09 July 2006, Orcalab reports
Distant calls audible.
We just started to hear A4 calls again on Critical Point. Just before dark last night yesterday's groups (the A12s,A4s,A8s and A36s) started to arrive back from Queen Charlotte Strait via both Blackney Pass and Weynton Pass. The incoming groups met off the entrance to Blackney and then continued to the east. The A11s, the last group, followed a short while later and may be the group now returning to the west.
Helena
09 Jul 2006 07:39:56 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We are pretty sure that Springer's granny (A24) was travelling with the A11s (the A35s were not there) when they went through Blackney this morning. Springer looked well and kicked up her tail as she passed us.
Helena
09 Jul 2006 14:32:01 PDT
Superb sounds!!
We are listening to A4 and A36 calls in Blackfish Sound. We will see if the A36s make it all the way in tonight. Last night they retreated to Queen Charlotte Strait after being heard in Blackfish Sound briefly.
Helena
09 Jul 2006 22:39:05 PDT
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
08 July 2006, Oralab reports:
No orcas present.
Quiet night, nothing seemed to change over night.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 07:42:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
"Nothing seemed to change" was not exactly accurate - in fact everything changed overnight! The problem for us was that it all happened silently. The A12s, A4s and A8s travelled west in the Strait and were completely silent until just before the entrance of Weynton Passage. We heard a single call over the boat noise at around 8:30am. This was just about the same moment when Jim Borrowman, looking out from Telegraph Cove saw a single fin near Weynton Passage. When he got over to the whales they were already well into the Pass and heading out to Blackfish Sound and Donegal Head beyond. An interesting split happened. A12 and A33 along with the A8s and the A35s came down into Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait while the A11s and the rest of the A12s (the A34s) joined the A36s and travelled out through Queen Charlotte Strait. After a short while A12 and A33 led the A35s and the A8s back out through Blackney and on to Queen Charlotte Strait where they are now, several kilometres behind the "other gang". A rather neat day of interesting twists. Warm southeast winds continued to blow.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 16:55:56 PDT
No orcas present.
Quiet night, nothing seemed to change over night.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 07:42:12 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
"Nothing seemed to change" was not exactly accurate - in fact everything changed overnight! The problem for us was that it all happened silently. The A12s, A4s and A8s travelled west in the Strait and were completely silent until just before the entrance of Weynton Passage. We heard a single call over the boat noise at around 8:30am. This was just about the same moment when Jim Borrowman, looking out from Telegraph Cove saw a single fin near Weynton Passage. When he got over to the whales they were already well into the Pass and heading out to Blackfish Sound and Donegal Head beyond. An interesting split happened. A12 and A33 along with the A8s and the A35s came down into Blackney Pass and Johnstone Strait while the A11s and the rest of the A12s (the A34s) joined the A36s and travelled out through Queen Charlotte Strait. After a short while A12 and A33 led the A35s and the A8s back out through Blackney and on to Queen Charlotte Strait where they are now, several kilometres behind the "other gang". A rather neat day of interesting twists. Warm southeast winds continued to blow.
Helena
08 Jul 2006 16:55:56 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, July 06, 2006
6 July 2006, Orcalab reports
Distant calls audible.
Last night the A12s and the A11s made their way through Blackney Pass and headed out into Blackfish Sound. This morning they have returned to the Strait via Weynton Passage.
Helena
06 Jul 2006 06:53:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A35s must have joined the A12s and the A11s last night and come in with them earlier this morning. These groups travelled together past Naka Creek after a brief rub. They returned to the beaches just a few minutes ago.
Helena
06 Jul 2006 16:02:19 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Last night the A12s and the A11s made their way through Blackney Pass and headed out into Blackfish Sound. This morning they have returned to the Strait via Weynton Passage.
Helena
06 Jul 2006 06:53:25 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The A35s must have joined the A12s and the A11s last night and come in with them earlier this morning. These groups travelled together past Naka Creek after a brief rub. They returned to the beaches just a few minutes ago.
Helena
06 Jul 2006 16:02:19 PDT
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
5 July 2006, Orcalab reports:
Boat noise
We believe the A12s are making their way west from Critical Point, following the pattern set earlier by the A36s and A4s who may have continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. It was a busy night with a lot of movement in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 08:59:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A further note: The A12s can be heard now on CP as they continue west and we now believe the C10s and A5s were with the A4s and A36s on their trek to Queen Charlotte Strait earlier.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 09:31:36 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s are not travelling by themselves - they have the A11s fo company! The Lukwa spotted A73 just before they obliged with a few calls.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 10:53:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s and the A11s have spent the day pacing Johnstone Strait. Right now they are travelling back toward the "top end" (western end) of Hanson Island.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 15:15:56 PDT
Boat noise
We believe the A12s are making their way west from Critical Point, following the pattern set earlier by the A36s and A4s who may have continued west into Queen Charlotte Strait. It was a busy night with a lot of movement in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 08:59:09 PDT
Distant calls audible.
A further note: The A12s can be heard now on CP as they continue west and we now believe the C10s and A5s were with the A4s and A36s on their trek to Queen Charlotte Strait earlier.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 09:31:36 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s are not travelling by themselves - they have the A11s fo company! The Lukwa spotted A73 just before they obliged with a few calls.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 10:53:56 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A12s and the A11s have spent the day pacing Johnstone Strait. Right now they are travelling back toward the "top end" (western end) of Hanson Island.
Helena
05 Jul 2006 15:15:56 PDT
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
2 July 2006. Orcalab reports
Boat noise
Hello everyone, We are able to post comments again, so thought to let you know that we began hearing distant "A" calls on the Flower Island a short while ago. It's possible these are from the A11s & A12s, who left our area, headed west, a couple of days ago. Boat noise is dominating the underwater soundscape of Blackfish Sound at the moment. We're back home after being away for a bit & will be able to let you know what's happening with the orcas from time to time during the summer. We hope also to be able to stream live audio to you soon.
Paul & Helena
02 Jul 2006 21:33:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A4s and the A12s are already in Johnstone Strait and presumably heading east. This means the ywent through Weynton Passage in record time. Lots of boat noise.
Helena
02 Jul 2006 21:58:37 PDT
Boat noise
Hello everyone, We are able to post comments again, so thought to let you know that we began hearing distant "A" calls on the Flower Island a short while ago. It's possible these are from the A11s & A12s, who left our area, headed west, a couple of days ago. Boat noise is dominating the underwater soundscape of Blackfish Sound at the moment. We're back home after being away for a bit & will be able to let you know what's happening with the orcas from time to time during the summer. We hope also to be able to stream live audio to you soon.
Paul & Helena
02 Jul 2006 21:33:55 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The A4s and the A12s are already in Johnstone Strait and presumably heading east. This means the ywent through Weynton Passage in record time. Lots of boat noise.
Helena
02 Jul 2006 21:58:37 PDT
Friday, June 30, 2006
30 June 2006 Orcalab reports
It has been a lovely day here. Our volunteers arrived yesterday evening and this afternoon they got their first orca calls when the A36s, the A11s and the a12s came back from the east, passed the rubbing beach (quick rub) and headed off to Blinkhorn. They turned and are now past Cracroft Point. The "boys" are leading the way with the A4s sandwiched between them and the A12s.
Helena@Hanson Island
30 Jun 2006 19:55:16 PDT
It has been a lovely day here. Our volunteers arrived yesterday evening and this afternoon they got their first orca calls when the A36s, the A11s and the a12s came back from the east, passed the rubbing beach (quick rub) and headed off to Blinkhorn. They turned and are now past Cracroft Point. The "boys" are leading the way with the A4s sandwiched between them and the A12s.
Helena@Hanson Island
30 Jun 2006 19:55:16 PDT
Thursday, June 29, 2006
29 June 2006 Seasmoke reports:
Resident Orcas have Arrived!
Today was sunny, warm, and beautiful in Johnstone Strait. Not only that but some of the resident killer whales are now back in the area!
Once with the 4 killer whales known as the A11 matriline we hardly knew what to focus on as right behind where they were surfacing were numerous black bears along the beach. We saw 5 individuals in total including a sow with 2 very small cubs of the year. As they foraged along the beach the 4 orcas rested while slowly heading east. The famous, young, once orphaned killer whale known as Springer is still travelling with this group and it was very nice to see her resting right in tight with her other extended family members, just like a young whale should.
A13 also seems to be doing well with his new dorsal fin shape and nicks aquired somehow last October right before leaving the area. Aside from this group rumour has it that there are 3 other resident family groups of orcas in the area including the A36 pod.
Resident Orcas have Arrived!
Today was sunny, warm, and beautiful in Johnstone Strait. Not only that but some of the resident killer whales are now back in the area!
Once with the 4 killer whales known as the A11 matriline we hardly knew what to focus on as right behind where they were surfacing were numerous black bears along the beach. We saw 5 individuals in total including a sow with 2 very small cubs of the year. As they foraged along the beach the 4 orcas rested while slowly heading east. The famous, young, once orphaned killer whale known as Springer is still travelling with this group and it was very nice to see her resting right in tight with her other extended family members, just like a young whale should.
A13 also seems to be doing well with his new dorsal fin shape and nicks aquired somehow last October right before leaving the area. Aside from this group rumour has it that there are 3 other resident family groups of orcas in the area including the A36 pod.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Monday, March 06, 2006
6 March, 2006 Cetacean lab reports
As we step outside there is not a sound. The sun has just risen leaving a light pink glow on the snowcapped mountains to the west. The sound of a loon echoes over the still waters that surround us. Then we hear it, a blow, followed by another… I run inside the house and begin a recording, though no calls have yet been heard. Hermann grabs the scope and heads out to the point for a better look. Then there it is, a call we recognize immediately. The A4s are here, a resident Orca family we are very familiar with. For those who are familiar with the story of Springer, this is her Pod! We soon realized there were many dorsal fins, and sure enough as this thought entered our minds, we began to hear A5 calls as well. The two pods are quite spread out as they travel past our location. We had already beached the boat because a storm was forecasted to arrive soon. We contacted the village of Hartley Bay to let them know that orca were headed in their direction. Sure enough, later that same day, the whole village was able to watch from the docks this group of whales as they headed north into Douglas Channel.
This was a nice and rare visit for this time of year and we hope that the whales will stay in our area for a while.
As we step outside there is not a sound. The sun has just risen leaving a light pink glow on the snowcapped mountains to the west. The sound of a loon echoes over the still waters that surround us. Then we hear it, a blow, followed by another… I run inside the house and begin a recording, though no calls have yet been heard. Hermann grabs the scope and heads out to the point for a better look. Then there it is, a call we recognize immediately. The A4s are here, a resident Orca family we are very familiar with. For those who are familiar with the story of Springer, this is her Pod! We soon realized there were many dorsal fins, and sure enough as this thought entered our minds, we began to hear A5 calls as well. The two pods are quite spread out as they travel past our location. We had already beached the boat because a storm was forecasted to arrive soon. We contacted the village of Hartley Bay to let them know that orca were headed in their direction. Sure enough, later that same day, the whole village was able to watch from the docks this group of whales as they headed north into Douglas Channel.
This was a nice and rare visit for this time of year and we hope that the whales will stay in our area for a while.
Friday, December 16, 2005
16 December Cetaceanlab reports:
Winter has certainly arrived around the North Coast of British Columbia, as we are experiencing strong, cold outflow winds out of the mainland inlets. Chopping wood during this time of year is one of the most time consuming task for us, but yesterday afternoon we had a welcome break from doing just that as suddenly we heard Orca calls on our outside speakers.
It turned out that we were listening to the A5s and A4s on our "Home" station. The sun was just about to set, so we had no visual on the whales but we are sure that they travelled south in Squally Channel. For about 40 minutes we listened to their calls as they passed the entrance to Whale Channel. The two families must have decided to turn back to the north a little later, because we heard them again on our "Home" station just before 7pm. It was excactly the time where the tide turned from an ebb to a flood and the whales took perfect advantage of it. They entered Whale Channel, the A5s ahead of the A4s, and then passed quickly by our hydrophone at Borde Island. Their calls became very faint by 7:23pm. We don't know where the whales went after they were out of our acoustic range. We are waiting....
Winter has certainly arrived around the North Coast of British Columbia, as we are experiencing strong, cold outflow winds out of the mainland inlets. Chopping wood during this time of year is one of the most time consuming task for us, but yesterday afternoon we had a welcome break from doing just that as suddenly we heard Orca calls on our outside speakers.
It turned out that we were listening to the A5s and A4s on our "Home" station. The sun was just about to set, so we had no visual on the whales but we are sure that they travelled south in Squally Channel. For about 40 minutes we listened to their calls as they passed the entrance to Whale Channel. The two families must have decided to turn back to the north a little later, because we heard them again on our "Home" station just before 7pm. It was excactly the time where the tide turned from an ebb to a flood and the whales took perfect advantage of it. They entered Whale Channel, the A5s ahead of the A4s, and then passed quickly by our hydrophone at Borde Island. Their calls became very faint by 7:23pm. We don't know where the whales went after they were out of our acoustic range. We are waiting....
Monday, November 07, 2005
07 November Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Hello everyone! We're away at the moment, but have heard from Jared Towers that the A4s, A5s & A36s were near Lizard Point 2 days ago, heading west. Andy, who is at at the lab, hasn't heard any calls for the last 2 days, so it looks like we are in a waiting mode once again!
Paul
07 Nov 2005 12:26:49 PST
No orcas present.
Hello everyone! We're away at the moment, but have heard from Jared Towers that the A4s, A5s & A36s were near Lizard Point 2 days ago, heading west. Andy, who is at at the lab, hasn't heard any calls for the last 2 days, so it looks like we are in a waiting mode once again!
Paul
07 Nov 2005 12:26:49 PST
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
02 November Orcalab reports
Superb sounds!!
It seems possibly cruel to tell you this, but we hope you'll be happy to know, that we're listening to a wonderful concert from the A4s, including Springer, all the A5s (probably) & the A36s, who are in the entrance of Blackney Pass at the moment, probably foraging. There is no longer a camera at CP, so we can't see what's happening, but the sounds are enough!
Paul
02 Nov 2005 10:03:12 PST
Superb sounds!!
It seems possibly cruel to tell you this, but we hope you'll be happy to know, that we're listening to a wonderful concert from the A4s, including Springer, all the A5s (probably) & the A36s, who are in the entrance of Blackney Pass at the moment, probably foraging. There is no longer a camera at CP, so we can't see what's happening, but the sounds are enough!
Paul
02 Nov 2005 10:03:12 PST
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
01 November Orcalab reports
No orcas present.
We reviewed the tapes from last night and by early this morning we could hear the A36s along with the A5 group not too far off the Bight. Their calls faded into the distance and we never heard them come to the west in range of CP. This was the same for the A4s earlier. Therefore, we think the groups might have gone back to the east. Meanwhile the dolphins who had come in from Blackfish Sound and travelled through Blackney Pass to the Strait also went east toward the Bight. There sounded like quite a group of dolphins and this morning we have heard reports of a minke in Blackney and humpbacks near Blinkhorn. Sealions and Dalls porpoise have also been out and about.
Helena
01 Nov 2005 13:44:04 PST
Boat noise
We started to hear distant calls on Critical Point at 8:16pm. They are now getting louder. It seems the A4s, A5s, A1s are back from the east.
Julie @ OL
01 Nov 2005 21:21:46 PST
No orcas present.
We reviewed the tapes from last night and by early this morning we could hear the A36s along with the A5 group not too far off the Bight. Their calls faded into the distance and we never heard them come to the west in range of CP. This was the same for the A4s earlier. Therefore, we think the groups might have gone back to the east. Meanwhile the dolphins who had come in from Blackfish Sound and travelled through Blackney Pass to the Strait also went east toward the Bight. There sounded like quite a group of dolphins and this morning we have heard reports of a minke in Blackney and humpbacks near Blinkhorn. Sealions and Dalls porpoise have also been out and about.
Helena
01 Nov 2005 13:44:04 PST
Boat noise
We started to hear distant calls on Critical Point at 8:16pm. They are now getting louder. It seems the A4s, A5s, A1s are back from the east.
Julie @ OL
01 Nov 2005 21:21:46 PST
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
30 October Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (apart from boat noise) & think that the A1/A4/A5 group of orcas that headed east in Johnstone Strait after their energetic entrance at midnight 2 nights ago, are probably somewhere to the east. We are, of course, hoping they will return soon! Meanwhile, we're enjoying a rather blustery morning here, & all's well... we hope things are going well for you, too, wherever you are.
Paul
30 Oct 2005 10:13:05 PST
No orcas present.
Good morning everyone! Once again, we've had a quiet night (apart from boat noise) & think that the A1/A4/A5 group of orcas that headed east in Johnstone Strait after their energetic entrance at midnight 2 nights ago, are probably somewhere to the east. We are, of course, hoping they will return soon! Meanwhile, we're enjoying a rather blustery morning here, & all's well... we hope things are going well for you, too, wherever you are.
Paul
30 Oct 2005 10:13:05 PST
Saturday, October 29, 2005
29 October Orcalab reports:
Superb sounds!!
The A5s & A4s are back! We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone as they head towards Johnstone Strait.
Paul
29 Oct 2005 00:46:36 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now since we heard calls. Possibly the whales (the A4s, A5s and A1s)continued to the east after lingering off Critical Point. Meanwhile Pacific Whitesided dolphins can still be heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 04:08:09 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard anything now for a few hours but the whales went east and will come back at some point. We read with interest Cetacealab's report about seeing the A4s a few days ago. They have travelled! And by the sounds of things earlier this morning they still had energy to burn.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 10:36:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since early this morning, & think that the large group of orcas (A1s, A4s, A5s) that headed into Johnstone Strait shortly after midnight must have continued to the east. We are waiting for their return!
Paul
29 Oct 2005 18:46:31 PDT
Superb sounds!!
The A5s & A4s are back! We're listening to them on the Parson Island hydrophone as they head towards Johnstone Strait.
Paul
29 Oct 2005 00:46:36 PDT
No orcas present.
It has been a while now since we heard calls. Possibly the whales (the A4s, A5s and A1s)continued to the east after lingering off Critical Point. Meanwhile Pacific Whitesided dolphins can still be heard in Blackfish Sound.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 04:08:09 PDT
No orcas present.
We have not heard anything now for a few hours but the whales went east and will come back at some point. We read with interest Cetacealab's report about seeing the A4s a few days ago. They have travelled! And by the sounds of things earlier this morning they still had energy to burn.
Helena
29 Oct 2005 10:36:01 PDT
No orcas present.
We've heard no calls since early this morning, & think that the large group of orcas (A1s, A4s, A5s) that headed into Johnstone Strait shortly after midnight must have continued to the east. We are waiting for their return!
Paul
29 Oct 2005 18:46:31 PDT
Thursday, October 27, 2005
October 27 Cetaceanlab reports:
Our plan was to return home last Saturday which would have been the last chance for us to beach our boat on a high tide. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and we were held “hostage” in Hartley Bay over the weekend. On Monday morning, October 24, Marven Robinson offered us a ride home in the Gitga'at crew boat. There was still a storm warning in effect but we tried anyways. On our way south through Wright Sound the wind suddenly picked up from the southeast and we found ourselves bouncing around in 5feet waves. Just as we decided to turn back to Hartley Bay, Marven's nephew Richard who came along for the boat ride, spotted a male Orca. We stopped and while the waves grew bigger we were able to see at least 4 Orcas foraging in the entrance to MacKay Reach. It was very difficult to make out their fins in the pounding waves and it was an even bigger task to get an ID picture. At one point a female and her calf came close to the boat and we got a picture of the female. Then it was time for us to leave the whales as the wind picked up more and more. Back in Hartley Bay we took a close look at the one picture we got and it turned out to be a good ID shot of A52. Her two nicks were easy to make out and so we know that we had at least part of the A4s that day. A13 was most likely the male that we spotted first.
Our plan was to return home last Saturday which would have been the last chance for us to beach our boat on a high tide. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and we were held “hostage” in Hartley Bay over the weekend. On Monday morning, October 24, Marven Robinson offered us a ride home in the Gitga'at crew boat. There was still a storm warning in effect but we tried anyways. On our way south through Wright Sound the wind suddenly picked up from the southeast and we found ourselves bouncing around in 5feet waves. Just as we decided to turn back to Hartley Bay, Marven's nephew Richard who came along for the boat ride, spotted a male Orca. We stopped and while the waves grew bigger we were able to see at least 4 Orcas foraging in the entrance to MacKay Reach. It was very difficult to make out their fins in the pounding waves and it was an even bigger task to get an ID picture. At one point a female and her calf came close to the boat and we got a picture of the female. Then it was time for us to leave the whales as the wind picked up more and more. Back in Hartley Bay we took a close look at the one picture we got and it turned out to be a good ID shot of A52. Her two nicks were easy to make out and so we know that we had at least part of the A4s that day. A13 was most likely the male that we spotted first.
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