Have You Seen Any of These?

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Orca, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises and Hybrid Porpoise Sightings


Northern Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoise and a Hybrid Dall's/Harbour Porpoise sightings. Plus a catch up report from the bottom of Georgia Strait and south.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 27:

8 am Looking across to the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait from the Broken Islands, I spotted a couple of blows and a large, broad looking dorsal. First thoughts were Transients, but later turned out to be one of the A34's or A36 brothers with A12. It's possible two of them surfaced together giving the appearance of one broader dorsal from the distance. They were picked up by George, running a Sailcone tour boat by Forward Bay at 9:30 am heading West. By 12 pm they were all spread out across Johnstone Strait up by the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve still heading West.

August 26:

8 am A12/36's and A34's came in from Queen Charlotte Strait overnight and were spread out between Blinkhorn light and the Bight. They meandered about all day, and then headed East down Johnstone Strait at night. These whales have certainly been covering a lot of territory!
Various radio transmissions

Transient Orca

August 26:

8:45 am 6 Transients in the T100's group passed Campbell River and were left by the red can buoy at the bottom of Quadra Island heading South.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Around 10 am I left the T100's at Mitlenatch Island after a kill and multiple breaches. Found the T101's and T102 at Breton Islands at 10:30 am hunting seals. They went up Hoskyns Channel then came back out later and currently, 2:50 pm, headed for Whale Passage and Calm Channel.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

3:45 pm Transients in and out of Evans Bay, Read Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

7:15 pm Had T101'2 and T102 again at Hill Island Southbound.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

August 26:

9 am till 12:30 pm a total of 6 Humpback Whales were seen in the Bold Head, Blackfish Sound area. They included 'Moonstar', 'Ripple' and her calf, 'Freckles' and another, who's name I didn't catch. I missed the afternoon tours count.-SM
Various radio transmissions

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 27:

11 am Some Dolphins were reported by Eagle's Cove just above Campbell River.
Radio transmission from a workboat

11:30 am Around 100 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spread out, leaping and being very active in Nodales Channel. No direction.
One of the tour boats passing the information on to another but didn't catch who – SM

Dall's Porpoise and Hybrid Dall's / Harbour Porpoise

August 27:

8:30 am 2 Dall's Porpoise heading into Havannah Channel by the Broken Islands.

August 26:

8:45 am 1 Hybrid Dall's / Harbour Porpoise was foraging by Dot Islet, Knight Inlet.

10:30 am 6 Dall's Porpoise foraging in the tide line by Village Island, Knight Inlet.

The following reports submitted by Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Southern Residents

August 25
After two whole days without orcas around (but with Humpbacks and Minkes!) our residents returned to the sound in full force. There were lots of animals around on the way up to see the whales: harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and even a bald eagle! As for the whales, there were groups representing all 3 pods up in the area between Stuart and Pender Islands. When we came on scene the whales we were with appeared to be resting. After about 20 minutes they suddenly turned around and sped up. There were whales everywhere. We were surrounded! (see rest of report under Humpback Whales - SM)
Laura and Kristen, Naturalists, San Juan Safaris

August 25
1130am - J and K pod just passed Lime Kiln with a Humpback whale bringing up the rear.
Melisa Pinnow

August 24
J+K+L pods were seen off the west side of San Juan Island this evening :)
Brittany Bowles

August 24
J,K,L offshore from Victoria this afternoon!
Ric Merry

August 24
First, no report of whales. Then a report of humpbacks a long way away. Then J Pod. Then Js & Ks. Then Js, Ks and Ls! Yay!
John Boyd

August 24
Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - 1600, K's and L's.
Scott Veirs

August 21
BEAUTIFUL afternoon with J's and K's on the west side, around Race Rocks so of course lots of lovely sealions too!! For sure i.d'd j2, j8, the j16's, l87, j27, j28, j32, k21.
Mercedes Powell

Humpback Whales - Puget Sound

August 25
Humpback in Central Puget Sound. 8/25/11; 6:00 AM. Approximately 250 yards east of Fay Bainbridge State Park, traveling North then Northwest towards Suquamish
Jeff Engebretson

August 25 (Continued from Southern Residents report above - SM)
As we prepared to leave the area a Humpback appeared, heading north. We had heard about the animal earlier in the day. We kept our distance and didn't stop to watch the single whale, as it was entangled in fishing gear and there were boats around with the hopes of untangling it from the line.
Laura and Kristen, Naturalists, San Juan Safaris

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sightings Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises August 24 and 25


Lots of Sightings – this is another long report covering Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Humpbacks, Minkes, Dolphins and Porpoises. It's really great to know which Minke Whales are being seen. Their ID's are available in the Second Edition Catalogue through Jared Towers, jrtowers@gmail.com. This is not something everyone would want, but for us who try to follow the who's who and where of all these marine mammals, it's great. We can tell where an individual animal was seen. We are tracking movements. Your sightings reports are so important for this and it also helps everyone stay aware of animals in the areas.
I'm sorry for the delay in getting this report posted – finally figured out why I couldn't connect – as well as being behind an island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 25:

7 am A large group of Orca were headed West by Lizard Point and spread out right to Bear Point. They were later spotted still westing out by Numas Island.
Various radio reports from local fishermen

9:30 am A12 and the two A36 brothers were heading East by Tyee Point towards Nodales Channel in the lower Johnstone Strait.
Roger, Gizmo via Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

11:30 am The A34 Matriline of Orca were by Ripple Point with A12 and the boys still headed East.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 24:

9 am A12 & the 36's, A30's and I15's were mid Johnstone Strait headed East between Cracroft Point and the Cliffs across from Robson Bight.
Various radio transmissions

Around 1 pm Some of the Orca had made their way West to Blinkhorn, by Telegraph Cove and continued West while some of the others stayed down along Hanson Island to Cracroft Point.
Various radio transmissions & Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca

August 25:

9 am 6 Orca were spotted by Haddington Island headed towards Alert Bay. (this report came in a bit later, so no-one found them, but see next report as well as the 24th. – SM)
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

11:30 am 6 Orca were seen around Baronett Passage and headed East in Johnstone Strait past Cracroft Point.
Local fisherman and Leah at Cracroft Point

August 24:

7 am 7 Orca were reportedly seen off Kelsey Bay. They were assumed to be Transients, but no-one found them.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Around 3 pm Transient Orca (T100's including T142 with top nick his dorsal) rounded Donagal Head into Cormorant Channel. Jared Towers first spotted them along the Malcolm Island shore, and I also picked them up off Stubbs Island. These were the same group of Transients and it seems they were doing the same route as yesterday (23rd) evening. They passed up on a Sea Lion, lots of Harbour Seals and some Dall's and Harbour Porpoises were quick to get out of the area. We paced them for quite a while doing just under 4 knots, and I left them by Pearse Pass with Jared still West bound up Cormorant Channel.

Humpback Whales

August 25:

7 am a couple of Humpbacks were feeding at the same time as the Orca were by Lizard Pointfrom a local fisherman who reported the Resident Orca

Throughout the day: (I'm afraid I put the sightings in this fashion for Humpback Whales since they seem to favour the same areas quite consistently. - SM) Humpback Whale Sightings over the radio are pretty consistent from Bold Head, Donagal Head, Stubbs Island, Plumper Islands and Blackfish Sound in general.

Another few Humpbacks were spotted by Wells Pass area. “Not as active as yesterday when they were hopping out like popcorn” unknown over the radio

The total at one time counted at around 4 pm were between 5 and 6 Humpback Whales seen from from the Bold Head area. I could identify 'Freckles' and it looked like 'Pulteney' was doing a few of the same high tail lobs of the other day. I did not see 'Ripple' and her calf, but did see the other slightly larger calf with his/her Mom who I believe is 'Jigger'.

August 24:

9:30 am 2 Humpback Whales were at Kaikash Creek. They were identified as 'Whiskers' and 'Barracuda'.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

10:45 am 3 Humpbacks were by the Blinkhorn light including a Mom and calf, but not 'Ripple'. This calf was larger than 'Ripple's'.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

Throughout the day: Numerous sightings of Humpback Whales in and around Bold Head, Donagal Head, Stubbs Island, Plumper Islands and Blackfish Sound in general.

Total count for the afternoon trip out of Stubbs Island Whale Watching was 10 or 11 different animals.

Minke Whales

August 25:

Although this was not an actual sighting, both Minke Whales and Humpback Whales have some very unique acoustics and I did hear these acoustics on my hydrophone. I did not hear if any were actually spotted today.

August 24:

12 pm A Minke Whale was feeding just out from my anchorage in the Pearse Islands then headed over towards the Plumper Islands and was joined by another Minke to 'work' the current lines and tide rips in Weynton Pass. It was 'Ripcurl' and 'Eclipse', a Minke I first photographed in 2007 as a juvenile. See current photo below.
Minke Whale #006 'Eclipse'
August 24, 2011
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 25:

A few reported in Blackfish Sound by Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions at the same time as I had 6 by my boat around 4 pm.

August 24:

11:30 am 8 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were reported between Blinkhorn and Kaiskash Creek, Johnstone Strait.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

Dall's and Harbour Porpoises

August 25:

11:30 am – 12:30 pm a couple of small groups of 2 to 4 Dall's Porpoise each were foraging by the Stephenson Islets and Stubbs Island, Weynton Pass.

August 24:

3 pm 2 Dall's Porpoise and 2 Harbour Porpoise headed down Weynton Pass just prior to the Transient Orca arriving in the same area.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Whales and Dolphins Sightings plus Possible Fur Seal Sighting

Northern Resident Orca, Transient Orca, Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Minke Whales a possible Northern Fur Seal sighting.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 23:

10 am The lone female Orca, A12 together with the two brothers from the A36 Matriline were in Nodales Channel heading West into Johnstone Strait.
11:30 am The 3 Orca were at Ripple Point still slowly headed Westward.
1:30 pm Left the Orca still Westbound at Vansittart Point, Johnstone Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

9 am Heard there were Orca around the Cracroft Point – Robson Bight area in the fog. SM

August 22:

11 am The A4, A5 and I15 Matrilines of Orca were Eastbound by Eve River, Johnstone Strait.
12:45 pm The trailing group of I15's were still headed East by the Broken Islands.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca

August 23:

7 pm T100's came around Donagal Head into Cormorant Channel and were Westbound by Mitchell Bay.
Jared Towers, DFO

Whale Report

August 23:

11:45 am 3 Whales (possibly Humpbacks) were splashing about on the surface just outside Booker Lagoon, Fife Sound.
Cam, Y-Knot

Humpback Whales

August 22 and 23:

Throughout the day: The Humbacks are enjoying the same areas over and over again. Bold Head / Blackfish Sound / Weynton Pass / Blackney Pass. The morning fog made finding whales all that much more interesting.

'Ripple' and her calf
August 20, 2011
Photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images

Calf's Fluke with hole
see previous Blog Posting for note
August 20, 2011
Photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images


Minke Whales

August 23:

Around 2:30 pm 2 Minke Whales were foraging close by some of the Humpback Whales off Bold Head to Whitecliffe Islets.
Jared Towers, MERS
Note: Jared has just published the second edition of Minke Whales of the straits off northeastern Vancouver Island. This is an identification reference book. For further information on purchasing please contact Jared directly. SM

Around 2:30 pm a Minke Whale was spotted briefly by Leonard Point, Cormorant Island.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 22:

11:30 am A small group of around 8 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were heading East from by the Blinkhorn light in Johnstone Strait.
Chris, Ocean Light II

Possible Northern Fur Seal

August 22:

Heard someone say they saw what they were pretty sure was a Northern Fur Seal. Without photos, it's tough to say, but in the upper Johnstone Strait area they have been seen before. The last time was 6 years ago. Unfortunately, we never did get a photo, but someone else did.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sightings Whales and Dolphins

No update on the entangled Humpback Whale today, August 21st, so keep your eyes open. Transient Orca down around Cortez Island and Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Powell River. Resident Orca have been very spread out in the upper Johnstone Strait area and weather today, was not very nice with wind in Johnstone Strait and rain creating fog. Humpbacks were still spotted and so were the Resident Orca – Transients in the wind again.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 21:

6:30 am A number of Resident Orca were headed East by Cracroft Point and by 9:30 am some had made it into the Bight. The A11's, A8's and A23's for sure. The travelled close to the Eastern Boundary of the Reserve and turned back. At around 6 pm some Orca had made it West to Beaver Cove and had turned back to towards the Bight again.
Various radio transmissions

August 20:

8 am At least 8 Orca were around Arrow Passage and slowly heading towards Fife Sound. Some dolphins decide to harass them for a short time. They were very spread out from the Holford Islets and worked their way towards Wells Passage / Polkinghorne Island area. It was flat calm and apart from a tiny drizzle, the sun came out between broken clouds, but no fog. I dropped the hydrophone and immediately recognized some G-Clan calls. They were very chatty and I managed to get some great call recordings. I left them around Polkinghorne Island 11 am headed West towards Numas Islands, Queen Charlotte Strait.

9:30 am A report over the radio said that there were some Resident Orca by Naka Creek.

11:30 am Some of the other Resident Orca were picked up at the Broken Group and only made it as far as Forward Bay by 1 pm still in a Westbound direction.
Heard broken radio transmissions

Transient Orca

August 21:

9 am 4 Orca (assumed to be Transients – SM) were just outside Spring Passage, the Broughton's.
Chris, Ocean Light II

August 20:

11:30 am Transient Orca were reported by McMillan Point, Cortez Island. They were found around 3 pm headed North by Marina Island into Hoskyn Channel, by Cortez Island. They were the T101's and T102.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

6 pm On the way back from the Orford River, Bute Inlet, some Transients were headed North by Cape Mudge towards Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

August 21:

Throughout the day: 6 Humpback Whales were spotted in the rain/fog by Bold Head.

August 20:

8 am One Humpback Whale was feeding out in front of Sunday Harbour, Broughton's, heading towards the Whitecliff Islets and Bold Head. I didn't stop to watch since I was headed out to the Orca.

August 20:

Throughout the day: 6 Humpback Whales were lunge feeding by Bold Head. The one's identified include 'Ripple' and her calf, who has a hole right through his/her tail fluke possibly from that Transient Orca "attempted" attack on August 10th, 'Freckles' and 'KC' – I left them at around 5 pm with 'Freckles' heading to Wedge Island, 'Ripple', calf and another larger whale aimed towards the Plumper Islands, and I had lost track of the other two which had been heading down Blackfish Sound.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 20:

8:30 till 9:30 am 20 or so Pacific White Sided Dolphins came out of nowhere to harass the Orca just above Booker Lagoon, by Fife Sound. They suddenly decided to quickly porpoise off up into Fife Sound.

August 19:

Hi Susan,
Hope you are doing OK. Sounds pretty amazing with all the action you are reporting. I will have to witness the spectacle at least once in my life, maybe next summer. Things have been quiet on the water here except yesterday my daughter Allison spotted about 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins just below the house and not far off shore. They were feeding and occasionally jumping for a couple hours. We spotted them at about 2:30 pm and they had moved out of view after 4. She was very excited to see them through the spotting scope.
Steve Grover, Powell River

Friday, August 19, 2011

Orca, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises and Harbour Popoises.

Humpback Whale Entangled in Georgia Strait. A couple of days ago, a Humpback Whale was spotted close to Gabriola Island dragging crabbing gear behind it heading up the Strait. As of a few hours ago, no-one has spotted the whale. There has been a Humpback seen in the upper Georgia Strait, but no mention or queries about any lines or gear on it. Please keep your eyes open, and if you spot any gear dragging behind a Humpback please call the Marine Mammal Response incident reporting Hotline at: 1-800-465-4336 immediately. And, of course, I'd love an update too please drop me an email with any details.

Both yesterday morning and this morning, fog made finding any whale in the upper Johnstone Strait, and above areas difficult, to say the least. There were times, during the drifting banks of fog, that seeing the bow of the boat was a bonus. It was one of those days that happen frequently when we get really calm and sunny (in the afternoon) weather. Listening for the whale blows or dropping the hydrophone to hear them, if they're 'talking', is the 'whales by braille' (this is an affectionate term, no disrespect to anyone) method. There's also the appearing / disappearing target on the radar. It's always a debate; is it a whale, log hiding in between waves, or a small boat that doesn't give a good reflection for the radar to pick up? No reports from the Sunshine Coast indicated any fog.

Sightings: Orca, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises and Harbour Popoises.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 19:

8 am Reports of possible Orca in or around Beaver Cove, outside Telegraph Cove and some by the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. No direction, No numbers, No visibility! SM

9 am Sounds like some Orca were by Cracroft Point and headed along Hanson Island and / or up Blackfish Sound. The blows could be heard, but no-one could actually find them in the fog till
9:30 am Some of the I's were identified through vocals more than visuals till the fog lifted and throughout the day, there were a couple of groups of Resident Orca that went between Malcolm Island and the Penfold Islets, Queen Charlotte Strait. See also the Minke report around 1 pm. They were left still milling about around 5 pm. SM

10 am Some Orca were spotted foraging and Westbound by Camp Point, just above Campbell River.
By 1:15 pm these 8 or 9 Resident Orca, still Westing, were by the old BC Ferry, now used as a logging camp, in mid-Johnstone Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 18:

7 am Orca reports seemed to come in from every direction in the drifting banks of fog. Some Orca were out by Donagal Head, Malcolm Island foraging then heading West. Some more Orca were already by Lizard Point doing the same, foraging and heading West. Some other Orca were Eastbound down Blackfish Sound, while yet another group were already by Cracroft Point. By 10 am the majority had made it into the Bight, as far as the Eastern boundary, yet quite spread out as well as on the rubbing beaches. All in all, it was a very confusing morning with Orca spread out everywhere. SM

Humpback Whales

August 19:

10 am A Southbound Humpback Whale was spotted near Camp Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

8:30 am Morning fog seems to echo whale blows, and Humpbacks have large blows! Once the fog lifted, the total count of Humpback Whales seen at one time was 9 in the Blackfish Sound, bottom of Queen Charlotte Strait area. But, during the day there were Humpback whales seen at Bold Head, Plumper Islands, Fife Sound, Polkinghorne Island, Whitecliffe Islets and Cracroft Point areas. Last report I heard over the radio was at Cracroft Point at around 7 pm.

August 18:

8 am 5 Humpback Whales were feeding on krill by Bold Head. There were two Mom's with calves plus one other adult.
9 am A Humpback, I'm pretty sure is the one known as 'Pulteney' who is now around 7 to 8 years old, was actively feeding by Crib Island, Broughton's. There were an astronomical number of Rhinocerous Auklets – yes, I want to say billions and billions!
Other Humpbacks were seen throughout the day – see above report for areas they seem to prefer.
8:45 pm till too dark to see it anymore, a Humpback Whale was feeding in phosphorescent waters by the kelp beds just outside my anchorage at Polkinghorne Island.

Minke Whales

August 19:

Around 1 pm 2 Minke Whales that had been feeding on the QC Strait side of Malcolm Island took off in a hurry when some Orca showed up. Guess they weren't sure if these were Transient or Resident Orca, so better safe than sorry. They were clocked at 11 knots and porpoising as quickly as possible to get out of there towards Donagal Head when they finally settled down. They must have heard some of the Resident vocals.
Bill MacKay, MacKay Whale Watching

August 18:

8:20 am Sointula to Alert Bay water taxi trip by James, Rainbow Chaser saw a Minke Whale briefly.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 19:

Around 1 pm 20 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were headed West by St. Vincent Bight.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoises

Throughout the days: Small groups of 2 to 8 Dall's Porpoises seem to be foraging in every location – they are truly spread out. SM

Harbour Porpoises

August 19:

While watching a Humpback I kept hearing these smaller puffs. I finally found the source, a Mom and calf Harbour Porpoise. They too were feeding on the small fish the birds and Humpback were eating.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Northern Resident Orca, Humpback Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

Northern Resident Orca all over the lower BC coast! Humpback Whales by Campbell River as well as those in the upper Johnstone Strait and lower Queen Charlotte Strait. Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoises round out the sightings today.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

August 17:

7:30 am Northern Resident Orca were spread out in Johnstone Strait from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve along the Hanson Island shoreline.
Vessel Kermode

8 am I started to pick up the occasional Orca vocal on my hydrophone, which meant the Orca were getting closer to the Pearse Islands, across from Beaver Cove, but I saw no blows. It sounded like the I's.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

9:30 am Orca reported by Chatham Point Lightstation, where Johnstone Strait starts, just above Campbell River (no direction, numbers or ID's).
10 am More Orca were headed into Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

9:30 am The A30 Matriline of Orca had made their way up along Johnstone Strait and were actively foraging in Beaver Cove.

1 pm Northern Residents including some of the I15's and I 16's were Westbound slowly by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island.
Bill MacKay, MacKay Whale Watching

3 pm A12 and the two A36 brothers were headed West up Johnstone Strait by Eve River.
Roger on the Gizmo

5:20 pm Around 20 Northern Resident Orca including the A11's and others were Westing quickly just above Campbell River by Ripple Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

8:30 pm A12 and the 'boys' have just made it up to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. SM

Humpback Whales

August 17:

8:15 am One Humpback Whale was seen heading North through Seymour Narrows in front of Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Throughout the day: in upper Johnstone Strait, lower Queen Charlotte Strait approximately 6 to 8 Humpback Whales were feeding, doing tail lobs and the occasional breach. The whales included 'Freckles', 'Ripple' and her calf, 'Chunky' and others.
Susan MacKay

Large Humpback Whale Weynton Pass
August 15, 2011
photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images

Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoises

August 17:

8:15 am a number of Pacific White Sided Dolphins were seen foraging by Greensy Bay, across from Chatham Point Lightstation.
2 pm Around 20 Dolphins headed South through Seymour Narrows by Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

8 am a number of Dall's Porpoises were zipping and foraging around the Stephenson Islets, Weynton Pass.
Throughout the day: Various reports of Dall's in small groups by Stubbs Island and Weynton Pass.

Late Report – Possibly Transient Orca

August 15:
Afternoon sometime: at least one large male Orca was close in to Vivian Rocks, in front of Powell River. It's dorsal had a distinct lean to it.
Cam & Laureen R. On the Y-Knot

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sightings, Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises & California Transients!

Sightings reports catch-up. Reports were delayed due to a computer glitch and lack of internet connectivity. In the past few days, there have been numerous encounters with Orca, Humpback Whales, Minke Whale or Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Read On....and keep reporting!
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

California Killer Whales in BC!

Noteworthy Identification of some truly pelagic Transient Orca seen over a number of days till Augus 13th. This is an unusual sighting and has everyone quite excited. The Orca photos below had everyone puzzled for a while. “Can-Opener” as we called him, in fact, is NOT 'Can-Opener', read the identification email below. Also, word has it that they were last seen, prior to these sightings in Monterey Bay in April, 2011.

Thanks to Nick Templeman and Orca Network for getting the photos to the correct person to identify these animals.
The BIG guy is CA24, first photographed in Monterey Bay in 1990.The smaller male is N25, initially identified in 1996 off of Santa Barbara, Ca. N25 has a key identifying scoop; this scoop is VERY similar to the one on Can-opener, who is CA60 - a HUGE male first seen off Humboldt Count, CA in 1980; they are often mistaken for each other. (Can-opener has been spending a bit of time up your way the past couple of years; I would LOVE to get any sightings dates and details of his travels). The female in the 5th image is the one that I expected to see: CA180. (Note: I did not receive the same sequence of photos, so am not sure of which photo Alisa talks of – SM) She was first identified in 1996 with N25. I do not recognize the other ones at first glance.
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, California Killer Whale Project

California Transients CA24 and N25
August 13, 2011
Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

California Transient
August 13, 2011
Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys


Northern Resident Killer Whales

August 16:

8:30 am Orca were spread out from the West end of Robson Bight Ecological Reserve to Beaver Cove, by Telegraph Cove. They travelled in smaller groups and were first heading West then East, back to the Bight.
Later in the day, they started to repeat the process, but turned back to Bight before they got to mid-Hanson Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

10:30 am A12 and the two A36 brothers were spotted by Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait heading East By 12 pm they were at Camp Point, and at 4 pm they had passed Turn Point, the lower start of Johnstone Strait, an headed East up into Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:

9 am Orca reported by Port Neville. The A4's and A5's were caught up to by the tours out of Campbell River and by 11 am were Eastbound by Kelsey Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

9:45 am Orca were by Swaine Point, Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait. These guys went West then East and lots of foraging.
Various Radio reports

Around 12 pm A very large group of many of pods of Orca are still hanging around the upper Queen Charlotte Strait area. Bill was with them for a number of hours off of the Port Hardy Airport.
Bill MacKay, MacKay Whale Watching

August 14:

7:15 am Orca at Cracroft Point Westing along Hanson Island to Weynton Pass. By 9 am they went through Weynton and were slowly continuing West past Donagal Head, Malcolm Island.
SM

9:30 am Broken radio transmission that there were possibly Orca at Helmken Island, lower Johnstone Strait. SM

11:30 am Some Orca vocals were heard at Critical Point, by the Bight. Then some Orca 'popped up' and some headed East some headed West By 2 pm some were past the top end of Malcolm Island and some had made it down to Eve River, close to Kelsey Bay. SM

2 pm 2 to 3 Large groups of Orca are milling / foraging and slowly Westbound in Goletas Channel, by Chrisitie Pass.
Bill MacKay, MacKay Whale Watching

3 pm Orca Easting by Eve River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

9 pm A8's and A24's were headed West to Cracroft Point...from the Bight? And soon after, the A4's and A5's went West then East....these animals do get confusing to follow, it's as if they just can't make up their minds – guess the food is good in spots. SM


Hi Susan,
Time to catch up from the past couple of days. Yesterday, Aug 12th we had a fantastic trip up Johnston Strait to find the A-36s/A-12/A-24s/A-11s without the 35s or A-73(they were reported further west) We found this gang in flat calm water at the Broken Islands and followed them to the west at Forward bay. I have enclosed a nice pic of the 24s.

Today, August 13, started out fantastic with a report at 9am of our BIG T (no i'd yet) with "Can-opener" (see note above regarding the ID's- SM) and a large female. They were southbound bucking an 11knot ebb tide at Race Point. We stayed with them until 1130 am as they zig zagged there way south in Discovery Passage dodging fishing boats and commercial traffic. No kills were seen or confirmed. We then travelled North up Discovery Passage and after stopping at Chatham Point for 2min confirmed a report from Way West Watertaxi and found the A-23s easting into Nodales Channel! We followed them into Nodales for 40 minutes then headed for Fredricks Arm at the east end of Nodales Channel for a nice look at the A-8's and A-25's foraging. One of the other WW companies said they saw A-73 in there as well, but I cannot confirm this. From there we headed into the Stuart island area for some fantastic Ocean Rapids in the Devils Hole, Arran rapids and Yuculta rapids. Watching the Eagles swoop for Hake on the surface is amazing! From there a quick trip into Bute Inlet and home via Hole in the Wall and Okisollo Channel completed our fantastic adventure for the day!!! I will enclose a pic from the other day of the big guy and Canopener and a nice dolphin pic (photo below) from the other day as well, cheers!
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca

August 15:

4:30 pm to 9 pm Transient Orca were hunting off the Pearse Islands and Stephenson Islets. They were identified as the T55's. Although there were some Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoise in the area, they seemed to be focused on the harbour seals on the rocks. They headed into Johnstone Strait then turned back up and out through the Plumper Islands at 9 pm. The initial report came from Neil on the Island Odyssey who stumbled upon them. He stayed with them till Jared Towers arrived to confirm the ID's and soon after I got into viewing range. Larry on the Discovery Skiff followed them out through the Plumper Islands.

August 14:

Note: a couple of the miscellaneous Orca sightings under Resident Orca, could potentially be Transient Orca roaming the inner waters. They were posted to Resident Orca since some of the Resident Pods were heading in that direction.

Humpback Whales
August 16:

Humpback Whales are all over today. 'Freckles' again worked the tide rips at the bottom of Blackney Pass, 'Ripple' and her calf were over by Bold Head most of the day, and another very large whale, whose tail fluke photos I have not had a chance to look at to determine who it is, was lunge feeding by Stubbs Island and doing incredibly high tail lobs lifting half his body out of the water to create a splash almost as big as a full body breach. The krill are back and perhaps this is a way of getting the word out. There were other whales reported over by Fife Sound and from around Donagal Head, Malcolm Island, and in Blackfish Sound.

August 15:

8:30 am and throughout the day: 2 Humpbacks reported off Donagal Head and then Bold Head throughout the day. Some tail lobs and as well as breaching. On my way back across Blackfish Sound I had to stop twice for Humpback Whales. First for 'Ripple', her calf and another larger whale lunge feeding by Bold Head, and then again by Stubbs when a Humpback surfaced right in front of me. He did a quick turn, did a lunge feed, turned back, looked at me and fluked, leaving me grabbing camera, after I put the boat in neutral, of course, and firing a couple of quick shots.

August 14:

Throughout the day: A total of 8 different Humpback Whales were seen at one time. Most of them were in the 'golden triangle' Donagal to Plumpers (Stubbs in the middle) to Bold Head. Some very large blows as well as the tiny one from 'Ripple's' new calf.


Minke Whales

August 16:

Around 2;30 pm While torn between looking at the salmon eating krill in Weynton Pass and the Humpback heading out towards Bold Head, a Minke Whale surfaced heading towards the Plumper Islands. They are so fast and seem to always stay down so long, that I never did notice where it came up again. Too much to look at.

August 14:

11:30 am 2 Minke Whales were foraging in the tide rips between the Plumper Islands and Bold Head, Swanson Island.

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Leaping
August 2011
photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoise

August 16:

2 pm 12 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were Westbound in Johnstone Strait by Ripple Point, just above Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:

9 am till 4 pm Around 300 to 500 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were foraging and spread out from Fife Sound to Donagal Head, Malcolm Island. They made a sudden turn away when they realized they were about to head straight into some Transient Orca.

Throughout the day: Dall's Porpoise, in small groups of 2 to 8 at a time were seen foraging, usually in the tide rips.
Around 6 pm I had a number of them bow riding as I headed close to where the Transient Orca were. They peeled off just as I got into the narrow passage between the Pearse and the Stephenson Islets, where the Orca were.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 14:

3 pm 16 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

3 pm 200 to 400 Pacific White Sided Dolphins came out of Knight Inlet and spread out in Queen Charlotte Strait. There were a lot of new calves.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

Throughout the day: Dall's Porpoise, in small groups of 2 to 8 at a time were seen foraging, usually in the tide rips from Weynton Pass throughout Blackfish Sound area.

From the US:

August 13
Something rare occurred today; killer whales surprised us by coming up not only next to our boat, but a couple swam under our boat! We headed around Cattle Point to the west side of San Juan Island. This is where we saw the orcas. There was a small group of three that were close to land. We stopped or boat to watch when one big male changed direction and the next thing we knew he swam right across our bow. I was able to identify him as Blackberry (J27). Then more killer whales started coming to us from both directions. We watched them tail slapping and milling around, and we even saw the new K-calf (K44) with his mother Deadhead (K27). Then, out of nowhere a group of 4 whales went around and under the boat next to us and then two swam under our boat! It was incredible! On the other side when they came up I was able to identify Mike (J26). This was the closest encounter I've had! What a great summer afternoon.
Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

August 11
Thursday there were no reports of anyone seeing any Orcas in the Salish Sea, so we headed towards Victoria to try and find the elusive Humpback Whale. The last reports we heard were of two animals that had just 'fluked up' and gone for a deeper dive.  So we slowly moved into the area, turned off the engines, and waited. After only a few short minutes we had two mature Humpbacks surface not far from the boat side by side. We watched as they each took a few breaths, spouting about 15 feet in the air, and then getting great shots of a double fluke as the dove again. We repositioned the boat and waited for the next surfacing. As we scanned all the around, I heard passengers from another boat gasp in excitement and I turned just in time to see both Humpbacks completely breach out of the water!! Our other boat, the Sea Lion, was between us and the whales, but one of the Humpbacks got so much air that I could see it over the top of the other boat. It was Incredible! Humpbacks are some of my favorite whales in the world.
Mike, Captain - San Juan Safaris