Feb 18 to Feb 26 Lack of Sightings

I appear to be going through whale and dolphin sightings withdrawal. I have seen, or thought I did, a couple of blows a few days ago, but did not see any backs or dorsals of any sort to be able to confirm. It is possible it's just wishful thinking. The weather has not cooperated in the ability to easily spot them either.

This lack of sightings is unusual around here since there's usually porpoises, if nothing else. Even monitoring the marine radio, from where I occasionally hear about sightings, has provided no results. It's hard to imagine that it could be to do with noise from the Powell River Harbour construction only. So where are they all?

I do hear that the herring are running late and not in the quantities expected. This even to the point of hearing that there are some Bald Eagles dying due to malnutrition on Vancouver Island. I know the ones around here are frequently after birds, which they do even when there are fish around.

There is even a distinct lack of sea lions, although I can confirm sightings of a few of them swimming towards the top of Harwood Island.

Feb 18 to Feb 26: No whale, dolphin or porpoise sightings to report.

And, for those of you following my Hummingbird sightings: I appear to be down by one male Anna's. Perhaps gone to start looking for the perfect nesting site to protect for its' prospective mate. I'd rather think that, than it succumbed to the freezing cold temperatures we've had lately. Still can confirm three females and one male coming numerous times daily to the feeder.

And last, there has been a bear sighted around the Mowat Bay area of Powell River. This is a bit early, so it's probably quite cranky.

Feb 10 to Feb 17 Report

Through all the wind pushing up the seas, the heavy rains, and even the snow, of which there's still a bit left on the ground, it has been dismal for whale and dolphin spotting.

The only animals I've seen have been the numerous birds at the feeders. Yes, my Hummingbirds are still around and feeding frequently. They hid while it snowed. I've been hoping to get a photo of them in the snow, but it's not working. Although these Hummers are Anna's Hummingbirds, there was one tiny - and they do look so much smaller than Anna's - Rufous that passed through stopping for a quick drink. Guess some are getting ready to stake claim to their breeding areas along the coast.

Whale, Dolphin or Porpoise Sightings:

Feb 10 to 17th - None to report, unfortunately.

Feb 5 to Feb 9 Sightings

Although the weather has been up and down, sightings around Powell River have only been of some Sea Lions. Even they seem to be farther away.

Work on the Powell River Harbour continues and it seems that the sounds, which carry farther underwater, might just be part of the cause for the lack of local sightings. The last Pacific White Sided Dolphins I was out with turned away from Powell River when they dumped some rocks to build up the extended breakwater. Coincidence? There are a few studies underway right now to see just how sound might affect cetaceans.

The good news is that I did receive a report of Transient, meat eating, Killer Whales or Orca in Okisollo Channel, above the rapdis and just where Johnstone Strait starts. Looks like they were heading up Johnstone Strait, but you never know. I've copied the relevant parts of the email I received below. Thanks AJ.

Feb 9th 10am:
"I was out today and saw 6-8 Transients in Okisollo Channel, more specifically Bjerre Rock near, Venture Pt near the North West end of the channel. They were heading west at about 10am....
 As far as an ID... I didn't have my camera on me.... (as per usual) but I noticed 1 larger male, about 4-5 sub adults or females and one young calf (2ish yrs old). From behind, the larger male had a definite curve on the top of his dorsal with some notches. I thought MAYBE T 20 but not sure."

Feb 6 to 8 - No sightings to report

Feb 5 - Spent some time out on the water - Lots of bait fish and Sea Lions out around Rebecca Rocks and the West end of Harwood Island.

Jan 31 to Feb 4 2011 Sightings

It has been very slow for sightings. Only splashes and a few dorsal fins of probably Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been spotted right through from Jan 31 to Feb 4 th. with the last sighting on Feb 4th around 1pm near Willingdon Beach area in Powell River.

The only other bit of information of interest I received is the fact that there are Cutthroat Trout appearing in some of our local Powell River ditches.

This is quite significant since these ditches once were the creeks and streams of Powell River. They were culverted  to allow for roads and housing many, many years ago. It was thought that without re-stocking with fish, not to mention extensive refurbishing of the creek beds, there would be no runs of any sort. I had heard of the occasional Sea Run Trout, which would be Cutthroat, being caught off the Sliammon reserve over the last two years, but thought that it was a very random event.

When it comes to Resident (fish eating) Orca, Killer Whales, we know they eat salmon and halibut, so can we assume they also eat trout? After all trout is from the salmonoid family of fish.

At this point, I do not want to specify the exact location of these Cutthroat Trout so as to protect the fry. This also raises the point of how to improve and maintain these mini ecosystems. I will keep you all posted when I hear more.

If you are interested in helping to preserve these local areas, please drop me a note by clicking here.