12 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Performing maintenance

Our internet connection is still down, though it came back briefly yesterday evening. Meanwhile, we've continued to have the A4s, A5s & A12s nearby. At the moment, they are in Johnstone Strait, probably to the east of our hydrophone range, though we're not sure. Were enjoying a quiet night here after a huge storm last night, and hope all's well with you all.
Helena & Paul
12 Nov 2007 19:49:25 PST

10 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

We're hearing A1 & A4 calls on the Flower Island hydrophone!
Helena
10 Nov 2007 03:05:53 PST

Multiple pod calls audible.

The whales (A1s, A5s, A4s) are now in Johnstone Strait heading east. The boat noise is improving.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 05:30:23 PST

Boat noise

We've only been hearing boat noise for the past while. We think the orcas have headed east past Robson Bight but aren't sure. The boat noise is interfering with the Critical Point transmitter.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 07:48:24 PST

Orcas near mics.

The boat noise has gone & we're hearing calls on the Critical Point hydrophone again. Sounds like the orcas are still in Robson Bight.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 08:13:45 PST

Distant calls audible.

We believe the orcas have travelled back to the west.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 10:24:42 PST

Orcas near mics.

The A12s, A8s and A11s have moved through Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound. There are at least two humpbacks in Blackney Pass.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 14:09:23 PST

No orcas present.

We believe that the A12s, A8s and A11s (A11, A56, A13) and A73 (Springer) carried on into Queen Charlotte Strait after 4:30pm.
Helena
10 Nov 2007 17:34:07 PST

08 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A4 calls in Johnstone Strait amid the boat noise.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 07:35:27 PST

Distant calls audible.

It seems as if the A4s and A5s (probably not the entire pods) have come further west in the Strait now approaching Cracroft Point. Still a lot of boat traffic.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 09:49:28 PST

Distant calls audible.

The A4 and A5 groups are now back in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 13:21:26 PST

Boat noise

It would seem that the whales were just crossing the "top" end of Blackfish Sound on their way out to Queen Charlotte Strait this afternoon. It has been a windy rainy day and now a dark and stormy night.
Helena
08 Nov 2007 22:45:35 PST

07 November 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

These calls are in Blackfish Sound!
Helena
07 Nov 2007 18:52:40 PST

Orcas near mics.

These A4! calls are getting louder in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:02:16 PST

Distant calls audible.

Add A5s to the list as well... a little further off again.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 19:12:08 PST

Distant calls audible.

The calls are now in Johnstone Strait. The tide is just turning to flood. The whales may have gone through Weynton Pass from Blackfish Sound.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:15:09 PST

Distant calls audible.

The whales are moving steadily eastward. They are now opposite the entrance to Blackney Pass. Lots and lots of boat noise in Johnstone Strait causing interference on some of the hydrophones.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 21:56:36 PST

Distant calls audible.

And by now, a little further eastward. It would be nice if the boats moved a little quicker.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 22:37:58 PST

Distant calls audible.

Finally, the boat noise is improving. The A4 and A5 calls continue in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
07 Nov 2007 23:01:18 PST

18 October 2007, Orcalab reports:

Performing maintenance

Sorry, we were unable to connect with the internet for most of the day and so have not been broadcasting. The good news is that of course, resident whales, the A5s and possibly A4s as well, turned up in Johnstone Strait at 4pm! Their calls did not last very long and we imagine they were eastbound past Robson Bight. The sea lions have been feasting all day on large salmon. Maybe a few chum have made it this far after all!
Helena
18 Oct 2007 19:07:22 PDT

06 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A little bit handicapped last night with Critical Point down. However, there was movement. Just after midnight we had close A5 calls in the entrance of Blackney Pass. After a gap of 20 minutes we then began to hear A4s approach the entrance from the Johnstone Strait side. A group (the A4s?) travelled through Blackney to the north. Much later there was a brief but intense rub at the beaches. This morning, a male transient (T14) has been sighted off Weynton Island. Other blows have been sighted towards Blinkhorn, and T14 has turned toward this vocal group. Just now we are hearing distant transient calls continue in Johnstone Strait.(Critical is working again).
Helena
06 Sep 2007 09:22:32 PDT

05 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Groups are streaming off to the west: First the Rs (they stayed on the Johnstone Strait side going west) and then the A36s with the I15s (who just went north in Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound). An I31 and/ or I11 group is currently approaching the entrance to Blackney Pass on the Johnstone Strait side. All this and a touch of northeern lights too. We have not heard any A4,A5, A12 or A30 calls yet.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 02:39:11 PDT


Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear A4 and A5 calls close to Critical Point. Thse are groups coming up from the east and westbound. Unfortunately, the Critical Point hydrophone has developed a problem and it is hard to listen. Fortunately, the groups are beginning to be heard on the CP system.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 17:30:57 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We think the A4 group followed the A5 group to the west.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 18:55:22 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Nope, the A4s did not go far. They are back on CP and not far from the entrance of Blackney Pass.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 19:06:25 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Interesting, on the last post I accidently clicked on Flower Island. A little bit early but the A35s made it true. They have gone through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, a different A4 group is heading west in the Strait. We have not heard A5s for a while.
Helena
05 Sep 2007 20:51:34 PDT

03 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A36s, A4s, A5s and the I15s met up the A30s when they entered the strait. All the whales headed east to the Bight, sounds like having nice time in there.
Tomoko
03 Sep 2007 00:46:16 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We began hearing calls about 5am, & since then have heard the I15s & A36s on the Critical Point hydrophone, so they're in or near Robson Bight . As well, we're hearing the A12s, who are in Blackfish Sound & seem to be heading towards Johnstone Strait. The I15s, A36s & others (A4s, A5s) were headed east in Johnstone Strait by 1am, so it sounds like at least some of these groups are returning to the west now.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 05:59:25 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

After the Rs came into the Strait the groups who had preceded became vocal and began to move eastward. We are now listening to the A12s, I11s, A36s, I15s, I31s and Rs. Quite the gang. To the east should still be the A30s, A4sand A5s.
Helena
03 Sep 2007 16:49:53 PDT

01 September 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are very close to Cracroft Point, the A4s sound like they are over closer to Vancouver Island. We have also heard A30s, A36s and A5s.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 10:24:13 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Well the whales went west, and then turned at the top end of Hanson Island, and then they went all the way back, past Critical Point and then down to the rubbing beaches where an A1 group is now rubbing.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 13:59:41 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Back and forth. Since the last poste the whales have turned at least once. At 2:20pm they were all opposite the Cliff moving east. The A30s went down for the rub and 20 minutes later they were all headed back to the west. The progress was not speedy but by 4:40pm the I15s were west of Kaikash, the A24s opposite Kaikash, the rest of the A4s and A5s were going alobg the Hanson shore and the A30s up to the western boundary. Whew!
Helena
01 Sep 2007 17:54:49 PDT

Distant calls audible.

For the last while the whales, true to form, are now going east again.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 19:06:54 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The A30s peeled away and came north through Blackney Pass just before dark. The others are nearing Robson Bight.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 20:51:10 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The eastbound groups, the I15s,the A36s, A5s and A4s are on their way out of the Reserve. Nothing further was heard from the A30s who continued west to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
01 Sep 2007 22:36:41 PDT

31 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Where to start? The A30s are currently travelling north through Blackney Pass. Someone is at the beaches rubbing and recently there was distant A5 calls on Critical Point. Earlier the A30s were with the A4s, A5s and A12s off Robson Bight before scattering in different directions east and west.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 01:08:14 PDT


Distant calls audible.

Just after starting a recording because the A30s were reported off of Bold Head in Blackfish Sound, we began hearing A5 calls in Johnstone Strait. We suspect this might be the start of the A12, A4, A5 parade from the east.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 10:42:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Time to catch up. The A30s came through Blackney Pass. They cleared CP around 1:55pm and after a slight pause they continued east crossing in the direction of the Reserve. The A23s and the A25s, meanwhile, had gone west, crossed to the entrance of Blackney Pass and then headed west tight to the Hanson shore. At 1pm they turned and crossed right over to the Vancouver Island side and headed east. Around 2pm they would have been off Kaikash Creek following the A30s to the east. Nice timing. meanwhile, the A11s are on their way west not far from the eastern end of the Reserve.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 14:33:23 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Sounds like the A11s went in for a rub while the A30s and A5s wait a little further west.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 15:27:07 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Thanks to Marie on the Cliff we know that the A24s, A11s (all) came from the east. The A30s and the A23s/25s (who had turned first at 4pm) are now moving west. There are groups on both sides of the Strait in the Sophia Island area.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 16:45:54 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

So the A30s, A25s,A23s and all the A4 went west up to the "top" end of Hanson I. ,turned around and now are back off the entrance to Blackney Pass and Cracroft Point. The tide isebbing now and as earlier the whales are working against the current.
Helena
31 Aug 2007 19:25:17 PDT

30 August 2007, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Good morning. We've heard no calls since just after midnight, when we think the A30s were passing the rubbing beaches, heading east. This means that all the A, G, & R clan groups here yesterday are probably still somewhere to the east of us.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 05:50:41 PDT


Orcas near mics.

The A30s are certainly holding down the middle. The A36s, I15s and I31s did go out Weynton and the A30s moved toward the CP area just ahead of the Rs coming up from the east along the Vancouver Island shore. Nick Templeman reports that at 11am the A12s, A4s and A5s were also westbound (isn't everyone?) off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 11:42:59 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s have begun heading back to the east from CP, possibly to meet up with several groups of orcas coming west. They include at least some of the A4s, A5s, & A12s, who were reported to be heading west from Kelsey Bay around 11am today.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 16:08:51 PDT

Boat noise

Boy this was quick, The A12s,A5s and almost all of the A4s (only the small A11 group has not been accounted for so far) moved quickly to the west. The A30s doubled backed while the groups came "in" but now may also be westbound.
Helena
30 Aug 2007 17:50:56 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

Bight Party: A30s, A4s,A5s,?A12s
Helena
30 Aug 2007 20:43:32 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The Bight party continues!
Helena
30 Aug 2007 21:26:57 PDT

28 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

So much for going east! - Not quite yet it seems. The whales have been stalled in the same general area since the last posting, with someone only lightly touching in at the rubbing beaches. The tide is now in full flood and this may help them decide. Today, we heard from Nick Templeman that the A11s, A35s and A73 were with the A30s near Nodales Channel, perhaps another incentive.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 00:20:40 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

Add I15, A1 and A4 calls to the list of whales up to Robson Bight.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:08:02 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is really sounding like the whole gang is back, A30s, A36s, A12s, A4s,A5s,I15s, and I33s. Still moving west.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:54:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Actually these groups are spread from Telegraph Cove back to west of the Reserve.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 12:59:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the A36s rushed through Blackney Pass from Blackfish Sound, the groups to the west of Blackney Pass turned back to the east, a few had ventured well into Weynton Pass before the turn.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 14:35:25 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The whales are not far off the entrance to Blackney Pass and CP area. Recently, A4s were the loudest. It is only 1/2 hour to the slack tide and then the tide will ebb. Will this be enough to encourage them all out via Blackney? Or will the stay Strait sid?
Helena
28 Aug 2007 17:04:14 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Definitely stayed Strait side.The calls were distant for so long we began to wonder if they were headed back to the west. Fortunately, calls got louder and we now believe the whales (the A12s,A30s,A4s.A5s,I15s,A36s have been heard) are headed to the Robson Bight area.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 18:43:10 PDT

No orcas present.

And east they all went! - some 12 hours after arriving back from the east this morning.
Helena
28 Aug 2007 21:48:05 PDT

26 August 2007, Orcalab reports:


Multiple pod calls audible.

The I15s are also out there (east of CP, Johnstone Strait) with the I31s.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 12:28:48 PDT


Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Sorry, I am trying to do something else and the groups keep coming! There are more A1 calls and A5s as well. Some of the groups have gone in for a rub on their way west.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 13:59:06 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

And after awhile the A4s too.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 15:27:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

CP reports that the I15s have passed them and are between the bottom end (east) of Hanson Island and Big Bay. They passed fairly close to Cracroft, about 1/4 off. The I65s were first, followed by the I16s who were travelling with A37, and then the I27s. Just now, A11 passed with I33 and I110 very close to the camp. The males were offshore at about 5oom. More whales can be seen headed toward CP from the east.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 16:25:22 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Whales are eastbound once again, headed back to the Bight area.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 20:27:23 PDT

Superb sounds!!

We've been listening to a wonderful chorus of A & G clan calls in Robson Bight, near Critical Point. Unfortunately, boat noise is intruding & getting louder.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:11:32 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The I15s & others have reached the rubbing beaches.
Helena
26 Aug 2007 21:57:01 PDT

No orcas present.

We think the various groups are probably on their way to the east in Jonstone Strait. We are waiting (sleeping).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:33:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're stil hearing faint calls on the Critical Point hdrophone, so not all the orcas have headed east (yet).
Helena
26 Aug 2007 22:55:01 PDT

24 August, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A short while ago we began to hear A4 calls (possibly the A24s) and then A30s off of the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 05:49:57 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This is shaping up to be a very interesting morning. The groups in the Strait, the A36s, I15s, I33s have moved into the entrance to Blackney Pass while part of the R7s and R2s and the A24s finished travelling south through Blackney Pass and "met" up with them. A52 and her calf are aslso just about through Blackney Pass while a larger group, the rest of the Rs, A4s and A30s are still in Blackfish Sound. The tide is turning to flood.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 08:48:12 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Crazy busy. After the meeting off the entrance to Blackney Pass the A36s came into Blackney Pass and headed north. A52 and her calf followed part way through the Pass but turned south again after getting half way. As the a36s disappeared into Blackfish a mixed group with A73, R13 and her calf, the rest of the A35s and A56 travelled south through Blackney. Eventually, A13 and A11 followed. We can still hear the A30s and the A36s on Flower Island occassionally. The I15s,A5s, I33s, A24s and the R2s and R7 all went back to the east afte their meeting off of the Blackney entrance.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 10:12:30 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

We've been listening to the I15s & A4s at the rubbing beaches for the past while. Meanwhile, the A30s have moved to the north of Blackfish Sound & the A36s are following behind.
Helena
24 Aug 2007 12:22:37 PDT

23 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

All the groups headed north through Blackney Pass a short while ago. We're hearing occasional distant calls from some of them on the Flower Island hydrophone.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 02:02:01 PDT

Distant calls audible.

We're still hearing most of the groups calling occasionaly on the Flower Island Hydrophone, so they are still in or near Blackfish Sound.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 04:29:23 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since just before 5am & think that the various A & G clan groups we were listening to in Backfish Sound earlier this morning have (probably) moved on to the north. We are waiting.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 07:09:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

There are three threads we are following this morning. First, a group of transients showed up this morning in Blackfish Sound and continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. Second, we heard A5 calls back in Johnstone Strait fairly close to Critical Point. This group went off to the beaches. There may be another group on the Cracroft side. Third, the majority of the group that went out this morning at 5am is off Malcolm Point in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were still going west when fisrt seen this morning but have since turned around and are moving back to the east.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 11:35:01 PDT

No orcas present.

Nice to be in the middle again. The A5s continued east this afternoon and no word, as of now, that they have turned. The BIG group in Queen Charlotte Strait is still eastbound but very slowly and are currently in the area east of Black Bluff
Helena
23 Aug 2007 15:46:52 PDT

Boat noise

The A5s are back and heading west along Cracroft Island opposite Robson Bight. The I15s, I33s, A30s and possibly the A24s are off Lizard Point slowly eastbound and closer to Port Hardy, the R2s & R7s have been picked up by the A11s. They have stalled there for the moment.
Helena
23 Aug 2007 17:10:38 PDT

22 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

It sounds like the A5s & A4s are in Robson Bight as well as the A30s, I15s & I33s. Quite a party, just wish it was happening elsewhere.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 02:39:24 PDT

Boat noise

Sigh. A very beautiful morning with low fog and calm seas. Earlier this morning, the A4s and A5s joined the I15s, I33s and the A30s, before 1am, in the area off Robson Bight. The whales stalled until about 3:15am when their calls grew quickly fainter. They may have shifted toward the Cracroft Island shore before moving back eastward in the short term. Calls ended by 4:30am.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 06:34:54 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

In addition to the A1 calls (?A12s) we are hearing A4s as well. The whales are westbound once again, not quite up to the area opposite Blackney Pass.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:17:45 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is starting to sound like everyone is beginning to file back from the east.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 09:33:09 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The various groups have all turned (I15s off CP, others off Big Bay) and are headed back to the east again.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 10:58:10 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

As the "groups" (the A30s, A4s, A5s, I15s, I33s, A12s) continued eastward in Johnstone Strait we began to hear not only the A36s in Blackfish Sound BUT also R clan calls! Never rains but pours.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 19:28:39 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Whales are back at the beaches. However, others (A11s,A5s,A30s) are very vocal on Critical Point.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 20:19:33 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Recently, the A4s then the A5s have taken a turn at the beaches. The A36s are still vocal in Blackfish Sound. No further R calls - a mystery!
Helena
22 Aug 2007 21:08:33 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A lot of back and forth.! The calls had faded off after the last rub, and for a while, it seemed the whales may have gone east. But they ( A30s, A4s and A5s so far) have returned west and at the moment not far from Critical Point. Today, the whales were in mixed groups for a good portion of the day. It was a very hot day which probably furthered evaporation of the spill. There was still some slick around the eastern end of Hanson Island. But it was a very thin, although greasy layer, by the afternoon. Apparently, no damaged birds have been found and there does not appear to be any more fuel coming from the scene of the accident. Clean-up crews are still at work and DFO scientists are monitoring the whales.
Helena
22 Aug 2007 23:28:36 PDT

21 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The I15s are opposite CP and moving on toward the entrance to Blackney Pass. The I33s are nearby. The other groups, the A4s and A5s seem like they are further offshore of Cracroft, passing the entrance to Blackney Pass. The A30s are not far ahead.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 00:18:49 PDT


Distant calls audible.

The A4s, A5s, I33s, I15s and the A30s seem to have moved eastward from Robson Bight since 3am. We are hearing a few distant calls on the rubbing beach system.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 03:32:58 PDT

No orcas present.

We've heard no calls since around 3:30am & think the various groups continued to the east. We won't mind at all if they stay there for a while!
Helena
21 Aug 2007 07:57:21 PDT


Orcas near mics.

The I33s and most likely soon the I15s have arrived back in the area adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. The A30s turned when between Little Kaikash and Blinkhorn and are headed to the entrance of Blackney Pass where they have stopped to forage. A bit of a surprise, the A12s are reported to be east bound at Camp Point (as of 12pm) travelling with the A35s and the A24s. Other groups were also headed east headed toward Camp Point. This means that the A12s got back to the Strait sometime last night, possibly when the other groups were so excited when off the entrance of Blackney Pass. We never heard A12 calls so their entrance was a quiet one.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 12:50:12 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The I15s and the I33s crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass and are continuing west along the Hanson Island shore. Part of the slick has touched shore along the Johnstone Strait side of Hanson Island and these two groups just swam through a lot of it. Further east, headed for Chatham Point, are the surprising A12s, A4s (all) & A5s (all). The sun is out now and although the last of the afternoon burst, the temperature on the water will apparently help evaporate some of the spilled fuel. Fingers still crossed.
Helena
21 Aug 2007 14:41:11 PDT

20 August 2007, Orcalab reports:


Multiple pod calls audible.

Busy, reports are coming in that there are westbound whales as well as the groups returning and heading east. Possibly, the various A groups (some or even all?) have come up from the east. The scene will get a bit clearer in a while when there is visual information. We are hampered by the constant boat noise. We are hearing As as well as the G clan calls. Exciting!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 09:10:55 PDT


Distant calls audible.

We are now hearing A4 calls off the main rubbing beach. They must be following the A30s west.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:06:43 PDT

Distant calls audible.

And now the A5s!
Helena
20 Aug 2007 22:16:53 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s continue to lead the other groups to the west. We have been able to hear them approach the area in range of CP and the entrance to Blackney Pass for the last while. The others are spread "back" to the Reserve.
Helena
20 Aug 2007 23:29:16 PDT

18 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The whales are back. We are hearing A4 calls on CRPT hydrophone.
Tomoko
18 Aug 2007 02:34:38 PDT

Orcas near mics.

At 1:34am we heard close echo location on Critical Point. This was followed by a couple of calls and then a long gap. And then just now the A4s have begun calling once more. The return from the east has begun!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 02:34:43 PDT

Boat noise

Johnstone Strait (& everywhere else around us) is full of intense boat noise this morning, as one cruise ship after another passes though on the way north. Eventually, hopefully, the parade will end. Meanwhile, the I15s arrived in Robson Bight a little before 5am, and the A4s are still nearby. We are hearing their calls occasionally, through the boat noise.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 06:51:53 PDT


Multiple pod calls audible.

After the a5s arrived in robson Bight, the other groups, who had travelled west, turned off Bauza Cove, before 9am and then proceded east. At least the I15s and I33s returned. At the moment we are not sure where the A4s got to. The I15s and the I33s are just entering the Reserve while the A5s have become somewhat distant on the Critical Point station.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 11:19:49 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

As the sleepy whales (the A5s,I15s and I33s) in Jonhstone Strait continue their rest, the A30s and the A11s have been reported heading west toward Kelesey Bay. There is also a group heading east toward Donegal Head, out of Queen Charlotte Strait. No ids as of yet. The tide will flood in about 1/2 hour. The A36s, by the way, are over by Blunden Harbour.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Nap time might be over. The I15s are vocal on CP so they must be moving back to the west. The A12s are coming in from the west but it is still a bit early to tell which route they will choose. Earlier, the nap seemed to end with a few A4 calls.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 15:03:37 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

After the boat noise (more cruise ships) was over we began hearing A1 & A4 calls at the rubbing beaches! We're not sure, but the A30s may have returned from their (fast) trip to the east. Possibly, the A4 calls at the beaches are from the A11s. Meanwhile, the I15s, I33s, A5s & A12s are slowly making their way east in the Strait... we're hearing them on the CP & PI hydrophones.
Helena
18 Aug 2007 18:42:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

Since the last post: The A30s and the A11s (A11,A56, A13 and A73) travelled to the west from the Bight and showed up off CP around 7:40pm. There they joined the BIG group (the I15s, the rest of the A4s, the A5s, the I33s and the newly arrived back A12s) in a BIG mix-up. Eventually, despite the ebbing tide, they all moved over to the Vancouver Island side and continued east. They are approaching Robson Bight right now. Thanks to everyone for all the reports today; Nick for keeping track of the A30s and A11s, Marie on the "Cliff" for keeping track of movements east of CP, Paul Tixier for watching from CP, and the whale watch boats for keeping everyone up-to-date throughout the day. It may be a busy night!
Helena
18 Aug 2007 21:34:25 PDT

16 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have orcas all around us this morning! The I15s, I31s, A36s & A24s are in Blackfish Sound, and at least some of the A4s & A12s are in Johnstone Strait. We've been hearing their calls all night & the sun has just risen on another lovely day.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 06:40:14 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A30s and the I33s just travelled south through Blackney Pass and are about to enter Johnstone Strait. Their travels were preceded just a few calls in Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile. the A11s and the A5s are still resting in Johnstone Strait and the I15s,A36s and the A24s are to the west.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 12:57:08 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A24s and the I15s followed the A30s and the I33s to Johnstone Strait. They elected to follow the Hanson Island shore with I43 and I16 in the lead.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:37:54 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

just to make life interesting: a group has moved into the main rubbing beach! (A4 calls)
Helena
16 Aug 2007 13:50:47 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Both the A30s and the A5s have gone in for a rub as well as the A4s.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 15:46:01 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The whales have headed off to the east from the rubbing beaches after an incredibly long (4 hours) rubbing session during which all of the groups (A4s, A5s, A30s, I15s, I33s) visited and revisited the Main rubbing beach. What a rub!
Helena
16 Aug 2007 18:40:02 PDT

No orcas present.

It seems that all the groups headed off to the east together after their marathon rub. We last heard a report, around 8pm, that they were at the Adams River, still in a relaxed clump, heading east. We are waiting.
Helena
16 Aug 2007 22:52:33 PDT

15 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

The parade has begun. There are A4s, G clan calls along with the A30s. All groups are westbound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 09:28:00 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The groups in Johnstone Strait who continued west, maybe as far as Beaver Cove, turned 40 minutes ago, and are now headed east spread out across Johnstone Strait. The A36s are still in Queen Charlotte Strait but they are reported to be with another group westbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 12:46:31 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s left Johnstone via Weynton Pass and are at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The extra group with the A36s has yet to be substantiated and the remaining groups in Johnstone Strait are slowly moving to the east still. No word (or calls) on who was in Robson Bight heading west a short whle ago.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 13:38:01 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

While the A30s linger in Blackfish Sound and the A36s remain in Queen Charlotte Strait, on the Johnstone Strait side, the whales (the A4s, A12s and I31s (maybe just the I33s)have headed east to the rubbing beaches. The I15s are still a bit further west and we have not heard A5 calls clearly today, leaving us, wondering if they are still very far east.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 15:54:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

There has been quite a bit of movement. The I15s, A4s, I31s (I33s at least) and A12s moved west in the Strait to the entrance of Blackney Pass while the A30s have moved around in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 17:45:57 PDT

Superb sounds!!

The I15s zipped through Blackney Pass on their way to Blackfish Sound. This left the A4s in Johnstone Strait and most likely (until we hear differently) the A12s, I33s as well. The A30s were last heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:43:24 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

I should have added that we heard from Nick Templeman that all the A5s were in eastern Johnstone Strait but that they were on their way west this evening.
Helena
15 Aug 2007 22:50:03 PDT

14 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

Interesting day shaping up. The A34s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. Last night they accompanied the I15s and I31s to Blackney Pass. We thought they had continued with the other two groups east in Johnstone Strait. However, at some point they must have pulled away and headed back west to meet up with the A36s again. Right now, the I31s have returned from the east and are moving slowly west (hardly any calls) toward Cracroft Point. The A30s, A12 & A33, the I15s, A4s and A5s are still east of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
14 Aug 2007 12:00:11 PDT

13 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Calls from the I31s,I15s, A4s and A5s gradually faded away until just after 1am. We had the impression these groups were westbound at that time and may have left Johnstone Strait via Weynton Pass. This morning, after 6am, we have heard (briefly so far) a group come up to Critical Point. We have yet to determine who is there but last night we had lost track of the A30s.
Helena
13 Aug 2007 06:52:16 PDT

12 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Superb sounds!!

The A36s waited for the I15s and the I31s and brought them down Queen Charlotte Strait to the A30s and the A11s. These groups travelled through Blackney Pass and are now on their way to Johnstone Strait.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 00:11:36 PDT

No orcas present.

All the groups that came in just before midight (A36s,I15s & I31s) along with the A30s and A11s) carried on to the east in Johnstone Strait. They were past the Ecological Reserve by just after 2am. They seemed to be in a hurry but a few (I15s + As) had time to touch in at the main rubbing beach on their way. We've heard nothing since & it's a very foggy morning here.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 07:39:46 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

It is quite the parade. All the groups are filing up from the east, stopping for a rub or two, moving on to CP and beyond. The A12s have come along for the party and the A5s, the rest of the A4s as well. All the A1s are present, in company with the I15s & I31s. Might be a good exercise to figure out how many whales are here today!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 13:47:58 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After the A30s & A11s finished their rub they came west to the Bight, arriving about the time the others groups turned and headed back to the east. Some of the groups got as far as Hidden Cove (Telegraph Cove area).
Helena
12 Aug 2007 15:48:09 PDT

Boat noise

The A36 brothers have just headed north through Blackney Pass, all together, and are now in Blackfish Sound. The other groups (A11s, A12s, A30s, I31s, I15s) are still in Johnstone Strait, between Blackney Pass & Robson Bight, and headed east. We're listening to their calls amidst persistent boat noise.
Helena
12 Aug 2007 17:27:10 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Time to catch up. The A36s left the area via Blackney Pass & travelling through Blackfish Sound. The A34s (no one saw A12 and A33!) followed. We think the A30s pulled the I31s and I15s east in Johnstone Strait for a while leaving the A4s and the A5s around the Robson Bight area. The I31s and the I15s have returned to the Bight just a short while ago. The groups are very vocal!
Helena
12 Aug 2007 23:00:27 PDT

11 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Another busy night with the A4s, A5s and A30s continuing to move back and forth in Johnstone Strait. In the end, the A30s and an A4 (?A11) group followed the rest of the A4s and A5s (who had disappeared east of the Reserve before midnight) back to Critical Point and beyond. This morning there have been reports of whales, east of the Reserve, asof a couple of hours ago.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 09:03:51 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This has become a busy orca day once again. This morning a small group of transients (T2B, the T60s) were spotted south of Stubbs Island. They most likely were involved in a Dalls porpoise hunt north of Stubss. (Jared Towers/Sea Smoke report). From there they moved through the Pearse Island and have just now turned toward Johnstone Strait from Cormorant Island. Meanwhile, the A30s and the A11s have returned from the east and are currently westbound in the Strait. Also, the A36s were off Bere point this morning and just recently two more groups (the I31s and I15s, Bill MacKay report) are headed east through Queen Charlottte Strait from the Port Hardy area.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 13:23:16 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s and the A11s continued west as far as Blinkhorn and then turned around to the east. They were quite spread out across the Strait before the turn.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 16:00:51 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a few nice and interesting calls off the entrance to Blackney Pass, the A30s and the A11s (A13,A11,A73,A56) travelled through Blackney Pass to the north.
Helena
11 Aug 2007 18:01:05 PDT

10 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

At 2:15am whales, starting with the A30s and followed by A5s and A4s, rounded the corner at Critical Point, to the Robson Bight area. They have basically stalled in the general area east of Cracroft Point and the Ecological Reserve since then. The calls have been at times quite lovely and continuous. We have not yet so far heard A12s but the A11s may have come back.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 06:19:25 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A11s led the A30s, the A5s and possibly the A24s through Blackney Pass and into Blackfish Sound just a short while ago. There looked like there was a least one other group in the crowd. Very few calls and prior to coming in only the A30s were vocal. Earlier we heard A4s,A30s and A5s, starting after 2am (see previous notes).
Helena
10 Aug 2007 11:11:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

This morning's groups have, after spending time off the top end of Blackfish Sound, gone through Weynton Passage and east in Johnstone Strait. The A35s were added to the list of A11s, A30s, all the A5s and A24s.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 16:08:17 PDT

Superb sounds!!

Awhile ago the A30s headed off to the west. The A11s were following but turned around again. Soon after all the rest of the groups began a trek up Johnstone Strait. As they did so, the A30s "appeared" acoustically once again. All the groups are not far from the CP and entrance to Blackney Pass. The calls have been quite continuous and are only now slowing down.
Helena
10 Aug 2007 22:18:16 PDT

09 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

It was the A12s who turned up off Critical Point. Can the A4s and the A5s be far behind?
Helena
09 Aug 2007 08:31:05 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

All the groups are converging at the eastern end of Hanson Island in Johnstone Strait. The A12s, A4s andA5sall came up from the east and headed to Cracroft Point. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s, after turning around off Blinkhorn, headed east along the Hanson Island side. Right now the A30s and the I11s are quiet (and have been so for a while after the turn) and the A12s, A5s and A4s are sproadically vocal.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 10:39:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s and the I11s have "merged" with the A25s and the A23s off of CP while the A12s cross over toward the Bight from the Sophias. So far we have not actually heard any A4s and Nick Templeman reports that the A8s and the A11s (? all of them) stayed east last night and are not far from Rock Point (Chatham Point area.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 11:14:19 PDT

Boat noise

This has been our most complicated day to date. After the A25s and the A23s socialised with the A30s and the I11s there was a split, with the A5s turning east and the I11s and A30s turning west. The A12s and the A24s never did make it to CP at this time. Instead they turned east and crossed over from the Sophias. They went all the way to the eastern boundary where they turned west once more. By 3pm they were opposite Robson Bight. From there they moved up to the CP area (only the A12s were vocal) and crossed the entrance to Blackney Pass. Meanwhile the A30s and the I11s had continued west toward Telegraph Cove. From there the A30s turned back east before 5pm while the I11s moved into Weynton Pass. The A12s had moved back east as well and just before 6pm they were opposite Robson Bight once again. By this time, the groups had begun to shut down for a rest. The A23s and A25s may have gone all the way to the beaches for a very short rub and by 5:30pm they were back off Critical Point. The short of this is that the groups are in their various groups heading east in different locations throughout the Strait. The I11s are still undecided in the entrance to Weynton Passage. The A36s are still likely in Queen Charlotte Strait, way to the west. And the A8s and A11 are still westbound in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Helena
09 Aug 2007 18:26:53 PDT

08 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Good Morning! Early this morning, just after 4am, we began to hear calls in Blackfish Sound. These turned out to be A1 (?A30) and A4 (?A11). Calls ended one hour later. Then at 6am calls started once again. This time it was A5 and A4. The whales are just now in sight, making their way south through Blackney, just ahead of the ebb (to flood) tide.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 06:48:39 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

A11 and A13 were the last two through from Blackfish Sound. Everyone is now in Johnstone Strait heading east toward or in the Ecological Reserve. The groupings were very mixed and spread out as they went through but we believe all the A5s were there and the two A11 matriines (including Springer).
Helena
08 Aug 2007 08:43:12 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the A11s and the A5s enjoy themselves at the rubbing beaches the A30s and the I11s (following) passed slowly and silently through Blackney Pass. These two groups are in Johnstone Strait now. The rub continues.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 09:58:34 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s went for a rub and then travelled off to the eastern boundary of the Reserve. The I11s followed and currently we can hear them off the main beach. The A5s and the A4s disappeared out of range to the east a while ago.
Helena
08 Aug 2007 13:58:25 PDT

07 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Early this morning, the A12s continued west in Johnstone Strait and turned into Blackney Pass. By 2:30am they were heading through Blackfish Sound. It was unclear whether the A24s stayed with the A12s. We last heard their calls around 11:30pm when they were still in the Strait. The A30s were ahead of both these groups having entered Blackfish Sound by 10:30pm. The A36s are most likely still east in Johnstone Strait. This morning whales were seen in Queen Charlotte Strait around 6am.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 08:02:01 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A30s just turned up, almost exactly where they left off 12 hours ago! They are travelling south through Blackney Pass at the moment. We cannot see them because of the thick fog but we can hear their calls and blows. The A12s AND the A24s are eastbound in Queen Charlotte Strait headed for Donegal Head (east end of Malcolm Island).
Helena
07 Aug 2007 11:32:47 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A12s and the A24s continued east once in johnstone strait. They came in via Weynton Pass. The A30s took themselves off to the rubbing beaches. When finished there they returned west, first to Robson Bight, and then further where they connected with A12 and A33 (the A34s and the A24s were pretty preoccupied with each other all day long). The A30s then continued west and are currently between Bauza and Blinkhorn (east of Telegraph Cove) on the Vancouver Island side. The A12s and Co are off the Ecological Reserve heading east. There was a rumour that the little R7 group might be tucked in with the A24s and the A34s. An interesting note was when the A12s and the A24s came into the Strait the A24s did most of the talking west of Cracroft Point and then when the groups were east of Cracroft Point the A12s were most vocal.
Helena
07 Aug 2007 18:22:48 PDT

Distant calls audible.

The A30s are back at the western end of Blackfish Sound. The A36s at 7:30pm were westbound at Ripple Point (still very far east) and the A12s and the A24s most likely continued east from the rubing beaches.
helena
07 Aug 2007 21:19:12 PDT

06 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

A rather interesting development. Possibly both the A12s and the A24s have made it back to Robson Bight from the east while the A30s may have ended up in Blackfish Sound. The tracking continues to be difficult as the whales are creating large gaps between calling bouts.
Helena
06 Aug 2007 23:24:39 PDT

05 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Early this morning there were A4 calls (?A24s) in Johnstone Strait. Tracking was difficult thanks to the boat noise and the distant nature of the calls. We did not hear the A12s or A36s once they disappeared to the west yesterday evening. No word about the A30s who most likely are still to the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 07:52:50 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

As the A12s and the A36s make their way east out of Queen Charlotte Strait we began to hear a few rubs at the main beach in the Ecological Reserve. No calls yet so we are not sure if it is the A30s or the A24s or both coming from the east.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 15:21:34 PDT

Distant calls audible.

It turned out to be the A24s who was rubbing just after 3pm. Now they are heading west, we just started picking up their calls on CP hydrophone. The A12s came into the Strait through Weynton Pass, going east.
Tomoko
05 Aug 2007 18:11:52 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Here is what has been happening today. The A24s came up from the east and headed west. The a12s travelled eastward through Queen Charlotte Strait with the A36s, however, only the A12s went through Weynton Pass and into Johnstone Strait. They then travelled east. After going west the A24s turned in time to join the A34s and head east together. As they were so engaged, the A36s, decided to finally come all the way through Blackney Pass and enter Johnstone Strait. This was about 6:30 pm. Some of the whales are now going through the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 20:37:06 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

After a long and wonderful rub the A12s and the A24s headed back west to Robson Bight. The A36s may still be nearby. The ebbing tide might encourage a bigger move west. At 4:30pm, Nic Templeman reported that the A30s were westbound off Kelsey Bay.
Helena
05 Aug 2007 22:55:53 PDT

04 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

The A12s and the A36s headed north through Blackney Pass. We are not sure if the A24s were with them.
Tomoko
04 Aug 2007 03:00:59 PDT

No orcas present.

Last night the A36s were heard accompanying the A12s to the entrance of Blackney Pass. The A12s definitely went through Blackney Pass to Blackfish Sound and it is possible the A36s were still with them. The story is less clear for the A24s as their calls ended for us much earlier while they were still in Johnstone Strait so they too may or may not have continued with the A12s to the west. For us, the A1 calls faded just before 3am when they became distant in Blackfish Sound. We will see what develops this morning.
Helena
04 Aug 2007 07:39:22 PDT

03 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s have gone in for a rub. The A24s and hte A12s are hurrying up from the east and have now passed St Vicents Bight. The A36s are still to the west.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 17:17:20 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A36s finally made it to Johnstone Strait BUT they went through Weynton Pass and NOT past us. We have yet to see them in the daytime. They are headed east. The A12s have also made back to these parts and are currently headed west past Critical Point. Sooooo?... where are the A30s? They were at the beaches just a while ago. AND where are the A24s. Perhaps these questions will be answered soon.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 20:33:13 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A24s have arrived back from the east and have rejoined the A12s and the A36s off of the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Aug 2007 22:50:43 PDT

02 August 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

The A30s, who have been moving around Johnstone Strait since 3am, are eastbound once again toward Robson Bight. We have not heard the A36s, who earlier flirted twice with coming into Blackney Pass, since around 6am. No word on the A24s, Rs or A12s so far this morning.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 09:44:03 PDT

No orcas present.

It is always interesting being around the residents. Last night, there was an exchange. The A24s and the R7s went off with the waiting A36 brothers. They have been spotted in Queen Charlotte Strait by Seasmoke Charters this morning. This all happened without any noticeable acoustic exchanges. This left the A30s to turn eastward by themselves. As they move further east there has been a report of a group (?the A12s) moving westward from Camp Point.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 12:38:22 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

We have been busy trying to keep track of the various groups in the area. The A24s, true to form, were silent until they reached Johnstone Strait. And it wasn't until they reached the beaches that they actually made any noises at all. The A36s keep waxing and waning toward Blackney Pass, never quite making it (so far at least) and the A30s have returned from the east and hooked up with the A24s off the Ecologial Reserve. The R7s, we believe, kept going west in Queen Charlotte Strait after spending part of the morning with the A24s and the A36s. All of this would be easier if the whales kept in range and vocal but then it wouldn't be as interesting or challenging.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 20:23:43 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

At least the A30s just travelled north through Blackney Pass, perhaps to visit with the entrenched A36s in Blackfish Sound. We have lost track of the A24s since their turn at the beaches earlier. The A12s have not yet showed up from the east either. Time will tell.
Helena
02 Aug 2007 22:44:34 PDT

01 August Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Another quiet night. We believe the A24s continued east past the Ecological Reserve and that the A30s continued west through Queen Charlotte Strait. The A12s should still be to the east. Very foggy this morning.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 08:36:21 PDT

No orcas present.

A surprise for us! The a30s just went through Blackney Pass headed for Johnstone Strait. This was our first daytime sighting of this group. They have a small group of Rs with them (perhaps the R2/7 group) and the A24s have come up from the east to greet them. The A24s are past Boat Bay and the other two groups are now past Cracroft Point. Party? Summer?
Helena
01 Aug 2007 18:29:31 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

The A30s and the ?R7s are travelling east in Johnstone Strait and have made acoustic contact with the A24s.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 18:54:06 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The orcas are at the rubbing beach after calling beautifully off Critical Point. The A12s were last reported still in the vicinity of Nodales Channel this evening.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 20:24:25 PDT

No orcas present.

We believe the A30s, R7s and A24s went off to the east.
Helena
01 Aug 2007 21:50:05 PDT

31 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A30s and the A24s have made their way back to the Ecological Reserve from the east leaving the A12s "below" and heading towards Nodales Channel. So far the A24s have touched in at the Main beach.
Helena
31 Jul 2007 15:12:11 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A24s certainly have a strong work ethic! They and the A30s rushed up from the east, pushed hard against the tide, and did not stop until they went through Weynton Pass to the western end of Blackfish Sound. After a bout of A30 calls the A24s, still travelling against the tide, came east to Blackney Pass. They are no longer in a rush - the A30s are nowhere in sight leaving us to wonder if they have gone west. The evening is still young. The A24s just began to call.
Helena
31 Jul 2007 21:21:15 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

The A24s have returned to Johnstone Strait. Are they on their way to find the A12s? Busy whales!
Helena
31 Jul 2007 21:58:23 PDT

30 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

While the A12s and company make their way through Queen Charlotte Strait slowly, the A24s have returned to the Bight from the east and are making their way westward. The A30s were reported in Frederick Arm (eastern Johnstone Strait) this morning. The night was uneventful.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 12:08:56 PDT

Orcas near mics.

The A12s came back to Johnstone Strait via Blackney Pass. a33 led the way, followed by A12 and even furhter behind, A55. The A34s porpoised their way through after the others. When they got into the Strait we could here the distant A24s answering the A12 calls.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 15:25:12 PDT

No orcas present.

The A12s and the A24s have continued east in Johnstone Strait after someone (there were no calls) went in for a brief rub. The Lukwa reported that A12 and A33 were well ahead of the A24s and the A34s who were being slowed down by a group of dolphins who were travelling with them eastward.
Helena
30 Jul 2007 20:28:16 PDT

29 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

Hmmm.... we just had the A5s and the A12s go through Blackney pass in very mixed fashion. They have headed east and may have been joined by the A36s.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 12:12:36 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

There are A4 call in the mix as well. There is a small group reported at Blinkhorn and we wonder if the A35s are there. The others got as far as the Bight and turned back to the west. A30s were seen earlier this morning off Port Neville (east of here) with possibly the A24s.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 13:39:12 PDT

Superb sounds!!

After the A36s merged with the A35s (who had been sitting off Blinkhorn before moving east to Kaikash Creek) the whales crossed over to the entrance oF Blackney Pass and for a while everyone went west. Behind them the A12s and the A5s were moving west as well. After reaching the entrance to Blackney Pass they all looked like they were going to head back east but they then stalled. Although drifting and changing direction they have been very vocal. Word has reached us that there are other groups in Queen Charlotte Strait heading this direction. Despite the constant boat noise the calls have been constant and clear, everyone chatting at once.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 15:50:25 PDT

Multiple pod calls audible.

After shuffling back and forth in Johnstone Strait all the groups (the A5s, A35s and the A12s) finally left via Blackney Pass on the ebb. Prior to this,the A36s left the strait via Weynton Pass and headed to Blackfish Sound where they acoustically interacted with the small A11 group (including Springer) as they made their way through Blackfish Sound toward Blackney Pass. The a36s continued west by themselves. Just after the A11s came into our view we became aware of the whales exiting Johnstone Strait. The A11s turned and led everyone away into Blackfish Sound. There were not many calls during all of this. way. The A30s apparently continued eastward to Nodales Channel. We do not know where the A24s are at the moment.
Helena
29 Jul 2007 20:22:42 PDT

28 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The A24s have been moving around the area very quietly so tracking is challenging. But we were hoping the A24s might repeat yesterday'd early morning movement but so far the morning has been uneventful. Grey, overcast, no fog.
Helena
28 Jul 2007 08:32:16 PDT

No orcas present.

There maybe some excitment afoote! Today, MacKay Whale watching found the A30s headed east north of Port Hardy and apparently, they are pulling others with them. Thanks to Stubbs Island for the relay of this information. Nick also reported in: apparently the A24s got together with the A36s fairly far to the east of here around 11am. The "brothers" have lured the A24s further eastward, of course. In the middle of all of this activity we are waiting patiently and following the reports of minkes (thanks to Sea Smoke Charters for that info), humpbacks etc.
Helena
28 Jul 2007 17:12:20 PDT

No orcas present.

The A30s are off Lizard Point. The A24s and the A36s are west bound recently out of Nodales. Dolphins are leaping all over Blackney Pass.
Helena
28 Jul 2007 20:14:39 PDT

27 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No calls but orcas nearby

For us it was a quiet night butasmall group of orcas managed to slip by silently this morning. They headed north out of Johnstone Strait and through Blackney Pass. Last night, the A24s were last seen still heading east (could it have been them this morning?) and the A36s were still hanging out just inside Nodales Channel.
Helena
27 Jul 2007 07:58:32 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It has been a slow day for the A24s. They were the group who went through Blackney Pass before 7am. They spent the day in Queen Charlotte Strait.They are in Blackney Pass right now working their way slowly through against the current. They are taking advantage of the tide by foraging as they go. "Progress" is slow and relaxed. A78 breached just before they started to slip backwards towards the north again. it may be a while before we find out how determined they are to get back to Johnstone Strait or whether they bide their time until the turn of the tide at 11pm. They are not vocal, not even echol locating so far. The A36s were reported to have left Nodales Channel at 1pm and sort of moving west although they were still not far from Chatham Point.
Helena
27 Jul 2007 20:51:22 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Looks like the A24s might make it after all. They finally cleared our view on their way to Johnstone Strait. They are still silent.
Helena
27 Jul 2007 21:20:19 PDT

21 July 2007, Orcalab reports

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

Just now, the A5s are at the rubbing beaches, where they've been for the past hour. The A11s are headed east in Johnstone Strait towards the Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight, & the rest of the A4s are in Blackfish Sound, heading towards the Strait. Also in the Strait today are the A12s, though we're not sure where they are at the moment. Much further to the east are the Cs (both C6s & C10s) and probably all the Ds. Things orca have certainly become much more summerlike in the last day! The weather is quite different - rainy & cool, and a welcome change for our parched forest & garden.
Paul & Helena
21 Jul 2007 19:01:03 PDT

26 July 2007, Orcalab reports

No orcas present.

Between 12:25amand 3:30 am the A24s travelled west in Johnstone Strait and north through Blackney Pass. We believe the A36s are still east as the last report (thanks, Nick) said that they were last seen yesterday evening in Nodales Channel.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 07:47:24 PDT

No orcas present.

A further morning update: 7 orcas were seen this morning heading west through Queen Charlotte Strait at Black Bluff. There were apparently males in the group so we wonder now if the A36s joined up with the A24s rather than remaining east as we first thought. The MacKays also report that acruiseship sighted two large groups heading east just south of Port Hardy. Itmay get busy yet!
Helena
26 Jul 2007 08:17:10 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

It has turned out that the A36s did remain east and this morning the A24s turned around and are now eastbound from Lizard Point.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 10:38:06 PDT

Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.

The A24s made it all the way back to the Strait via blackney Pass. They headed quickly to the east and are now off the Main rubbing beach.
Helena
26 Jul 2007 16:46:27 PDT

25 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

We have fixed our internet problem and so can once again post comments. The morning before last the A36s came back to the area. They travelled through Blackney Pass and on to eastern Johnstone Strait. Following several hours behind were the A24s. Prior to these visits, we had the C10s, C6s and D7s pass through. They followed (by a day or so) the A12s, A11s, A35s, A43s and A51s back out past Port Hardy. All in all it has been busy but with considerable gaps in the action around these parts.
Helena & Paul
25 Jul 2007 13:51:12 PDT

Boat noise

The A36s and the A24s are together BUT they only got 1/2 the way back to Kelsey Bay (Ripple Point) before turning and heading back toward Nodales Channel at the eastern end of Johnstone Strait.
Helena
25 Jul 2007 15:06:02 PDT

15 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

All is pretty quiet so far today. Most likely the groups that were here yesterday (the A12s, A11s, A73 and A8s) were spotted in Goletas Channel heading west this morning. They left this area early evening via Blackney Pass. A few dolphins and humpbacks remain in the area.
Helena
15 Jul 2007 13:50:51 PDT

No orcas present.

A little update. Apparently yesterday's groups stalled, turned and are headed east ythrough Goletas. Thanks to MacKay Whale Watch.
Helena
15 Jul 2007 13:56:25 PDT

14 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

The 5 year Springer Reunion is in progress in Telegraph Cove and there are a lot of fingers crossed that she and her family and friends will come back from eastern Johnstone Strait by this afternoon. All was quiet over night (except boat noise, of course) and so we believe they are still east. Yesterday, T14 went through the area generating some excitment.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:03:51 PDT

Orcas near mics.

Guess what? The whales have returned from the east no sooner than the last post. They are off Robson Bight heading west. Sweet guys they let us sleep!
Helena
14 Jul 2007 09:16:29 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Today was rather wonderful. The Springer Reunion was scheduled to go out on their whale watch, thanks to Stubbs Island, at 2pm. just before the hour struck the A12s led the march up the Strait to just shy of Telegraph Cove. The A11s with Springer were in the rear. A short while later the whales turned and proceded back to the east. They are passing through the Ecological Reserve at the moment. The A8s were travelling with the A35s closer to the Cracroft Island side while the A12s were midstrait and the A11s closer to the Vancouver Island side and now in the lead.
Helena
14 Jul 2007 16:53:59 PDT

12 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Orcas near mics.

Just a little over an hour ago we awoke to R clan calls in Blackfish Sound. As these calls grew more distant blows were heard in Blackney pass heading south. When the blows went around the "corner" and into Johnstone Strait we began to hear A4s and A12s and so far no further R clan calls. The whales are headed east in the Strait.
Helena


Orcas near mics.

Still no more Rs but there are now also A5 calls in with the A12s and A4s.
Helena
12 Jul 2007 04:43:35 PDT

11 July 2007, Orcalab reports:

Things might be progressing! This morning there have been two reports (thanks to the MacKays) of fairly large sized groups of orca,heading eastward (our direction), from Cape Caution and opposite Port Hardy. This means they are still fairly far away but it is the first sign of any activity for quite a while. Stay tuned.
Helena
11 Jul 2007 09:17:55 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

More word from the far west. The update comes from the Mackays. Near Port Hardy they saw the Rs and a bit later the A11s (and yes, Springer) and possibly the I11s as well. They are still a long way off and may yet turn back to the west but the excitment is certainly mounting.
Helena
11 Jul 2007 15:33:29 PDT

9 June 2007, Cetacean lab reports:

On June 9th we had a report of a large group of orcas to the south of us. As usual we were quick to get our boat ready and since it was so calm we decided to bring Neekas, our dog, with us to see how she responds to our new boat. This turned out to be a great plan. She loved the boat and the whales were extremely attracted to her as she hung her nose over the bow checking them out. One young juvenile swam right beside the boat, on its side, just staring at Neekas, totally bored with us as our camera clicked away. This day we were with the A30s, the A5s including A51 and her calf and all of the A4s.

11 June 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:

This day was amazing, just the sun and no wind, a perfect water day. Sure enough it was the A30s again, this time with the A24s.

10 June 2007, Cetaceanlab reports:

The next morning started very early. A report of orcas came at 6am, it was quite windy so Hermann said he would go out by himself as we did not think Neekas would appreciate the ride, she does not like to be left behind. Hermann traveled towards the shore of Campania when suddenly I heard A1 calls on the hydrophone in Whale Channel. This meant that a second group was coming in much closer to the lab. I called Hermann to let him know. He decided to come back this way as the weather was much calmer here. He picked us up and soon we were surrounded by blows and black dorsal fins of all sizes. We traveled with them as they made their way towards the first group Hermann had been with earlier. After taking identification pictures of every whale we knew for sure we had the A30s and the A24s, but still not sure on the 3rd group. So we put down the hydrophone and let out ears do the work for us. Very clear A1 and A4 calls, then there it was, C calls!! Once we arrived home we would go through the pictures more closely and try to determine which group this was. It turned out they were the C10s! This group of families eventually made their way north in Squally.

01 May 2007, Cetaceanlab reports

Well if this first day of May is any indication of what lies ahead, then this will be a fabulous season. It started for us in the dark, close to midnight, a few faint A5 Resident Orca calls on the hydrophone station in Whale Channel. The calls continued for 45 minutes fairly faint. Just as the tide changed to a flood the calls faded and we assumed the whales must have turned and taken advantage of the free ride the flow the water now provided. The next morning at 9am we could hear very faint calls once again in Whale Channel. The calls were getting closer and closer and soon we could determine that we were listening to A5 and A1 calls. At the same time we received an email from Coast Guard and they reported 18 orcas near the top end of Grenville Channel the day before. They were able to take some pictures which we would take a look at later. For now we focused on the acoustic information as this group of whales moved south in Whale Channel, hoping we would soon hear calls on the Home Station. So far lots of A5 calls, then a series of N47-A1 calls, we were so excited as this would mean the A30s were in this group!! Then silence, not a single call, Hermann went to the point to look, I stayed inside hoping to hear even a resting call. Oddly enough after 15 minutes that is exactly what I did hear, one resting call, then an explosion of calls, all on the Home Station. Next Hermann called on the hand held that I should truly run out to the point. This I did and just in time. Out front there were blows and dorsal fins spread out from us to the little island across the way. We counted at least 15 orcas, vocally we knew we had an A5 group, the A30s and possibly an A4 group as there were definitely a few A4 N4 type calls. Some of the calls were so close, others distant with a beautiful tin like echo that seems to vibrate with the exact rhythm of the water. To our amazement, at the same time as this orca parade, the plumpest male sea lion we have ever seen swam by just a few feet from shore. With out a doubt this male could hear both the calls from these orcas and the blows but showed no interest what so ever. How interesting that they know the difference from a resident to a transient orca so precisely, though for survival purposes this does make sense. This group of orcas continued towards Fawcett, vocal the entire way, then a sudden turn and south they all went. We came back inside to take good look at the pictures sent to us by Coast Guard and sure enough they had the same group yesterday close to Rupert that we were seeing today, the A30s, A42s, A51s plus an A4 group.

07 January 2007, Orcalab reports:

No orcas present.

Yesterday we had a treat. The A11s went by headed for Johnstone Strait. They had been calling in Blackfish Sound before they made the move into Blackney Pass. A13 was closest, the rest (including Springer and the new little one with A11) were on the far side. They continued eastward once they were in the Strait. As we were watching them, the I31s were apparently headed off towards Port McNeill after passing Alert Bay around 10am. Thanks to Jared & Robin for this sighting and the earlier heads-up about A11's new calf.
Helena
07 Jan 2007 10:33:14 PST

05 January 2007, Orcalab reports:

Distant calls audible.

This morning around 9am we heard I31 type calls close to Robson Bight. Possibly, they went off to the east. Just now we are hearing distant As (?A4) in Blackfish Sound...
Helena
05 Jan 2007 15:19:38 PST

02 January 2007, Orcalab reports:

Multiple pod calls audible.

good morning! Once again we are hearing A5 and I31 type calls in johnstone Strait. They seem to have connected with A4s. All these groups, travelling together, may be heading west for the moment.
Helena
02 Jan 2007 10:47:16 PST