Have You Seen Any of These?

Friday, July 29, 2011

July 28, 2011 - Corrections to Sightings

Corrections to Garry's July 28, 2011 reports and my apologies to him and everyone for getting it wrong. As I mentioned my memory is definitely shorter than was necessary to remember the information till I could get to pen and paper.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphin BC


Hi Susan. You made a few errors on my reports.
The first one was I had told you it was the A23's heading into Nodales Channel at 230 pm yesterday.
I also told you that T20 and T21were heading north by Campbell River at 345 pm.
We had 12 dolphins northbound in Seymour Narrows at 1030am.
At 230 pm we had 30 dolphins northound near Cinque Islands .
Please correct the blog. Thanks.
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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises, Minke Whales, and Humpback Whales

Reports for the past two days include Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises, Minke Whales, and Humpback Whales. My apologies for omissions in the reports. I was caught without pen and paper or too busy on numerous occasions and although my memory is good, it seems too short.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca:

July 28:

5:30 pm A12 and the two A36 brothers were mid Johnstone Strait between Boat Bay and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

Around 2:30 pm Orca were headed into Nodales Channel. (I believe I was told it was A12 and the A36 brothers, but this is where my memory got short, or at least I questioned it due to the above report. They would have had to travel very fast back up the Johnstone Strait – SM)

1:15 pm A23's and A30's were Eastbound by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island, Queen Charlotte Strait. By 2:30 pm they were already heading down Blackfish Sound towards Johnstone Strait.

10:30 am A12 and the two A36 boys were heading West by Naka Creek, Johnstone Strait.

July 27:

7:30 pm Orca by Hanson Island heading West.

1 pm A23's and A24's Eastbound by Adam River, Johnstone Strait.

12 pm A12 and 36's headed in Nodales Channel being harassed by Dolphins.

Hi Susan! We had a great day out on the water today on our first official Whalewatching Adventure of the year. Started with the A-36s and A-12 Easting into Nodales Channel at about 1145 am. (continued report under Transient Orca – SM)
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures


Transient Orca Breach July 27, 2011
Photo by: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

9:15 am A12 and A36 brothers were at Camp Point heading East with 4 to 5 Pacific White Sided Dolphins harassing them.
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane

Orca: Could be either Resident or Transient:

July 28:

10:30 am 5 Orca Eastbound down Johnstone Strait by Kelsey Bay.

9:30 am 2 to 3 Orca Eve River, Johnstone Strait Westbound.

8 am 5 Orca Westbound by Black Bluff, Malcolm Island close to Port McNeill.

Transient Orca:

July 28:

3:45 pm Transient Orca including T20 and T21 were Southbound in Seymour Narrows.

July 27:

7:30 pm 8 Transient Orca were Southbound by Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island.

4 pm Transients including T20 and T21 were by Octopus Islands heading to Beazely Pass.

2 pm 8 Orca Southbound by Quadra Island from Hole in the Wall including T20 and T21.



Transient Orca T124A3 July 27, 2011
Photo by: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

(Continued from Resident Orca Report)
Then a report of Orca westing thru the Hole In The Wall, so off we went! We found who I believe to be T-20, T-21, T-124, T-124E, T-124A1, T-124A3 plus 2 others I believe. I have enclosed a couple of photographs for you. Very active today, kelping, taillobbing, cartwheels, multiple breaches......it was incredible!
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures



Transient Orca T124 July 27, 2011
Photo by: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Minke Whales:

July 28:

7:45 pm a Minke Whale was feeding in the kelp beds out by the Sophia Islands, upper Johnstone Strait.
Larry on the Lukwa, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

July 27:

2 pm Minke working the currents at the top of Weynton Pass, Johnstone Strait to Blackfish Sound.

There were a few other Minke reports – apologies, not noted when or where. SM

Humpback Whales:

July 28:

9:30 am 2 Humpback Whales were in the Robson Bight and one of them started singing. (This is very early in the season!-SM)
Overheard on Radio

8 am Humpback Whale by Donagal Head, Blackfish Sound.

July 27:

8:45 am Humpback Whale heading East by Telegraph Cove possibly to meet up with the Humpback Whale in front of Alert Bay.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins:

July 28:

Around 2 pm 12 Pacific White Sided Dolphins around Cinq Islands, Discovery Passage, just above Campbell River.

8 am 'some' Dolphins and Dall's Porpoises were close by the Humpback by Donagal Head.

Numerous small groups of Dolphin and Porpoise sightings scattered throughout the other whale sightings.


From Farther South:
Submitted by: Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

July 27
4 pm - We just watched 6 Orca hunting harbor seals on Kanem & Violet points (Protection Is. Port Townsend). There were 3 lunges for shore and one seal corralled by at least 5 Orca! The group had one large male and two small Orca of about 1/3rd of the size of the large male. They were heading east when last seen.
Sue Thomas, Protection Island NWR

July 26
J's and K's visited Saturna's East Point from 7:45 am until about 8:45 riding the tail end of an ebb tide, heading towards Haro Strait. Extremely active and playful non-stop for as long as I could see them -- multiple double and triple breaches observed, and just about every other acrobatic maneuver -- cartwheels, headstands, you name it. In the range of about 30+ whales, led by J2 -- almost all visiting the kelp beds at the lighthouse passing as close to shore as possible. I can't say that there was too much obvious foraging, but J2 and two others, well ahead of the rest, doubled back after coming around Boiling Reef and headed into the channel that runs in the middle of the reef where the current is strongest, and seem to busy themselves there for three or four minutes before continuing on their way. I continued to watch them until around 9:30 when they disappeared behind Monarch Head. Not a single boat of any kind the whole time that I can recall.
-Miles Ritter Saturna Island

July 26
At 7:30 this morning I saw a blow when I was almost to the Bremerton Shipyard parking lot. I parked and looked out over the water and saw another blow between the parking lot and the floating mothballed ships. The body with a very small dorsal fin came up and it looked smooth and black. I believe it was a Minke. It was about 8 minutes between blows and did not see it again.
Looking at google images, it did look like a humpback... the small fin looked like a ridge but was pointed inthe back. Very slow, but strong and graceful movement.
To answer your other questions... I could not see any white and the blow was very visible, about 3' diameter and maybe 8' tall.
Thank You, Andrew Doerr
With a visible blow and a pointed dorsal fin this sounds like a humpback, but a small gray whale died on a beach in Bremerton this morning, so it's possible that's what it was.


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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Northern Resident Orca, Humpback Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

Sightings today include Northern Resident Orca, Humpback Whales and Pacific White Sided Dolphins as well as a couple of Dall's Porpoises. Most of the activity mid to the top of Johnstone Strait since the Transient Orca have done their disappearing act again.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales:

July 26:

10:15 am 3 Humpback Whales including two identified as KC and Moonstar were spotted close to Bold Head, Swanson Island.
Dave on the SV Tuan, Seasmoke Whale Watching

Around 1:30 pm a Humpback entered Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait. From various chatter on the radio.

Northern Resident Killer Whales:

July 26:

10:15 am Resident Orca A24's were between the East end of the Bight and Naka Creek. They were slowly heading East down Johnstone Strait.
Larry on the Lukwa, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

1 pm The A24's turned West back up Johnstone Strait from around Naka Creek and were moving fast, between 8 to 10 knots.

2:45 pm At the East end of Robson Bight, the A30's and A12 with the two A36 brothers suddenly popped up. Somehow, even with all the eyes on the water, they managed to sneak down to meet up with the A23's.
Larry on the Lukwa, Stubbs Island Whale Watching


Transient Killer Whales:
No sightings today, although they were being looked for. It's amazing how sneaky they can be.

A slight correction to the photo labelled as T002C – Jared Towers of DFO has looked at the photos submitted by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys and has identified the Orca as T002C1. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but it is a different animal.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins:

July 26:

10:30 am 80 to 100 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spread out across Johnstone Strait from Port Neville to Vancouver Island. They were putting on quite a show leaping high in the air.

3 pm 12 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were by Horn Point across from Sonora Island leaping and foraging in an East then West direction.

Dall's Porpoises:

July 26:

2 Dall's Porpoises were foraging in Frederick Arm, close to Dent Rapids.

From our US Friends:
Southern Residents were off San Juan Island today, a Long-Beaked Common Dolphin was in the South Puget Sound yesterday, and four killer whales were seen off Kauai, Hawaii, for the second time in the past 12 years.
Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA
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Monday, July 25, 2011

Sightings, Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises

It never rains, but it pours. For a while it was difficult to know which way to look from all the Whale and Dolphin activity. In a period of ten minutes on the water in Blackfish Sound, as we headed to check out some Northern Resident Orca, we had seen a Minke Whale, a Humpback Whale, a couple of Dall's Porpoises and the Orca. Then later, still with Orca, some Pacific White Sided Dolphins which had been harassing a Humpback Whale spotted the Orca and immediately rushed over to play with them. The Humpback Whale got out of the way as fast as possible. For times and details of who they were, read on below the summaries.

The Northern Resident Orca including the A23's and A24's, A12 and the two remaining A36 brothers, the A30's and B7's (Note: these are Orca Matriline Pod numbers. Each Pod has varying numbers of Orca within them. For example: In the A30's pod, A50 has a new calf.) were all at or above the top end of Johnstone Strait after a brief foray by the A23's and A24's to the bottom end of the Strait closer to Campbell River where the Transient Orca made it up to briefly.

The Transient Orca seem to be in and out of various inlets and channels from the bottom of Johnstone Strait down below Powell River.

Humpback Whales and Minke Whales are being seen more frequently, meaning some more of the small feed they eat are also be appearing, at and above the top of Johnstone Strait. And Dolphins and Porpoises are popping up all over the place.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Meat Eating) Orca:

July 25:

11 am T002C's in Sunderland Channel heading East. By 11:30 am they headed towards Wellbore Channel then turned back to Sunderland.

11 am Call came in about Orca in front of Powell River. A few calls later, and reports of breaching, spy hopping and looking like they were on a kill, they proved to be Transients, but unidentified. They were slowly heading towards Atrevida Reef and Lund. Thanks to Elizabeth and her neighbour, and Steve & Susan G. for keeping vigil.

11:30 am Hi Susan the orca are still here in front of the Mill between Powell River and Harwood. There are about 4 animals (both male and female) and they appear to be fishing/feeding. They just keep going back and forth not heading in any particular direction.
Elizabeth T., Powell River

Around 12:30 pm The 5+ Transient Orca turned and headed down Malaspina Strait, below Powell River and were last seen in lumpy seas around Myrtle Rocks.

July 24:


9;20 am Good morning Susan Looks like we have the T2c’s west bound at Camp Point

9:30 am T002C's Westing up Johstone Strait by Vansittart Point.
11 am Slowly moving West to Helmken Island, by Race and Current Pass.
12:45 pm Still continuing West slowly by Yorke Island, Sunderland Channel across from Kelsey Bay.

Northern Resident (fish eating) Orca:

July 25:

6 pm the A23's were headed East down Johnstone Strait by Telegraph Cove.
4 pm A12 and the A36 brothers were headed East by Bold Head, Blackfish Sound.
Sounds like the A30's may also be with them.
11:30 am A23's and A24's were headed East towards Cracroft Point at the bottom of Blackfish Sound. (No, the time is not a typo. They have been meandering back and forth throughout the past couple of days. I missed the report of when they turned back. - SM) These reports are from radio chatter.


B13's (B7 Matriline) Dorsal now Completely bent over. July 24, 2011
Photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images

July 24:

Sometime overnight the A30's and B7's went out West into Queen Charlotte Strait. But by 9 am they had come back in and were around Kaikash Creek, Johnstone Strait slowly Eastbound towards Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

3:30 pm A12 and the A36 brothers were heading East down Blackfish Sound to join up with the others; A30's and B7's by Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait.
2 pm A30's and B7's just entered Blackfish Sound through Weynton Pass and were immediately accosted by 5-6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
11:35 am to 2 pm the Orca were in Weynton Pass resting occasionally then foraging back and forth and from one end of the Pass to the other.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC


B10's Wavy Dorsal (B7 Matriline) July 24, 2011
Photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images

2:30 pm A23's and A24's were headed East, by Kelsey Bay, down closer to the bottom of Johnstone Strait. (see also Dolphin and Transients Report from same time)

3:10 pm They turned to the West at Vansittart Point below Helmken Island.
Nick, Eagle Eye Tours

Humpback Whales:

July 25:

I heard radio chatter a few times during the day about Humpback Whales around Alert Bay, Blackfish Sound, and around Pulteney Point Lightstation. Unfortunately, I was too busy to note the times other than it seemed the last radio transmissions I caught, all in these same areas, were around 4 pm.
Susan MacKay Whales and Dolphins BC


Humpback BCX097 “Butterfly” 
stopped to rest on the surface in front of the skiff. July 24, 2011
Photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images

July 24:

11:30 am till around 2 pm Humpback Whale circling the “Golden Triangle”, as we call it up here, between Donagal Head on Malcolm Island, Bold Head on Swanson Island, and the Plumper Islands. This area is all at the top West end of Blackfish Sound. This HB is a new one to the area and is numbered BCX0097 now named “Butterfly” due to a mark on it's tail flukes. He/she spent time resting on the surface, doing 10 minute dives, trumpeting when being bothered by the dolphins, and quickly doing a deep, long dive to get out of the way of the Resident Orca and Pacific White Sided Dolphins.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 25:
Didn't catch any reports of them. - SM

July 24:
9 am 20+ Dolphins harassing Resident Orca by Hanson Island to Kaikash Creek, Johnstone Strait.

2 pm 5 – 6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins harassing the Humpback Whale till the Resident Orca came into view. They made a bee line straight for the Orca to play / harass them.

2:30 pm 75 to 80 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were all over the Resident Orca by Kelsey Bay Eastbound.

3:10 pm The Dolphins had made the turn West up Johnstone Strait with the Orca.
Nick, Eagle Eye Tours

Minke Whale

July 24:

11:25 am En route to check out the Orca we spotted a Minke Whale by Bold Head, Blackfish Sound. Waited to see it a third time, but lost it. - SM

Dall's Porpoises:

July 24:

2 pm 2 Dall's Porpoises surfaced just before the Humpback Whale and disappeared. Mind you, we were busy watching the HB, Orca and Dolphins.....Where to look??
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Orca, Dolphins and More

Another busy day with Whales spread out along the coast. Glad to have Orca Network reports again after an unscheduled hiatus. The Southern Residents are in and around Puget Sound. The Northern Resident Orca quietly made their way up from Nodales Channel and into Blackfish Sound. All the Northern Resident Orca remained in or above Johnstone Strait, while the Transient Orca made another appearance in the channels around Desolation Sound. Orca seemed to be in every direction. There are reports of Humpback, Minke, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and both Dall's and Harbour Porpoises.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Resident Orca:

July 23:

7 am the Northern Resident A23's and A24's were Westbound by Malcolm Point, Malcolm Island. They met up with the A30's and B's just above Numas Islands and again headed towards Well's Passage.

9 am A12 and the two brothers A37 and A46 were in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and meandered about going West then East for a number of hours. (The last two reports I heard first had them going West then East, so I'm unsure of final choice of direct - SM)
Various reports throughout the day from around the top of Johnstone Strait

July 22:

Around 7 am received a report that the A23's and A24's had met up in Blackfish Sound top of Johnstone Strait and no-one had found them yet by 10 am. And 9 am A12 and the A36 brothers were in Robson Bight Ecological Reserve heading West. Read on for how quickly they can turn.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

11:45 am 8 Orca by Adam River, Johnstone Strait heading East towards Campbell River.

Aaron is with the A12’s, and A36’s at Hanson Island (noon)

Shortly after this, it was confirmed (see photo below) that it was the A23's and A24's which include A60. Left them heading West again around 2 pm.


Northern Resident Orca A60
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Orca:

July 23:
9:30 am 3 Transient Orca by Dent Rapids area assumed to include T002C (see photos below). These Whales stayed around the same area till at least the afternoon when they very slowly worked their way down around Church House towards Raza Island in Calm Channel 1pm.

Transient at Dent Island this morning. We think they are the same 3


Transient Orca T002C
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 22:

4 pm 3 Transient Orca including T002C at Wellbore Channel heading past Forward Harbour heading West towards Sunderland Channel.

T2C's We left them westing in Welborne Channel at 7:00 pm last night.
Jack, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 21 - Report from Orca Network - BC Orcas
I just saw (at noon) a small pod (male with about four others) in Saltery Bay heading into Jervis Inlet (BC Sunshine Coast). One breach and some tail slapping. Very cool, made up for all the gloomy weather we've had.
Cathy Kelly


Pacific White Sided Dolphins:

July 23:

11:24 am “A lot” of Pacific White Sided Dolphins were seen at Bold Head heading very rapidly down towards Blackney Pass too fast for the unknown reporting vessel to catch up to them.

July 22:

A group of about 20 Dolphins at Hull Point (Sonora) at 10:00 am –

5 pm 20-25 Pacific White Sided Dolphins came into our anchorage chasing fish in their high speed manoeuvres. They passed through the narrow passage between the Pearse Islands and around a half hour later came back through and out into Johnstone Strait.

Humpback Whales:

July 22:
Humpback at the “Hump” heading south at 11:00 am this morning.

Minke Whales:

July 23:
3 pm Minke Whale between White Cliff Islets and Bold Head, top of Blackfish Sound Westing.

July 22:
1:30 pm Minke Whale passing Double Bay in Blackfish Sound heading East towards Blackney Pass.

Dall's and Harbour Porpoises:

July 23:
2:30 pm 3 or 4 Harbour Porpoises foraging between Stubbs Island and the Plumper Islands at the top of Weynton Pass.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 22:
10 am 2 Dall's Porpoises at the East end of Robson Bight, Johnstone Strait.
10:20 am 2 Harbour Porpoises by Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait.
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane
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Thursday, July 21, 2011

More Resident Orca, Dolphins, Porpoises, Humpback and a Minke

More Resident Orca, Dolphins, Porpoises, Humpback and a Minke today. Although I understand the winds had picked up down around Campbell River today, it was wonderfully calm and sunny today at the top of Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 21: Northern Resident Orcas

11:40 am 3 Orcas identified as A12 and the two remaining A36 brothers reported in Nodales Channel by Davis Point heading into Frederick Arm. (This is all between Johnstone Strait and Desolation Sound in the inside waters – SM) At 5:30 pm these whales were still in Nodales Channel foraging.

The Northern Resident (B10's and A30's) Orca were still in the upper Johnstone Strait area. We managed to get out into Queen Charlotte Strait to see them in flat calm water and sunny, summery skies around 12 pm-ish just off Lizard Point, Malcolm Island. We left them, or should I say, they left us heading North towards Wells Passage past Foster Island around 1:35 pm There were a few great vocal calls as they chatted, but a few passing boats made recording them difficult.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Around 2:45 pm we met up with the Resident A24 Pod of Orca by Beaver Cove, Johnstone Strait/Broughton Strait. They were being harrassed by around 6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins who seem to love tormenting the Resident Orca as part of their play. We left them by the Pearse Islands around 5 pm.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

 T020 July 20, 2011
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys
 One of the A36 Brothers (A37) July 21, 2011
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys
A12 July 21, 2011
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 21: Dall's Porpoises

The afternoon was spotted with sightings of Dall's Porpoises in two's mostly from Weynton Pass up and around Donagle Head, Malcolm Island between the 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 21: Humpback Whales

Around 2:15 pm Although there were reports from around the area of a few more Humpback Whales, we only saw one small, non-tail fluking, unidentified one heading into a bay around the North side of Donagal Head, Malcolm Island to rest.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 21: Minke Whale

2:30 pm One medium sized Minke Whale, (we thought we saw another at a different time, but couldn't confirm) was headed West past the bay that the Humpback went into to rest. The Minke didn't stop at all, but perhaps that was due to the feed the birds were picking off farther in the direction he/she was headed.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Late Reports from July 20:

Hi Susan - not sure if Jack sent you a report, but here is a brief synopsis.
The latest - from me. We had Transient Orca, about 7 - T20 and T21 were in the mix. They were first sighted off the south end of Quadra North Bound. They made it to Seymour Narrows, and it was an amazing show. Breaching, spy hopping, lots of action. We think there was some Orca 'love' going on ;)
They turned to the south again, at about 12pm and bucked the tide in the Narrows until the flood kicked in. By about 4pm they were in front of Campbell River, heading into the rough seas brought in by the southeast wind. These Orca were very active the entire time, and we were all in awe.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins, about 40 were at Hall Point - reported at about 1pm, and were making their way to the West - I didn't get up to see them, but I am sure that you got the report from Garry.

Also heard that the A23's (Northern Resident Orca – SM) were possibly at Camp Point East bound late this afternoon.

Late Report from July 20:

0820 6-8 T's (Transient Orca – SM) traveling mid Discovery Pass in front of Cape Mudge Village
1030 I left the Orca spread out coming up to Maud Isl.

1130 - 30ish LAGS (Pacific White Sided Dolphins – SM) off Hall Pt

1405 - same T's heading south at north bluff in Seymour Narrows (they eventually went south off Cape Mudge into the 4ft chop, Hurricane Jack 1700ish)
No fog for me tomorrow please! :) talk to ya then
Thanks Susan
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Northern Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Dolphins, Porpoises and Humpback Whales

Northern Resident Orca finally coming into the inside waters of the upper Johnstone Strait area as well as some around Campbell River. The Transient Orca are still around the upper Georgia Strait and Campbell River area too. Some Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises and Humpback Whales reports as well. Things are picking up in the sightings departments all over the inside waters.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 20: Transient (meat eating) Orca

7 am 6 Transient Orca half mile off the beach by Shelter Point between Campbell River and Oyster River heading Northward.

8:24 am 7 – 8 Transients by Cape Mudge still heading North-West.
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane

9 am T020 & T021 confirmed as being somr of the Transient Orca now passing Campbell River heading North-West.
Later, after going up the inlets and coming out through Nodales Channel (see also Dolphin report below) back into the top of Discovery Passage, the tour was lucky to watch as three Orca breached all at once. Since everyone was having a “lunch” break, no-one had cameras ready for that one. There was lots of rolling and tail slapping and socializing. The Transients then decided to turn back South-East travelling at around 6 knots by April Point, across from Campbell River at 4 pm.

July 20: Dall's Porpoises

8:27 am Lone Dall's Porpoise across from Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait foraging in tide line.
10:46 2 Dall's Porpoise Easting by Adam River, Johnstone Strait
10:51 3 Dall's Porpoise Easting by Cedarstedt River, Johnstone Strait
10:53 am 2 Dall's Porpoise Westing by Escape Reef, Johnstone Strait
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 20: Pacific White Sided Dolphins

2 pm 30 to 40 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were speed foraging in Nodales Channel.

July 20: Northern Resident (fish eating) Orca

We knew the A23's Resident Orca had made it up as far as Robson Bight and had turned back East at 7 am. It was pea soup fog from Helmken Island with occasional break to be able to see a bit of shoreline. We had been looking for the whales, as much as we could through the fog and breaks; us going West and Lukwa, out of Stubbs Island Whale Watching coming East. We couldn't find them, but then we got the following report.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

10:25 am 3 Orca reported in the fog just by Millie Island, Port Neville heading East towards Campbell River. Reported by a passing sailing vessel

1:45 pm Vessel reported to Garry, Aboriginal Journeys that there were 8 or 9 Orca Eastbound by Camp Point.

3:30 pm Report of Northern Resident Orca coming in along the Queen Charlotte Strait side of Malcolm Island from the Coast Guard 508 fast response boat.

4:30 pm We met up with the B10's and A30's Resident Orca pods between Stubbs Island and the Plumper Islands as they turned down Weynton Passage and headed down into Johnstone Strait. We left them around 5:30 pm by Bauza Cove, just outside Telegraph Cove heading East down the Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

5:30 pm Report of A23's Resident Orca were Easting by Chatham Point Lighthouse just north of Campbell River.
Marie, Orca Lab

July 20: Humpback Whales

Around 3:30 pm 2 large Humpback Whales were travelling and blowing in unison by Weynton Reef entering Weynton Pass up to the Plumper Islands. What a treat to be around Humpbacks again.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC


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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Transient Orca to Resident Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and a Dall's Porpoise

From Transient Orca to Resident Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and a Dall's Porpoise. Quite the full day with the various tours having long runs and lots of sightings!
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 19: Transient Orca:

8:20 am First report of Orca at Cape Mudge light, passed through Garry, Aboriginal Journeys sent some of the first tours out to find the 2 Transient Orca T20 and T21. AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane picked the Transients up at 8:40 am by Marina Island, close to Cortez Island, heading “southbound-ish” towards Mitlenatch Island.

By 10 am the 2 Transient Orca were still around Mitlenatch but had their noses aimed towards Texada Island after doing many turns back and forth. (Last report heard: tours left them around 1:30 pm - SM)


July 19: Resident Orca:

10:55 am reports from boaters came in that there were 7 Orca Westbound by Chatham Pt. at the bottom of Johnstone Strait. Relayed by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

12:00 pm report of Resident Orca by Ripple Pt. Between Chatham Pt. And Helmken Island, Johnstone Strait.
Nick, Eagle Eye

12:20 pm an additional 3 Orca were reported Westbound by Blenkinsop Bay from Brian, SV Achiever

2 pm Took skiff out around into Race Passage to see if we could locate the Resident Orca from earlier reports and found 5 Resident Orca at the bottom of Race Pass Westbound up towards Kelsey Bay. They were running at around 5 knots tight into shore. One large male and two calves in the pod believed to be the A23's. Once found, we waited for Garry, Aboriginal Journeys to make it up to view them. We left them around 3:50 pm almost at Kelsey Bay still Westbound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Little after 5 pm Nick, Eagle Eye brought his tour up from Campbell River and managed to find the Resident Orca by the “Cougar Hole” close to St Vincent Bight. 6 pm AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane paced them to Hickey Point, Johnstone Strait till 6:30 pm still heading West.

July 19: Pacific White Sided Dolphins

9 am 20+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Davis Bay, Sechelt
Allan Knowles

4:20 pm a few Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Greene Point. And:
5:20 pm 30 to 40 Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging by Eagle's Cove, near Granite Bay, Discovery Passage.

July 19: Dall's Porpoises:

1:16 pm “Few” Dall's Porpoises by Dent Rapids. And
6:45 pm One lone Dall's Porpoise by Vansittart Point.
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane
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Resident Orca, Dolphins, Porpoises, Humpback

Although being able to continue the Sightings reports and Blog while out on the water, being in some anchorages means the reports are delayed due to lack of signal. Many times today I could hear parts of reports yet none of the tours could hear me. It's amazing what a difference one island between radio and cell sites can make. I will still carry on with the blog as much as possible and pick up your emails as soon as possible to post as well as the radio reports I do hear.

Today's reports are intermittent radio bits which included a Humpback sighting around Raza Island which, considering I was there and looking specifically for it, makes me think it was a report from yesterday's sighting, which we missed, but was a definite sighting. See the report below. Also Orca reports, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, and a sudden bit of summer weather.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 18:
Today was just perfect. Found the A23’s at about 11am (between St. Vincent Bight and Eve River East bound). Also about 200 pacific white-sided dolphins about 9am – Discovery Passage, south bound – and they were seen through the day, but the last sighting was about 2:30pm at Ripple Point.
Some Dall’s porpoise in front of St. Vincents bight – likely about 5 or 6.
Jen Campbell River Whale Watching


July 18:
12:15 pm Resident Orca were sighted by Stimpson's Reef, Johnstone Strait. No ID, direction or numbers. Overheard on the radio by

July 18:
9:44 am Around 100 + Pacific White Sided Dolphins reported around Separation Head, Seymour Narrows. No direction.

July 17:
3:45 report of Orca by Windy Point, Johnstone Strait. Around 4 pm out with the tour, caught up with the Resident Orca. The A23's were westbound by Hickey Point, Johnstone Strait. And right around the same time there were around 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins in the area, but closer to Helmken Isalnd in the middle of Race and Current Passages.

July 17:
Reports of 3+ Dall's Porpoises outside of Aran Rapids, by Bute Inlet at 12:25 pm and 3:15 pm Overheard from unknown sources on radio. They were apparently playfully bow riding.

July 17:
11;30 am Reports of both Resident Orca eastbound at Eve River, Johnstone Strait and Transient Orca westbound in close by Sunderland Channel, by Kelsey Bay.

July 17:
10:45 am Humpback Whale in Calm Channel at the South end of the Rendezvous Islands and shortly after right at Raza Point, Raza Island feeding. Another report a bit later on also.
AJ, Oak Bay Hurricane
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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Transient Orca, Humpback Whale

Transient Orca still around the area, as well as a Humpback Whale report. Although it was raining pretty hard at times, the seas were calm. Still doesn't feel like summer though.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 16:
11:30 am Report of Transient Orca by Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island. Relayed by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 16:
12:30 pm 6+ Orca report was confirmed mid-strait between Rebecca Spit and Marina Island. They were all females plus one new-ish calf still showing some pinkish tones of white.
Joel, Eagle 30

July 16:
Soon after, an ID report came through that they possibly included T19 and T19B.

July 16:
Nick, Eagle Eye stayed with the Transient Orca until Salt Wash managed to get on scene through Baker Pass towards the Red bell buoy at the end of Cortez Reef. We were fortunate to see around four breaches, some tail lobs, and then they made a definite move towards Baker Pass. We turned to stay with the Orca back through Baker Pass at around 7 knots. Once through the Pass, they split up and we found only three of them continuing on to Kinghorn Island at the entrance to Desolation Sound where Jen, Campbell River Whale Watch and later, Tenacious 3 joined up as the Transient Orca headed into Desolation Sound. We left the 3 Transient Orca around 5:20 pm, Jen soon after and Joel around 6:20 pm.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 16:
4:30 pm a broken radio report of a Humpback Whale sighting at the top of Raza Island.
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Friday, July 15, 2011

Harbour Porpoises, Dall's Porpoises, Transient Orca

Great to have reports coming in while being out on the water as well as being able to keep up the Blog from the boat. Today's report includes a small pod of Transient Orca and more Harbour and Dall's Porpoises than have been reported for a while. There's a large, 100+, group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins and some Humpback Whales at the top end of Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 15:
2:15 pm Caught up with the 3 Transient Orca T002C, T002C1 and T002C2 reported over the radio earlier, heading South-East by the North end of Cortez Island by Lewis Channel close in to shore. Stayed with them till around 3:30 pm.

July 15:
1 pm 4 Dalls Porpoises were foraging at Turnback Point, Bute Inlet.

July 15:
11:13 am A lone large Harbour Porpoise was a surprise sight between the waves heading South-West by Quarry Bay, Hardy Island, Malaspina Strait across from the bottom of Texada Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 15:
10:15 am 6 Harbour Porpoises were Southbound by Steep Island, Discovery Passage.

July 15:
Hi Susan,
No Orca yesterday, but we did talk with the Cortez ferry and they reported Orca off of Whaletown at about 1130am. Today was rainy ;( - some Harbour Porpoise in Bute Inlet, close to Arran Rapids – lots of black bears. Just got a report of Orca off of Cortez Island (Lewis channel I think) Garry is out there with them, so he will be able to give you a more detailed report.

July 14:
Not a great day - No Orca - they were at Heriot Bay at 1130 am but we didn't know this until 3 pm. They went south I think - waves too high for comfortable travel so we took the long way home through Surge Narrows (Beazely Pass)
4 or 5 Dalls at Denham Bay - 1130
20-30 Dolphins - Deepwater Bay 4 pm
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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient Orca and Photo Contest

Reports of Transient Orca still around, some Harbour Porpoises, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and a couple of photos of a Humpback and Orca - not together. Quite the Dolphin / Orca story below that needs follow up. There's a great photo contest put on by the Living Oceans Society, a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation on the BC Coast. Information below.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC


July 14:
Hi Susan
Today we had 6 harbour porpoise near Dent Rapids at 1:30 pm and 10 white sided dolphins near Separation Head at 4pm foraging on herring. Was a report of Orcas by the Tachek (ferry) near Heriot Bay at 11:30 am. We never got the report until 2:30 though and never found them.
Cheers

July 14:
Today we had nothing... like NOTHING. I think as far as marine mammals Garry had 3 harbour porpoise at the SW side of Cordero Ch. Other than that it was a bear day along the Arran Pt Rapids wall in Bute Inlet!! Sow and 2 COYs (Cubs of the year, 1 year olds).
AJ, Painter's Lodge

July 13:
I found 3 transients in the S end of Wallbore Ch right near Bulkely Is. They made their way E, all the way down to Frederick Arm. Joel and Mark on the Tenatious 3 and Eaglemaster were with them till about 1830-1900. Eaglemaster said they were on their way out and possibly heading E into Nodales Ch.
AJ, Painter's Lodge

July 13:
1:20 pm 12 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were heading South through Seymour Narrows.
Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 13:
Left the 3 Transient Orcas at Phillips Arm 3:40 pm. There was one large male and two females.
Cheers,

July 13:
Good morning Susan
3 Transient Orca in Chancellor Channel, east bound. Aaron is with them as well as AJ. They think they have the small one with the scoliosis.
PS I’ll send you some pictures of yesterday – one had a dorsal fin tag!


Large male Transient Orca T056 from July 12th.
Photo by Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 12:
Jack found 14 Transients between Read Is and Quadra Is around Conville Pt. They made their way up through Beazley Passage (Surge Narrows) and up Okisollo Ch. They then split up... I believe DMS was back out with some of them at 1700ish and had a crazy story about them chasing a LAG (Pacific White Sided Dolphin – SM) onto the rocks... trying to get at the dolphin, the orca were spyhopping and breaching next to it... they finally gave up and a couple fisherman saved the dolphin... (ask them for more details, I heard it from Flyguy)
AJ, Painter's Lodge

July 11:
I found a Humpback (see photo below) right at Tibbs Pt E point of Raza Is. I was with him for an hour or so, then DMS found him again on the main land side.
AJ, Painter's Lodge



Humpback Whale July 11, 2011
Photo by Andrew Jennings

Photo Contest:
Living Oceans Society, a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation on the BC Coast, is hosting its second annual digital photo contest. Whether you're a camera-toting novice or a professional shutterbug, everyone loves a good photo. Your pictures will help Living Oceans Society show the beauty of the ocean that we’re working to protect. So why not share your favorite ocean photos with us?
Submissions must fall into one of two categories to qualify: 'Ocean Ecosystems' or 'Working on the Ocean'.  Entries must be recent (June 1, 2009 onward) and must be located within North America's Pacific Ocean, which includes the coastline and open ocean from Southern Mexico to Alaska. Photographs will be judged on exposure, composition, uniqueness, creativity, technical proficiency and relevance to chosen theme. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted. Winners will be announced on October 18, 2011.
No purchase necessary. Contest open to Canadians excluding Quebec residents. There are two first place prizes: two Nikon Coolpix L24 cameras, retail value $110 each, and two second place prizes: two LOS Seahugger T-shirts, retail value $25 each. Contest closes on September 30, 2011. The winner will be announced on October 18, 2011.

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, a Humpback Whale and a couple of Dalls Porpoises

Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, a Humpback Whale and a couple of Dalls Porpoises in our area while Southern Resident Orca still making appearances in the San Juans and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 12:
Around 1:30 pm 10 Transient Orca were found in Hoskyn Channel heading Northward by Jack, Campbell River Whale Watching. It didn't take long for the rest of the tours enjoy the show. Garry, Aboriginal Journeys watched as they porpoised their way through Beazley Pass, one of the rapids. At the same time, approximately 2:30 – 3 pm another group of 6 Transient Orca met up with the first group just outside of Beazley Pass, Surge Narrows then turned back South. The first group of 10 continued out through Okisollo Channel passing some Dall's Porpoises (see report below) into Discovery Passage. Garry left the 10 Orca them around 4:30 pm heading West by Cinque Islands into Johstone Strait.
Report by: Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 12:
4 pm 2 to 3 Dall's Porpoise were foraging by Venture Point in Okisollo Channel apparently oblivious to the Transient Orca on the other side of the Channel.

July 12:
1:45 pm 10 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were milling about by Deep Water Bay, Discovery Passage. No direction and were left when the call came in about the Orca.

July 11:
8 pm Over 500 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were high speed foraging, chasing small fish into a tight group so they can feed easier into Stillwater Bay, South of Powell River. It was a spectacular sight and I am being conservative with the 500+ number! The line of dolphins went on and on. Unfortunately by the time I was able to get closer with the camera ready, they had headed off towards Lang Bay and?? I did have a few come into Frolander Bay around 10 pm where I was anchored up for the night. I had put the hydrophone down figuring that with those numbers, there's bound to be chatter. It was too dark to tell how many came into the bay, but there was a small amount of chatter and I could hear their blows, but it certainly wasn't all of them.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 11:
4 pm 6 to 8 Pacific White Sided Dolphins cruised Southward past Westview, Powell River.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 11:
ORCA – I'm pretty sure the tours found some Transient Orca, but I received no confirmation reports. SM

July 11:
9 am and throughout the day One lone Humpback Whale was in Deer Passage above Raza Island, Desolation Sound. All the tours saw the whale which was resting on the surface, rolling and slapping it's large pectoral flipper.
Initial report by: AJ, Painter's Lodge Oak Bay Hurricane
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