Many Cetacean Sightings

Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales or Orca, Humpback Whales, Dall's and Harbour Porpoise. What's missing? Well, Resident Orca, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, and a few other cetaceans that we don't normally see in our immediate area. So, we're seeing our usual species of Cetaceans. It's nice to get reports of the smaller Harbour and Dall's Porpoise again. Glad to see people are noticing!

Susan Mackay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Playful Orca Belly!

June 25, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 29:

Early morning report from a fishing friend: Orca Northbound by Whiskey Point, Campbell River area.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 29:

9:20 am 3 Orca at Copper Bluffs now Southbound and moving fast. Looks like the same group as yesterday. Heading straight towards the humpbacks!

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 28:

Around 8:30 am One lone female Orca fin spotted in the distance heading North between Plunger and Quadra Island. (unconfirmed)

Tyler, Polar Bear

June 28:

12:50 pm One big bull Orca spotted by 'the hump' (by red can buoy) off Cape Mudge.

Curtis

June 28:

12:54 pm Orcas found off the reef by Cape Mudge heading towards the Lighthouse. They turned and headed South by Shelter Point. Left them close to Oyster River – just got too rough and uncomfortable.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 28:

1:55 pm Definitely 3 Orca 1 Male 1 Female and 1 Calf – possibly T20 and T21. Down by Shelter Point the Orca took off in a hurry. They were running faster than 12 knots – tough to keep up with. Almost to Oyster River not far above the Comox ferry terminal. 3 to 4 foot seas – turned back.

Kurt, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 28:

4:15 pm Six Orca in two groups, 2 Females and a calf in one and 1 Male with 2 Females in the other just off Coho Point, the NW tip of Texada Island. They were lazily milling about and resting. We saw one little spy hop from the Comox ferry on our way back to Powell River. They had their noses pointed towards Powell River. (weather made it difficult to see even as far as the Texada shoreline so no idea where they got to – SM)

Steve & Susan Grover, Powell River

June 26:

I thought I had best email you with this very late, late update. (received June 28^th) June 26 at 5 pm there were 6 orcas cruising by Donkersley beach, (Powell River South) 1 large male, 1 juvenille male, 3 females and 1 small one who was having such fun breaching. Lots of tail slaps, rolls by the females. They were travelling north. It is rare to have them this close, but we assumed they did because there was the usual tug and 3 barges with hog fuel between them and Texada. The seals were definitely hugging the black point reef.

Laura Johnson, Powell River

Humpback Whales

Humpback Head

June 29, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 29:

9 am 2 Humpbacks off Quathiaski Cove heading south slowly.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 29:

10:36 am Left the Humpbacks still Southbound by Cape Mudge in the huge waves and tide rips.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 28:

3 pm Two Humpback Whales by Brown's Bay heading South.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 28:

4:15 pm Left the Humpbacks by Brown's Bay Southbound.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 28:

10 pm I am walking the Tyee Spit and I can hear them (the Humpbacks) breathing close to shore slowly going by. They're really close to shore – I can smell them! (fish breath – SM)

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Distinctive Tail Flukes of 'Stripe'

June 25, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 29:

11 am About 20 PWS Dolphins by Howe Island, just by Okisollo Channel then heading towards Nodales Channel.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 29:

1 pm Large group of PWS Dolphins in Bute Inlet and just at the entrance.

Joss, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 28:

9:40 am 40 – 50 PWS Dolphins spread out all over the place leaping and cavorting between Raza Island just above Desolation Sound and Church House across from Hole in the Wall.

Radio

June 28:

2:55 pm 15 + PWS Dolphins by Rendezvous Islands.

Kurt, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 28:

Afternoon 10 Dolphins by Denham Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

June 28:

9am 3 Harbour Porpoises foraging in Discovery Passage near Simms Creek.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

June 28:

12 pm 6 Dall's by McMullen Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 28:

2:51 pm Approx. 8 Dall's Porpoise by Dent Rapids – fairly playful.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 28:

Afternoon 8 Dall's Porpoise by Horn Point. And 4 Harbour Porpoise by Jimmy Judd Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 28:

6:30 pm 1 or 2 Harbour Porpoise travelling North Cape Mudge area by Vancouver Island side.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

Bigg's Killer Whales (Transient Orca) all over the place

Bigg's Killer Whales (Transient Orca) all over the place, Humpback Whales, some Dall's Porpoise and our ever friendly and active Pacific White Sided Dolphins. Even I managed to be on the water with some Orca. I managed to get a few photos for ID's which I will eventually get to, but I'm getting such great photos for the Blog that I am very happy to give them priority.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Bigg's (Transient) Orca Porpoising

June 25, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 27:

I don’t like to give you second hand reports and will try to get my friend to email you. BUT there were several Orcas at Black Point( foot of Donkersley) last night (June 26^th) at 5 PM. She said the seals were hanging close to the shore. (just South of Powell River proper - SM)

Michael Stewart, Powell River

June 27:

2:38 pm 6 Orca just off the Powell River Harbour heading South.

Pam, Westview Harbour Fuel Dock

June 26:

10 am Orca just north of Brown's Bay are Southbound

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 26:

These two gangs of Orca came through Campbell River today. They are not animals that I can say I have ever see come through here actually. Mostly they were just travelling through the area today. The most action we witnessed was some speed swimming past the entrance to the Campbell itself. Excited to see this gang through...means in 2 days we had 24 different Biggs (Transient) Killers in our area!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 26:

11:23 am 8 or 9 Orca Northbound between Harwood and Vivian Islands. It was a treat to be on the water with them, but they were hard to watch, doing long dives. There were at least two calves and included T086A, T086A1 and T086A3 plus others that I still need to confirm ID's of. By 12 pm I lost sight of them somewhere between Grant's Reef and Savary Island.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 26:

6 pm 6 Transient Orca between Hernando's Spilsbury Point and Mitlenatch Island. I left them pointing North towards Quadra at 6:30 pm.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Bigg's (Transient) Orca

June 26, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

June 27:

8:17 am Humpback Whale at Willow Point Campbell River doing donuts. Report passed on to me from fishing guide.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 27:

9 am Humpback by the shoals off Cape Mudge. 3 cables off the red can buoy.

Radio

June 27:

10:18 am Another Humpback by Little Bear Bay close to Ripple Point, Discovery Passage heading West.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 27:

11:44 am Humpback by Big Rock, Campbell River side heading West. There's possibly 2 of them.

“Road Rash”, Painter's Lodge

June 27:

12:42 pm One Humpback Northbound by Cape Mudge Village

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 27:

1:20 pm Humpback by April Point in Discovery Passage.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 26:

7:30 am 2 Humpbacks southbound by Brown's Bay, Campbell River area. From fishing buddy.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 26:

Humpback by Copper Bluffs (no time noted)

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 26:

7:30 pm Humpback now Southbound by the Cape Mudge Village.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

June 27, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 27:

9:49 am Large group of PWS Dolphins foraging just South of the Yuculta Rapids close to the entrance to Hole in the Wall.

Aaron, 'Eagle Master', Sonora Lodge

June 27:

9:56 am 3 or 4 PWS Dolphins just above Kanish Bay by Cinque Islands, Okisollo Channel.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 27:

3:43 pm 200 PWS Dolphins by Fawn Bluff Bute Inlet now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 26:

11:23 am PWS Dolphins about 20 or so Southbound mid-strait by Howe Island, Okisollo Channel.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 26:

4:34 pm Just left about 120-150 PWS Dolphins in Cordero Channel by Denham Island. They were all spread out.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 26:

200 PWS Dolphins in Bute Inlet – spread out feeding. (missed report – no time noted)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

June 27:

4:29 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise foraging at Yuculta Rapids.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales, and more Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales, and more Dolphins. Rumour has it, from talking to boaters arriving in Powell River harbour, that the Orca had been hiding out in Desolation Sound! The Dolphins too. Other reports from boaters coming up from the South said they saw absolutely nothing moving! Looks like the rumours may have been right. Remember, no report is too small or late. Read on....

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales – Orca

Double Back Stroke

June 25, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 25:

11:15 am 15 or so Orca by Marina Island / Baker Pass area. Very active.

Tyler, Polar Bear

June 25:

12 pm Report to confirm that these were definitely the same 'Resident' Transient Killer Whales we've had around for many months including T02C, her calf and the 'gang'. They headed around Cortez and Marina reefs Northward. By 2:15 pm they were by Hoskyns Rock. They really haven't been in any hurry to go anywhere from yesterday! (around 4:30 pm) They looked like they were going to head through Beazley Pass, Surge Narrows bucking the tide, but changed their minds and aimed towards Whiterock Pass.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 25:

3:15 pm Biggs Killer Whales between Shalaligan Pass and Dunsterville Islands headed into Hoskyns channel. Leaving scene in 10 min. 16-20 animals.

On the trip back: Left the big gang bucking the flood tide speed swimming and breaching, double breaching, triples, tail lobbs, head stands, in a cool spot. They were behind the Settlers Group of Islands, between them and Maurelle Island side. They were trying to get to Okisollo Channel. Left Gang @ Approx 1835hrs. T02C's, T090's, T100's and T102. 16 animals, I think. Cheers, Haywire!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Spectacular Scenery and Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

June 25, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 24:

7:45 pm Got a call from Steve Grover, Powell River of Orca at a quite a distance, but their blows were being lit up by the sun! At first glace it looked like it could have been the sun reflecting off a boat, but then it was very clear that these were truly whales. They were somewhere between Cortez and Savary Island. As we spoke on the phone, I could hear Steve's wife, Susan say that she could see a very large tail slap! Their company was happy since it was the first sighting, albeit distant, of whales in all the times they had been up this way over the past number of years. There were at least 3 Orca but looked like it could have been more. Tough to tell direction, but I watched for a while and they were headed Southward. Around 9 pm in the fading sun, I saw a few blows angling towards Lewis Channel and Desolation Sound.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 24:

I post this because I spoke to at least 10 different people on various boats in the Powell River harbour that had been in Desolation Sound: Orca – a large group – around Kinghorn Island then up around Walsh Cove. Orca – about 5-6 animals up near the top of Waddington Channel (this is also Walsh Cove area). A huge pod of Orca spread out Homfray Channel towards Toba Inlet. These reports covered a timeframe of about 3 weeks – a long time, but it's interesting that we never had other reports of them there. Most people couldn't agree on exact dates or even time of day, so no posting of that mixed information here.

Then, another report that the Orca from a few days ago (June 21) that Dee Ingraham reported off the South-West side of Savary Island were hanging around Grant's Reef till late in the day. Too bad that these people don't think to report their sightings without seeing me on the docks or asking!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Breach

June 25, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 24:

Afternoon: 2-300 PWS Dolphins by Estero Basin in Bute Inlet.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 24:

A very late report of around 100 PWS Dolphins on Tuesday, June just outside of Tenedos Bay in Desolation Sound. They were bow riding, wake riding and generally having a great play time around the boat. Later they even came into the bay which was quite a surprise.

MV Hope Island

Bigg's Killer Whales, Humpback, Dolphins & Dall's Porpoise

Of Course! The Bigg's (Transient) Orca had to contradict what had just become the norm. They showed themselves two days in a row, then disappeared. Some Dall's porpoise were mistaken for Orca, an easy mistake for people unfamiliar with the miniature 'black and whites'. Humpback Whale and Pacific White Sided Dolphins complete the sightings. The Orca are due again tomorrow, so keep your eyes open.....

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Bigg's (Transient) Killer Whales

Bigg's (Transient) Orca T020 – Tail Slap

June 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 22:

6:30 am 6 Transient Orca Southbound at the Cape Mudge Village plus more Orca Northbound at Salmon Point, just South of Cape Mudge on the Vancouver Island side.

Jack Springer, Hurricane Jack Adventures

June 22:

9:11 am 4 – 5 Orca by fishing boats just North of the Comox ferry terminal. Slowly angling South. (description was of T020 and T021 - SM)

Carl, Scholar Hollar

June 22:

Around 12:25 pm Orca Southbound by Comox Ferry Terminal. Tenacious 3 with them.

Radio

June 22:

9:30 pm Orca seen Northbound at the Cape Mudge Village.

Jack Springer, Hurricane Jack Adventures

Bigg's (Transient) Orca T020

June 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whale

June 23:

7:40 pm Humpback Whale Northbound at Campbell River ferry terminal. (there's a chance this whale is Arial who has not shown up elsewhere over the past few days- SM)

Jack Springer, Hurricane Jack Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 23:

11:18 am About a dozen PWS Dolphins in Nodales.

Radio

June 23:

After 1 pm 50 or so PWS Dolphins in Nodales Channel Eastbound. It was just a nice group. Left them at 2:25 pm.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 23:

2:47 pm 200 + Lags (PWS Dolphins) at Bullock Bluff North tip of Cortez Island.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 22:

11:30 am PWS Dolphins at Lawrence Point in Bute Inlet. No direction. Really sluggish maybe full bellies.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

June 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

June 23:

11:30 am Report of 3 Orca by Kanish Bay in Discovery Passage– They turned out to be Dall's Porpoise. Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching confirmed Dall's Porpoise. (These small cetaceans have the same colouring as killer whales and to the unfamiliar, are easy to confuse with Orca – SM)

Mike, Oak Bay Titan – he's the new guy so we'll forgive him this time :)

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales Every Second Day!

Transient Orca every second day! Humpback Whale sightings report. Pacific White Sided Dolphins spreading out a bit, but still have large numbers grouped together in a few areas. A possible Minke Whale sighting, and Harbour Porpoise sightings round out this report. Minke Whales don't frequent our area very often – or at least aren't noticed much. Spotting them is a bit more difficult when they're on the move. They usually are up for only a quick couple of breaths then down for around 10 minutes only to pop up quite a distance from where they were. On occasion, people mistake them for a lone Dolphin if they see only the curved dorsal without seeing the size of the animal. Transient, meat eating, Orca are known to hunt them. There is ongoing research to better understand these Minke Whales, the smallest of the baleen whales.

Transient Orca – Transient Killer Whales are being renamed to Bigg's Killer Whales. It has been noted that since some of these whales have set areas of preferred travel similar to areas of Resident Orca, it actually was a misnomer to call them 'Transients'. Even we have, what I have been calling our 'Resident Transients' travelling their preferred area from the bottom of Johnstone Strait to the Sechelt – Nanaimo line across Georgia Strait. They have been here throughout the late autumn till now. The name Bigg's was decided upon by based on recommendations proposed by the global killer whale research community (Ford 2011) to honour the late Dr. Michael Bigg, pioneering killer whale research scientist.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Bigg's (Transient) Orca

Transient T020 in Full Breach

June 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 21:

Hey Susan, We saw a pod of 5-7 orcas traveling up Discovery Passage tonight! They were heading North cruising past the Cape Mudge Lighthouse at 9:20pm, sticking close to the Quadra shoreline. Cheers!! :)

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

June 21:

9:51 am Only one Orca spotted Southbound in Discovery Passage fighting the tide in mid-channel by Walcan / Copper Bluffs. Good 6 ft. Dorsal.

Dick – Radio

June 21:

10:19 am Some Orca, including T20 (big male) and T21 (female) plus some others slowly working South. By 11:30 am they had only made it to April Point. At 11:57 am About 15 PWS Dolphins popped up right by the Transients – they're rushing away and into Quathiaski Cove.

2:36 pm Leaving the Orca about 4 miles North of Mitlenatch and about 2.8 miles off Vancouver Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 21:

10:39 am 2 large male Orca dorsals and possibly a couple of others, but 2 big dorsals for sure, off the South-West shoals of Savary Island. They're angling towards Mitlenatch Island slowly.

Dee Ingraham, Savary Island

June 20:

Anyone from Comox, South of Comox, or Texada willing to fill in this blank?? These Orca, we know were heading South in Georgia Strait, as they've been doing every second day, but without reports, we don't know how far they're going before turning back.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transients T020 and T021

June 20, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 19:

7:20 am 6 to 7 Orca in front of Campbell River heading North.

Jack Springer, Hurricane Jack Adventures

June 19:

9:20 am Found 12 Bigg's (Transient) Orca tight to the Quadra side of Discovery Passage by Separation Head. They seem to be just doing donuts – possibly hunting. Left them around 10 am.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 19:

10:20 am The Orca turned South.

Jack Springer, Hurricane Jack Adventures

June 19:

1:50 pm The 12 + Transient Orca still heading South by Cape Mudge.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whale

June 20:

4:30 pm Humpback report from boater – second hand – by Ripple Point.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 19:

10:30 am One Humpback Whale heading North-West by Chatham Point tight by the light fighting tide which is running about 4 knots.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 18:

7 pm Humpback Whale just hanging out in Brown's Bay. Just got word this morning (19^th) from fishing guide.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Minke Whale (unconfirmed)

June 20:

We were boating north of Harwood at 2 today. My husband and grandson saw what we believe was a Minke. I haven't heard of you reporting any of these???? (see info at start of this post - SM)

Michael Stewart, Powell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

June 20, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 21:

9:20 am About 12 PWS Dolphins in Discovery Passage heading North.

Radio

June 21:

11:57 am About 15 PWS Dolphins popped up right by the Transients (Orca) – they're rushing away and into Quathiaski Cove.

3:37 pm 100 or so PWS Dolphins by Beazley Pass – feeding on herring :)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 20:

10:38 am Sounds like PWS Dolphins all spread out by Sonora Island and Hall Point. No direction or numbers.

3:56 pm 200 to 300 Dolphins in Calm Channel, closer to Stuart Island now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 20:

8 pm About 20 PWS Dolphins at the red can buoy off Cape Mudge schooling up herring. Saw them while fishing. They stayed circling the hump.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 19:

10 am Found 4 PWS Dolphins milling about, no direction just balling up herring by Raza Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 19:

4:30 pm About 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins feeding by Lawrence Pt. In Bute Inlet.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Harbour Porpoise

June 17:

about 1700 hrs, I saw about 4 to 5 groups of harbor porpoise immediately on the north side of Manson passage. There seemed to be 2 or 3 in each group.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island

Killer Whales, Dolphins and Porpoise

Pacific White Sided Dolphins in the hundreds, a few Harbour Porpoise and the Transient Killer Whales are here one day, gone the next. They're moving around, but where the Orca get to once they leave our regular reporters is unknown. We're in need of more updates from all over. The West side of Texada, Comox to Nanaimo and Sechelt areas are of particular interest with these Orca. It's believed that they are working their way around Texada Island again. If you have friends or acquaintances that might be willing to contribute to these reports, please have them contact me. No sighting report is too small, every one is important and we'd rather have repeated reports of the same sighting than none at all.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Killer Whales - Orca

Transient Orca

June 17, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 17:

9:20 am 7+ Orca by Francisco Point tight into the Quadra shoreline in hunting mode. They're West bound.

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 17:

10 am I can see the Orca from the ferry. They're moving quickly heading North-West at Whiskey Point between Quadra and Campbell River. Hope they turn with the tide.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 17:

11 am Orca by Race Point Westbound in the Narrows.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 17:

12 pm The Orca turned with the tide in the Narrows and started heading South-East in perfect time for the tour.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 17:

Had a brief encounter with this Gang of 11+ T's (Transients) today that started @1320hrs @ Cape Mudge lighthouse and ended @1400hrs between Shelter Point and Kuhushan Point on the Vancouver Island shoreline 2 miles offshore. There seemed to be some hunting activity as they went right thru a small herd of Harbour Porpoise but no confirmed kills. I am forwarding unnamed images as without the new ID guide I am having a hard time coming up with the right ID's. Of note is the fact that the T002C gang is there for sure but they have picked up a new gang who they were with on the 15th when we followed them out towards the Little River ferry terminal And I got the amazing breach pic of T002C and T002C2. (see previous Blog posting – SM) Hopefully we can get some proper ID's on this gang. Thanks so much.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca

June 17, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 17:

around 5 pm Last report of the Transient Orca for the day was that they were still Southbound close to Vancouver Island by Black Point.

Pacific Yellow Fin talking to Tenacious 3 on Radio

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 18:

2 pm 12 PWS Dolphins off Quartz Bay, Cortez Island. Radio relay.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 17:

10:50 About 200 PWS Dolphins at Viner Point with Scotty right now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 17:

3:15 pm 200 to 300 PWS Dolphins in Calm Channel by Rendezvous Islands Southbound towards Lewis Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 16:

9 am One lone PWS Dolphin in Seymour Narrows.

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 16:

I had 200-250 Lags (short for: Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, the Latin name for Pacific White Sided Dolphins) at the East End Hole in Wall/Calm Channel. The Lags were having a feeding frenzy in Calm Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 16:

200 Dolphins Calm Channel by Hole in the Wall. No time or direction given.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 2, 2012 Bute Inlet

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Harbour Porpoise

June 17:

See Orca report above of Transients passing through a group of Harbour Porpoise. From Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 16:

2 herds of Harbour Porpoise in Discovery Passage 3-4 each herd. Point 45 and Kanish Bay. No time or direction.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

From our friends at Orca Network in the US:

Howard Garrett & Susan Berta Orca Network

Southern Resident orcas were south of San Juan Island Saturday morning, then up Haro Strait in the afternoon, as the choir was warming up for OrcaSing at Lime Kiln Point State Park.

Members of L pod were found off the northern Washington coast on Friday by a team from Cascadia Research, along with transient killer whales, humpbacks, and gray whales.

On Friday the T30 transient group came down from Rosario Strait along the west side of Whidbey Island in the morning, down Admiralty Inlet to just south of Point No Point against a strong tide, then they did a 180 degree U-turn and headed back up Admiralty in the evening.

June 15:

Cascadia Research conducted surveys with two RHIBs (rigid hull inflatable boats) off the northern Washington coast (15 June 2012) in excellent weather and covering close to 200 nmi. Personnel included Greg Schorr, Erin Falcone, John Calambokidis, and Kiirsten Flynn. Sightings for the two boats included:
12-14 Southern Resident Killer Whales about 20 nmi offshore of La Push, identifications still pending (will be sent to CWR for confirmation) but included members of L Pod including L77 and her calf
· 4 transient killer whales
· more than 50 humpback whales mostly in and around Juan de Fuca Canyon
· 20-30 gray whales feeding in coastal waters mostly north of La Push
Additionally a medium duration LIMPET satellite tag was deployed on one of the humpback whales.
Surveys were conducted as part of a collaborative research effort with WDFW with support from NOAA.
John Calambokidis

Transient Killer Whales Take the Spotlight

From one day with no reports, to many Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient Orca / Killer Whales, a Humpback Whale and some Dall's Porpoise. These are the Transient Orca, I'm starting to call our 'Resident – Transients' since they have spent all winter in and around this area with very few forays away. With few people around to report their sightings, they have been known to seemingly disappear up various channels and inlets above Desolation Sound. Great photo of Mom and Calf breaching together!

News about the young Humpback Whale that died on the shores of White Rock is that after the necropsy is done, the whale bones will be reconstructed and put on display at the Telegraph Cove Whale Interpretation Center and Museum.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (meat eating) Orca – Killer Whales

Mom and Calf Breach!

June 15, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 15:

Wow! What an afternoon with the large gang of T's! We punched our way down to 3 miles north of Little River Ferry Terminal on our afternoon tour to catch up to the gang of what i believed to be 18-20 Transients. They were very social and were performing breaches, double breaches, upside down tail lobs, tail stands, spyhops, tailflaps, everything you could think of! From what i can see so far we had the T-002C's, T050's, T101/102 gangs, T046's and others that I haven't been able to ID yet.

Thought i would get this double breach pic to you for the blog quickly though. I believe it to be T002C and her calf that was born last year, T002C3. I didn't actually notice the calf in the breach until i looked at the image after taking it. It is one of my favorite transient pics ever!! Cheers!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 15:

6 am Orca reported by fisherman friend (received 9 am) Northbound by Cape Mudge, Campbell River.

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 15:

9:20 am Report of 10 to 12 Orca now by Brown's Bay, just north of Campbell River.

10:45 am Picked up the 18 to 20 Transient Orca including T02C's and T101's Southbound in Seymour Narrows.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 15:

9:23 am 10 to 12 Orca Brown's Bay – Scotty with them now.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 15:

11:39 am The Orca were spread out a bit with the lead whales by Whiskey Point and the trailing group close to Steep Island. They were travelling about 8 knots so it didn't take them long to get to Cape Mudge.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

June 15:

1 pm There may have been a split since there appears to be 12 Transients slowly heading South between Salmon Point and Mitlenatch Island. This group included T02C, the one with scoliosis and T19B.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Orca – Killer Whales

June 14, 2012 Johnstone Strait

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 15:

2:30 pm The Transient Orca are just South of Sentry Shoal.

Radio

June 15:

3:40 till 5 pm Transient Killer Whales still on a slow roll Southbound about half way between Little River, Comox and Savary Island.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 14:

7 am 2 Orca were reported by fisherman (received at 10:30 am) Northbound by Brown's Bay, Discovery Passage. By noon they were Westbound at Bear Point.

Reports received by radio, email and text messages from Nick, Jack and Garry

June 14:

We picked up on these 2 Transients at Lewis Pt. (1/8mile west of Ripple Pt) in Johnstone Strait today. The time was approx 1125. We had gone on a search based on a report from a fisherman @ Browns Bay that had told us 2 Killer Whales had gone past there fishing boat @ approx 0730hrs. These 2 were tucked pretty close to the Vancouver island shoreline for the most part, staying in the back eddy out of the main flood current. We stayed with them for approx 1.5 hrs and in this time witnessed no hunting behaviours, just swimming. We left them and handed them over to another whale watching company at approx 1300 hrs. As a side note these 2 were in front of Cowichan Bay Westbound a day and a half ago....from Simon of Ocean Eco Adventures.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca – Killer Whale

June 14, 2012 Johnstone Strait

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 14:

A bit after 1 pm. Got to the 2 Orca just past Camp Point in Johnstone Strait. Stayed with these two till around 3 pm by Petersen Island, just below Kelsey Bay. While watching the Orca, we also spotted a lone Humpback Whale heading South-East also by Petersen Island. It was doing long dives.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whale

June 14:

2:40 pm While watching the Orca, we also spotted a lone Humpback Whale heading South-East also by Petersen Island (Johnstone Strait). It was doing long dives.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 15:

8:10 am A group of about 25 Dolphins as I'm crossing on the ferry from Quadra to Campbell River right now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 14:

9 am 20 to 30 PWS Dolphins feeding on small fish by Yellow Island, close to Campbell River.

10:20 am Another 10 Dolphins by Denham Island, Okisollo Channel. Then:

11 am There were about 100 – 150 PWS Dolphins Northbound in the very shallow and narrow channel of Whiterock Passage, just by Beazley Passage. Once through the passage into Calm Channel, there were another 20 to 40 Dolphins by Deer Point. Dolphins Everywhere!

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 14:

3:10 pm 10 to 12 PWS Dolphins milling about by the Settlers Group of Islands by Beazley Passage.

Aaron, Sonora Lodge

Dall's Porpoise

June 15:

4:45 pm Had 4 Dall's Porpoise near Duncan Bay feeding on herring.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpbacks, Dolphins and Porpoise!

Humpbacks, Dolphins and Porpoise! Once the Southern Resident Orca left the area, there were no other local Orca reports. L-Pod went straight past their home territory and headed back out into the open Pacific! Maybe they'll do another tour of Vancouver Island. But, it's nice to know that 'KC' and 'Arial' are back down this way from the upper reaches of Johnstone Strait. They have been travelling long distances. Large numbers of Pacific White Sided Dolphins are continuing to stay in the inland channels above Desolation Sound. And those little Harbour Porpoises are being reported instead of being ignored. Don't know where the Transients went to....keep a lookout!

Some sad news of a three year old Humpback (ID not known yet) that was entangled in fishing gear. Emaciated and exhausted, he/she washed up onto the shores of White Rock, below Vancouver, BC. After struggling to breath for a while, he/she finally succumbed. These huge bodies are not designed to be so encumbered by their own weight on land.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

'KC' in Discovery Passage

June 10, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 10:

These two, 'KC' and 'Arial' the two Humpbacks we've seen a lot recently, were in Discovery Passage in front of Campbell River again today. They started out in the am down by Shelter Point on the Vancouver Island side again at approx 1030am - the first report. Then as the ebb tide kicked in they made there way North in Discovery. They seem to get to a certain point and then turn and buck the last of the Ebb tide back south. We see lots of bait fish in the passage. In fact one picture has a fish I assume is a herring jumping right out in front of them! Must be lots to eat! We picked them up at 1600hrs @ Quathiaski Cove and left them at 1730 hrs @ the Cape Mudge line. cheers!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 10:

2 Humpys by ferry terminal at Campbell River 1:45 pm southbound. And; Same 2 humpys at 5:15 pm off Cape Mudge southbound

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

'KC' and 'Arial' Discovery Passage

June 10, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 10:

1:15 pm 2 Humpbacks by the Campbell River ferry terminal – just hanging about.

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 10:

10:30 am 2 Humpback Whales at Shelter Point, just south of Campbell River.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 12:

4 pm White sides at Deer Passage 4:00 pm

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 12:

1:58 pm 200 to 400 PWS Dolphins by Redonda Bay heading towards Read Island.

Radio

June 10:

3:15 pm About 20 PWS Dolphins by Hoskyns Rock.

Scotty, Painters Lodge

June 10:

12 dolphins in Okisollo Channel milling at 2:45 pm.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

'KC' and 'Arial' Discovery Passage

June 10, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Harbour Porpoise

June 10:

1:15 pm 3 – 4 Harbour Porpoise in Discovery Passage.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

Southern Resident Orca Visit

There was great anticipation to see the Southern Resident Orca from L-Pod coming down our way. Yes, I said down! They circumnavigated Vancouver Island and decided to treat us to a showing in the inside waters on their way “home”. Thanks to our expanding network, we knew they were on the way (see previous report). They did not disappoint. See the photos below. These whales do not come this way very often. See January 11 & 12, 2012 reports for last time we had Southern Resident Orca from J-Pod come up the Strait and December, 2010 prior to that. With all this excitement, the Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Porpoises truly received minor billings and sightings reports. Even the Transient Orca we've become used to seeing in our neighbourhood were 'somewhere' out there.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Southern Resident Orca

Southern Resident Double Breach!

June 8, 2012 Campbell River

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 9:

I sent a heads up to Howard Garrett of Orca Network on Whidbey Island, Washington State:

Just got word they're (L-Pod) in front of Chemainus right now 10:35 am

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Reply:

Great, I just (11 am) called the Center and Dave says the word is they’re porpoising south past Turn Point, Haro Strait, right now. Whee!

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

June 8:

Hi Susan, Sorry for the late report, but it has been a long day. And what a day it has been as it happened to be World Oceans Day and the one day of the year that we get to see the L Pod Southern Resident Orca's come thru Campbell river on their way back to the Salish Sea!

I picked up the report Yesterday evening as did you from Jared Towers who left the L's easting in JS @ Naka Creek @ 1900hrs. After some quick calculations of the tides i estimated them to be at Seymour Narrows either for slack tide Which was 0830ish or just before. As we were getting ready to head out in the rain the first report came in of Separation head @ 0745....right on time! We picked them up coming down the Maude Island shoreline Just before the light @ 0820......haha right on time! We followed alongside as the pod went through Discovery Passage for 3 hrs, escorting them thru the pass. It was a very busy day today when they came through and i included a breach right off the bow of the Seaspan Royal to give you an idea....as he trucked right over the whole pod doing 14-16 knots.....good thing these southerns are used to lots of large commercial traffic around them in their home waters. 3-4 times they would all pause and the fireworks would begin!! Multiple Breaches, spyhops, upside down taillobs, upside down swimming, pectoral slaps....you name it, we saw it all today!! ( as the pics show )

We left them at approx 1200 hrs and they were between the Red Can off of Cape Mudge and the Vancouver Island shoreline. I just love this Pod of KW's.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Southern Resident Breach!

June 8, 2012 Campbell River

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 8:

12:20 pm I did manage to get out on the skiff to see L-Pod - some K's too, I believe, but haven't had time to confirm from photos. Garry, Aboriginal Journeys and Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching helped me to locate the whales since they were already on scene. They were incredibly spread out from just above the Little River ferry terminal by Comox to Texada and could see breaching down by Denman and Hornby Islands! Also thought there was some splashing almost by Harwood Island. A huge spread over 20+ miles! It was like glass and sunny out there so they were very easy to spot. They would slow down for very short periods of time then pick up the pace again doing about 6 - 7 knots. Guess they got the scent of their home territory! Great vocals though, even with the boat noises. The last few passed the North tip of Texada Island about 5 pm. Curious as to what time they made it "home". (reported: on June 9^th!)
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 8:

Hey Everyone, For you Powell Riverites there have been lots of Orca in the area, I have seen them the past 3 days in a row and was lucky enough to go out on the water on 2 of those days. If you are near the water during your travels (not just in Powell River – SM) stop and take a good look for their splashes or blows. For the Non Powell Riverites on this list it's OK if you visit occasionally. The June 6 images (some posted in previous reports – SM) are of a small pod of Transient(meat eating) Orca that had made a kill, possibly a seal while we were out watching. The June 8 images(today) were a large pod( 35 Orca) of Southern residents usually living near the San Juan islands and Juan de Fuca Strait. The Southern residents were spread in a wide loose group from Comox to Texada Island and heading south quickly. My Whale Watching Friend Susan MacKay put down the hydrophone and we listened to these very vocal animals even though seeing them was a challenge at times. Suffice to say that I'm sunburned, tired and happy! Cheers,

Steve Grover, Powell River

Southern Resident Orca

& Comox Ferry to Powell River

June 8, 2012

Steve Grover, Powell River

Unidentified Orca

June 9:

11:52 Orca reported between two boats talking over the VHF radio. I could not raise them to find out their exact location, but later communications indicated that these Orca were Southbound close to the bottom of Texada Island. It's possible that these were just a few stragglers from the large Southern Resident group, or perhaps they were the Transient Orca from the other day. All that's known is that they were Southbound and Orca somewhere near the bottom of Malaspina Strait.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 9:

1 pm Orca, probably Transients, by Hill Island close to Evans Bay headed towards Viner Point, bottom of Read Island. - no-one found them after the original report so there is no confirmation.

Radio/Text Msgs: Scotty, Painters Lodge & Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

June 9:

Hi Susan, I was lucky enough to spot 2 Humpback Whales from my patio in Willow Point this evening! It was about 4:45pm, they were hanging out close to the beach near Cape Mudge, just south of the lighthouse. They swam back and forth (North/South) for a good half hour, and then I lost them. Later on, around 7:30pm, I saw them again (I'm assuming the same ones)! From the beach near Erickson Road, they were a good distance away, seen with my binoculars near Mitlenatch Island, heading NE when I lost them again.

Haven't sorted through my photos yet, I do know that because they were so far away, my zoom lens could only do so much. But you may be able to get some ID's from them- worth a shot. I'll send them tomorrow :) Cheers!

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

June 9:

7:45 am 2 Humpback Whales off Shelter Point, just south of Campbell River, doing circles. No Direction. Report from a sports fisherman.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 9:

12:30 pm 2 Humpback Whales by Steep Island, Discovery Passage/Seymour Narrows. One was 'KC' for sure and only a guess to assume the other was 'Arial', but no fluke.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 8:

12 pm One Humpback Whale is right outside of Discovery Harbour, Campbell River heading North-West.

Quadra ferry: Powell River Queen

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 8:

11:50 am 2 groups of about 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were foraging just off the Grief Point Park, Powell River tight into shore. They're heading South.

John Treen, Powell River

Harbour Porpoise

June 8:

6 pm One lone Harbour Porpoise was foraging just off Texada Island heading North. Spotted on the way back to Powell River from being with the Southern Resident Orca.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.