with the A35s and the A24s. Other groups were also headed east headed toward Camp Point. This means that the A12s got back to the Strait sometime last night, possibly when the other groups were so excited when off the entrance of Blackney Pass. We never heard A12 calls so their entrance was a quiet one.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 12:50:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and the I33s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are continuing west along the Hanson Island shore. Part of the slick has touched shore along the Johnstone Strait side of Hanson Island and these two groups just swam through a lot of it. Further east, headed for Chatham Point, are the surprising A12s, A4s (all) & A5s (all). The sun is out now and although the last of the afternoon burst, the temperature on the water will apparently help evaporate some of the spilled fuel. Fingers still crossed.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 14:41:11 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s are at the rubbing beaches and the I33s are probably not far behind. We are also, and have been hearing A1 calls in Johnstone Strait. This was occuring while the A30s were in Blackfish Sound. With the A12s reported to the far east we are left wondering what is happening. Stay tuned, hopefully it will become clearer.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 18:42:45 PDT

20 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The I15s (and maybe I33s) went north through Blackney Pass. When they got into Blackfish sound, we heard A1 calls with them. Did the A12s come down to pick them up? The A30s are still somewhere near the bight.
Tomoko
20 Aug 2007 02:46:57 PDT

No orcas present.

It was a busy night! After the I15s,A30s, and I33s arrived in Robson Bight and did all that beautiful calling, they stalled off the Ecological Reserve for a while. In the end, the I15s and the I33s peeled away from the A30s and headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass around 12:30am. The I15s and the I33s travelled through Blackney Pass to the north, (they cleared Blackney Pass by 1:30am) leaving the A30s heading further east in the Strait. The last I15/I33 in Blackfish Sound calls were at 2:07am. We also heard a few distant surprise A1 calls in Blackfish Sound. There had beena few A12 like calls in the Strait earlier and we will review these and the A1 calls in Blackfish Sound to see if any of the A12s came back "up" the Strait and out with the I15s/I33s. If so, perhaps that was what all the waiitng off the Reserve was about between 12 and 1 am. The last A30 calls were at 3:13am.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 07:32:58 PDT

Distant calls audible.

After a radio report of a group of 15 plus just entering Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass we began to hear, through the horrific boat noise, a few distant I15 calls. They may still have the I33s with them. We may also be hearing As.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:00:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

A lot has been happening. The A12s came up from the east, met up with the I15s off of CP, turned and went back toward Vancouver Island BUT then the A12s pulled away and headed off to the west along Hanson Island. The I15s and the I33s continued toward Robson Bight.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 11:45:17 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

At 11:50am a barge loaded with equipment tipped over in Robson Bight spilling its load of equipment into the water near Critical Point. The authorities are on scene assessing the damage. The I15s and the I33s were close when this happened. They grouped up and headed off to the east. We have heard some of their calls (and recently rubs) on the rubbing beach system since. The A12s, at about 12:20pm, turned around off Turn Point and are now eastbound off Hanson Island.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 12:51:40 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s just travelled north through Blackney Pass into Blackfish Sound. They have just become vocal. The I15s and the I33s continued east.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 14:48:21 PDT

No orcas present.

This is one time I am happy to report that there are no whales calling. The A12s,as far as we know continued west and the I15s and the I33s continued east. There are a lot of whales in the general area and this has to be a concern. The oil slick is growing and the news so far is very troublesome. We will try to keep you updated as information comes in.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 17:11:55 PDT

18 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Nap time might be over. The I15s are vocal on CP so they must be moving back to the west. The A12s are coming in from the west but it is still a bit early to tell which route they will choose. Earlier, the nap seemed to end with a few A4 calls.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 15:03:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After the boat noise (more cruise ships) was over we began hearing A1 & A4 calls at the rubbing beaches! We're not sure, but the A30s may have returned from their (fast) trip to the east. Possibly, the A4 calls at the beaches are from the A11s. Meanwhile, the I15s, I33s, A5s & A12s are slowly making their way east in the Strait... we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 18:42:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Since the last post: The A30s and the A11s (A11,A56, A13 and A73) travelled to the west from the Bight and showed up off CP around 7:40pm. There they joined the BIG group (the I15s, the rest of the A4s, the A5s, the I33s and the newly arrived back A12s) in a BIG mix-up. Eventually, despite the ebbing tide, they all moved over to the Vancouver Island side and continued east. They are approaching Robson Bight right now. Thanks to everyone for all the reports today; Nick for keeping track of the A30s and A11s, Marie on the "Cliff" for keeping track of movements east of CP, Paul Tixier for watching from CP, and the whale watch boats for keeping everyone up-to-date throughout the day. It may be a busy night!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 21:34:25 PDT

16 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT

15 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We heard a close and intense bout of A12 calls off Cracroft Point at 4:10am. These calls became distant and ended at 5:30am. It's likely that the calls were from the A34s going back into Johnstone Strait and then heading east, though we're not sure, as A12 & A33 were in the Strait yesterday, independently of the A34s.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 07:03:03 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

There has been quite a bit of movement. The I15s, A4s, I31s (I33s at least) and A12s moved west in the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass while the A30s have moved around in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:45:57 PDT


Superb sounds!!

The I15s zipped through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This left the A4s in Johnstone Strait and most likely (until we hear differently) the A12s, I33s as well. The A30s were last heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:43:24 PDT

14 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We last heard the I15s (briefly) at the rubbing beaches around 2:30am. They were heading east, along with the I31s & A12s. It's a lovely & calm sunny morning here. We are waiting.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 07:53:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and the I33s (not all of the I31s were seen today) are in the midst of an afternoon nap, drifting eastward past the Ecological Reserve. The A36s and the A34s stalled off of Lizard Point and spent most of the day foraging.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:38:38 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A34s and the A36s are now moving. They are at Donegal Head and have yet to decide on Weynton Pass or Blackfish Sound. Just a few calls.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 18:53:29 PDT

No orcas present.

The A36s and the A34s faded away perhaps back into Queen Charlotte Strait. They had been quite vocal at the "top" end of Blackfish Sound and for a while it sounded like they might venture in. BUT....???
Helena
14 Aug 2007 22:38:07 PDT

13 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Calls from the I31s,I15s, A4s and A5s gradually faded away until just after 1am. We had the impression these groups were westbound at that time and may have left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. This morning, after 6am, we have heard (briefly so far) a group come up to Critical Point. We have yet to determine who is there but last night we had lost track of the A30s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 06:52:16 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

I had forgotten that we also had lost track of A12 and A33 and here they are, travelling north through Blackney Pass quickly!
Helena
13 Aug 2007 08:15:02 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

A12 and A33 just rushed south through Blackney Pass. They were located this morning east of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. We have just learned that a couple of whales have been spotted entering the east end of the Reserve heading west. Also, from "below" the A30s, A11s, and some of the A5s are eastbound, heading toward bear Point. Apparently they spent 2 hours off of Camp Point waiting for the tide to turn to flood.. There has been no sighting of the rest of the A12s (the A34s so far today - they left yesterday via Blackfish Sound.)
Helena
13 Aug 2007 13:50:22 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The group off the eastern end turned out to be the I15s. They went in for a brief rub and presumably kept going west. A12 and A33 are headed toward them and they are calling now. We are having to rethink our impression about what happened last night: instead of going west the A5s, A4s went east with the A30s. The I15s followed suit. Our remaining question, and perhaps it will onn be answered, is what happened to the I31s? The was a reoort this morning of a group of 9 -12 off of Bold Head. We heard no calls and they disappeared into the fog before any boats were out.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:14:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

A12 and A33 apparently stalled off of Cracroft Point after getting into Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 14:48:57 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A busy night! Shooting stars, excited whales. The I15s and the I31s went through Weynton Pass earlier and met up with the A34s. A12 ansd A33 had rushed up to Blackfish earlier as well but they returned back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass on their own. They continued east and have recently passed Critical Point. Meanwhile, the I15s and Co, after a deep rest off the western end of Blackfish Sound, began to move east into Blackney Pass with the A34s and possibly others. There are a lot of blows going through the Pass. The lead groups are about to enter Johnstone Strait.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 23:22:28 PDT

12 August 2007, Orcalab reports:


Multiple pod calls audible.

It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT

Boat noise

The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT

10 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

At 2:15am whales, starting with the A30s and followed by A5s and A4s, rounded the corner at Critical Point, to the Robson Bight area. They have basically stalled in the general area east of Cracroft Point and the Ecological Reserve since then. The calls have been at times quite lovely and continuous. We have not yet so far heard A12s but the A11s may have come back.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 06:19:25 PDT

09 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

It was the A12s who turned up off Critical Point. Can the A4s and the A5s be far behind?
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:31:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are converging at the eastern end of Hanson Island in Johnstone Strait. The A12s, A4s andA5sall came up from the east and headed to Cracroft Point. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s, after turning around off Blinkhorn, headed east along the Hanson Island side. Right now the A30s and the I11s are quiet (and have been so for a while after the turn) and the A12s, A5s and A4s are sproadically vocal.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 10:39:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and the I11s have "merged" with the A25s and the A23s off of CP while the A12s cross over toward the Bight from the Sophias. So far we have not actually heard any A4s and Nick Templeman reports that the A8s and the A11s (? all of them) stayed east last night and are not far from Rock Point (Chatham Point area.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 11:14:19 PDT

Boat noise

This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT

07 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Early this morning, the A12s continued west in Johnstone Strait and turned into Blackney Pass. By 2:30am they were heading through Blackfish Sound. It was unclear whether the A24s stayed with the A12s. We last heard their calls around 11:30pm when they were still in the Strait. The A30s were ahead of both these groups having entered Blackfish Sound by 10:30pm. The A36s are most likely still east in Johnstone Strait. This morning whales were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 6am.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 08:02:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just turned up, almost exactly where they left off 12 hours ago! They are travelling south through Blackney Pass at the moment. We cannot see them because of the thick fog but we can hear their calls and blows. The A12s AND the A24s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Donegal Head (east end of Malcolm Island).
Helena
07 Aug 2007 11:32:47 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s and the A24s continued east once in johnstone strait. They came in via Weynton Pass. The A30s took themselves off to the rubbing beaches. When finished there they returned west, first to Robson Bight, and then further where they connected with A12 and A33 (the A34s and the A24s were pretty preoccupied with each other all day long). The A30s then continued west and are currently between Bauza and Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) on the Vancouver Island side. The A12s and Co are off the Ecological Reserve heading east. There was a rumour that the little R7 group might be tucked in with the A24s and the A34s. An interesting note was when the A12s and the A24s came into the Strait the A24s did most of the talking west of Cracroft Point and then when the groups were east of Cracroft Point the A12s were most vocal.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 18:22:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are back at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The A36s at 7:30pm were westbound at Ripple Point (still very far east) and the A12s and the A24s most likely continued east from the rubing beaches.
helena
07 Aug 2007 21:19:12 PDT

06 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A rather interesting development. Possibly both the A12s and the A24s have made it back to Robson Bight from the east while the A30s may have ended up in Blackfish Sound. The tracking continues to be difficult as the whales are creating large gaps between calling bouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 23:24:39 PDT

05 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Early this morning there were A4 calls (?A24s) in Johnstone Strait. Tracking was difficult thanks to the boat noise and the distant nature of the calls. We did not hear the A12s or A36s once they disappeared to the west yesterday evening. No word about the A30s who most likely are still to the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 07:52:50 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the A12s and the A36s make their way east out of Queen Charlotte Strait we began to hear a few rubs at the main beach in the Ecological Reserve. No calls yet so we are not sure if it is the A30s or the A24s or both coming from the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 15:21:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It turned out to be the A24s who was rubbing just after 3pm. Now they are heading west, we just started picking up their calls on CP hydrophone. The A12s came into the Strait through Weynton Pass, going east.
Tomoko
05 Aug 2007 18:11:52 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Here is what has been happening today. The A24s came up from the east and headed west. The a12s travelled eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait with the A36s, however, only the A12s went through Weynton Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They then travelled east. After going west the A24s turned in time to join the A34s and head east together. As they were so engaged, the A36s, decided to finally come all the way through Blackney Pass and enter Johnstone Strait. This was about 6:30 pm. Some of the whales are now going through the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 20:37:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a long and wonderful rub the A12s and the A24s headed back west to Robson Bight. The A36s may still be nearby. The ebbing tide might encourage a bigger move west. At 4:30pm, Nic Templeman reported that the A30s were westbound off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 22:55:53 PDT

04 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s headed north through Blackney Pass. We are not sure if the A24s were with them.
Tomoko
04 Aug 2007 03:00:59 PDT

No orcas present.

Last night the A36s were heard accompanying the A12s to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A12s definitely went through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound and it is possible the A36s were still with them. The story is less clear for the A24s as their calls ended for us much earlier while they were still in Johnstone Strait so they too may or may not have continued with the A12s to the west. For us, the A1 calls faded just before 3am when they became distant in Blackfish Sound. We will see what develops this morning.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 07:39:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The a12s are on their way back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass while the A36s (yes, they must have gone west with the A12s earlier) are foraging at the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 10:12:34 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 11:20:32 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s did the unusual move of not heading east once in the Strait. Instead they went west and are near Beaver Cove (west of Telegraph Cove). The A36s are still off the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 13:11:55 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s moved toward Robson Bight and the beaches beyond. All of the group did not have a rub as they most likely were spread out across the Strait as they went east. We have not heard the A36s in Blackfish Sound for quite a while.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 17:59:58 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have returned west to the Robson Bight area. The A36s are apparently still in Blackfish Sound, still foraging off the very western end.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 19:06:44 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s are travelling (but also foraging) north through Blackney Pass. Just before they entered, the A36s dropped down closer to Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound BUT did not come into view.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 21:28:37 PDT

03 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have gone in for a rub. The A24s and hte A12s are hurrying up from the east and have now passed St Vicents Bight. The A36s are still to the west.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 17:17:20 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s finally made it to Johnstone Strait BUT they went through Weynton Pass and NOT past us. We have yet to see them in the daytime. They are headed east. The A12s have also made back to these parts and are currently headed west past Critical Point. Sooooo?... where are the A30s? They were at the beaches just a while ago. AND where are the A24s. Perhaps these questions will be answered soon.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 20:33:13 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A24s have arrived back from the east and have rejoined the A12s and the A36s off of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 22:50:43 PDT

02 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, who have been moving around Johnstone Strait since 3am, are eastbound once again toward Robson Bight. We have not heard the A36s, who earlier flirted twice with coming into Blackney Pass, since around 6am. No word on the A24s, Rs or A12s so far this morning.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 09:44:03 PDT

No orcas present.

It is always interesting being around the residents. Last night, there was an exchange. The A24s and the R7s went off with the waiting A36 brothers. They have been spotted in Queen Charlotte Strait by Seasmoke Charters this morning. This all happened without any noticeable acoustic exchanges. This left the A30s to turn eastward by themselves. As they move further east there has been a report of a group (?the A12s) moving westward from Camp Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 12:38:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At least the A30s just travelled north through Blackney Pass, perhaps to visit with the entrenched A36s in Blackfish Sound. We have lost track of the A24s since their turn at the beaches earlier. The A12s have not yet showed up from the east either. Time will tell.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 22:44:34 PDT

01 August Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Another quiet night. We believe the A24s continued east past the Ecological Reserve and that the A30s continued west through Queen Charlotte Strait. The A12s should still be to the east. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 08:36:21 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The orcas are at the rubbing beach after calling beautifully off Critical Point. The A12s were last reported still in the vicinity of Nodales Channel this evening.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 20:24:25 PDT

30 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

While the A12s and company make their way through Queen Charlotte Strait slowly, the A24s have returned to the Bight from the east and are making their way westward. The A30s were reported in Frederick Arm (eastern Johnstone Strait) this morning. The night was uneventful.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 12:08:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s came back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. a33 led the way, followed by A12 and even furhter behind, A55. The A34s porpoised their way through after the others. When they got into the Strait we could here the distant A24s answering the A12 calls.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 15:25:12 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s and the A24s have continued east in Johnstone Strait after someone (there were no calls) went in for a brief rub. The Lukwa reported that A12 and A33 were well ahead of the A24s and the A34s who were being slowed down by a group of dolphins who were travelling with them eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 20:28:16 PDT

29 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Hmmm.... we just had the A5s and the A12s go through Blackney pass in very mixed fashion. They have headed east and may have been joined by the A36s.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 12:12:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

There are A4 call in the mix as well. There is a small group reported at Blinkhorn and we wonder if the A35s are there. The others got as far as the Bight and turned back to the west. A30s were seen earlier this morning off Port Neville (east of here) with possibly the A24s.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 13:39:12 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the A36s merged with the A35s (who had been sitting off Blinkhorn before moving east to Kaikash Creek) the whales crossed over to the entrance oF Blackney Pass and for a while everyone went west. Behind them the A12s and the A5s were moving west as well. After reaching the entrance to Blackney Pass they all looked like they were going to head back east but they then stalled. Although drifting and changing direction they have been very vocal. Word has reached us that there are other groups in Queen Charlotte Strait heading this direction. Despite the constant boat noise the calls have been constant and clear, everyone chatting at once.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 15:50:25 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After shuffling back and forth in Johnstone Strait all the groups (the A5s, A35s and the A12s) finally left via Blackney Pass on the ebb. Prior to this,the A36s left the strait via Weynton Pass and headed to Blackfish Sound where they acoustically interacted with the small A11 group (including Springer) as they made their way through Blackfish Sound toward Blackney Pass. The a36s continued west by themselves. Just after the A11s came into our view we became aware of the whales exiting Johnstone Strait. The A11s turned and led everyone away into Blackfish Sound. There were not many calls during all of this. way. The A30s apparently continued eastward to Nodales Channel. We do not know where the A24s are at the moment.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 20:22:42 PDT

25 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We have fixed our internet problem and so can once again post comments. The morning before last the A36s came back to the area. They travelled through Blackney Pass and on to eastern Johnstone Strait. Following several hours behind were the A24s. Prior to these visits, we had the C10s, C6s and D7s pass through. They followed (by a day or so) the A12s, A11s, A35s, A43s and A51s back out past Port Hardy. All in all it has been busy but with considerable gaps in the action around these parts.
Helena & Paul
25 Jul 2007 13:51:12 PDT

21 July 2007, Orcalab reports

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Just now, the A5s are at the rubbing beaches, where they've been for the past hour. The A11s are headed east in Johnstone Strait towards the Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight, & the rest of the A4s are in Blackfish Sound, heading towards the Strait. Also in the Strait today are the A12s, though we're not sure where they are at the moment. Much further to the east are the Cs (both C6s & C10s) and probably all the Ds. Things orca have certainly become much more summerlike in the last day! The weather is quite different - rainy & cool, and a welcome change for our parched forest & garden.
Paul & Helena
21 Jul 2007 19:01:03 PDT

19 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A12s went North through Blackney pass. Their calls are getting distant on FI hydrophone.
Tomoko
19 Jul 2007 02:39:07 PDT

18 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Boat noise

Today the whales (the a12s) have spent the day in the eastern parts of johnstone Strait. At 1:30pm the Naiad Explorer reported that they had turned west off Camp Point.
Helena
18 Jul 2007 16:29:35 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A12s have made it as far west as the rubbing beaches.
Helena
18 Jul 2007 22:13:19 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Still travelling west through the Ecological Reserve, the A12s are passing Critical Point. They sound like they may be a bit spread out as they travel west.
Helena
18 Jul 2007 22:58:21 PDT

17 Juli 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Good morning! We think the A12s returned to johnstone Strait this morning. For the moment, the calls have dropped off after someone passed closely to Cracroft Point.
Helena
17 Jul 2007 05:17:55 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A12s continued to the east after entering the Strait. we are listening to their echoey calls in the Bight.
Tomoko
17 Jul 2007 06:34:09 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It has been a busy day with the A12s using Johnstone this morning, then leaving via Weynton Pass for Queen Charlotte Strait, then eventually returning via Weynton Pass once more this evening and now full circle on the day, heading east past Critical Point.
Helena
17 Jul 2007 23:37:02 PDT

16 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Since about 3am we have been listening to the A12s travel back into the area via Blackfish Sound, Blackney Pass and then Johnstone Strait.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 06:39:39 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A12s rounded Critical Point ashort while ago andare now at the beaches.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 07:50:20 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s turned around to the west shortly after passing the rubbing beaches. They are somewhat spread out, shore to shore, with the majority on the Vancouver Island side, inside the Reserve. There are also humpbacks and dolphins in the same vicinity.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 11:40:31 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A12s have continued to move westward. They crossed to the Hanson island side and are currently approaching the Weynton Pass area.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 15:00:42 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s turned a short while ago and are now eastbound in the Strait.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 15:56:14 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are continuing eastward.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 16:59:41 PDT

Boat noise

After passing Critical Point the A12s went to the Main rubbing beach for a short session.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 19:05:53 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are back to Critical Point.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 19:15:19 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s are heading into Blackfish Sound from Blackney Pass, on a swiftly ebbing tide, calling as they go.
Helena
16 Jul 2007 21:53:08 PDT

15 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

All is pretty quiet so far today. Most likely the groups that were here yesterday (the A12s, A11s, A73 and A8s) were spotted in Goletas Channel heading west this morning. They left this area early evening via Blackney Pass. A few dolphins and humpbacks remain in the area.
Helena
15 Jul 2007 13:50:51 PDT

No orcas present.

A little update. Apparently yesterday's groups stalled, turned and are headed east ythrough Goletas. Thanks to MacKay Whale Watch.
Helena
15 Jul 2007 13:56:25 PDT

14 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The 5 year Springer Reunion is in progress in Telegraph Cove and there are a lot of fingers crossed that she and her family and friends will come back from eastern Johnstone Strait by this afternoon. All was quiet over night (except boat noise, of course) and so we believe they are still east. Yesterday, T14 went through the area generating some excitment.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:03:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Guess what? The whales have returned from the east no sooner than the last post. They are off Robson Bight heading west. Sweet guys they let us sleep!
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:16:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Today was rather wonderful. The Springer Reunion was scheduled to go out on their whale watch, thanks to Stubbs Island, at 2pm. just before the hour struck the A12s led the march up the Strait to just shy of Telegraph Cove. The A11s with Springer were in the rear. A short while later the whales turned and proceded back to the east. They are passing through the Ecological Reserve at the moment. The A8s were travelling with the A35s closer to the Cracroft Island side while the A12s were midstrait and the A11s closer to the Vancouver Island side and now in the lead.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 16:53:59 PDT

12 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Just a little over an hour ago we awoke to R clan calls in Blackfish Sound. As these calls grew more distant blows were heard in Blackney pass heading south. When the blows went around the "corner" and into Johnstone Strait we began to hear A4s and A12s and so far no further R clan calls. The whales are headed east in the Strait.
Helena


Orcas near mics.

Still no more Rs but there are now also A5 calls in with the A12s and A4s.
Helena
12 Jul 2007 04:43:35 PDT

23 June 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

Very exciting! The resident season has started - the A12s have returned. Currently, they westbound off the western boundary of Blackfish Sound. So far they have been totally silent except for a bit of echo location.
Helena
23 Jun 2007 13:20:44 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Finally, we have heard our first call! The A12s have moved back to Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. This morning they were apparently seen at 6:30am off lizard point when they were making their way into the area. This is the first call we have heard since they got "home".
Helena
23 Jun 2007 15:38:48 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s have become slightly more vocal as they move in closer to Robson Bight. They may be a bit spread out. The tide is now flooding and the southeaster has calmed down.
Helena
23 Jun 2007 18:37:07 PDT

Orcas near mics.

After a break we are again hearing the A12s close to Critical Point in Robson Bight.
Helena
23 Jun 2007 20:09:05 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It seems like the A12s are moving back to the west in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
23 Jun 2007 21:23:18 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Round and round they go where they... The A12s went north through Blackney Pass for the 2nd time today and are once again in Blackfish Sound, only this time they are very vocal!
Helena
23 Jun 2007 22:26:52 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A12s are moving very fast through Blackfish Sound. Their calls are rapidly growing more distant.
Helena
23 Jun 2007 22:36:08 PDT