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
Friday, September 08, 2006
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
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