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
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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
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
Friday, June 19, 2009
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
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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
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
Friday, September 12, 2008
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.
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
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
Monday, September 08, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 05, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 25, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 18, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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
Melanie
16 Aug 2008 14:21:04 PDT
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