18 November 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A30s have returned to Johnstone Strait with the I31s. They are presently getting close to Robson Bight & are calling frequently. Boat noise is persistent in the background of an otherwise lovely recording.
Helena
18 Nov 2006 00:54:55 PST
No orcas present.
In addition to the I31s and the A30s in Johnstone Strait early this morning, there was also a vocal humpback (maybe even two) somewhere between Cracroft Point and Robson Bight.
Helena
18 Nov 2006 17:02:29 PST
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
14 October 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Jim Borrowman let us know that he thinks the I11s are between the Penfold Is. and Bold Head. They are foraging but generally headed east. The A30s,A36s and the Gs are still to the east and the humpbacks are quiet. The sun is trying after a refreshing rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 11:54:53 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Always a bit hectic on Town Run days. And a lot going on with the whales too. Around 12:10pm there were transient calls on CP along with the I31s (not the I11s by the way) on Flower Island. We no longer hear the transients and the I31s have disappeared into Weynton Pass. They should re-emerge in the Strait shortly. Thanks to Robin Abernathy and Jim & Jackie for help with the monitoring and sightings.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 12:43:06 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We have been listening to I31 resting calls In the last hour. The east bound whales must be working against the tide.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 14:26:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Again the I31s, a little further down the Strait.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 16:06:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Woken up & moving on into the Bight.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 17:08:39 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Jim Borrowman let us know that he thinks the I11s are between the Penfold Is. and Bold Head. They are foraging but generally headed east. The A30s,A36s and the Gs are still to the east and the humpbacks are quiet. The sun is trying after a refreshing rain.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 11:54:53 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Always a bit hectic on Town Run days. And a lot going on with the whales too. Around 12:10pm there were transient calls on CP along with the I31s (not the I11s by the way) on Flower Island. We no longer hear the transients and the I31s have disappeared into Weynton Pass. They should re-emerge in the Strait shortly. Thanks to Robin Abernathy and Jim & Jackie for help with the monitoring and sightings.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 12:43:06 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We have been listening to I31 resting calls In the last hour. The east bound whales must be working against the tide.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 14:26:32 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Again the I31s, a little further down the Strait.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 16:06:00 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Woken up & moving on into the Bight.
Helena
14 Oct 2006 17:08:39 PDT
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
11 October 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas relaxing.
It sounds like the groups that were reported in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday afternoon have now come into Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing occasional A & G clan "resting" calls since around 5am, when the orcas were in Blackfish Sound. They were silent going through Blackney Pass but became briefly vocal when they entered Johnstone Strait.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 06:45:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to several G clan groups (I31s, I11s, G17s, probably others) along with the A30s and A36s, since they arrived in the vicinity of Robsn Bight about 2 hours ago. Boat noise has intruded occasionally, but there have been periods with just lovely orca calls as well. At the moment, we're hearing no calls, so it's possible the orcas have now moved to the east, past Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 09:50:03 PDT
No orcas present.
All those whales and all to the east since 10am this morning! Most likely most of G clan were with the A30s and the A36s. We didn't hear the I15s and it was unclear if both the I11s and the I31s were there. Fortunately, what goes east will come back at some point.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 21:55:41 PDT
Orcas relaxing.
It sounds like the groups that were reported in Queen Charlotte Strait yesterday afternoon have now come into Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing occasional A & G clan "resting" calls since around 5am, when the orcas were in Blackfish Sound. They were silent going through Blackney Pass but became briefly vocal when they entered Johnstone Strait.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 06:45:02 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We've been listening to several G clan groups (I31s, I11s, G17s, probably others) along with the A30s and A36s, since they arrived in the vicinity of Robsn Bight about 2 hours ago. Boat noise has intruded occasionally, but there have been periods with just lovely orca calls as well. At the moment, we're hearing no calls, so it's possible the orcas have now moved to the east, past Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 09:50:03 PDT
No orcas present.
All those whales and all to the east since 10am this morning! Most likely most of G clan were with the A30s and the A36s. We didn't hear the I15s and it was unclear if both the I11s and the I31s were there. Fortunately, what goes east will come back at some point.
Helena
11 Oct 2006 21:55:41 PDT
Friday, September 22, 2006
22 September Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
It was mostly a quiet night except around 2:48am we thought there might have been some distant I11/I31 type calls in Johnstone Strait. later there were a few dolphin calls and everything was "quiet" afterwards. So it is unclear what happened and where the whales might be this grey morning.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 08:05:25 PDT
No orcas present.
It was mostly a quiet night except around 2:48am we thought there might have been some distant I11/I31 type calls in Johnstone Strait. later there were a few dolphin calls and everything was "quiet" afterwards. So it is unclear what happened and where the whales might be this grey morning.
Helena
22 Sep 2006 08:05:25 PDT
Thursday, September 21, 2006
21 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have met up with the I31s and or the I11s. The groups are heading east now in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 07:10:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Both the A12s and the I11s are now in Johnstone Strait. The A12s travelled ahead of the I11s and after a brief vocal exchange the I11s followed the A12s through Blackney Pass. We had a report from Spirit of the West that two groups went east past their camp at Boat Bay this morning soon after we lost track of the A30s and the I31 calls in Johnstone Strait so this may have been these two groups.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 12:15:04 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard any calls since just before 3pm. We believe the I11s and the A12s moved off of CP to the east, following the A30s and the I31s.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 17:49:50 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s have met up with the I31s and or the I11s. The groups are heading east now in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 07:10:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Both the A12s and the I11s are now in Johnstone Strait. The A12s travelled ahead of the I11s and after a brief vocal exchange the I11s followed the A12s through Blackney Pass. We had a report from Spirit of the West that two groups went east past their camp at Boat Bay this morning soon after we lost track of the A30s and the I31 calls in Johnstone Strait so this may have been these two groups.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 12:15:04 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard any calls since just before 3pm. We believe the I11s and the A12s moved off of CP to the east, following the A30s and the I31s.
Helena
21 Sep 2006 17:49:50 PDT
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
19 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Just now we have been listening to A1 calls (the A30s) in Johnstone Strait near Robson Bight. Last night was a bit of a puzzle. Groups (the A30s, I15s, G and I31s definitely came out of the east and headed for Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. For a time it sounded like some of the whales entered Blackney Pass. This is when it became confusing. It was not clear if whales went all the way through Blackney Passor returned to the Strait. The A30s and the I15s stayed in the Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 07:21:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are slowly making their way west from Robson Bight and toward CP. Meanwhile, most of last night's mystery has been solved. It appears that the G clan "Crowd" did move out to the west last night. We suspect now that some took Blackney Pass while others Weynton Pass to reach Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait beyond. They are currently spread out from Lizard Point back to Malcolm Point. They have been joined by the A36s. Did the A36s have anyone new with them? The map right now is not entirely accurate but it helps show the locations that the whales are near.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 12:24:03 PDT
No orcas present.
Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just now we have been listening to A1 calls (the A30s) in Johnstone Strait near Robson Bight. Last night was a bit of a puzzle. Groups (the A30s, I15s, G and I31s definitely came out of the east and headed for Cracroft Point and the entrance to Blackney Pass. For a time it sounded like some of the whales entered Blackney Pass. This is when it became confusing. It was not clear if whales went all the way through Blackney Passor returned to the Strait. The A30s and the I15s stayed in the Strait.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 07:21:17 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s are slowly making their way west from Robson Bight and toward CP. Meanwhile, most of last night's mystery has been solved. It appears that the G clan "Crowd" did move out to the west last night. We suspect now that some took Blackney Pass while others Weynton Pass to reach Blackfish Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait beyond. They are currently spread out from Lizard Point back to Malcolm Point. They have been joined by the A36s. Did the A36s have anyone new with them? The map right now is not entirely accurate but it helps show the locations that the whales are near.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 12:24:03 PDT
No orcas present.
Hi, power was down in Alert Bay so it was difficult to post coments. A lot happened today. The "Crowd" (the A12s and G clan) moved off to the west this afternoon. As they did so two other events occured. The A30s moved to the west, got just past Big Bay and then turned around and went back to the east past Critical Point and a group of 6 transients moved into Blackfish Sound and east to the Strait. These were ( thanks to Jared Towers for the IDs) the T60s, T124C and T2B. T2B has a new calf and Jared informs us that the calf is less than 20 days old because he saw T2B without a calf that long ago. This is rather exciting! Right now all is quiet, whales dispersing in all sorts of different directions.
Helena
19 Sep 2006 19:49:42 PDT
Monday, September 18, 2006
18 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Nick Templeton relayed that the "Crowd" was westbound from Camp Point at around 2pm. The A30s, A12, G2s,G3,G12s,G18s,G17,G29s, I11s,I15s,I31s have been in the east for the last two days. The A36s were sighted (thanks to Discovery)quite far west in Queen Charlotte Strait today. They were foraging for most of the time observed.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 17:32:28 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
They are back! The groups are parading west past the Ecological Reseerve.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 22:18:56 PDT
No orcas present.
Nick Templeton relayed that the "Crowd" was westbound from Camp Point at around 2pm. The A30s, A12, G2s,G3,G12s,G18s,G17,G29s, I11s,I15s,I31s have been in the east for the last two days. The A36s were sighted (thanks to Discovery)quite far west in Queen Charlotte Strait today. They were foraging for most of the time observed.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 17:32:28 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
They are back! The groups are parading west past the Ecological Reseerve.
Helena
18 Sep 2006 22:18:56 PDT
Saturday, September 16, 2006
16 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Back and forth. After a clear signal from the A12s off CP the groups who had followed them to the Strait earlier came back to Blackney Pass and out to Blackfish Sound. Not at all vocal, still difficult to say who. Perhaps they will oblige once they all get into Blackfish. Lovely starry night though to listen to blows.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 05:42:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s, who spent most of the morning off of Donegal Head, moved to the west to join up with the larger group heading east at Lizard Point. All these whales are nearing Donegal Head and closer to being in range of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 13:48:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are at the moment fixing the Flower Island hydrophone but we can still hear the I15s as they and the others head east from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 15:11:18 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Today is the first time for this area that all of G clan has been together. The G17s arrived to complete the list! We just had a lovely pass of all the groups through Blackney Pass. The groups are all past CP now and continuing eastward toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 19:15:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you have already guessed the whalesare at the rubbing beaches,
Helena
16 Sep 2006 21:06:22 PDT
No orcas present.
After the beaches the whales most likely continued east.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 22:23:03 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Back and forth. After a clear signal from the A12s off CP the groups who had followed them to the Strait earlier came back to Blackney Pass and out to Blackfish Sound. Not at all vocal, still difficult to say who. Perhaps they will oblige once they all get into Blackfish. Lovely starry night though to listen to blows.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 05:42:46 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
The A30s, who spent most of the morning off of Donegal Head, moved to the west to join up with the larger group heading east at Lizard Point. All these whales are nearing Donegal Head and closer to being in range of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 13:48:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We are at the moment fixing the Flower Island hydrophone but we can still hear the I15s as they and the others head east from Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 15:11:18 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Today is the first time for this area that all of G clan has been together. The G17s arrived to complete the list! We just had a lovely pass of all the groups through Blackney Pass. The groups are all past CP now and continuing eastward toward the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 19:15:47 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As you have already guessed the whalesare at the rubbing beaches,
Helena
16 Sep 2006 21:06:22 PDT
No orcas present.
After the beaches the whales most likely continued east.
Helena
16 Sep 2006 22:23:03 PDT
Friday, September 15, 2006
15 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another surprise! On this very beautiful morning, the "crowd" quickly moved through Blackney Pass headed south towards Johnstone Strait. In the last large groupd were the A36s travelling with the G3s,G29s and G18s. The group ahead was already too far south to ID but they are headed to CP and the whales are just now becoming vocal so we may get more clues. Earlier this morning the I31 calls ended close to the Bight. A lot of movement has happened in the meantime.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 08:13:23 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The "morning whales" have reached the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 09:58:06 PDT
No orcas present.
Time to review: We now thinl that only the A12s, I15s,I11s, part of the I31s came in last night and met up with the A30s off of Ecological Reserve before continuing eastward out of range. Possibly the G2s were there as well but that is still unclear. This morning the rest of the "crowd" arrived going through Blackney Pass. These were the G12s, part of the I31s, the G3s,G18s,G29s and, of course, the A36s.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 13:46:27 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Thasnks to Discovery we know that the BIG CROWD has neared the Ecological Reserve on their way to the west. Might be exciting!
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:27:09 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
They are just coming into range now.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:29:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups are moving westward,already past CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 17:54:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s are the last group to come back from the east. They are approaching CP at the moment. The other groups are still to the west of CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 18:42:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The "crowd" went through Weynton Pass and are now at the top end (western) end of Blackfish Sound. The tide has just turned to the flood.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 19:54:19 PDT
Orcas near mics.
If you are wondering? The A12s rushed through Blackney, no one else followed. They are now closing in on Robson Bight after heading east in the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 21:45:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We are hearing whales move through Blackney Pass heading south. There are no calls yet so we cannot be sure who is following the A12s into the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 23:10:48 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Another surprise! On this very beautiful morning, the "crowd" quickly moved through Blackney Pass headed south towards Johnstone Strait. In the last large groupd were the A36s travelling with the G3s,G29s and G18s. The group ahead was already too far south to ID but they are headed to CP and the whales are just now becoming vocal so we may get more clues. Earlier this morning the I31 calls ended close to the Bight. A lot of movement has happened in the meantime.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 08:13:23 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The "morning whales" have reached the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 09:58:06 PDT
No orcas present.
Time to review: We now thinl that only the A12s, I15s,I11s, part of the I31s came in last night and met up with the A30s off of Ecological Reserve before continuing eastward out of range. Possibly the G2s were there as well but that is still unclear. This morning the rest of the "crowd" arrived going through Blackney Pass. These were the G12s, part of the I31s, the G3s,G18s,G29s and, of course, the A36s.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 13:46:27 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Thasnks to Discovery we know that the BIG CROWD has neared the Ecological Reserve on their way to the west. Might be exciting!
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:27:09 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
They are just coming into range now.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 15:29:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The groups are moving westward,already past CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 17:54:16 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s are the last group to come back from the east. They are approaching CP at the moment. The other groups are still to the west of CP.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 18:42:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The "crowd" went through Weynton Pass and are now at the top end (western) end of Blackfish Sound. The tide has just turned to the flood.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 19:54:19 PDT
Orcas near mics.
If you are wondering? The A12s rushed through Blackney, no one else followed. They are now closing in on Robson Bight after heading east in the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 21:45:20 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
We are hearing whales move through Blackney Pass heading south. There are no calls yet so we cannot be sure who is following the A12s into the Strait.
Helena
15 Sep 2006 23:10:48 PDT
Thursday, September 14, 2006
14 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The "crowd" came up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass and headed out to Blackfish Sound and beyond very quickly on the ebbing tide.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 00:43:49 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales have stayed pretty much in Queen Charlotte Strait all day but we got a report around 3pm from Stubbs Island Whale Watch that the A12s,A36s, I11s,I31s and the several other G clan groups are now moving eastward from Malcolm Point. The A30s spent the day very slowly moving toward that group and in Queen Charlotte Strait as well.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 16:03:42 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Beautiful resting calls from the Gclan and A1s coming through Blackney Pass. They are travelling south toward Johnstone Strait. The A30s are quiet at the momnet but were recently in Robson Bight.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 21:43:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The "crowd" (described earlier by Stubbs Island: A12s,A36s,I11s,I31s,I33s,G02s, G12s, G18s G29s. G03s, I15s) are now past CP, following the A30s eastward.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 22:28:51 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The "crowd" came up to CP and the entrance of Blackney Pass and headed out to Blackfish Sound and beyond very quickly on the ebbing tide.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 00:43:49 PDT
No orcas present.
The whales have stayed pretty much in Queen Charlotte Strait all day but we got a report around 3pm from Stubbs Island Whale Watch that the A12s,A36s, I11s,I31s and the several other G clan groups are now moving eastward from Malcolm Point. The A30s spent the day very slowly moving toward that group and in Queen Charlotte Strait as well.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 16:03:42 PDT
Superb sounds!!
Beautiful resting calls from the Gclan and A1s coming through Blackney Pass. They are travelling south toward Johnstone Strait. The A30s are quiet at the momnet but were recently in Robson Bight.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 21:43:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The "crowd" (described earlier by Stubbs Island: A12s,A36s,I11s,I31s,I33s,G02s, G12s, G18s G29s. G03s, I15s) are now past CP, following the A30s eastward.
Helena
14 Sep 2006 22:28:51 PDT
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
13 September 2006, Oralab reports:
No orcas present.
For us it was a quiet night and we suppose the I31s,A30s and the A12s went back to the east around midnight although the tide was still ebbing for a couple more hours. If they did move west, they did so pretty quietly. The map indicates where we last heard calls.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 07:50:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We are now hearing the I31s as well - our midnight group is back!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 09:21:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Possibly all the groups from the past few days are here, travelling west, together. We have heard all three A1 groups, I31s, possibly I11s and various other G groups as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 11:20:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales too two different routes to Blackfish Sound, some via Weynton Pass and others through Blackney Pass. All ended up at the top end of Blackfish Sound where they foraged and waited for the tide to turn. An hour before the slack they made their move and all came through Blackney Pass and on to Johnstone Strait. Now with the tide and the wind at their backs they are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve. A wonderfully blustery day, sunny, high waves and fluffy clouds!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 16:57:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After the A12s,A30s,A36s, I15s,I11s,I31s and the G3s,G29s, G18s, G12s, G2s got into Johnstone Strait thy headed soon off to the east. The A30s seemed rather restless but stayed as part of the crowd. They were rather quickly out of our range after a few good rubs.Just now, we started to hear distant A30 calls returning from the east.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:22:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the A30s are pulling the whole crowd to the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:32:12 PDT
No orcas present.
For us it was a quiet night and we suppose the I31s,A30s and the A12s went back to the east around midnight although the tide was still ebbing for a couple more hours. If they did move west, they did so pretty quietly. The map indicates where we last heard calls.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 07:50:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We are now hearing the I31s as well - our midnight group is back!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 09:21:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Possibly all the groups from the past few days are here, travelling west, together. We have heard all three A1 groups, I31s, possibly I11s and various other G groups as well.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 11:20:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales too two different routes to Blackfish Sound, some via Weynton Pass and others through Blackney Pass. All ended up at the top end of Blackfish Sound where they foraged and waited for the tide to turn. An hour before the slack they made their move and all came through Blackney Pass and on to Johnstone Strait. Now with the tide and the wind at their backs they are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve. A wonderfully blustery day, sunny, high waves and fluffy clouds!
Helena
13 Sep 2006 16:57:10 PDT
Distant calls audible.
After the A12s,A30s,A36s, I15s,I11s,I31s and the G3s,G29s, G18s, G12s, G2s got into Johnstone Strait thy headed soon off to the east. The A30s seemed rather restless but stayed as part of the crowd. They were rather quickly out of our range after a few good rubs.Just now, we started to hear distant A30 calls returning from the east.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:22:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It sounds like the A30s are pulling the whole crowd to the west.
Helena
13 Sep 2006 22:32:12 PDT
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
12 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Not sure when it happened but all the groups are back in the Strait and already heading back to the west. CP can see groups on the Vancouver Island spread from Kaikash Creek and almost Blinkhorn! There must have been a alot of movement last night from the time after we heard the A12s pass through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 07:25:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Around 8:30am these very interesting whales turned around a little shy of Blinkhorn. The I15s were first get get to the beaches and we suspect the A36s followed. There are whales spread out back to Critical Point and across the Strait - all moving eastward despite the ebbing tide (the tide turned at 8:30am as well). The Gikumi has found the A12s stalled off of Donegal Head. We believe the A30s,A36s,I15s,I11s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G29,G18s and G12s should be the groups in the Strait.
Helena
Distant calls audible.
We are now hearing distant A12s (not a lot of calls) in Blackfish Sound. They apparently dropped into the western end of Blackfish for a bite to eat. The other groups are still eastbound past Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 13:12:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s went through Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The other groups (the A30s,A36s, Gs, I11s, I15s and I31s) have continued eastward from Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 14:31:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A12s met up with another group at the beaches. After enjoying a good rub the whales moved toward Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 20:49:00 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A30s have returned from the east as well as the I31s (this was the group who joined the A12s at the beaches earlier).
Helena
12 Sep 2006 21:42:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Not sure when it happened but all the groups are back in the Strait and already heading back to the west. CP can see groups on the Vancouver Island spread from Kaikash Creek and almost Blinkhorn! There must have been a alot of movement last night from the time after we heard the A12s pass through Blackfish Sound.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 07:25:52 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Around 8:30am these very interesting whales turned around a little shy of Blinkhorn. The I15s were first get get to the beaches and we suspect the A36s followed. There are whales spread out back to Critical Point and across the Strait - all moving eastward despite the ebbing tide (the tide turned at 8:30am as well). The Gikumi has found the A12s stalled off of Donegal Head. We believe the A30s,A36s,I15s,I11s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G29,G18s and G12s should be the groups in the Strait.
Helena
Distant calls audible.
We are now hearing distant A12s (not a lot of calls) in Blackfish Sound. They apparently dropped into the western end of Blackfish for a bite to eat. The other groups are still eastbound past Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 13:12:46 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s went through Weynton Pass. They are now eastbound in Johnstone Strait. The other groups (the A30s,A36s, Gs, I11s, I15s and I31s) have continued eastward from Naka Creek.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 14:31:17 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A12s met up with another group at the beaches. After enjoying a good rub the whales moved toward Robson Bight.
Helena
12 Sep 2006 20:49:00 PDT
Orcas near mics.
It sounds like the A30s have returned from the east as well as the I31s (this was the group who joined the A12s at the beaches earlier).
Helena
12 Sep 2006 21:42:26 PDT
Monday, September 11, 2006
11 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Life began again around 3am when we heard the A30s heading east back in Johnstone Strait. After an hour we began to hear distant G clan calls coming up from the east. Since then there has been steady movement. The I11s just went through Blackney Pass and are now in Blackfish Sound while the rest,the A30s,I15s,I31s,A36s and the other G groups, are spread out foraging from CP to the area off of Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 07:27:48 PDT
No orcas present.
After the I11s went through Blackney Pass the other groups( the A30s,I15s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G18s,G29s,G12s and the A36s) all went through Weynton Pass on the ebb tide and then stalled for quite a while in Queen Charlotte Strait. They still seem determined to remain there and are even heading west off Lizard Point, despite the strong flooding tide which should be encouraging them to come back. There was a report of a group of 8 heading west at Stimpson Reefs quite a while ago but we have not heard anything turn up near the Ecological Reserve yet. So it is a very in between day today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 15:59:25 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Life began again around 3am when we heard the A30s heading east back in Johnstone Strait. After an hour we began to hear distant G clan calls coming up from the east. Since then there has been steady movement. The I11s just went through Blackney Pass and are now in Blackfish Sound while the rest,the A30s,I15s,I31s,A36s and the other G groups, are spread out foraging from CP to the area off of Robson Bight.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 07:27:48 PDT
No orcas present.
After the I11s went through Blackney Pass the other groups( the A30s,I15s,I31s,G2s,G3s,G18s,G29s,G12s and the A36s) all went through Weynton Pass on the ebb tide and then stalled for quite a while in Queen Charlotte Strait. They still seem determined to remain there and are even heading west off Lizard Point, despite the strong flooding tide which should be encouraging them to come back. There was a report of a group of 8 heading west at Stimpson Reefs quite a while ago but we have not heard anything turn up near the Ecological Reserve yet. So it is a very in between day today.
Helena
11 Sep 2006 15:59:25 PDT
Sunday, September 10, 2006
10 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The Lukwa followed up on reports of whales near Forward Bay and Naka Creek and headed down the Strait in that direction this morning. They have since located the lead groups just east of the Ecological Reserve and like yesterday the whales are coming west for the morning. Cool damp (not wet) weather this morning.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 10:19:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,I15s, and I31s are past CP now and making their way west while stopping to forage intensely off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Our first of the season southeaster is stirring.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 13:22:13 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s, I15s and I31s left their foraging spot off the entrance to Weynton Pass in Johnstone Strait to head east to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they are now.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 16:42:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After staying off the entrance to Blackney Pass for quite a while, where to go was finally resolved with the A30s taking off and heading into Blackney Pass. The I15s stayed with them until the decision was made and then they followed the I11s and I31s to Robson Bight. Just recently, we thought we might have heard the A36s in the big group off of the Bight - did they come up from the east? The A30s have not had a lot to say. Reports from the east said the A12s spent the day in Discovery Channel. No word on the other G clan groups who should be still to the east - somewhere.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 20:32:01 PDT
No orcas present.
The Lukwa followed up on reports of whales near Forward Bay and Naka Creek and headed down the Strait in that direction this morning. They have since located the lead groups just east of the Ecological Reserve and like yesterday the whales are coming west for the morning. Cool damp (not wet) weather this morning.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 10:19:34 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s,I15s, and I31s are past CP now and making their way west while stopping to forage intensely off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Our first of the season southeaster is stirring.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 13:22:13 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s, I15s and I31s left their foraging spot off the entrance to Weynton Pass in Johnstone Strait to head east to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they are now.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 16:42:48 PDT
Orcas near mics.
After staying off the entrance to Blackney Pass for quite a while, where to go was finally resolved with the A30s taking off and heading into Blackney Pass. The I15s stayed with them until the decision was made and then they followed the I11s and I31s to Robson Bight. Just recently, we thought we might have heard the A36s in the big group off of the Bight - did they come up from the east? The A30s have not had a lot to say. Reports from the east said the A12s spent the day in Discovery Channel. No word on the other G clan groups who should be still to the east - somewhere.
Helena
10 Sep 2006 20:32:01 PDT
Saturday, September 09, 2006
09 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Except for a few additional distant calls east of Critical Point around midnight, it has been a pretty quiet night. So we think the whales kept going east.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 08:49:23 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We just started to hear super faint G and A calls east of the eastern end of the Reserve. Whales coming west!
Helena
09 Sep 2006 10:50:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a busy place - Johnstone Strait. So far the A30s, A36s, G18s, I11s, I15s, G02s have been identified. There are probably more, if not most of the groups from yesterday. They all went up west to the entrance of Weynton and then pushed their way partly through the Pass against the strongly ebbing tide before they turned around. They are now moving with the current back into Johnstone Strait. Hard at this point to tell if they have met up with new incoming groups.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 15:30:34 PDT
No orcas present.
This feels very similar to last night with the whales continuing to the east past the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve despite the ebbing tide. After midnight they will have the tide with them which will certainly make it easier for them to go further east. In the area we believe are: all the A1s, the I11s,I15s,I31s, G2s,G3s, G18s,G12s, G29s.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 21:47:08 PDT
No orcas present.
Except for a few additional distant calls east of Critical Point around midnight, it has been a pretty quiet night. So we think the whales kept going east.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 08:49:23 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We just started to hear super faint G and A calls east of the eastern end of the Reserve. Whales coming west!
Helena
09 Sep 2006 10:50:33 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a busy place - Johnstone Strait. So far the A30s, A36s, G18s, I11s, I15s, G02s have been identified. There are probably more, if not most of the groups from yesterday. They all went up west to the entrance of Weynton and then pushed their way partly through the Pass against the strongly ebbing tide before they turned around. They are now moving with the current back into Johnstone Strait. Hard at this point to tell if they have met up with new incoming groups.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 15:30:34 PDT
No orcas present.
This feels very similar to last night with the whales continuing to the east past the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve despite the ebbing tide. After midnight they will have the tide with them which will certainly make it easier for them to go further east. In the area we believe are: all the A1s, the I11s,I15s,I31s, G2s,G3s, G18s,G12s, G29s.
Helena
09 Sep 2006 21:47:08 PDT
Friday, September 08, 2006
08 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The I15s showed up at the top end of Blackfish Sound after apparently coming through Weynton Pass earlier. (Thanks to Jim Borrowman for the sighting)They have met up with the A30s who went north through Blackney Pass earlier to arrive at the same location as the I15s. Both groups are spread out, vocal, milling. We have heard of an "Incoming" group further west in Queen Charlotte Strait. This might be an interesting afternoon.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 09:55:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the I15s eventually made it into Blackney Pass just as the tide was changing from slack to flood. They are now in Johnstone Strait. They were excited,breaching, spyhopping, porpoising when travelling through the Pass. We have heard (thanks to DFO) that at least the Gs,A36s,A12s and some of the I31s are the incoming group reported earlier. It is raining harder! Yea! Yea!
Helena
08 Sep 2006 12:02:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The map will not show it but all the groups who were in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier went through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass to get into Johnstone Strait. These groups are now eastbound following the I15s and the A30s who disappeared that direction quite a while ago. As reported: the A12s, I35s (including I46 and I80), the G2s, G3s,G18s,G12s, I112s and A36s all arrived today.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 17:45:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After quite the jamboree (?sp) in Robson Bight, it seems as if the whales have kept going to the east. The tide is now ebbing but whether that will change their momentum is hard to say. Anyway, we figure around 80 whales are "in" today. Nice to have all the A1s back. Just about the whole of G clan is here as well.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 21:18:29 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I15s showed up at the top end of Blackfish Sound after apparently coming through Weynton Pass earlier. (Thanks to Jim Borrowman for the sighting)They have met up with the A30s who went north through Blackney Pass earlier to arrive at the same location as the I15s. Both groups are spread out, vocal, milling. We have heard of an "Incoming" group further west in Queen Charlotte Strait. This might be an interesting afternoon.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 09:55:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A30s and the I15s eventually made it into Blackney Pass just as the tide was changing from slack to flood. They are now in Johnstone Strait. They were excited,breaching, spyhopping, porpoising when travelling through the Pass. We have heard (thanks to DFO) that at least the Gs,A36s,A12s and some of the I31s are the incoming group reported earlier. It is raining harder! Yea! Yea!
Helena
08 Sep 2006 12:02:29 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The map will not show it but all the groups who were in Queen Charlotte Strait earlier went through Blackfish Sound and Blackney Pass to get into Johnstone Strait. These groups are now eastbound following the I15s and the A30s who disappeared that direction quite a while ago. As reported: the A12s, I35s (including I46 and I80), the G2s, G3s,G18s,G12s, I112s and A36s all arrived today.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 17:45:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
After quite the jamboree (?sp) in Robson Bight, it seems as if the whales have kept going to the east. The tide is now ebbing but whether that will change their momentum is hard to say. Anyway, we figure around 80 whales are "in" today. Nice to have all the A1s back. Just about the whole of G clan is here as well.
Helena
08 Sep 2006 21:18:29 PDT
Sunday, September 03, 2006
03 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Good morning! Iy sounds like the A12s and the I33s are on their way back into the area. We are hearing their calls at the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 06:53:22 PDT
Boat noise
We think the A12s & I33s went through Weynton Pass. We are waiting to hear them come into the Strait. Last night we lost track of the I11s when they were westbound in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 08:36:29 PDT
Boat noise
The whales decided not to go Weynton Pass after all.We just had the B07s,A12s and I33s pass through Blackney Pass. They are now east bound in the Strait. B13 has flopped over even further. The A12s and the Bs were travelling together in mixed groups. A55 looked very interested in B14 at one point.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 11:11:15 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the Bs,A12s,I33s move further east we have become aware of other groups moving west into the eastern part of the Reserve. So far, at the beahces we have heard: I11s,Gs,I15s,As and now I11s again I31s. There are, to put it mildly, a lot of whales in Johnstone Strait - all near and around the Michael Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 12:35:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,Bs & A5s have gone in for a rub as the other groups make their way eastward toward them.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 17:58:16 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The I15s & the I31s have just led the I11s through Blackney Pass. It is possible the Bs & A12s continued east, we have not heard their calls since they were at the beaches. We have heard a report that the very large group that was to the east all day today were westbound at St Vincent's Bight. Also, there was another group reported headed "in" from Donegal Head - our heads are spinning.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 21:05:22 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Good morning! Iy sounds like the A12s and the I33s are on their way back into the area. We are hearing their calls at the western end of Blackfish Sound.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 06:53:22 PDT
Boat noise
We think the A12s & I33s went through Weynton Pass. We are waiting to hear them come into the Strait. Last night we lost track of the I11s when they were westbound in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 08:36:29 PDT
Boat noise
The whales decided not to go Weynton Pass after all.We just had the B07s,A12s and I33s pass through Blackney Pass. They are now east bound in the Strait. B13 has flopped over even further. The A12s and the Bs were travelling together in mixed groups. A55 looked very interested in B14 at one point.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 11:11:15 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the Bs,A12s,I33s move further east we have become aware of other groups moving west into the eastern part of the Reserve. So far, at the beahces we have heard: I11s,Gs,I15s,As and now I11s again I31s. There are, to put it mildly, a lot of whales in Johnstone Strait - all near and around the Michael Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 12:35:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,Bs & A5s have gone in for a rub as the other groups make their way eastward toward them.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 17:58:16 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The I15s & the I31s have just led the I11s through Blackney Pass. It is possible the Bs & A12s continued east, we have not heard their calls since they were at the beaches. We have heard a report that the very large group that was to the east all day today were westbound at St Vincent's Bight. Also, there was another group reported headed "in" from Donegal Head - our heads are spinning.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 21:05:22 PDT
Saturday, September 02, 2006
02 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The A12s and the I33s travelled west up the Strait, starting at 4:30am. Both groups came through Blackney Pass, the A12s leading, and are now carrying on through Blackfish Sound. While this was happening we heard a brief rub at the beaches followed by close calls on Critical Point leading us to believe that other groups are also on the move west.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 08:18:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I11s and the I15s were the groups westbound in the Strait as the A12s and the I33s came through Blackney Pass. The Johnstone Strait groups are spread out off the western end of Hanson Island to the Vancouver Island side. Their progress is now quite slow as they stop and forage. The a12s and the I33s continued west and are now past Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 11:41:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s and part of the I31s (the I35s,I46) circled around Hanson Island after leaving the Strait around noon. They left the I11s behind to forage off of Telegraph Cove and the entrance to Weynton Pass. The I11s have since turned east and all the groups are off the entrance to Blackney Pass after coming from their respective directions. A whale rendezvous of sorts, lovely calls too.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 16:05:23 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s, I31s,I11s have gone for a rub. It may be a quick one. While they were off robson Bight we also heard distant A1 calls - perhaps the A30s calling them eastward!
Helena
02 Sep 2006 18:21:24 PDT
Boat noise
The I11s may not have listened to the siren call after all. We believe they headed back to the west where they were earlier today. We are waiting to find out if they head out or turn back once again. We still believe the I15s and i35s+ continued to the east. The A30s, A4s,A5s and the three G groups are still east as well.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 21:08:52 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s and the I33s travelled west up the Strait, starting at 4:30am. Both groups came through Blackney Pass, the A12s leading, and are now carrying on through Blackfish Sound. While this was happening we heard a brief rub at the beaches followed by close calls on Critical Point leading us to believe that other groups are also on the move west.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 08:18:25 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The I11s and the I15s were the groups westbound in the Strait as the A12s and the I33s came through Blackney Pass. The Johnstone Strait groups are spread out off the western end of Hanson Island to the Vancouver Island side. Their progress is now quite slow as they stop and forage. The a12s and the I33s continued west and are now past Lizard Point in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 11:41:16 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The I15s and part of the I31s (the I35s,I46) circled around Hanson Island after leaving the Strait around noon. They left the I11s behind to forage off of Telegraph Cove and the entrance to Weynton Pass. The I11s have since turned east and all the groups are off the entrance to Blackney Pass after coming from their respective directions. A whale rendezvous of sorts, lovely calls too.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 16:05:23 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s, I31s,I11s have gone for a rub. It may be a quick one. While they were off robson Bight we also heard distant A1 calls - perhaps the A30s calling them eastward!
Helena
02 Sep 2006 18:21:24 PDT
Boat noise
The I11s may not have listened to the siren call after all. We believe they headed back to the west where they were earlier today. We are waiting to find out if they head out or turn back once again. We still believe the I15s and i35s+ continued to the east. The A30s, A4s,A5s and the three G groups are still east as well.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 21:08:52 PDT
Friday, September 01, 2006
01 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Nice surprise. The I15s turned up close to CP and then they and the A30s moved in together into Blackney Pass. We may have lost track of the I11/I31 group. Their calls were growing distant just as the I15s drew closer to CP. Then they went quiet. BUT perhaps they followed the others into Blackney. Regardless, all three groups are westbound and moving out of the area on the ebb tide.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 00:27:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Nice surprise. The I15s turned up close to CP and then they and the A30s moved in together into Blackney Pass. We may have lost track of the I11/I31 group. Their calls were growing distant just as the I15s drew closer to CP. Then they went quiet. BUT perhaps they followed the others into Blackney. Regardless, all three groups are westbound and moving out of the area on the ebb tide.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 00:27:17 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
30 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT
Monday, August 28, 2006
28 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Saturday, August 26, 2006
26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Friday, August 25, 2006
25 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry, it was a town run today (groceries & laundry) . When we got back in the early evening we passed the whales heading east in the Strait around Big Bay. The a12s, A4s & A5s after leaving Blackfish Sound this morning travelled west in Queeen Charlotte and found the I31s. All the groups then travelled back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They, then went down to the Reserve and had a rub. once finished at the beaches they have started back to the west. Quite the routine, quite the day!
Helena
25 Aug 2006 21:39:39 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry, it was a town run today (groceries & laundry) . When we got back in the early evening we passed the whales heading east in the Strait around Big Bay. The a12s, A4s & A5s after leaving Blackfish Sound this morning travelled west in Queeen Charlotte and found the I31s. All the groups then travelled back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They, then went down to the Reserve and had a rub. once finished at the beaches they have started back to the west. Quite the routine, quite the day!
Helena
25 Aug 2006 21:39:39 PDT
Saturday, August 19, 2006
19 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Quiet night so we think the whales stayed to the east.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 07:35:09 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s,A4s and A5s stayed in the far east all day. We heard reports that they were seen in Nodales. Meanwhile, the Naiad Explorer and the Roller Bay found the I35s near Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 22:49:21 PDT
No orcas present.
Quiet night so we think the whales stayed to the east.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 07:35:09 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s,A4s and A5s stayed in the far east all day. We heard reports that they were seen in Nodales. Meanwhile, the Naiad Explorer and the Roller Bay found the I35s near Port Hardy.
Helena
19 Aug 2006 22:49:21 PDT
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
09 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The B7s led the parade back to the west starting at 2:50am. All the groups (the A4s,A5s,A30s,A12s,Gs,I31s,Rs etc) followed. With the exception of the small A11 group, who went through Blackney Pass, all the rest continued west in Johnstone Strat. We are just now hearing the first groups arrive at the top end of Blackfish Sound after exiting the Strait via Weynton Pass.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 06:39:59 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s came back from Queen Charlotte Strait ahead of the B7s, A24s,A51s and A43s. They all came through Blackney Pass. The A12s are now entering the Ecological Reserve while the others are slowly resting west of the Sophias. The rest of the groups (the A36s, A11s, I15s, Rs, Ds, I31s & Gs) are still headed west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2006 14:22:15 PDT
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
08 August Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s & A36s are with the i31s,Bs and some of the Gs passing CP. They came out of the east about 4:45am and have been moving west ever since.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 06:23:11 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A30s & A36s are with the i31s,Bs and some of the Gs passing CP. They came out of the east about 4:45am and have been moving west ever since.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 06:23:11 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A36s have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, the A30s, I31s, Gs and I15s have continued west in Johnstone Strait. We believve the Bs may have turned around and headed back towards the Reserve after making it as far as Cracroft Point. We have heard a few A4 calls as well. There should still be a a fairly large group to the east, the A5s, possibly the A12s, some more of the A4s and the C6s and D7s. It is very, very foggy today.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 08:26:27 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
There are groups of whales everywhere! In the Strait: the B7s did turn back with the A11s but they are making there way past Critical Point. The A35s just finished at the Beaches and there may be others behind them (the rest of the A4s and A5s). The C6s (at least part of the pod) have gone past Alert Bay to the west. The A30s, I15s, I31s, A36s abd Gs (at least some of the G groups) are out in Queen Charlotte meeting up with incoming Rs and other groups. We don't know where the D7s got to as yet. Very, very busy!
Helena
08 Aug 2006 12:14:29 PDT
No orcas present.
Another superpod day! Several of the groups (the A30s,I31s,Gs, A12s ,A36s and Ds) this morning circled around Hanson Island and met up with the incoming Rs. The C6s headed off by themselves past Alert Bay. The A12s then led all the groups in via Blackney Pass just as the fog was clearing. The groups headed east in Johnstone Strait. After a jump into the beaches together they carried on to the east by 4:30pm. It has been quiet since. Our count was well over 100 whales.
Helena
08 Aug 2006 22:26:02 PDT
Sunday, August 06, 2006
06 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
This is becoming quite the day! The I15s and the A36s have already gone through Blackney Pass and east in Johnstone Strait. Bothe groups went in for a rub but the A36s have since come back to the west. The whalewatch boats have been keeping an eye on the Bs in Queen Charlotte Strait. They have company. R clan & possibly G clan calls have also been heard. The good news for us is that these groups are moving towards Blackfish Sound. Are the A36s coming west to meet up? Meanwhile the A30s,A4s,A5s are still quite far east. They were reported in Sunderland Channel earlier. They too were headed west.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 12:38:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Each of the groups is taking a turn at the Beaches. So far the I15s, A36s went in soon after their arrival as the first group. The Bs and the I31s were next (the 2nd group through) and now the I15s and the A30s (up from the east) have moved in too. Off Critcial Point the G group (the 3rd group through) are moving eastward towards the Beaches. Jim Borrowman reports that the R5s,R7s, and Ws turned back in Queen Charlotte and headed out to the west without "coming" in. And now, Dall's porpoise have come right into the bay out front ogf the house - Amazing!
Helena
06 Aug 2006 17:39:06 PDT
No orcas present.
The rubs are finally over (7:30pm) and the whales off to the east once again.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 21:58:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
This is becoming quite the day! The I15s and the A36s have already gone through Blackney Pass and east in Johnstone Strait. Bothe groups went in for a rub but the A36s have since come back to the west. The whalewatch boats have been keeping an eye on the Bs in Queen Charlotte Strait. They have company. R clan & possibly G clan calls have also been heard. The good news for us is that these groups are moving towards Blackfish Sound. Are the A36s coming west to meet up? Meanwhile the A30s,A4s,A5s are still quite far east. They were reported in Sunderland Channel earlier. They too were headed west.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 12:38:19 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Each of the groups is taking a turn at the Beaches. So far the I15s, A36s went in soon after their arrival as the first group. The Bs and the I31s were next (the 2nd group through) and now the I15s and the A30s (up from the east) have moved in too. Off Critcial Point the G group (the 3rd group through) are moving eastward towards the Beaches. Jim Borrowman reports that the R5s,R7s, and Ws turned back in Queen Charlotte and headed out to the west without "coming" in. And now, Dall's porpoise have come right into the bay out front ogf the house - Amazing!
Helena
06 Aug 2006 17:39:06 PDT
No orcas present.
The rubs are finally over (7:30pm) and the whales off to the east once again.
Helena
06 Aug 2006 21:58:13 PDT
Friday, July 28, 2006
28 July Cetaceanlab reports:
On Thursday we finalized the setup of a new hydrophone station in Wright Sound.
Just minutes after the start of the transmission, resident Orcas were audible. I guess that’s what you call perfect timing. It turned out that the I31s were traveling north in Wright Sound, heading for Verney Passage. It did not take them very long to be out of the range of the new hydrophone station and the first orca visit on the “Hartley Bay Whale FM station” was history. Hopefully they will be many more to come.
The I31s came back the next day traveling south through Verney Passage in the late morning before we encountered them in Whale Channel just before sunset.
On Thursday we finalized the setup of a new hydrophone station in Wright Sound.
Just minutes after the start of the transmission, resident Orcas were audible. I guess that’s what you call perfect timing. It turned out that the I31s were traveling north in Wright Sound, heading for Verney Passage. It did not take them very long to be out of the range of the new hydrophone station and the first orca visit on the “Hartley Bay Whale FM station” was history. Hopefully they will be many more to come.
The I31s came back the next day traveling south through Verney Passage in the late morning before we encountered them in Whale Channel just before sunset.
Friday, July 21, 2006
21 July Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a contrast to yesterday's lazy, hazy summer day! All was quiet this morning and then the reports started to surface. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watch) heard R calls out in Queen Charlottee Strait. The Tuan (Seasmoke Charters) saw the A36s with many, many whales off Donegal Head. Then we were told the super big group was headed east in Blackfish Sound and headed for Blackney. And then: In rushed over 80 whales, spread out across Blackney, excited and in a rush to get to the Strait. In the Strait, the A12s, A4s and the A5s were coming up from the east and Robson Bight to meet the incoming gang. Whales were everywhere! It was a superpod of grand proportions. At last count, 117 (thanks to Graeme Ellis and John Ford of DFO)whales were in the area. There were several G clan groups, the Ds, several R clan groups and of course the same As of the last several weeks. They rushed toward the Ecological Reserve where one group went into the Main rubbing beach for more than an hour. Now, the groups are reorganising for a trip back to the west.
Helena
21 Jul 2006 17:55:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The official count is now 127! An opportunity for another look by the DFO came when the whales moved toward CP early this evening. Our day was made complete when,after passing CP with beautiful calls and a glimpse underwater, they entered Blackney and headed northwest to the sunset. The big question is: Will they be back or was this the visit?
Helena
21 Jul 2006 20:51:28 PDT
Add from the comment board:
Hi Jan,The list we got from Graeme Ellis included: The R4/5s, Ws, I31s,G3s,G12s,G31s.G2s,G29s,A36s,A12s,A4s,A5s,Ds,C6s. I will ask if other Rs (R2s,R17s)were present. I hope this helps. It was quite a day!
Helena@Hanson I
21 Jul 2006 22:58:56 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a contrast to yesterday's lazy, hazy summer day! All was quiet this morning and then the reports started to surface. The Lukwa (Stubbs Island Whale Watch) heard R calls out in Queen Charlottee Strait. The Tuan (Seasmoke Charters) saw the A36s with many, many whales off Donegal Head. Then we were told the super big group was headed east in Blackfish Sound and headed for Blackney. And then: In rushed over 80 whales, spread out across Blackney, excited and in a rush to get to the Strait. In the Strait, the A12s, A4s and the A5s were coming up from the east and Robson Bight to meet the incoming gang. Whales were everywhere! It was a superpod of grand proportions. At last count, 117 (thanks to Graeme Ellis and John Ford of DFO)whales were in the area. There were several G clan groups, the Ds, several R clan groups and of course the same As of the last several weeks. They rushed toward the Ecological Reserve where one group went into the Main rubbing beach for more than an hour. Now, the groups are reorganising for a trip back to the west.
Helena
21 Jul 2006 17:55:31 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The official count is now 127! An opportunity for another look by the DFO came when the whales moved toward CP early this evening. Our day was made complete when,after passing CP with beautiful calls and a glimpse underwater, they entered Blackney and headed northwest to the sunset. The big question is: Will they be back or was this the visit?
Helena
21 Jul 2006 20:51:28 PDT
Add from the comment board:
Hi Jan,The list we got from Graeme Ellis included: The R4/5s, Ws, I31s,G3s,G12s,G31s.G2s,G29s,A36s,A12s,A4s,A5s,Ds,C6s. I will ask if other Rs (R2s,R17s)were present. I hope this helps. It was quite a day!
Helena@Hanson I
21 Jul 2006 22:58:56 PDT
Friday, July 07, 2006
07 July 2006, Orcalab reports
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a night. After circling Hanson Island twice the A12s and the a4s finally headed up into Blackfish Sound where they waited for the A36s to bring in some of the A5s and either the I31s or I11s. The A36s left via Blckney Pass around first light and continued back west into Blackfish. The A12s and the A5s may have continued east (at least for now) while the I11/I31 group sounded like they came up to Craroft Point behind the A36s. however, they never came into Blackney and we wonder if they and one of the A groups continued off to the west in the Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 06:36:22 PDT
No orcas present.
After all the excitment of new groups arriving, the rest of the day was a bit anticlimatic. By 630am the A36s and the I31s (only I46, I80, and the I33s were identified by Jared Towers) took different paths out of the area. We have no idea what happened to the A4s, A12s amd the A5s - did they leave as well via Weynton Pass or did they go east? Time will probably let us in on the secret. For now, boat noise and the sound of the southeast wind.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 22:10:22 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
What a night. After circling Hanson Island twice the A12s and the a4s finally headed up into Blackfish Sound where they waited for the A36s to bring in some of the A5s and either the I31s or I11s. The A36s left via Blckney Pass around first light and continued back west into Blackfish. The A12s and the A5s may have continued east (at least for now) while the I11/I31 group sounded like they came up to Craroft Point behind the A36s. however, they never came into Blackney and we wonder if they and one of the A groups continued off to the west in the Strait.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 06:36:22 PDT
No orcas present.
After all the excitment of new groups arriving, the rest of the day was a bit anticlimatic. By 630am the A36s and the I31s (only I46, I80, and the I33s were identified by Jared Towers) took different paths out of the area. We have no idea what happened to the A4s, A12s amd the A5s - did they leave as well via Weynton Pass or did they go east? Time will probably let us in on the secret. For now, boat noise and the sound of the southeast wind.
Helena
07 Jul 2006 22:10:22 PDT
Thursday, June 22, 2006
June 22 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
A little bit of news: Donna MacKay had a report this morning of a large group of orcas heading eastward from the Cape Caution area. Also, Cetacealab has heard/seen I31s and some of the A5s (A43s and A25s) over the last few days. The DFO during their Spring survey work ran across the A30s and report that A54 has a new calf. All the A30s were there and looking well. It is a good start!
Helena
22 Jun 2006 12:19:19 PDT
No orcas present.
A little bit of news: Donna MacKay had a report this morning of a large group of orcas heading eastward from the Cape Caution area. Also, Cetacealab has heard/seen I31s and some of the A5s (A43s and A25s) over the last few days. The DFO during their Spring survey work ran across the A30s and report that A54 has a new calf. All the A30s were there and looking well. It is a good start!
Helena
22 Jun 2006 12:19:19 PDT
Friday, January 13, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
11 January Orcalab reports:
13:01 PST Superb sounds!!
This morning before 10am we began to hear very distant G clan calls through the constant boat noise in the Strait. We believe the I15s headed west toward beaver Cove and then turned just before 11:30am. Right now it sounds like they are off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Still not completely sure whether or not the I31s are with them. A DFO research boat is out there with them hoping to get some winter feeding data and they may supply the answer! The weather is very changeable but right now, although raining, improving somewhat.
Helena & Paul
14:46 PST Boat noise
We got confirmation on the I31s - all there, I80 still with his uncle I46 - along with the I15s. i41 is still there and looking much the same as he did in the summer. Thanks to Jared Towers for this report. From the calls we believe the whales have continued to the east past Critical Point. There is only boat noise now.
Helena & Paul
13:01 PST Superb sounds!!
This morning before 10am we began to hear very distant G clan calls through the constant boat noise in the Strait. We believe the I15s headed west toward beaver Cove and then turned just before 11:30am. Right now it sounds like they are off the entrance to Blackney Pass. Still not completely sure whether or not the I31s are with them. A DFO research boat is out there with them hoping to get some winter feeding data and they may supply the answer! The weather is very changeable but right now, although raining, improving somewhat.
Helena & Paul
14:46 PST Boat noise
We got confirmation on the I31s - all there, I80 still with his uncle I46 - along with the I15s. i41 is still there and looking much the same as he did in the summer. Thanks to Jared Towers for this report. From the calls we believe the whales have continued to the east past Critical Point. There is only boat noise now.
Helena & Paul
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
