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.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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
Friday, August 15, 2008
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
Melanie
15 Aug 2008 15:42:25 PDT
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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
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
Monday, July 28, 2008
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
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
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 25, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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
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
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
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
Helena
23 Jul 2008 08:01:17 PDT
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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
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
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
Helena
22 Jul 2008 18:44:33 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
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
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
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
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
Helena
22 Jul 2008 02:29:12 PDT
Monday, July 21, 2008
Orcas near mics.
Sounds like the whales are westbound from the Beaches.
Helena
21 Jul 2008 21:42:22 PDT
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
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
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
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
Helena
21 Jul 2008 06:26:33 PDT
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