24 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
We began to hear A5 calls once more in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
24 Dec 2006 13:45:07 PST
Distant calls audible.
And A4s as well!
Helena
24 Dec 2006 14:26:27 PST
Distant calls audible.
The A4s and a5s who wer in Johnstone Strait moved around to Blackfish Sound perhaps taking the ebbing tide out to Queen Charlotte Strait.
Helena
24 Dec 2006 19:19:18 PST
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
23 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Sorry we have not posted that the A4s and the A5s were both heard this morning as they travelled east towards the Ecological Reserve and beyond. We are again hearing calls as at least some of the A4s travel back to the west. There is also heavy boat noise in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
23 Dec 2006 21:28:44 PST
No orcas present.
It is possible the whales went back to the east. We only heard a few calls and a little bit of echo location and then nothing. Another stormy night!
Helena
23 Dec 2006 23:20:32 PST
Distant calls audible.
Sorry we have not posted that the A4s and the A5s were both heard this morning as they travelled east towards the Ecological Reserve and beyond. We are again hearing calls as at least some of the A4s travel back to the west. There is also heavy boat noise in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
23 Dec 2006 21:28:44 PST
No orcas present.
It is possible the whales went back to the east. We only heard a few calls and a little bit of echo location and then nothing. Another stormy night!
Helena
23 Dec 2006 23:20:32 PST
Friday, December 22, 2006
22 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
They are still there. Just a short while ago we started to hear "As" in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Dec 2006 12:13:40 PST
Distant calls audible.
The A4s and the A5s are continuing to call. They are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Dec 2006 18:39:26 PST
Distant calls audible.
They are still there. Just a short while ago we started to hear "As" in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Dec 2006 12:13:40 PST
Distant calls audible.
The A4s and the A5s are continuing to call. They are still in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
22 Dec 2006 18:39:26 PST
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
20 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
The A5s are back! Possibly heading west towards Cracroft Point. Hopefully, the A4s are still there as well.
Helena
20 Dec 2006 13:40:14 PST
Distant calls audible.
On this very dark and very stormy night the A4s are calling in Johnstone Strait. We have been hearing calls on and off since the afternoon.
Helena
20 Dec 2006 18:45:08 PST
Distant calls audible.
The A5s are back! Possibly heading west towards Cracroft Point. Hopefully, the A4s are still there as well.
Helena
20 Dec 2006 13:40:14 PST
Distant calls audible.
On this very dark and very stormy night the A4s are calling in Johnstone Strait. We have been hearing calls on and off since the afternoon.
Helena
20 Dec 2006 18:45:08 PST
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
19 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Tonight, around 9pm we again heard distant "A" calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Dec 2006 00:01:06 PST
Superb sounds!!
The a4s and the A5s are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
19 Dec 2006 10:57:57 PST
Superb sounds!!
The A4s and the A5s have moved east into Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Dec 2006 12:02:21 PST
Distant calls audible.
Tonight, around 9pm we again heard distant "A" calls in Johnstone Strait.
Helena
19 Dec 2006 00:01:06 PST
Superb sounds!!
The a4s and the A5s are off the entrance to Blackney Pass in Johnstone Strait!
Helena
19 Dec 2006 10:57:57 PST
Superb sounds!!
The A4s and the A5s have moved east into Robson Bight.
Helena
19 Dec 2006 12:02:21 PST
Sunday, December 17, 2006
17 December 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A" calls (probably A5s) on the Critical Point hydrophone around 8:30pm. The Strait was been very noisy because of the storm as well as boats, but we continued to hear calls until a little after 9pm. We think the orcas were probably headed east but aren't sure. We are waiting.
Helena
17 Dec 2006 22:41:35 PST
Distant calls audible.
We began hearing distant "A" calls (probably A5s) on the Critical Point hydrophone around 8:30pm. The Strait was been very noisy because of the storm as well as boats, but we continued to hear calls until a little after 9pm. We think the orcas were probably headed east but aren't sure. We are waiting.
Helena
17 Dec 2006 22:41:35 PST
Monday, September 04, 2006
04 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
Just after 7am we began to hear A calls in Blackfish Sound. The calls were extremely distant. Earlier the A30s,A4s and A5s went through Blackney Pass after coming west in the Strait. Their calls ended around 3:40am and so perhaps these groups are the very distant As we heard most recently. Going Weynton?
Helena
04 Sep 2006 07:57:13 PDT
Distant calls audible.
Just after 7am we began to hear A calls in Blackfish Sound. The calls were extremely distant. Earlier the A30s,A4s and A5s went through Blackney Pass after coming west in the Strait. Their calls ended around 3:40am and so perhaps these groups are the very distant As we heard most recently. Going Weynton?
Helena
04 Sep 2006 07:57:13 PDT
Sunday, September 03, 2006
03 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the Bs,A12s,I33s move further east we have become aware of other groups moving west into the eastern part of the Reserve. So far, at the beahces we have heard: I11s,Gs,I15s,As and now I11s again I31s. There are, to put it mildly, a lot of whales in Johnstone Strait - all near and around the Michael Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 12:35:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,Bs & A5s have gone in for a rub as the other groups make their way eastward toward them.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 17:58:16 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
As the Bs,A12s,I33s move further east we have become aware of other groups moving west into the eastern part of the Reserve. So far, at the beahces we have heard: I11s,Gs,I15s,As and now I11s again I31s. There are, to put it mildly, a lot of whales in Johnstone Strait - all near and around the Michael Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 12:35:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,Bs & A5s have gone in for a rub as the other groups make their way eastward toward them.
Helena
03 Sep 2006 17:58:16 PDT
Saturday, September 02, 2006
02 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Boat noise
The I11s may not have listened to the siren call after all. We believe they headed back to the west where they were earlier today. We are waiting to find out if they head out or turn back once again. We still believe the I15s and i35s+ continued to the east. The A30s, A4s,A5s and the three G groups are still east as well.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 21:08:52 PDT
Boat noise
The I11s may not have listened to the siren call after all. We believe they headed back to the west where they were earlier today. We are waiting to find out if they head out or turn back once again. We still believe the I15s and i35s+ continued to the east. The A30s, A4s,A5s and the three G groups are still east as well.
Helena
02 Sep 2006 21:08:52 PDT
Friday, September 01, 2006
01 September 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day keeps developing along positve lines. The Gs have joined the A30s, I15s and I11s off the Robson Bight area after a brief rub at the beaches. The A4s,A5s and A12s are not far off as well.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 09:17:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The day keeps developing along positve lines. The Gs have joined the A30s, I15s and I11s off the Robson Bight area after a brief rub at the beaches. The A4s,A5s and A12s are not far off as well.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 09:17:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups, numbering near to 90 whales, are going west. The majority have already passed CP. The list includes: the A5s,I11s,A30s,I15s,G3s,G18s, G29s,A4s,A12s,and possibly the I31s.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 11:16:53 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Now there a lot of whales everywhere! The A12s and the I31s came through Blackney pass a short while ago and they are now on their way west through Blackfish Sound. Meanwhile, all the others have turned, some got as far as the entrance to Weynton Passage, and they are now silently eastbound. The A30s are in the lead and must be near Izumi Rock and the Reserve beyond. A12, herself, led the charge into Blackney.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 13:45:38 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The whales have been back at the beaches for hours. The A30s and the I15s had a fisrt rub and then as they other groups (the A4s,A5s, Gs,I11s) slowly made their way past Critical Point another long rub began. Eventually, someone from each call group joined in and the rub continued forever. They may have finally decided to move on. meanwhile ,we have not heard the I31 and A12s. We had heard they were trying to come back via Weynton against the ebb tide but no "word" yet as to how far they have come.
Helena
01 Sep 2006 19:20:21 PDT
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
30 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A large group of orcas, including A1s, A4s, A5s & several G & R clan groups has just headed north through Blackney Pass.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 04:58:44 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Oh boy, still a lot of movement. The A30s,I15s and the R group have come back from the top of Blackfish Sound, travelled through Weynton Pass and headed east in Johnstone Strait. Other groups, the A12s, A5s, I31s and possibly others are following but look like they might come through Blackney Pass. We are waiting. Earlier this morning: the A30s,A11s, I15s, Gs, Rs and I11/I31s passed through Blackney on their way north and west. They were "sort of" following the A36s, Hs and Is who had ventured in as far as Blackney pass before returning to Blackfish Sound and heading out. The A12s, A5s and the rest of the A4s may have stayed Strait side, going to the west and out via Weynton Pass. After sorting themselves out they groups have split and begun travelling as described above.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 12:35:05 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
The I15s,A30s,R2s and R7s have moved on from Robson Bight. The I15s have gone into the beaches. The I31s,A12s, A4s,A5s, G3s,G18s,probably the G29s, and I11s went through Blackney Pass, past CP and are now crossing towards the Reserve from the Cracroft Island side.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 14:34:01 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We last heard I31 calls on Flower Isalnd just before 10pm. We have the impression that at least some of the groups may have exited via Weynton Pass after traveling west in the Strait soon after their rub. The boat noise tonight is dreadful. Just a little while ago we began hearing the As (A4s+) still in the Strait. They may be heading back eastward, toward the Reserve, despite the tide that will be ebbing until 4am.
Helena
30 Aug 2006 23:07:57 PDT
Monday, August 28, 2006
28 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Most of the groups were back in the Strait by 3am & heading east. The A12s are presently having an energetic rub.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 06:33:16 PDT
Boat noise
After a great rub the groups may have headed off to the east. hard to say how far they will go as the tide is now ebbing. We thought they might come back but we have not heard anything for over an hour now. Before the rub, when the whales were off the Robson Bight area, we think the I31s may have come and joined the others around 5am. It was after this that the groups went down to the beaches for an hour rub which ended around 7:30am.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:18:18 PDT
Boat noise
Sorry, I forgot to mention who we have heard this morning from the time the majority of the whales had come in: A30s,A12s, A36s, A4s,A5s, I11s,Gs, I15s and possibly the I31s as well.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 09:20:21 PDT
No orcas present.
The G3s, G18s and G29s were almost toally silent as they made their way the entire length of the upper Johnstone Strait area. They woke up in time to go for a rub around 6:40pm. from the beaches they continued east. We heard an update from the eastern part of Johnstone Strait this evening, thanks to Nick of Painter's Lodge. Apparently, the large group (the A12s,A30s, I11s,I15s, A4s, A5s, possibly the G2s and I31s ended up near Bear Bight. This is almost as far east as the Strait goes. It may be a quiet night up here. Nothing developed from the idea that the Rs and the Bs were in town earlier.
Helena
28 Aug 2006 22:22:33 PDT
Sunday, August 27, 2006
27 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
A great start to the morning. At 5:40am we began to hear groups coming into Blackfish Sound. They did go out through Weynton Pass last night. Jim Borrowman saw them heading into Weynton around 7:50pm. Then 12 hours later here they were, in Blackfish Sound. The first calls were Gs so we thought we might see a lot more groups. When they came around the corner into Blackney, close to the Lab, we only identified the G29s! But they were with the A11s, all the A5s, A30s, I15s, A35s, maybe the A24s. Missing from yesterday were the I31s. We also could not clearly say that the A12s were there as well. It was lovely and as the tide turned to the slack the whales picked up speed and rushed (breaching) into Johnstone Strait. They are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 07:25:52 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Great! A second wave. This time the A12s led the I11s,G2s and others into Blackney from Blackfish Sound. They went into Johnstone Strait against the ebb tide and then headed eastward only to "shut down" and become still just west of the Sophia Islands. The "first wave" is to the east of them still.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 11:18:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are on their way back to western johnstone Strait. The A12s seem to be in the lead but the A30s are not far behind. They are spread across from shore to shore.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 19:18:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looked like they wanted to go west, some were up to Big Bay but the A24s had other ideas... they wanted to go out Blackney Pass so they called and called and pretty soon all the groups followed them through to Blackfish Sound. The calls are now distant as they continue to move west.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 22:04:41 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
A great start to the morning. At 5:40am we began to hear groups coming into Blackfish Sound. They did go out through Weynton Pass last night. Jim Borrowman saw them heading into Weynton around 7:50pm. Then 12 hours later here they were, in Blackfish Sound. The first calls were Gs so we thought we might see a lot more groups. When they came around the corner into Blackney, close to the Lab, we only identified the G29s! But they were with the A11s, all the A5s, A30s, I15s, A35s, maybe the A24s. Missing from yesterday were the I31s. We also could not clearly say that the A12s were there as well. It was lovely and as the tide turned to the slack the whales picked up speed and rushed (breaching) into Johnstone Strait. They are headed east towards the Ecological Reserve.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 07:25:52 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Great! A second wave. This time the A12s led the I11s,G2s and others into Blackney from Blackfish Sound. They went into Johnstone Strait against the ebb tide and then headed eastward only to "shut down" and become still just west of the Sophia Islands. The "first wave" is to the east of them still.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 11:18:49 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
All the groups are on their way back to western johnstone Strait. The A12s seem to be in the lead but the A30s are not far behind. They are spread across from shore to shore.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 19:18:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
It looked like they wanted to go west, some were up to Big Bay but the A24s had other ideas... they wanted to go out Blackney Pass so they called and called and pretty soon all the groups followed them through to Blackfish Sound. The calls are now distant as they continue to move west.
Helena
27 Aug 2006 22:04:41 PDT
Saturday, August 26, 2006
26 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Orcas near mics.
Sorry again, we had internet problems this morning AND it has been busy.... the A30s,A36s and I15s have come in. The A12s,I31s,A4s and A5s all came west (starting at 5am), some up as far as Telegraph Cove. The A24s , travelling just behind the A35s,poked their noses into Blackney Pass to have a listen while the others positioned themselves off Weynton Pass tp listen for the incoming A30s,A36s and I15s. Once in all the groups headed east together slowly against the last of the ebbing tide. They are now all in the Reserve, some at the beaches (A12s), others just in at the western boundary.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 13:13:31 PDT
No orcas present.
While most of the resident orcas were at the beaches the T18s plus maybe T124C passed by on the Cracroft Island side. When they were opposite Boat Bay Jared Towers witnessed the I33s pop up just 200 to 300 metres away. The transients sped away to the west and into Blackney Pass. As they reached Blackfish we could hear the I31s (the I33s) leading the rest of the resident groups to the west. Just before dark they were off Telegraph Cove. Where they have gone since is a but of a mystery. The last faint and very distant calls were heard just after 8pm. Did the strong ebb tide encourage them to leave via Weynton? A fishing opening today has increased the boat noise in the Strait making it hard to hear any distant calls.
Helena
26 Aug 2006 22:52:21 PDT
Friday, August 25, 2006
25 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
Starting at 3:40am we began to hear the groups coming back to the west. A few skipped over the rubbing beaches. Mostly we were hearing A12 and A5 calls. After rounding Critical Point they fell silent until they were in the entrance of Blackney Pass and about to go through the pass. The A11s were in the lead followed by a large group. We clearly saw the A12s, A5s and possibly the rest of the A4s. They are in Blackfish Sound now. Still no calls.
Helena
25 Aug 2006 07:13:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry, it was a town run today (groceries & laundry) . When we got back in the early evening we passed the whales heading east in the Strait around Big Bay. The a12s, A4s & A5s after leaving Blackfish Sound this morning travelled west in Queeen Charlotte and found the I31s. All the groups then travelled back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They, then went down to the Reserve and had a rub. once finished at the beaches they have started back to the west. Quite the routine, quite the day!
Helena
25 Aug 2006 21:39:39 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
Starting at 3:40am we began to hear the groups coming back to the west. A few skipped over the rubbing beaches. Mostly we were hearing A12 and A5 calls. After rounding Critical Point they fell silent until they were in the entrance of Blackney Pass and about to go through the pass. The A11s were in the lead followed by a large group. We clearly saw the A12s, A5s and possibly the rest of the A4s. They are in Blackfish Sound now. Still no calls.
Helena
25 Aug 2006 07:13:57 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Sorry, it was a town run today (groceries & laundry) . When we got back in the early evening we passed the whales heading east in the Strait around Big Bay. The a12s, A4s & A5s after leaving Blackfish Sound this morning travelled west in Queeen Charlotte and found the I31s. All the groups then travelled back to the Strait via Weynton Pass. They, then went down to the Reserve and had a rub. once finished at the beaches they have started back to the west. Quite the routine, quite the day!
Helena
25 Aug 2006 21:39:39 PDT
Thursday, August 24, 2006
24 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
The last calls we heard early this morning were at 1am as the whales moved east past the Ecological Reserve. But they have returned. Just a short while ago we heard the A12s,A5s and A4s round Critical Point. They moved off to the west fairly smartly, heading toward the Sophias & CP.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 08:03:01 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales continued to the west until big Bay. They have just turned back to the east. The A12s,A5s and some of the A4s passed on the cracroft/hanson side. The A11s may be over on the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 09:55:13 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Sorry, we lost our connection and the ability to update. It was quite busy. Earlier as the main group of A12s, A4s & A5s neared the western boundary, the A24s splintered off and rushed back to CP, through Blackney Pass and around Hanson Island. They moved down the Strait and met up with the others. The whales then came back to the west, some as as far as Telegraph Cove. Another turn happened and the whales grouped up and moved quickly east, stalling for a bit in the Bight before heading to the rubbing beaches where they are now. The flood is not until after midnight.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 21:59:00 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The last calls we heard early this morning were at 1am as the whales moved east past the Ecological Reserve. But they have returned. Just a short while ago we heard the A12s,A5s and A4s round Critical Point. They moved off to the west fairly smartly, heading toward the Sophias & CP.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 08:03:01 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The whales continued to the west until big Bay. They have just turned back to the east. The A12s,A5s and some of the A4s passed on the cracroft/hanson side. The A11s may be over on the Vancouver Island shore.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 09:55:13 PDT
Orcas rubbing on the shore bottom.
Sorry, we lost our connection and the ability to update. It was quite busy. Earlier as the main group of A12s, A4s & A5s neared the western boundary, the A24s splintered off and rushed back to CP, through Blackney Pass and around Hanson Island. They moved down the Strait and met up with the others. The whales then came back to the west, some as as far as Telegraph Cove. Another turn happened and the whales grouped up and moved quickly east, stalling for a bit in the Bight before heading to the rubbing beaches where they are now. The flood is not until after midnight.
Helena
24 Aug 2006 21:59:00 PDT
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
23 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No orcas present.
The A12s,A4s, and A5s finally all made it to Johnstone Strait at the start of the flood tide. They headed east quickly and we lost track of them around 1:30am. The A12s & some of hte A5s were the trailing group, the A4s were in the lead.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 07:52:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A5s suddenly rounded Critical Point with the A12s further off shore of them. The groups are rapidly moving to the west. The A4s will most likely soon follow.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 08:59:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,A5s and the A4s all went west to the Turn Point area and then turned (how appropriate!) and crossed toward the Vancouver Island shore for the trek eastward. Seams like a typical summer routine.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 12:44:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After a short but interesting rub by the A5s at the Main beach the whales are on their way back to the west.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 15:37:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
These whales continue to be interesting. They came west only as far as Big Bay on Hanson Island, west of CP. They then turned and formed up into what looked like resting lines but judging from the constant vocals it is a weird "rest". They are facing into the ebb tide however and not moving very far from the area off CP.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 21:43:49 PDT
No orcas present.
The A12s,A4s, and A5s finally all made it to Johnstone Strait at the start of the flood tide. They headed east quickly and we lost track of them around 1:30am. The A12s & some of hte A5s were the trailing group, the A4s were in the lead.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 07:52:13 PDT
Orcas near mics.
The A5s suddenly rounded Critical Point with the A12s further off shore of them. The groups are rapidly moving to the west. The A4s will most likely soon follow.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 08:59:03 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
The A12s,A5s and the A4s all went west to the Turn Point area and then turned (how appropriate!) and crossed toward the Vancouver Island shore for the trek eastward. Seams like a typical summer routine.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 12:44:34 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After a short but interesting rub by the A5s at the Main beach the whales are on their way back to the west.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 15:37:05 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
These whales continue to be interesting. They came west only as far as Big Bay on Hanson Island, west of CP. They then turned and formed up into what looked like resting lines but judging from the constant vocals it is a weird "rest". They are facing into the ebb tide however and not moving very far from the area off CP.
Helena
23 Aug 2006 21:43:49 PDT
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
22 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Multiple pod calls audible.
Soon after 3am we began to hear the groups coming back through the Ecological Reserve on their way west. The A12s, A4s,A5s, Cs and Ds marched up the Strait and through to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 06:45:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
At 7:40pm we began to hear distant A calls in Blackfish Sound. This turned out to be the A12s,A4s and A5s returning from their day's journey into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Cs and the Ds have not returned. The whales made slow but somewhat steady progress against the ebbing tide. They will now have the advantage of the slack tide and then the flood to help their progress to the Strait and points east. The last of the groups are still in Blackney while others have already made it through. It was quite interesting that at one point we had an A4 group on CP, another on Parson Island and the third on Local left at the same time.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 23:38:34 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
Soon after 3am we began to hear the groups coming back through the Ecological Reserve on their way west. The A12s, A4s,A5s, Cs and Ds marched up the Strait and through to Blackfish Sound.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 06:45:58 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
At 7:40pm we began to hear distant A calls in Blackfish Sound. This turned out to be the A12s,A4s and A5s returning from their day's journey into Queen Charlotte Strait. The Cs and the Ds have not returned. The whales made slow but somewhat steady progress against the ebbing tide. They will now have the advantage of the slack tide and then the flood to help their progress to the Strait and points east. The last of the groups are still in Blackney while others have already made it through. It was quite interesting that at one point we had an A4 group on CP, another on Parson Island and the third on Local left at the same time.
Helena
22 Aug 2006 23:38:34 PDT
Monday, August 21, 2006
21 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
Distant calls audible.
We had a busy and interesting night. Before 1:30am we started hearing Cs and Ds in Johnstone Strait. They headed east toward the Ecological Reserve. After a while the A12s, A4s and A5s became vocal and move into the Robson Bight area. Possibly, at least some of these groups headed back to the west. We are now hearing calls once again and CP can see blows over by Little Kaikash, just to the west of CP. It is rather like where we left off yesterday evening although there are now more whales!
Helena
21 Aug 2006 08:30:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think we might now understand what has happened. Not only is the Strait a busy place for boats but the whales have been on the move all night as well. We now believe the c6s and the Ds came in just after 1am. The A12s,A4s & A5s were there to meet them either up near Weynton Pass or by coming up from below Robson Bight. The A12s,A4s and A5s definitely followed the Cs and Ds to the east past Robson Bight/Boat Bay. AND this morning the C10s (maybe) also came in via Weynton Pass and once again the As came over to meet them as they approached the western boundary. The C6s also returned and made it to CP where they negotiated a quick turn around, only to head over to the very social scene on the other side near the western boundary. All groups are now spyhopping,breaching but still moving eastward slowly together.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 10:01:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After the resident groups met & socialised they headed east out of the Reserve and continued with the flood tide. Just recently a small group of transients were spotted off Blinkhorn in the Strait. They crossed to the Hanson side and then through Blackney Pass and "up" Baronet Passage. We caught a glimpse of them as they moved along the Blackney pass side of Cracroft Island before disappearing.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 17:24:06 PDT
Distant calls audible.
We had a busy and interesting night. Before 1:30am we started hearing Cs and Ds in Johnstone Strait. They headed east toward the Ecological Reserve. After a while the A12s, A4s and A5s became vocal and move into the Robson Bight area. Possibly, at least some of these groups headed back to the west. We are now hearing calls once again and CP can see blows over by Little Kaikash, just to the west of CP. It is rather like where we left off yesterday evening although there are now more whales!
Helena
21 Aug 2006 08:30:06 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
We think we might now understand what has happened. Not only is the Strait a busy place for boats but the whales have been on the move all night as well. We now believe the c6s and the Ds came in just after 1am. The A12s,A4s & A5s were there to meet them either up near Weynton Pass or by coming up from below Robson Bight. The A12s,A4s and A5s definitely followed the Cs and Ds to the east past Robson Bight/Boat Bay. AND this morning the C10s (maybe) also came in via Weynton Pass and once again the As came over to meet them as they approached the western boundary. The C6s also returned and made it to CP where they negotiated a quick turn around, only to head over to the very social scene on the other side near the western boundary. All groups are now spyhopping,breaching but still moving eastward slowly together.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 10:01:56 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After the resident groups met & socialised they headed east out of the Reserve and continued with the flood tide. Just recently a small group of transients were spotted off Blinkhorn in the Strait. They crossed to the Hanson side and then through Blackney Pass and "up" Baronet Passage. We caught a glimpse of them as they moved along the Blackney pass side of Cracroft Island before disappearing.
Helena
21 Aug 2006 17:24:06 PDT
Sunday, August 20, 2006
20 August 2006, Orcalab reports:
No calls but orcas nearby
After spending a couple of days to the east of Johnstone Strait, at least some of the groups are heading back to the west & are now approaching the Ecological Reserve. Another lovely sunny day here.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 13:12:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
To catch up: the A12s,A4s and the A5s are westbound in Johnstone Strait. After quick, on the fly, rubs they past the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay. CP watched the A24s and the A35s pass on their side . The whales are spread out across the Strait still pretty much in the Kaikash Creek and CP area. And they are having a bite to eat. The surprise of the day were the transients (T11,T11A and possibly two others) who turned up suddenly at the eastern end of Hanson Island. They went west quickly ahead of the advance of the resident orcas who were passing Critical Point at the time. They have since been sighted in Bauza Cove. The Cs and Ds and the I35s have been reported eastbound by the Roller Bay nearPort Hardy.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 16:16:17 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The tide is still ebbing, the Strait is flooded with boat noise and the calls a re infrequent. We know that the A12s, A4s and A5s went west towards the Wastells and the entrance of Weynton Pass earlier and we suspect that they turned and started back east. The mystery for us is how far east have they come? At7pm CP thought they saw blows right up against the Vancouver Island shore near Little Kaikash, west of CP. Since then we have heard both A5 and A1 calls but only on Cracroft Point. Hopefully, we will soon be able to figure out just where in the Strait are the whales.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 22:31:53 PDT
No calls but orcas nearby
After spending a couple of days to the east of Johnstone Strait, at least some of the groups are heading back to the west & are now approaching the Ecological Reserve. Another lovely sunny day here.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 13:12:26 PDT
Multiple pod calls audible.
To catch up: the A12s,A4s and the A5s are westbound in Johnstone Strait. After quick, on the fly, rubs they past the Ecological Reserve and Boat Bay. CP watched the A24s and the A35s pass on their side . The whales are spread out across the Strait still pretty much in the Kaikash Creek and CP area. And they are having a bite to eat. The surprise of the day were the transients (T11,T11A and possibly two others) who turned up suddenly at the eastern end of Hanson Island. They went west quickly ahead of the advance of the resident orcas who were passing Critical Point at the time. They have since been sighted in Bauza Cove. The Cs and Ds and the I35s have been reported eastbound by the Roller Bay nearPort Hardy.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 16:16:17 PDT
Distant calls audible.
The tide is still ebbing, the Strait is flooded with boat noise and the calls a re infrequent. We know that the A12s, A4s and A5s went west towards the Wastells and the entrance of Weynton Pass earlier and we suspect that they turned and started back east. The mystery for us is how far east have they come? At7pm CP thought they saw blows right up against the Vancouver Island shore near Little Kaikash, west of CP. Since then we have heard both A5 and A1 calls but only on Cracroft Point. Hopefully, we will soon be able to figure out just where in the Strait are the whales.
Helena
20 Aug 2006 22:31:53 PDT
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