No orcas present.
We were not aware of any calls during the night so we will wait for the daytime reports. It will be interesting to see where A12 and the A36s are this morning.
Helena
06 Jul 2010 08:09:54 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are hearing A1 calls off of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
06 Jul 2010 10:33:41 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s and A12 apparently turned back to the east after Boat Bay (10:30am) and they have now passed the Broken Islands and still heading east. Aaron's repot to Marie at the Cliff).
Helena
06 Jul 2010 15:06:43 PDT
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
No orcas present.
No sign of A12 and the A36s yet this morning BUT orcas have been sighted in Nodales Channel (report from Hurricane Jack) so possibly this will turn out to be A12 and the brothers. A humpback passed by the Lab yesterday evening fairly close to the Lab in the fading light.
Helena
05 Jul 2010 10:50:00 PDT
No orcas present.
I thought to post Aaron's report on this side for the record. Thanks Aaaron so very much! "1pm, left the 3 whales @ Hall Pt. @ the N tip of Sonora Island, well spread out, happily foraging this way then that, close to the shore in calm glittering waters, possibly in Frederick Arm by now. No vocals that I could hear, just clicks. The tide is beginning to turn and they will likely swim back out to the W. with it. " Aaron@sonora@sonora
Helena
05 Jul 2010 15:25:08 PDT
No sign of A12 and the A36s yet this morning BUT orcas have been sighted in Nodales Channel (report from Hurricane Jack) so possibly this will turn out to be A12 and the brothers. A humpback passed by the Lab yesterday evening fairly close to the Lab in the fading light.
Helena
05 Jul 2010 10:50:00 PDT
No orcas present.
I thought to post Aaron's report on this side for the record. Thanks Aaaron so very much! "1pm, left the 3 whales @ Hall Pt. @ the N tip of Sonora Island, well spread out, happily foraging this way then that, close to the shore in calm glittering waters, possibly in Frederick Arm by now. No vocals that I could hear, just clicks. The tide is beginning to turn and they will likely swim back out to the W. with it. " Aaron@sonora@sonora
Helena
05 Jul 2010 15:25:08 PDT
Sunday, July 04, 2010
A12s and A36s
Orcas near mics.
Good Morning! Sounds like the A36s ( and ? A12) are once again in Blackfish Sound. Wet and foggy this morning.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 05:03:47 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 cleared into Blackfish Sound at 3:05pm afterforaging for quite a while off of Big Bay in Johnstone Strait. A humpback and minke whale in Blackney Pass complimented another full day today.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 15:33:18 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and most likely A12 are back in Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks have been in Blackney Pass the entire day. Just now, one fellow was heading north through the Pass.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 21:23:45 PDT
Good Morning! Sounds like the A36s ( and ? A12) are once again in Blackfish Sound. Wet and foggy this morning.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 05:03:47 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A36s with A12 cleared into Blackfish Sound at 3:05pm afterforaging for quite a while off of Big Bay in Johnstone Strait. A humpback and minke whale in Blackney Pass complimented another full day today.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 15:33:18 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A36s and most likely A12 are back in Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks have been in Blackney Pass the entire day. Just now, one fellow was heading north through the Pass.
Helena
04 Jul 2010 21:23:45 PDT
Saturday, July 03, 2010
A12 is back with the 2 brothers A36s
No calls but orcas nearby
The dolphins have all gone through to Johnstone Strait. meanwhile, the orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait have been identified as A37, A46 (the remaining two brothers of the A36s) and A12. They are till lingering off of Lizard Point. No direction home yet. Still west of Blackfish Sound and out of range. Jared Towers supplied the identification.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 11:19:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s, with A12, are reported to be heading east in Blackfish Sound. They are silent, but there's a good chance we'll see them soon!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 15:08:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, with A12, are just now entering Johnstone Strait. They called before entry - so great to hear them again!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 16:47:09 PDT
Superb sounds!!
These lovely calls are from the two A36 brothers as they near Robson Bight. A12 led the brothers into Johnstone Strait at 4:41pm. We have heard her only briefly so far.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 18:58:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Yes! They got to the beaches! First rub of the season.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 19:39:38 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
And now back to Robson Bight!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 20:20:14 PDT
The dolphins have all gone through to Johnstone Strait. meanwhile, the orcas in Queen Charlotte Strait have been identified as A37, A46 (the remaining two brothers of the A36s) and A12. They are till lingering off of Lizard Point. No direction home yet. Still west of Blackfish Sound and out of range. Jared Towers supplied the identification.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 11:19:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s, with A12, are reported to be heading east in Blackfish Sound. They are silent, but there's a good chance we'll see them soon!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 15:08:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A36s, with A12, are just now entering Johnstone Strait. They called before entry - so great to hear them again!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 16:47:09 PDT
Superb sounds!!
These lovely calls are from the two A36 brothers as they near Robson Bight. A12 led the brothers into Johnstone Strait at 4:41pm. We have heard her only briefly so far.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 18:58:34 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Yes! They got to the beaches! First rub of the season.
Helena
03 Jul 2010 19:39:38 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
And now back to Robson Bight!
Helena
03 Jul 2010 20:20:14 PDT
Friday, January 15, 2010
A5 and I31s
Superb sounds!!
Hi everyone!, just had to say this was good even though the calls are fairly distant because it is so lovely to have this winter visit from the A5s and I31s. This morning,just after 11am we started to hear calls and we have been recording ever since while we did some repairs on the system. We should be streaming now so enjoy the sounds!
Helena
15 Jan 2010 15:02:30 PST
Superb sounds!!
The Calls from the I31s and A5s are louder now and still quite frequent. The computer coughed up a security check and so the streaming was interrupted. Would you know it? I just checked and we are streaming now.
Helena
15 Jan 2010 17:45:51 PST
Hi everyone!, just had to say this was good even though the calls are fairly distant because it is so lovely to have this winter visit from the A5s and I31s. This morning,just after 11am we started to hear calls and we have been recording ever since while we did some repairs on the system. We should be streaming now so enjoy the sounds!
Helena
15 Jan 2010 15:02:30 PST
Superb sounds!!
The Calls from the I31s and A5s are louder now and still quite frequent. The computer coughed up a security check and so the streaming was interrupted. Would you know it? I just checked and we are streaming now.
Helena
15 Jan 2010 17:45:51 PST
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
A and G calls
No calls but orcas nearby
Yesterday morning, just after it became light, Troy heard "A" and "G" clan calls in Blackney Pass. He wasn't sure what happened to them, but it's exciting to know that we've already had northern resident visitors in 2010!
Paul & Helena
05 Jan 2010 10:05:08 PST
Yesterday morning, just after it became light, Troy heard "A" and "G" clan calls in Blackney Pass. He wasn't sure what happened to them, but it's exciting to know that we've already had northern resident visitors in 2010!
Paul & Helena
05 Jan 2010 10:05:08 PST
Saturday, January 02, 2010
A12 still with the A36s
Happy New Year everyone, I believe this community would be interested to know that the A36s were in front of our Lab on New Years eve and A12 was with them. It was awesome to see her still traveling with the boys. Best wishes, Hermann&Janie
Cetacealab@Gil Island
02 Jan 2010 08:41:55 PST
Cetacealab@Gil Island
02 Jan 2010 08:41:55 PST
Friday, December 04, 2009
A12 hanging out with the A36s
No calls but orcas nearby
Heard great news from Jared Towers tonight! He saw A12 with the A36s near Scarlett Point today. This is not far from Port Hardy. Perhaps, just maybe they will be kind enough to "drop down" our way in the near future. So amazing to think this bond between these whales has lasted so long.
Helena
04 Dec 2009 22:27:18 PST
Heard great news from Jared Towers tonight! He saw A12 with the A36s near Scarlett Point today. This is not far from Port Hardy. Perhaps, just maybe they will be kind enough to "drop down" our way in the near future. So amazing to think this bond between these whales has lasted so long.
Helena
04 Dec 2009 22:27:18 PST
Saturday, August 29, 2009
She came home
At 68 years of age, the matriarch A12 (Scimitar) is one of two oldest female orcas in British Columbia’s Northern Resident community. Recently, with the death of her 38 year old son Nimpkish, who had been Scimitar’s constant companion for many years, she has provided us with a perfect example of the glue the binds orca society together.
Scimitar’s name reflects the shape of her dorsal fin, which makes her easy to identify at a glance. Her family, “the A12s” has been well known to orca watchers since the 1970s, when Scimitar was accompanied by a young family of three - two sons, one already an adult (A31, Pulteney, b. 1959) another still a youngster (A33, Nimpkish, b. 1971), and a female baby (A34, Simoom, b. 1975). In 1990, Simoom’s first baby was born and Scimitar became a grandmother. Simoom went on to become a prolific mum, having four more babies over the next 15 years, one of whom, A74 (Stormy) died in 2006. In 2005, at age 12, Simoom’s eldest daughter A62 (Echo) had her first baby, making Scimitar a great granny. This year, two more grandkids have been added, one by Echo and another by Simoom’s second daughter, A67 (Eclipse), her first baby.
As Simoom’s family grew, Scimitar’s life changed. Pulteney died in early 1997, just over year after an incident in which Simoom was struck by a speeding boat while nursing. Though neither Simoom nor Echo were seriously injured, Pulteney was so affected by what had happened to his sister that he stranded in shallow waters that evening. Fortunately, he managed to escape his predicament, but the trauma may have contributed to his death soon afterwards. In the 18 years that followed, Scimitar and Nimpkish became incredibly close. Whenever seen in recent years, they have been swimming side by side, quite often separately from Simoom’s family. Sadly, Nimpkish died recently, and when Scimitar was sighted on June 19th in British Columbia’s central coast, she was alone. Two weeks later, Simoom brought her to the edge of the “core area”, and then left. When first seen on July 21st, Scimitar was floating at the surface; as this can be a sign of weakness in older orcas, we were concerned for her. However, over the next 8 days, when she was the only orca in the area, Scimitar behaved so normally & energetically – traveling, foraging, having a rub – that our concerns were replaced by curiosity about what would happen next.
When Tsitika (A30) and her family arrived on July 4th, Scimitar immediately joined them. She seemed to especially enjoy the company of Tsitika’s huge sons, Blackney and Pointer. Then, when the three A36 brothers arrived on July 17th, Scimitar joined them. Simoom popped in for a brief visit on July 21st, as if checking up on mum, and then again on July 27th. This time, Scimitar left with Simoom, but she came back by herself a day later and rejoined the 3 brothers, making us think she felt most comfortable in the company of adult males. Over a week passed before Simoom’s next visit, and this time, when she left, Scimitar went with her, and stayed. Finally, on August 13th, Simoom and Scimitar came back together, side by side ahead of Simoom’s family, and they have remained together since, enjoying each other’s company once again.
It now seems clear that Scimitar has adjusted to the loss of Nimpkish, who was her closest companion for a very long time, and once again feels comfortable among the “A12” family that bears her name. In achieving that level of comfort, it is also clear that Scimitar was assisted by other families in her community. In resolving her situation, which probably amounted to a life crisis, Scimitar found her way home.
Scimitar’s name reflects the shape of her dorsal fin, which makes her easy to identify at a glance. Her family, “the A12s” has been well known to orca watchers since the 1970s, when Scimitar was accompanied by a young family of three - two sons, one already an adult (A31, Pulteney, b. 1959) another still a youngster (A33, Nimpkish, b. 1971), and a female baby (A34, Simoom, b. 1975). In 1990, Simoom’s first baby was born and Scimitar became a grandmother. Simoom went on to become a prolific mum, having four more babies over the next 15 years, one of whom, A74 (Stormy) died in 2006. In 2005, at age 12, Simoom’s eldest daughter A62 (Echo) had her first baby, making Scimitar a great granny. This year, two more grandkids have been added, one by Echo and another by Simoom’s second daughter, A67 (Eclipse), her first baby.
As Simoom’s family grew, Scimitar’s life changed. Pulteney died in early 1997, just over year after an incident in which Simoom was struck by a speeding boat while nursing. Though neither Simoom nor Echo were seriously injured, Pulteney was so affected by what had happened to his sister that he stranded in shallow waters that evening. Fortunately, he managed to escape his predicament, but the trauma may have contributed to his death soon afterwards. In the 18 years that followed, Scimitar and Nimpkish became incredibly close. Whenever seen in recent years, they have been swimming side by side, quite often separately from Simoom’s family. Sadly, Nimpkish died recently, and when Scimitar was sighted on June 19th in British Columbia’s central coast, she was alone. Two weeks later, Simoom brought her to the edge of the “core area”, and then left. When first seen on July 21st, Scimitar was floating at the surface; as this can be a sign of weakness in older orcas, we were concerned for her. However, over the next 8 days, when she was the only orca in the area, Scimitar behaved so normally & energetically – traveling, foraging, having a rub – that our concerns were replaced by curiosity about what would happen next.
When Tsitika (A30) and her family arrived on July 4th, Scimitar immediately joined them. She seemed to especially enjoy the company of Tsitika’s huge sons, Blackney and Pointer. Then, when the three A36 brothers arrived on July 17th, Scimitar joined them. Simoom popped in for a brief visit on July 21st, as if checking up on mum, and then again on July 27th. This time, Scimitar left with Simoom, but she came back by herself a day later and rejoined the 3 brothers, making us think she felt most comfortable in the company of adult males. Over a week passed before Simoom’s next visit, and this time, when she left, Scimitar went with her, and stayed. Finally, on August 13th, Simoom and Scimitar came back together, side by side ahead of Simoom’s family, and they have remained together since, enjoying each other’s company once again.
It now seems clear that Scimitar has adjusted to the loss of Nimpkish, who was her closest companion for a very long time, and once again feels comfortable among the “A12” family that bears her name. In achieving that level of comfort, it is also clear that Scimitar was assisted by other families in her community. In resolving her situation, which probably amounted to a life crisis, Scimitar found her way home.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A12s heading west in JS
No orcas present.
Sorry, the streaming is gone again for a bit while we sort out new IP addresses. Since yesterday, there is not much to report except around 5pm a group of at least 7 orcas passed CP on their way to the east. These whales were reported to have come in via Weynton Pass although there is some confusion as visual IDs were not available and the whales were not vocal. They passed on to Boat bay and then started to cross over toward the east end of the Reserve. As far as we know the I15s were eastbound on the Vancouver Island shore during this time. They also got to the beaches and from there we thinks they may have carried on to the east. But this is also not 100% clear as there were no calls to give additional clues after 8:08pm. We are waiting to see how the day unfolds. The A36s were the last vocal whales in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening (8pm) and they may still not be too far away as they seemed to not be entirely committed to leaving this area. There was a report a short while ago of 2 whales off of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Sound. Dolphins continue to tour the area and can be heard from time to time.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 09:47:37 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We've been listening to echolocation of the Critical Point hydrophone, and Marie at the Cliff reports a group of orcas in the Robson Bight estuary, heading west. A short whle ago, we heard distant G clan calls on CrPt, so it's possible the I15s (or another G clan group) are heading back from the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 13:16:56 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A4s, A5s, A12s are all heading west past Robson Bight, possibly to join up with the I15s, who have been lazing around off (& inside) Blackney Pass for the past several hours.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 17:45:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A lot has been happening. We think the A12s,A35s and at least some of the A5s went west in Johnstone Strait and out htrough weynton Pass. We picked them up on the "other" side, at the top of Blackfish Sound just as the A30s were moving through Blackney Pass to the north and into Blackfish Sound. We could still hear an A4 group in the Strait and then traveling through Blackney Pass too. This sounded like the A11,A56 and A13's group. We are not sure what happened to the I15s after they poked their noses into Blackney Pass this afternoon. There were just a few calls before 6pm and then we lost track. Before the evening is over hopefully we will be able to account for all the groups.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 23:18:18 PDT
Sorry, the streaming is gone again for a bit while we sort out new IP addresses. Since yesterday, there is not much to report except around 5pm a group of at least 7 orcas passed CP on their way to the east. These whales were reported to have come in via Weynton Pass although there is some confusion as visual IDs were not available and the whales were not vocal. They passed on to Boat bay and then started to cross over toward the east end of the Reserve. As far as we know the I15s were eastbound on the Vancouver Island shore during this time. They also got to the beaches and from there we thinks they may have carried on to the east. But this is also not 100% clear as there were no calls to give additional clues after 8:08pm. We are waiting to see how the day unfolds. The A36s were the last vocal whales in Blackfish Sound yesterday evening (8pm) and they may still not be too far away as they seemed to not be entirely committed to leaving this area. There was a report a short while ago of 2 whales off of Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Sound. Dolphins continue to tour the area and can be heard from time to time.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 09:47:37 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
We've been listening to echolocation of the Critical Point hydrophone, and Marie at the Cliff reports a group of orcas in the Robson Bight estuary, heading west. A short whle ago, we heard distant G clan calls on CrPt, so it's possible the I15s (or another G clan group) are heading back from the east in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 13:16:56 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A4s, A5s, A12s are all heading west past Robson Bight, possibly to join up with the I15s, who have been lazing around off (& inside) Blackney Pass for the past several hours.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 17:45:50 PDT
Orcas near mics.
A lot has been happening. We think the A12s,A35s and at least some of the A5s went west in Johnstone Strait and out htrough weynton Pass. We picked them up on the "other" side, at the top of Blackfish Sound just as the A30s were moving through Blackney Pass to the north and into Blackfish Sound. We could still hear an A4 group in the Strait and then traveling through Blackney Pass too. This sounded like the A11,A56 and A13's group. We are not sure what happened to the I15s after they poked their noses into Blackney Pass this afternoon. There were just a few calls before 6pm and then we lost track. Before the evening is over hopefully we will be able to account for all the groups.
Helena
26 Aug 2009 23:18:18 PDT
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Large crowd!
Multiple pod calls audible.
The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT
The very large "crowd" that was reported being in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday, is beginning to arrive. This happens several hours after the A8s rushed out of Blackfish Sound. So far we have heard, the A30s, A4s,A5s and I15s.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 03:50:14 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Moving in... using every available route. We now are hearing Bs and possibly I31 calls already in Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass as the A4s move through Blackney on their way to the Strait as well. Getting very crowded!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 04:27:06 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Some of the orcas have reached the rubbing beaches, others are in Robson Bight, others are headed east past Alert Bay, others are still coming. The movemenr is generally eastward.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 08:37:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Boy, this is busy! First a probable correction is needed. the Bs may not be there. It was a mistake of hearing the word "Bs" for "Ds" in the early morning. What is clear is that the A1s, A4s, and A5s came into Johnstone Strait along with the I15s and I31s between 4 and 5am. The Ds never seemed to come very far to the east so we are not sure where they are now. There is a sleepy group west bound between Alert Bay and Haddington Island on the Vancouver Island pointed toward Malcolm Island. This may be the C6s. There is another large group (whales everywhere today) between Cormorant Island and Malcolm Island heading toward Sointula. The Johnstone Strait whales are west bound from the beaches to Robson Bight spread out from the Cracroft Island shore to Vancouver Island. Whew! hang on to your hats!
Helena
25 Aug 2009 09:59:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We now know a bit more of today's distribution: the C6s and G25s are the westbound,sleepy group headed to haddington island; the Ds (all) and I22/39 are the sointula group;the i33s just went by the Cliff a short while ago following the A36s. It is not clear where the the rest of the As and I15s are at the moment.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 10:44:42 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the orca shuffle continues: westbound in the Strait are the A30s, A36s,I31s and the I15s. They are spread out from Little Kaikash (west of CP) back to Izumi Rock (the A30s,I15s and maybe part of the I31s along the Vacouver Island side, while the A36s and I33s are on the Cracroft Island side). Eastbound are most likely the A4s,A5s and A12s ,now past the Eve River
Helena
25 Aug 2009 11:12:56 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I33s just went north through Blackney Pass and are now westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 12:12:16 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Here is another correction. The A30s are probably back with their regular company heading east at Hickey Point. (A12s,A4s,A5s and A30s). the two males seen on the Vancouver Island side ahead of the I15s earlier may have been the rest of the I31s (the I33s went north through Blackney Pass). the A36s ended up going through Weynton pass and we heard them as they crossed the top end of Blackfish Sound following the I33s out to the west. The I15s are currently off the entrance to Weynton pass deciding on their next move. The I31s may be with them. Complicated day to say the least.
Helena
25 Aug 2009 14:32:32 PDT
Monday, August 24, 2009
A12s left to the north throug Blackney Pass
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s, A4s & A5s are all heading north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 00:15:53 PDT
No orcas present.
Good news! The audio streaming is running again. Early this morning, the calls from the groups who had passed through Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound faded away by 2:30am. later, we heard close echo location and a couple of calls near to Robson Bight from 6:53 to 6:56am. There was some foraging, echo location, crunching,a gulp and water splashes. Sounded yummy! All has been quiet since except for a single possible rub a while after the fishing off of Critical Point.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 09:28:39 PDT
The A12s, A4s & A5s are all heading north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 00:15:53 PDT
No orcas present.
Good news! The audio streaming is running again. Early this morning, the calls from the groups who had passed through Blackney Pass and Blackfish Sound faded away by 2:30am. later, we heard close echo location and a couple of calls near to Robson Bight from 6:53 to 6:56am. There was some foraging, echo location, crunching,a gulp and water splashes. Sounded yummy! All has been quiet since except for a single possible rub a while after the fishing off of Critical Point.
Helena
24 Aug 2009 09:28:39 PDT
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Multiple pod calls audible.
We still are not able to stream but may have located the problem BUT we can post comments. The scene pretty much leaves off from the location of the last post but a lot has happened since. Starting with now, the A4s (all of them) , the A12s (all of them) and the A5s are making their way back west opposite Robson Bight spread out between both shores, Vancouver Island and Cracroft Island. The movement west began this morning from Kelsey Bay. The A30s are to the west after separating yesterday from the larger group. They spent most of yesterday in Queen Charlotte Strait after saying good-bye to the gang who then went east slowly and silently for the rest of the day after the A30s went north via Blackney Pass and west in Blackfish Sound. Around 3:40 pm the A30s turned back east from Bere Point and eventually made their way to Blackfish Sound just after 10pm. They ventured slightly into Blackney but by 11:16pm they were on their way west through Blackfish Sound and by 11:36pm we lost track of them. By 4pm yesterday the A4s and A5s were well on their way past the Adam River on their way to meet up with the A12s who had spent their day in the far east.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 14:36:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not too long ago, a small group (5) of transients passed through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This group was first spotted mid strait off of CP just after 3pm. These whales disappeared in the direction of the entrance to Blackney Pass but did not show up until more than an hour later. it looked like (from the photos) that it may have been the T137s plus 2 others. Meanwhile, the A35s passed CP at 4:44pm while the A23s,A25s and A28 were reported off the Tsitika River Estuary at 5:19pm. The A8s in company with the A12s and A24s were probably continuing west along the Vancouver Island shore parallel to the A35s.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 17:55:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
These whales ae a bit difficult to tack when they don't oblige by making vocalisations as is the case tonight. Probably, they turned east into the ebbing tide and fell asleep.Their progress back east has been very ,very slow and as night fell they were still west of CP. Jim Borrowman managed to get out to the transients and confirmed the T137s and identified T36A and T36A1 as the travelling companions. Apparently, they killed a small sea lion off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 22:49:05 PDT
We still are not able to stream but may have located the problem BUT we can post comments. The scene pretty much leaves off from the location of the last post but a lot has happened since. Starting with now, the A4s (all of them) , the A12s (all of them) and the A5s are making their way back west opposite Robson Bight spread out between both shores, Vancouver Island and Cracroft Island. The movement west began this morning from Kelsey Bay. The A30s are to the west after separating yesterday from the larger group. They spent most of yesterday in Queen Charlotte Strait after saying good-bye to the gang who then went east slowly and silently for the rest of the day after the A30s went north via Blackney Pass and west in Blackfish Sound. Around 3:40 pm the A30s turned back east from Bere Point and eventually made their way to Blackfish Sound just after 10pm. They ventured slightly into Blackney but by 11:16pm they were on their way west through Blackfish Sound and by 11:36pm we lost track of them. By 4pm yesterday the A4s and A5s were well on their way past the Adam River on their way to meet up with the A12s who had spent their day in the far east.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 14:36:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Not too long ago, a small group (5) of transients passed through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This group was first spotted mid strait off of CP just after 3pm. These whales disappeared in the direction of the entrance to Blackney Pass but did not show up until more than an hour later. it looked like (from the photos) that it may have been the T137s plus 2 others. Meanwhile, the A35s passed CP at 4:44pm while the A23s,A25s and A28 were reported off the Tsitika River Estuary at 5:19pm. The A8s in company with the A12s and A24s were probably continuing west along the Vancouver Island shore parallel to the A35s.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 17:55:07 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
These whales ae a bit difficult to tack when they don't oblige by making vocalisations as is the case tonight. Probably, they turned east into the ebbing tide and fell asleep.Their progress back east has been very ,very slow and as night fell they were still west of CP. Jim Borrowman managed to get out to the transients and confirmed the T137s and identified T36A and T36A1 as the travelling companions. Apparently, they killed a small sea lion off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2009 22:49:05 PDT
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No orcas present.
A couple of events; we are still not able to stream audio; the A24s made a "quick' jaunt back to Critical Point at 4:35am and then returned to the Beaches for a rub at 6am; a large group of dolphins passed the Lab headed north at 6;30am.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 07:55:20 PDT
No orcas present.
All the regular groups plus the A12s are far to the east today but generally heading back west, with the A24s in the lead, and the A12s at the back of the parade. Also, a report of whales in the Blunden Harbour area last night.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 12:22:42 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, the last report said that the whales were heading west but actually they were going east with the current. Still far to the east, quiet this direction so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 14:36:05 PDT
A couple of events; we are still not able to stream audio; the A24s made a "quick' jaunt back to Critical Point at 4:35am and then returned to the Beaches for a rub at 6am; a large group of dolphins passed the Lab headed north at 6;30am.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 07:55:20 PDT
No orcas present.
All the regular groups plus the A12s are far to the east today but generally heading back west, with the A24s in the lead, and the A12s at the back of the parade. Also, a report of whales in the Blunden Harbour area last night.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 12:22:42 PDT
No orcas present.
Sorry, the last report said that the whales were heading west but actually they were going east with the current. Still far to the east, quiet this direction so far.
Helena
20 Aug 2009 14:36:05 PDT
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A12s are back in the area
Distant calls audible.
Here is a chance to catch up. The internet service went down during the night - a problem outside of our network. Around 3am, the A30s, A24S,and A5s returned from the east. By 4am they were off Critical Point. For the next two hours, they moved around off the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay, eventually heading back to the east. Later, in the very foggy morning light, a group transients (possibly the T18s) came west in the Strait and into Blackney Pass. While they cleared north at 11:40am, the A12s headed south into Blackney Pass. They had been preceded by a group of 100 Pacific Whitesided dolphins who reached the Strait by 11:34am. except for a few generic A1 calls in Blackfish Sound, the A12s travelled to the Strait silently. They are off Robson Bight now, still quiet but the a30s,A24s and the A5s are on their way back to the east end of the Reserve. A meeting is about to happen soon.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 14:05:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
First of all: audio streaming seems to be having difficulties. We are not sure of the cause. Please be patient. Between 3 and 4pm the A23s (silent) and the A24s (vocal) and then the A25s (vocal too) passed CP headed to the west. The A30s are coming along the Vancouver Island shore headed west as well but a bit further back from the others. The A12s kept going east and the A8s haven not been accounted for yet today. The transients ended up in front of Alert Bay after passing us before noon this morning. There is also a report of a large group heading east from Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 17:09:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,in particular A39, were vocal for a short while as the whales negotiated a turn to the east. During the turn the A30s shifted direction mid strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The other groups then moved eastward after getting as far as Blinkhorn. The A12s at last report kept going east from the Beaches, passing the A30s,who were headed west at the time, off Strider Beach.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 18:33:58 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Still do not know why the audio link is down. but we can tell you that some of the whales (not yet identified) are at the beaches and the A4s are offshore of Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 21:07:13 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s turned up at the beaches . It is not 100% clear if the A12s approached the Beaches from the east or the west. They had been seen continuing east past the A30s but it was possible that this was just so they could follow the parade to the west. CP was convinced that they got at least as far as Kaikash before being noticed as an unidentified group heading east. The numbers just seemed right. Regardless, all the groups have moved east beyond the Reserve now and this little corner of the ocean is quiet for the moment.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:22:58 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that the A12s were at the Beaches until around 9:28pm and the last distant multi-group calls were at 10:54pm when we believe the whales continued eastward.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:31:19 PDT
Here is a chance to catch up. The internet service went down during the night - a problem outside of our network. Around 3am, the A30s, A24S,and A5s returned from the east. By 4am they were off Critical Point. For the next two hours, they moved around off the area opposite Robson Bight and Boat Bay, eventually heading back to the east. Later, in the very foggy morning light, a group transients (possibly the T18s) came west in the Strait and into Blackney Pass. While they cleared north at 11:40am, the A12s headed south into Blackney Pass. They had been preceded by a group of 100 Pacific Whitesided dolphins who reached the Strait by 11:34am. except for a few generic A1 calls in Blackfish Sound, the A12s travelled to the Strait silently. They are off Robson Bight now, still quiet but the a30s,A24s and the A5s are on their way back to the east end of the Reserve. A meeting is about to happen soon.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 14:05:48 PDT
Distant calls audible.
First of all: audio streaming seems to be having difficulties. We are not sure of the cause. Please be patient. Between 3 and 4pm the A23s (silent) and the A24s (vocal) and then the A25s (vocal too) passed CP headed to the west. The A30s are coming along the Vancouver Island shore headed west as well but a bit further back from the others. The A12s kept going east and the A8s haven not been accounted for yet today. The transients ended up in front of Alert Bay after passing us before noon this morning. There is also a report of a large group heading east from Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 17:09:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,in particular A39, were vocal for a short while as the whales negotiated a turn to the east. During the turn the A30s shifted direction mid strait off the entrance to Blackney Pass. The other groups then moved eastward after getting as far as Blinkhorn. The A12s at last report kept going east from the Beaches, passing the A30s,who were headed west at the time, off Strider Beach.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 18:33:58 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Still do not know why the audio link is down. but we can tell you that some of the whales (not yet identified) are at the beaches and the A4s are offshore of Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 21:07:13 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s turned up at the beaches . It is not 100% clear if the A12s approached the Beaches from the east or the west. They had been seen continuing east past the A30s but it was possible that this was just so they could follow the parade to the west. CP was convinced that they got at least as far as Kaikash before being noticed as an unidentified group heading east. The numbers just seemed right. Regardless, all the groups have moved east beyond the Reserve now and this little corner of the ocean is quiet for the moment.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:22:58 PDT
No orcas present.
I forgot to mention that the A12s were at the Beaches until around 9:28pm and the last distant multi-group calls were at 10:54pm when we believe the whales continued eastward.
Helena
19 Aug 2009 23:31:19 PDT
Friday, August 14, 2009
A12s and A36s went north
No orcas present.
It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT
It was pretty "quiet" last night after the A12s and A36s went north through Blackney Pass. Then at 3am, the A5s came back from the east to the Rubbing Beaches. Their rub began at 3:20 and lasted until 3:31am. The A24s and the A30s were heard too but they were further off shore. Everything then shifted to the west and by 3:48am they were opposite Robson Bight. At the change of tide (to the flood) the calls from all three groups became more frequent. Occasionally, there was faint echo location. Just after 6am, the calls were very distant and ended soon afterward.
Helena
14 Aug 2009 08:08:53 PDT
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A12 and A34s reunited
Distant calls audible.
Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
This has been a great multi-group (lots of A12/34 calls especially) rub!
Helena
13 Aug 2009 16:02:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the A30s,A24s and the A5s are going east, now past Boat Bay, all in their respective groups, resting. The A12s are headed west toward Cracroft Point. When the whales went past Boat Bay, Marie, said that A39,A71,A28 and the A54s formed an interesting line but then turned back to Swaine Point to meet up and fold into their own groups and then carried on travelling east.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 19:46:35 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s have just passed north through Blackney Pass with the A36s following (very vocal!).
Helena
13 Aug 2009 21:42:16 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve.
Sorry, the internet on the North Island was down yesterday afternoon & evening, so lets start with what is happening now. We are hearing distant resting calls in Johnstone Strait and despite the fog there was a report at 7:30am from Norm on the Western Moon that there were 2 groups heading west from Blinkhorn. At the same time, the Tyee reported a large group of whales spread out off Lizard Point & heading east. Possibly, these are newcomers! During the night: from 7pm to 8pm we listened as the A30s, A24s and A5s approached and passed Critical Point on their way to the Beaches. From 8:11pm to 8:42, the A5s, A30s and A24s stayed off the east end of the Reserve, enjoying a rub from 8:16pm to 8:26pm. By 10:18pm these groups, led by the A5s and A30s, were passing Robson Bight to the west. After midnight, they turned and once again passed the Bight, just before 2am. It was then back to the beaches for a rub starting at 2:37am. The close calls there ended around 3am, and then it was off to the Bight once again. The A30s arrived there first by 4:10am, with the A24s and A5s lingering further east till 5:04am. After that, there was a general movement west with the A30s remaining close to Robson Bight until 5:30am. The distant westbound calls dropped off by 6:14am and picked up again at 7:50am. By this time the groups were off Blinkhorn as reported. Very foggy out there this morning! Helena
Helena
13 Aug 2009 08:49:42 PDT
Orcas hunting fish.
These A1 calls and echo location are on Flower island in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 10:30:23 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We had the nice surprise of seeing the A34s come through Blackney Pass. They were in Blackfish Sound earlier with the A36s. The A36s have not yet come "down". As the A34s entered Johnstone Strait, the resting A30s,A24s and A5s turned quickly next to the Pig Ranch on Cracroft Island (east of the Sophia Islands) and started west to meet the incoming whales. A34 and A12 were a pair, well ahead, of the rest of their group as they came through Blackney Pass. This was a touching picture,for sure.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 12:18:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
This has been a great multi-group (lots of A12/34 calls especially) rub!
Helena
13 Aug 2009 16:02:00 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
the A30s,A24s and the A5s are going east, now past Boat Bay, all in their respective groups, resting. The A12s are headed west toward Cracroft Point. When the whales went past Boat Bay, Marie, said that A39,A71,A28 and the A54s formed an interesting line but then turned back to Swaine Point to meet up and fold into their own groups and then carried on travelling east.
Helena
13 Aug 2009 19:46:35 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A12s have just passed north through Blackney Pass with the A36s following (very vocal!).
Helena
13 Aug 2009 21:42:16 PDT
Seasmoke reports
Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A36s and A12 tip-toed out via Blackney pass!
No calls but orcas nearby
The A36s and A12 are now heading north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 07:19:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT
The A36s and A12 are now heading north in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 07:19:09 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Just talked with Marie, the A30s, A5s and possibly the A24s are grouped together mid strait off hte Western Boundary of the Ecological Reserve heading east. We have not heard them since 3am, a long snooze. Perhaps the A36s and A12 didn't want to wake so they tip-toed out again via Blackney pass !
Helena
10 Aug 2009 09:21:26 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s,A24s,and A5s have been asleep for the entire time, slowly drifting eastward together mid strait until they wee opposite the east end of the Reserve. They are now reported heading west. No sign of the A36s and A12.
Helena
10 Aug 2009 12:36:33 PDT
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Distant calls audible.
After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14
Distant calls audible.
Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas.
After the whales finished at the rubbing beaches around 12;30am, and after their calls became distant by 12:40am, it was a relatively uneventful night. Then just after 6am (6:05) faint calls were heard on Critical Point. These very faint and infrequent calls were last heard about ten minutes ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:00:14
Distant calls audible.
Group of orcas near Blinkhorn going west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 07:43:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Sounds like the A36s are around once more.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 08:29:32 PDT
Distant calls audible.
CP reports seeing the A36s heading east with A12. They came from the west.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 09:22:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Sorry another town run so few notes..... basically what happened today was that the A36s with A12 came into Johnstone Strait around 6am. They then headed east past CP and when opposite the "Cliff" A46 and A12 continued toward the Reserve while A37 foraged midstrait and A32 headed back to CP for a forage. This was about 11am. Reports were beginning to filter through that the A30s,A24s and A5s, who started off in the morning off Kelsey Bay, were making good progress west. By the time A32 was off CP (11am) the bigger group was already up to Port Neville. By the time we neared Alert Bay for our town run the A30s,A24s and A5s were nearing the Broken Islands already (12pm). Two hours later, they were nearing the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve. Another hour, and they were passing through the Reserve while the A36s and A12 were back off CP. Three more hours, they were west of Kaikash Creek, pulling the A36s and A12 along with them. They were, by this time, travelling at a somewhat slower pace and very spread out. We actually, on our way to CP to deliver groceries, passed them when between Kaikash and Blinkhorn. By the time we landed back on Hanson Island and unpacked the rest of the groceries, the whales had turned back to the east. By the time dinner was made, the A36s and A12 decided to go north through Blackney Pass (7:40pm). The A30s,A24s and the A5s were east of Izumi by then and continuing east silently. The A36s/A12 obliged with a few calls but generally it has been remarkably quiet.
Helena
08 Aug 2009 20:58:17 PDT
Seasmoke reports
The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas.
Friday, August 07, 2009
A12 presumably with A30s, A24s and A5s
Distant calls audible.
The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT
The whales are still going west approaching Blinkhorn and the top end of Hanson Island. Around 11am, the groups going along Vancouver Island split with some heading to Hanson Island, east of Big Bay while the rest carried west along Vancouver Island. A39 and A38 foraged off the top end of Hanson Island for a while and then A38 branched off to angle toward Blinkhorn. The surprise of the day is that A12 turned up off Swaine Point (Boat Bay) as she too headed west. At 11:45 she was past the Cliff and heading towards the Sophias. We last heard her in Blackfish Sound just after 11pm. She must have back tracked after this time.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 12:16:22 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
At 3:15pm the whales turned back to the west. By 4pm they were approaching the Sophia islands. A23s,A8s,A25s and A30s were on the Cracroft Island side as they moved west. Another half hour of travel brought the A23s and A25s 300 meters off CP with the A30s and A8s more mid strait. The A24s followed mid strait. By 5pm they were opposite Blinkhorn and still going west.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:29:40 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A few calls and a turn to the east. Now on their way from Blinkhorn.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 17:48:06 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A30s, A24s,A5s and presumably A12 too have made it back to the Bight and once again they are calling as evening comes along.
Helena
07 Aug 2009 20:05:59 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
From Critical to their next favourite spot - the Beaches!
Helena
07 Aug 2009 21:09:32 PDT
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