Orca, Dolphins and Porpoise - Last Report for 2012!

The Holidays limited time to provide updates, so this is a catch-up of the Orca, Dolphins and Porpoise reports received. Some photos, received recently, of Humpback Whales off the Saltery Bay ferry terminal a while back and also, just heard that there were still two Gray Whales at the top of Johnstone Strait...shouldn't they be gone to warmer waters? Hard to imagine that we're looking at the last update for 2012!

May you all have a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2013!

A big thanks to all those eyes out there who report what is seen. These reports are all about sharing and monitoring the Cetacean movements, and we couldn't do it without you. Please keep looking and the reports coming. They are all logged and posted.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales Double Breach

Saltery Bay

John McDowell

Transient (Bigg's) Orca – Killer Whales

December 30:

Report that a female, tiny calf and a male Orca headed North through Seymour Narrows. No time given.

Anonymous

December 25:

9:23 am 4 Orca Southbound off Atrevida Reef – just North of Powell River.

3 pm A Mom, Dad and young'un went by the foot of Penticton Street, Powell River headed South.

Grant Rainsley, Powell River

December 25: (rec'd Dec. 26^th)

Around 2 or 3 pm: 5 Orca including 4 females 1 tiny calf and 1 male milling about off the Powell River viewpoint.

Clyde Burton, Powell River

December 24: (rec'd Dec. 26^th)

Afternoon: Some Orca by Gibson's Beach, Powell River.

Clyde Burton, Powell River

December 22:

8 am 2 Orca Southbound a few blocks North of the Westview, Powell River ferry terminal.

Joseph McLean, Powell River

RE: December 21^st report:

Hi Susan. My guess for the 3 orcas, with the male and little one are the T123s. They had been hanging around Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait & Blackney Pass for awhile. Happy holidays!!
Leah, Hanson Island

(The only reason I do not think all the sightings are the T123's is because of the above reports, but it is possible. Without photos, it's hard to be sure. Dec. 25^th photos taken off Grief Point were anticipated, but have not seen them yet. Holidays have kept everyone busy! - SM)

Humpback Whale Breach

Saltery Bay

John McDowell

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

December 29:

Had 6 PWS Dolphins Southbound in Seymour Narrows. I never got any pics of the dolphins – elusive in the current.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

December 29:

Saw various groups of 2 to 4 Dall's Porpoise in Nodales Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

Saltery Bay

John McDowell

Support – Enter to Win

Whales and Dolphins BC needs your support through sightings information, volunteering, and financial contributions to ensure continued growth and web presence. To assist with fund raising, there will be a Random Draw for a 4 day, 3 night Cruise for Two! Every $5 worth of Donation enters your name for the draw.

Support and you could win this cruise!

Win a Four Day Cruise for Two Draw

Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

For those of you who do not want to use PayPal, or have run into problems trying to Donate through PayPal, please contact me to make alternate arrangements and ensure your name gets into the draw.

NOTE:

A reminder to all that there are many photos, reports and information available by clicking on the Archived Pages links. I am working on easier access to these older reports, but for now, it's a few clicks.

Facebook: WhalesDolphinsBC or http://facebook.com/WhalesDolphinsBC

Twitter: WhalesDolphins or http://twitter.com/WhalesDolphins

Possible New Orca Calf

Possibly a new Orca calf.... Assumed Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales and a couple of Porpoise reports. Another photo of some of the Southern Resident Orca from a few days ago. And a news link to a Humpback Whale stranding – Somehow this needs commenting on - feel free to post your comments on our Facebook page at WhalesDolphinsBC or below.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Wishing you all the very

Best of the Holidays and a

Happy, Healthy 2013 !

photo: Susan MacKay, SG Images Dec. 2010

Orca – Probably Transients (Bigg's)

December 20:

8 am 3 Orca including one large male, one female and one very, very, small calf. So very small is it new?? They were Southbound passing Albion (Black) Point down Malaspina Strait very tight together. They were resting on the surface and taking their time moving. The big male gave one very large spy hop while the calf stayed tight to Mom.

Bill Taylor, Powell River

Southern Resident Orca

December 14, 2012

Dave Glaze, Powell River

Porpoise

December 18:

10:20 am 2 Porpoise headed South past Powell River. Couldn't tell which species, but definitely Porpoise and not Dolphin.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

LINK:

Humpback Whale Stranding link:

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/12/stranded_whale_survives_euthan.php

NOTE:

A reminder to all that there are many photos, reports and information available by clicking on the Archived Pages links. I am working on easier access to these older reports, but for now, it's a few clicks.

Win a Four Day Cruise for Two Draw

Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

For those of you who do not want to use PayPal, or have run into problems trying to Donate through PayPal, please contact me to make alternate arrangements and ensure your name gets into the draw.

Flower Dolphin Fountain in China

photo credit: the internet

no name of photographer given

Southern Resident Orca and More Orca!

Southern Resident Killer Whales made their annual December trip up around the Powell River area. Other Orca, thought to be Transient, Bigg's Killer Whales also swung by. (Apologies for the delayed report.)

Remember ALL sightings reports are important!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Southern Resident Killer Whales

Southern Resident Orca Porpoising

by Grief Point December 14, 2012

Steve Grover, Powell River

December 14:

10:40 a.m. Watching a pod of orcas, heading north. Two of the smaller females were in quite close to Black Point (Albion) the pod is scattered, some mid strait. Saw two males, at least two other females. Think we have spotted a few more, but they are very scattered, can barley locate the blows in the moderate waves, northwest wind 10 knots.

11:10 a.m. more stragglers, in fairly close to Donkersley beach, half a km from shore, could hear the blows. Appeared to be all females; one juvenille and two young ones swimming quite close together with a male in the far distance.

Laura Johnson, Powell River

December 14:

11:15 am At least 4 Orca, didn't notice any big fins passing by. Really spread out, hard to tell for sure how many. They're doing long dives, I think as they work their way slowly North in front of us. (Albion Point area – SM) A couple of them are right in close to shore and a seal is popping up watching.

Bill Taylor, Powell River

Southern Resident Orca

by Albion Point December 14, 2012

Bill Taylor, Powell River

December 14:

Thanks for the advance notice of orca coming up the Malaspina Strait today.

At 12 noon we saw 3 or four orca, very spread out, slowly making their way north west up past Myrtle Rocks, Powell River. One was quite large and had a very long thin dorsal fin. Then we saw at least eight more, a lot further behind the first ones. These two second groups had about four or five in each group with two small ones. Unfortunately they were too far out from shore for us to get photos.

12:19 pm Large group heading north past Beach Gardens now.

Holly Roy and Bob Brooks, Powell River

December 14:

12 pm At least 6 including 1 big male about mid-channel between VanAnda (Texada Island) and Grief Point. There's one closer to the mainland side. Another group or two showed up closer to Grief Point.

12:20 pm Last group of 8 Orca just rounded Grief Point.

John and Joan Treen, Powell River

December 14:

12:15 pm Went down to the Powell River viewpoint, since the skiff is still in the shop, with the hopes of having the whales come closer after the heads up call received. But, they didn't come close; disappointing. I did see between 12 to 18 Orca heading North-West towards Rebecca Rocks and Harwood. They were in 2 or 3 groups with some tail slapping and at least three full breaches that I saw.

2:19 pm they're still off Rebecca Rocks heading towards Vancouver Island still really spread out. By 3 pm they had all turned South-West and I lost sight of them behind Texada Island.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

December 14:

Thanks for the heads up on the Orca passing by. I think they must be the same large pod of transients that passed by on Wednesday. (These ones turned out to be Southern Residents - SM) I think there were at least 20 animals in total that I could count. When my friend Dave and I got to Grief Point we could only see 5 or 6 on the far side of the Strait close to Texada Island. That group had a bull with them. Three more were cruising north about mid Strait and then a few minutes later we saw 3 more about 200 meters off shore. I actually heard their blows because I was trying to photograph the other group. I heard some more blows and saw at least 5 animals between Grief point and the Beach Gardens breakwater and about 100 meters off shore. This group seemed to be on the hunt as they were porpoising and changing direction quickly while near the surface. About 15 minutes later I noticed 2 more Orca at mid Strait one of which was a bull too. Lots of fun and it was a first for my friend Dave Glace, he got some nice shots too. I think some of the saddle patch is visible on the image of the bull's dorsal if you zoom in.

Steve Grover, Powell River

Southern Resident Orca J28 plus

by Grief Point December 14, 2012

Steve Grover, Powell River

Orca – Probably Transients (Bigg's)

December 12:

11:15 am 4 Orca 2 in closer to Westview, Powell River and 2 closer to the Blubber Bay light off Texada Island.

Grant Rainsley, Powell River

December 12:

From the call above till 12 pm I counted between 10 to 12 Orca with 2 males and one juvenile angling North-West towards Rebecca Rocks and Harwood while 2 females angled towards the Powell River mill.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

December 12:

2 pm The Orca are still between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood.

Steve Grover, Powell River

December 12:

3:45 pm Pod of Orca just off the Comox ferry terminal heading North. Seen from ferry.

Don & Karen MacAndrew

NOTE:

A reminder to all that there are many photos, reports and information available by clicking on the Archived Pages links. I am working on easier access to these older reports, but for now, it's a few clicks.

Win a Four Day Cruise for Two Draw

Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

For those of you who do not want to use PayPal, or have run into problems trying to Donate through PayPal, please contact me to make alternate arrangements and ensure your name gets into the draw.

Finally some Sightings - Orca and Dolphins

Just when you think there will be another minimal report, some Whales and Dolphins pop up. Today we had Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales, first reported off Savary / Lund this morning, and Pacific White Sided Dolphins in front of Powell River. Some very late reports also came in, but at least they were reported. A report from Hawaii too. Although I had hopes of the Southern Resident Orca who were seen Northbound by Victoria the other day, it was not to be – yet. They are due, every December in the Powell River to Comox area. Keep an eye out.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

off marina by Grief Point, Powell River

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

December 10:

9:47 am 5 or 6 Orca headed towards Powell River from Savary / Lund area.

Gordie Coles, Savary Island

December 10:

11:57 am The 6 Orca suddenly appeared just between the Powell River ferry terminal and the Viewpoint heading South in quite a hurry. There was one male and one juvenile in the group. Perhaps they were in pursuit of the Dolphins, but no Dolphins were sighted other than the report below. With the skiff in the shop, I drove down to Beach Gardens to hopefully catch them on camera. They slowed right down by the marina stopping briefly as if to check something out. A sea lion quickly made a bee line to shore. I left them at 12:45 pm continuing South towards Myrtle Rocks doing longer dives and moving slower.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

between Grief Point, Powell River and Texada Island

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

December 10:

12 pm Some Orca just popped up down by the viewpoint in Powell River. Just happened to look out and saw them.

Steve Grover, Powell River

December 10:

12:03 pm Killer Whales in front of the Powell River Ferry right now. 2 Orca Southbound – from friend on the ferry.

Stephen Mohan, Powell River

December 1: (late report)

1 lone Orca was seen chasing a bunch of sea lions onto the beach at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island.

Dave & Nancy Gough, Powell River

October 19: (late report)

Shortly after 5 pm there was a large pod of around 20 Orca off the North-West side of Texada Island angling towards Comox. There were some splashes, tail lobs and breaches. Seen from the Powell River to Comox ferry.

Marc Salewski, Powell River

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Looking towards one of the terraced mines

just South of VanAnda on Texada Island

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

December 10:

Between 10 and 10:30 am Around 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were foraging close in to shore by Willingdon Beach. They were running back and forth.

Ted Douglas, Powell River

Humpback Whales

December 5:

7:11 pm 2 Humpback Whales just passed Poipu, Kauai heading South.

Gordie Coles, on holiday in Hawaii

NOTE:

A reminder to all that there are many photos, reports and information available by clicking on the Archived Pages links. I am working on easier access to these older reports, but for now, it's a few clicks.

Win a Four Day Cruise for Two Draw

Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

For those of you who do not want to use PayPal, or have run into problems trying to Donate through PayPal, please contact me to make alternate arrangements and ensure your name gets into the draw.

Orca - Killer Whales by Powell River

Some Orca – Killer Whales sighted around Powell River. Winds and waves crashing on the rocks make it difficult to spot anything. While looking, some of the crashing waves can even look like blows. Watching for a few minutes will usually confirm if the 'blow' has a body and is moving. They are out there, it's just spotting them in this big ocean!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Most Likely Transients

December 2:

12 pm 2 Big Fins and at least one smaller one between Lang Bay and Texada Island heading North up Malaspina Strait. Lots of bird activity in the area too.

Michael Stewart, Powell River

December 2:

1 pm With hopes of managing a photo or two for identification, drove down to Grief Point and friend, Judy Brant was the first to spot a confirmed blow just off VanAnda across the Strait from us. Once we located where the Orca were, I managed a count of 6 blows in two groups not too far apart from one another and finally saw a couple of dorsals between large waves. With the waves crashing against the jagged Texada shore, confirmation of more blows was impossible. The whales stayed closer to Texada so photos were not possible. Watching through binoculars, Judy managed to see 2 breaches off the light by Blubber Bay as they angled towards Rebecca Rocks; I was disappointed to miss them. At 2:47 pm they turned and angled towards the Powell River Mill when I finally could confirm 6 dorsals – then I lost them.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Regarding November 28 report:
CORRECTION TO PREVIOUSLY POSTED SIGHTING REPORT: This California Transient sighting was NOT on November 28; however, the T18s WERE sighted on November 28.

"November 24: Transients CA172 with another female and juvenile were traveling quickly west bound in the middle of the Juan de Fuca Strait. I previously documented CA172 in the same region in December 2010 with 6 -8 other individuals. Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales"
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, California Killer Whale Project

(Thanks again Alisa for the Correction – really appreciate it. SM)

Win a Cruise for Two Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

For those of you who do not want to use PayPal, or have run into problems trying to Donate through PayPal, please contact me to make alternate arrangements and ensure your name gets into the draw.

Thank you to those that have contributed so far.

A note about the December 2^nd Orca reports above:

With a hydrophone, underwater listening device, established in a strategic location or two, we could have confirmed whether or not these Orca were Transients or Residents through their unique vocalizations. Every 'clan' has their own dialect. This is on the Whales and Dolphins BC wish list – see the Support – Enter Draw page.

Links in the News:

Received a CNN link to a very lucky dog with an Orca chasing him. Worth a look as this one looks legitimate:

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c2#/video/living/2012/11/22/orig-jtb-distraction-orca-dog.cnn

Japanese Whaling Survey Results from International Fund for Animal Welfare:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/more-back-whaling-than-not-japan-survey/story-e6freoo6-1226525219817

California Transient Orca Around

Sightings of California Transient Orca from the Victoria area is the only report over the last few days since the last update. We have seen California Transients by Powell River as they cruised up Georgia Strait last year. They made their way to the top of Vancouver Island and farther North. These are Transient “Bigg's” Killer Whales that are most often seen in California, hence the name. Keep a lookout, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them along the Sunshine Coast.

New Links page is now up on the main website, and don't forget we're on Facebook too at WhalesDolphinsBC

I've added a few other links of interest, in the news at the bottom of this report.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

November 28:

Transient T18s and California transient Ca 172 were sighted near Victoria BC Canada. I ran into California female Ca 172 in 2011 alongside other Southern transients.
Josh McInnes

Win a Cruise for Two Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the above link for details.

Links in the News:

The story behind the new “Bigg's” name for Transients:

Killer whale researchers make case for declaring new species, name, for mammal-eating orcas

Endangered Species:

NOAA to review endangered status of Puget Sound orcas

White Humpback Whale off Norway:

Argh! Real-life Moby Dick:Spotted Off Coast Of Norway

Transient Orca, Dolphins and a Humpback

Transient Orca popped up by Campbell River and disappeared while Pacific White Sided Dolphins worked their way to Powell River. A Humpback Whale sighting rounds out this short report.

Sightings reports are few, but do keep looking – they are out there!

Happy Thanksgiving to our US friends! We all have a lot to be thankful for.

Watch for the new Links Page on the main web site – should be up in the next day or two.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Orca

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

November 24:

12:26 pm 4 to 5 Transient Orca Southbound by the Tyee Spit off Campbell River. There are 4 small fins and one calf.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whale

November 25:

11:00 am While fishing off cape Rodger Curtis, Bowen island, there was what I assumed to be a Humpback Whale at rest. The whale was about 200 meters of the point and stayed there for about 15 to 20 minutes after my arrival. It then slowly moved off in what seemed to be a southerly direction.

John Clothier, West Vancouver

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

November 24:

4 pm Dolphins!! Finally! 100 to 150 PWS Dolphins are working their way Southwards to Powell River from the East spit off Harwood Island. They seemed to be foraging in one direction, headed towards Grief Point. As the Comox ferry arrived in Powell River, the dolphins made a sudden turn off the Viewpoint and did their fast foraging manoeuvres towards the ferry. They use boats quite frequently to help corral feed – the first time they used my skiff, I was surprised to have them charge towards me. One of the photos is used in the rotating images of the Whales and Dolphins BC web site.

The Dolphins foraged back and forth till around 5 pm when it was getting far too dark to see them, they had made their way somewhere between the Powell River Mill and Willingdon Beach. They were not spotted after.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Win a Cruise for Two Draw date: March 16, 2013

Click on the link for details.

Breaching Humpback Whales and Orca Report

What a great sight while having morning coffee! After so few reports of any Cetaceans and stormy weather making them difficult to even spot in the white caps, seeing Humpback Whales breaching certainly set the tone for the day. And a smile on my face. As anticipated, we are getting these huge animals coming down the inside between Vancouver Island and the Mainland. I believe the earthquakes off the West side of Vancouver Island have something to do with that. Keep your eyes open. A quick scan of the water can sometimes provide a great treat and Whales or Dolphin sightings to report.

Win a Cruise for Two Draw date: March 16, 2013

I apologize for the delay in getting this report out.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

Breaching Humpback Whale

Spectacular leap from such a large animal

Susan MacKay, SG Images

November 18:

7:45 am One Humpback blow and back was spotted Southbound off the Northwest tip of Texada. It was a brief sighting as the island obstructed my view.

A few minutes later, as I watched a tug taking huge sprays in front of Powell River, a huge Humpback Whale breached a short distance behind. It was an enormous splash! Then another huge leap, totally out of the water and splash, then another. Wow! Then two Humpbacks breached side by side....what a show.

Within ten minutes, I counted a total of 15 breaches between the two Humpbacks. These two were between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island slowly working their way towards Vivian Island. Until 8:50 am there were around six more breaches as I watched the blows from these two together and at least one, possibly two other blows farther apart. They rounded the tip of Harwood angling North-West with the tide.

Not wanting to call anyone too early on a Sunday morning, I sent out a text message feeling that someone else needs to enjoy this incredible sight. I heard back from Stephen Mohan, Powell River who said “Cool! I'll have a look.” And shortly after one of the full breaches, “Holy cow!” and “Wow that was great!” Unfortunately, no other reports came in about these Humpbacks.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

November 10: (late report)

Between 11 am and 12 pm Two Humpback Whales were seen from the ferry off Saltrey Bay towards Hardy Island.

Carol Adamack, Powell River

Breaching Humpback Whale

Leaping more than once!

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Orca – Killer Whales

November 17:

Possible Orca sighting by the Powell River mill. The 'fins' would roll very slowly and change direction and seemed animate. Depth would vary too and sometimes they'd seem to sink out of sight only to pop back up again soon thereafter. The air spouts were probably not more than a foot tall using the nearby gulls as a reference but scale is so hard to judge from such a distance. Not much in the way of answers I know. If it made sense to me then I may not have even thought to have asked you though I can see now that any report is probably better than none. (We are still sorting through some information and photos to determine if these were Orca or what with the sea lions.n And yes, any report is better than none! - SM)

Peter Harvey, Powell River

November 14:

4:25 pm Report of a pod of between 20 to 30 Orca by the red can buoy off of Cape Mudge, Quadra Island was announced over the radio. Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys took a drive and walked his dog along the shore hoping to catch sight of them. Between us, we couldn't locate the vessel that had reported them by radio. Unfortunately, even though it was a calm day, he didn't spot them before having to call it a day in the fading light.

Link:

I have been asked a number of times if Humpback Whales lunge feeding ever catch birds since birds are also feeding close by. I had seen one this past year open his mouth to let a Rhinoceros Auklet, a small diving bird out. Here is a link showing a Pelican inside the mouth of a Humpback!

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/914783-pelican-escapes-hungry-humpback-whales-grip-by-flapping-its-wings

Breaching Humpback Whale

Landings are impressive too!

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Humpback Whales, Transient Orca and Dolphins

Humpback Whales are moving South between Vancouver Island and the mainland, while Transient Orca are meandering about stopping to take the occasional sea lion. Some Pacific White Sided Dolphins were also reported off Savary Island. I have sworn I've seen some blows and then nothing, but since I can't confirm, these are not reported below. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I don't think so.

Most of the Sightings reports below have come in late after the fact, but still are important, so a reminder to all to please keep them coming.

Win a Cruise for Two Draw date: March 16, 2013

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Transient Orca

by Harwood Island

Susan MacKay, SG Images

November 12:

11 am At least 8 Transient Orca were spotted heading North-West by Shelter Point, close to Vancouver Island. There was at least 1 big fin (male) and it's believed that it was the same group that was around Cowichan on November 11^th seen taking a sea lion. (Rumour has it that the whales included T93. - SM)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

November 10:

Late report that earlier in the day, there were some Orca just off Lund. No direction or numbers.

Geri Batchelor, Savary Island

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale

Lunge Feeding

Nick Templeman

November 7:

10 am Saw a big animal and blow, assumed to be a Humpback Whale off the Powell River viewpoint headed towards Grief Point.

Steve Grover, Powell River

November 1:

This is a picture of my whale sighting. I was standing on the rocks of the Saltery Bay campsite and the whales are breeching over by Hardy Island. You have to zoom in the picture and those white dots are the splash. When I saw the splash I heard boom boom 2 seconds later. (When Humpbacks land their breech, it can sound like an explosion. Especially if there are hills to echo off of. - SM)

Jeannette Russell, Powell River

November (last week sometime):

No time or actual numbers, but there was a report that there were Humpback Whales by Oyster River, Vancouver Island.

Humpback Whales

by Hardy Island

Jeannette Russell

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

November 1:

8 am 6 to 8 PWS Dolphins were jumping around our boat and bow rode for 20 minutes or so 100 yards off the beach at Indian Point, Savary Island. Great experience.

Jim and Shelly, Savary Island

Now on Facebook: WhalesDolphinsBC

and

Twitter: WhalesDolphins

Rumours of Whales and Sightings of 'Winter' Hummingbirds

Rumours have it that there have been 2 more Humpback Whales other than 'Maude' around the Powell River area as well as some Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Savary Island and Lund last week. Orca reports are also sketchy and rumour has it that there were a couple, at least, of them headed down Johnstone Strait around Sunderland Channel.

I'm told that people made the assumption that these sightings had been reported by someone else. I heard about them third hand and a long time after the fact, so details are too sketchy to post as actual reports. I have included some links below to at least provide you with your whales and dolphins fix for the past few days.

A reminder to all; Please do not assume that sightings reports are passed on. Every sightings report IS important! Rather 10 reports of the same animal(s) than none at all. Also, frequently there are bits of detail that are noted by one reporter and not by the other, which can help in identification.

Work has been progressing on the various media outlets and new links on the main web site. Of major note, when it was brought to my attention, the Win a Cruise for Two Draw date had to be moved up to March 16, 2013 to allow enough time for people to make proper arrangements. I apologize for the confusion and thank the people who have both brought this to my attention and have contributed to Whales and Dolphins BC's Projects and Wish List. Good luck in the Draw! I am looking for volunteers to help out! If you are interested, please contact me.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Whale Sightings Reports

No actual reports from November 2 to November 7, 2012

BUT:

For those of you who enjoyed the 'Winter' Hummingbirds last year, I am so fortunate to have 4 Anna's Hummingbirds right now. There are three females and one male at the moment. I did have one other male, but he may have just been passing through. Will keep everyone posted. These birds, at least some, will stay all winter long.

See the Archived posts for more info and photos of them in the snow. Anyone wanting to put up a feeder for these birds are reminded that the colder it gets, the richer the food needs to be. My mixture is listed on the same post.

Since there are no actual Whales, Dolphins or Porpoise reports, here are a few links for you:

Humpback Whales off Hawaii interacting with Bottlenose Dolphins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC3AkGSigrA&feature=em-share_video_user

Orca taken from the Wild in Russia:

http://www.wdcs.org/news_int.php?select=1321#.UIxyC3VAnr4.email

Transient Orca – T059's

2012

Nick Templeman

Few Cetacean Sightings include Orca and Humpback Whales

Cetacean Sightings have been few over the past few foggy and rainy days, but Transient Orca, identified as the T02C's made an appearance and a Humpback Whale, most likely 'Maude', was again spotted just below Powell River. No reports on October 31 or the first day of November.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Win a Four Day Three Night Cruise for Two!

For details and more information, follow the links on the main Web site at http://whalesanddolphinsbc.com/ or Direct Click: Support – Enter to Win

Humpback Whale BCY027 'Maude'

October 28, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

October 30:

12 pm Possible Orca spotted in Discovery Passage on a web cam by Nodales Channel.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 30:

1:20 pm 4 Transient Orca at Hall Point, Nodales Channel easting into Cordero Channel. Looks like the T02C's doing long dives. The calf is getting bigger. I've only got my phone for photos today – it isn't the greatest.

2:04 pm They just came through the Dent Rapids. Looks like they're going seal or sea lion hunting.

2:50 pm Lost the Orca by Jimmy Judd Island. The currents started running pretty good.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Orca T02C's

October 30, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whale

October 29:

Humpback continuing its path, spotted 11 a.m. between Donkersley beach and China Bay, mid Malaspina Strait. (just below Albion Point, but above Lang Bay) It seemed to be heading east. At one point it sounded, with flukes up, disappearing for several minutes.

Laura Johnson, Powell River

Humpback Whale BCY027 'Maude'

October 28, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Humpback Whales and Dolphins - few Transients and Dall's

Whales and Dolphins are on the move, and being spotted, in the inside waters of Georgia Strait closer to the mainland. The noise that an earthquake creates is enormous and must be deafeningly loud to them. They would want to have something like a few islands between themselves and the origin of the noise to block some of the sound. By now everyone is aware of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake Occtober 27, 2012 in the Queen Charlotte Islands, now called Haida Gwaii. It was felt as far down the BC coast as Vancouver.

Few Transient Orca reports, but Humpback Whales and Pacific White Sided Dolphins are being spotted more frequently in different locations. A few Dall's Porpoise reports and a link to a YouTube video of a Humpback Whale disentanglement.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Win a Four Day Three Night Cruise for Two!

For details and more information, follow the links on the main Web site at http://whalesanddolphinsbc.com/ or Direct Click: Support – Enter to Win

Humpback Whales

Humpback BCY027 “Maude”

Tail Flukes

October 28, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

October 28:

At 9.45 am today we sighted a humpback in the Malaspina Strait between Pebble Beach, Powell River and Van Anda, Texada. It was very slowly heading south, taking long dives and showing it's tail fluke. Still in the same area an hour later.

Such a thrill!

Holly Roy and Bob Brooks, Powell River

October 28:

12 pm till around 3 pm Thanks to Holly's (above report) telephone guidance my neighbour Judy and I found the Humpback whale just off Myrtle Rocks in a bit of choppy seas. She stayed in the area resting a fair bit on the surface and working towards shore then back out slowly. Not tremendously active, we were pleased to see those beautiful tail flukes a few times. We left her (yes, a female!) close to Beach Gardens Marina as she turned to head out of the shallows and back towards Myrtle Rocks, just South of Powell River. After checking the photos, I managed to make a positive ID as BCY027 also known as “Maude”. This is a whale I hadn't seen since either 1999 or 2000 so I was excited to see that she's still around, and so close to Powell River! The healed gouges on her left flank resemble marks from a large shark bite – see photo.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 27: (report received on 28^th)

Around 11 a.m Saturday, while the Powell River sailing club was out racing, a Humpback was spotted near the light on Cyril Rocks south of Blubber Bay close in to Texada Island. The Humpback was heading South, just showing its full back.. strong south east winds but easily spotted in the rain.

Laura Johnson, Powell River

October 25:

8 am Humpback Whale Northbound by Deepwater Bay, off Campbell River.

2 pm Found Two good sized Humpbacks and left them foraging still in Deepwater Bay. They were being very shy, doing long dives.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback BCY027 “Maude”

Left Flank Shark Bite?

October 28, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales – Orca

October 27:

4 pm Just got a report (6:20 pm) from a guy at the fuel dock that 8 to 10 Orca were heading northbound past Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 24: (received 25^th)

5 pm 4 Transient Orca were Northbound by No Name Creek.

Elvis on Fishing Boat

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 28:

10:15 am Dolphins close to commercial fishboats somewhere off Comox. No numbers or direction or response to my radio call.

October 28:

6 pm Just arrived in Horseshoe Bay from Nanaimo on the 3pm ferry.. half way between , the ferry captain came on and told us about large pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins just ahead.. hundreds! Barely parted for ferry to pass, riding stern waves.. quite a show.. but definitely hundreds of individuals, and they stayed in the same area until we were too far away to see their splash .. very active, circling, breeching, wonderful for those of us on board... what a gift!
Anne Hamilton

October 28:

2:26 pm 10 or so PWS Dolphins in the Raggeds (Copeland Islands, off Lund). Porpoise too.

Gordie Coles, Savary Island / Lund

October 25:

8 am 50 – 60 PWS Dolphins Northbound by Okisollo Channel.

2:45 pm A dozen PWS Dolphins foraging by Howe Island.

4:30 pm A dozen PWS Dolphins milling at the mouth of Okisollo Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 25:

11:52 am Dolphin pod off Boyer island, at least a hundred. Just now. I live on Strachan point road and we see them a lot. They were headed West – for the moment.

Marci Cooper

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

October 28:

12:30 pm 10 Dall's Porpoise foraging in Nodales Channel.

3:30 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise in Quathiaski Cove foraging.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Facebook: WhalesDolphinsBC or http://facebook.com/WhalesDolphinsBC

Facebook has some extra news links posted.

Twitter: WhalesDolphins or http://twitter.com/WhalesDolphins

Tweets for now only when the updated Sightings Report is posted.

Have you seen this story of a Humpback disentanglement?

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=EBYPlcSD490

Transient Orca, Humpback Whale and Dolphins

Transient Orca had stayed hidden for a while, but made an appearance today. A Humpback Whale and some Pacific White Sided Dolphins round out this update.

Facebook: WhalesDolphinsBC or http://facebook.com/WhalesDolphinsBC

      Facebook has some extra news links posted.

Twitter: WhalesDolphins or http://twitter.com/WhalesDolphins

      Tweets for now only when the updated Sightings Report is posted.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Win a Four Day Three Night Cruise for Two!

For details and more information, follow the links on the main Web site at http://whalesanddolphinsbc.com or Direct Click: Support – Enter to Win

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Orca

October, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 24:

11:59 am With the T02C's in Kanish Bay, just above Campbell River, now. They're Northbound. Left them at Granite Point at 12:15 pm.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 22:

4:30 pm or so, Saw what may have been Orca blows or even breaches closer to Comox when I was out for a walk. First time in a while walking with no binoculars!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale with kelp draped on back

October 22, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 22:

5:02 pm Small Humpback Whale foraging back and forth by Walcan Seafoods, Campbell River. Later: Sent Humpback pics....he was bigger than I thought. He was making big bubbles (something they do to help corral fish prior to lunge feeding – SM) He breached once, but I was far away and just saw the splash. That's how I found him!

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

The dorsal shape is similar to BCY0291, 'KC' which stands for Kelp Creature, and the kelp play is a favourite pastime, but not a conclusive photo ID - SM

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 24:

10 am Had 10 PWS Dolphins Southbound in front of Wai Kai Village (Cape Mudge). Probably running from Transient Orca.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient on the Move, Dolphins and Porpoise Sightings

Sightings Update includes a few Transient Orca spotted as well some Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall's Porpoise. There was also a large blow seen off Rebecca Rocks, Powell River, but I only saw it the once, so not an official report. Keep your eyes open – they are out there.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Facebook Page: thanks to some help from Stephen Mohan, is looking better, and to make the typing a little shorter, the link is: http://facebook.com/WhalesDolphinsBC

Twitter: Tweet for now only when the updated Sightings Report is posted. Link is:

http://twitter.com/WhalesDolphins

Support – Enter to Win a Four DayThree Night Cruise for Two details can be found on the main web site: http://whalesanddolphinsbc.com

Research boat with Transient Orca

2012

Nick Templeman

Transient Bigg's Orca – Killer Whales

October 20:

9 am We had 3 Orca: 1 small male, 1 female and 1 juvenile at Cape Mudge Northbound.

12 pm Talked to a fisherman who said the Orca were Southbound at Seymour Narrows.

4:30 pm On way back from Bute Inlet, found 4 Orca at Race Point, just above Campbell River. 2 Big Fins – looks like T101/102's heading South.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 20:

6:25 pm Multiple blows off Kitty Coleman beach, North of Comox ferry terminal heading towards Campbell River

Stephen Mohan, Powell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins Wake Riding

October 16, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 20:

9:05 am on Saturday October 20 around 50 dolphins (not sure type) swimming in area directly between eastern side of Bowyer Island in Howe Sound and the mainland (North of Vancouver half way to Squamish).

We saw a large whale a few days ago in the distance. Roughly the same spot.

We were out in the boat this past Wednesday and appeared to see the same group slightly south of the island the same distance from shore just north of Horseshoe Bay. They have curved dorsal fins. There could have easily been more than 50.

Scott C. Dorey, West Vancouver

(Thanks very much for the report - it will go into today's update. I would imagine, based on numbers that these would be Pacific White Sided Dolphins. - SM)

October 18:

12:12 pm 3 PWS Dolphins rode the ferry wake a short distance just off the viewpoint in Powell River and continued heading towards Grief Point slowly.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Dall's Porpoise

October 19:

Day: Had 20 Dall's Porpoise feeding in Nodales – that was it for Cetaceans today.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 16, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys