Resident Orca Take Center Stage - Other Sightings Too

Northern Resident Orca are taking center stage with their appearances. And rumour has it that there are more of them coming into the Broughton / Johnstone Strait area. The Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales are doing a good job of keeping a low profile, which they do when the Residents are around. I have seen them pass one another going in opposite directions in Johnstone Strait, but both groups hug the opposite shore as they do. They do not mingle and tend to avoid one another. The Residents usually would have the upper hand since they regularly travel in greater numbers and are tighter knit family pods. They frequently touch one another as they travel. There are still plenty of Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, some Minke Whales and Porpoise in the reports.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Killer Whales

Orca A46 also known as Kaikash

one of the two A36 brothers

July 31, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 31:

8:30 am Orca reported by Thurston Bay, Nodales Channel headed East towards Hall Point.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 31:

8:50 am 6 Orca by Donagal Head foraging around some of the fishing boats.

Radio

July 31:

11:50 am Only found the A36's in Nodales Channel. At 11:35 am they turned to the East at Howe Island back into Nodales with the flood.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 31:

Around 4 pm NRKW's at the East end of Robson Bight. Had been reported to:

Wayne Garton, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

July 31:

4:45 pm A pod of Orca was spotted off Pine Island.

6 pm Orca that had gone into the Bight were exiting and heading West.

Cruise ship Volendam

July 31:

5:30 pm Reportedly a “bunch” of Orca are inbound towards Blackfish Sound along the QC Strait side of Malcolm Island by Bear Point.

Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

July 31:

6 pm The last report I have of the A36s (that's the only ones we saw today) was westing at Ripple Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 31:

6:50 pm Orca A30's plus Westbound by Kaikash Creek, just across from Cracroft Point.

Radio

July 30:

9 am Orca including a calf just off Boat Bay heading West. A36's and A11's spread out from the Bight to Cracroft Point working back and forth foraging.

10:13 am Orca now slowly Westing from the Bight to Cracroft Point. By 10:30 am they had turned again.

3 pm Some Orca were heading East by Naka Creek. Another report said Eve River,

Radio

July 30:

5:30 pm Orca update: We left residents @ eve river easting below the Bight.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 30:

6:24 pm Orca heading past Quathiaski Cove, Campbell River. Not sure how many, I'm on the ferry. Only saw a couple – big dives, might be more.

7:30 pm 4 small dorsal fins at Brown's Bay heading West – Scotty with them.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 30:

7:30 pm Browns Bay Small group of Orca (possibly 3-4) Too far to make out even the saddle. They were down for a long dive.

Jacquie Nevinger

July 30:

7:42 pm 4 small fin Transients through Seymour Narrows right now on the 10 knot ebb. No ID's.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 30:

8 pm Orca update: 4x transients browns bay heading north

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whale Tail Flukes

July 26, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Humpback Whales

July 31:

6:20 pm 2 Humpbacks between Bold Head and Donagal Head Blackfish Sound.

Radio

July 30:

9 am 2 Humpback Whales southbound by Kelsey Bay.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 30:

9 am Humpback by Double Bay – Hanson Island

2:50 pm Humpback Mom and Calf by St. Vincent Bight, close to Kelsey Bay heading SE.

Radio

Minke Whales

July31:

6 pm Minke Whale in front of Double Bay, Hanson Island

Radio

July 30:

9 am Minke Whale by Bold Head, Blackfish Sound.

Radio

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 31:

8:45 am Large group of PWS Dolphins in Deepwater Bay, Campbell River area.

4 pm We had about 100 Dolphins milling back n forth by Jimmy Judd Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 30:

10:14 am 100 + PWS Dolphins feeding in Kanish Bay, across from Campbell River. Then Southbound through Seymour Narrows.

11:30 am Another bunch of 150 + at Johns Point, Nodales Channel.

No time given: Also about 50 PWS Dolphins at Horn Bay, Okisollo Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Bow Riding

July 31, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

July 31:

No time given: There were 6-8 Harbour Porpoise at Venture Point in Okisollo Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 31:

6:50 pm Some Dall's Porpoise just outside Robson Bight.

Radio

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Mom and Calf Photo & Whale Sightings

Sightings reports of Northern Resident Killer Whales, Transient Orca, (Bigg's Killer Whale) sightings, Humpback and Minke Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, including a photo of a Mom and Calf leaping together, and Dall's Porpoise. I have summarized the radio reports received throughout the day or this blog would be miles long, but the individual reports are as submitted. During the summer 'season' for whale watching, there are so many boats passing information that it's difficult sometime to keep track of who said what unless they specifically submit a report.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca – Killer Whales

A36's & A11's NRKWs

July 28, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 29:

8:40 am Orca Westing from bottom of Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

9 am 4 Orca at Swaine Point Light and 1 Orca, possibly more in the Bight.

Till after 7 pm The A36's and A11's continued to Blackney Pass, not very far at all, and stopped to forage. They continued West along the Hanson Island shore as far as Weynton Pass to a spot that a few years back was dubbed “Turn Point” since that's where the whales usually made their turn back East. They did the expected, and turned. Spread right across Johnstone Strait they worked their way back towards Cracroft Point and the Sophia Islands at Blackney Pass. They've stopped to socialize and continue to fish. Apparently they are being quite vocal still.

8:20 pm Orca still by the Sophia Islands with A75's calf rolling around on the surface, playing.

Various Radio

July 28:

9:15 am Report that the 2 A36 brothers had been spotted just out from Lizard Point, Malcolm Island.

By 11:30 am It was confirmed that the A11's were together with the A36's, in the fog, and had made their way East into Blackfish Sound continuing past Flower Island towards Cracroft Point. They would slow to forage and vocalize as they worked their way towards Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

5:45 pm A36's and A11's still in the Bight having a good rub on the beaches.

7 pm The Orca came out of the Bight and started West for a bit, but turned back towards Cracroft Point and the Bight.

7:40 pm They turned again – must be some good food!

Various Radio

July 28:

10 am till 1 pm Here are 3 pics (one posted tonight - SM) from today's trip with the A-36's, A-11's and Humpbacks in Blackfish sound And Blackney Pass today! Was a chilly ride up but flat as a pond both ways! Nice to see the N/W Winds gone! We arrived on scene with the 36's and 11's in a picture perfect resting line pattern slowly rolling through the fog in Blackfish Sound. Followed them East as they headed for Blackney Pass and some foraging with the 3 humpbacks that were there as well! Some vocals and foraging then grouped up with A-11 in the lead they headed east for the Bight. When we left to head for the barn, they were abeam the Cliff! Great day, Cheers!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 28:

Mark and I were sitting on the deck tonight and noticed 3 Orca at 8:10 pm just in front of the Westview wharf. They proceeded to slowly follow a tide line towards Grief Point. 2 females and a male in the pod. A couple of tail slaps and some surface resting were seen. They were doing shallow dives and were on the surface a lot. Got some great looks with the spotting scope when they were right in front of the house. My brother Mark from California thinks this is normal seeing Orca 2 times in 3 days in Powell River. He's the only one of our visitors that ever has. Take care up there!

Steve Grover, Powell River

July 26:

I was lucky enough to encounter another pod of orca on July 26th at approximately 5pm just off the southeastern tip of Harwood Island, Powell River. There were what looked to be about six (four together and another two off a ways) traveling south. I got a couple of shots, but so far have been unable to identify any of them. There was a large male that I thought was T020, but my photos are pretty far off and aren't quite at the proper angle to be sure. Happy Orca Hunting,
Jessica Dohm

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale by Cortez Island

July 17, 2012

Rob Ridley

July 29:

9 am 4 Humpback Whales by Donagal Head, Blackfish Sound, 2 Humpbacks by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island, 1 Humpback by the Blow Hole, Plumper Islands and 1 Humpback by Bold Head.

10:45 am 2 Humpback Whales by Baronett Pass, just above Cracroft Point, then a bit later, 4 Humpback Whales by Cracroft Point including a Mom and Calf. One of the Humpbacks was identified as 'Conger'.

7:20 pm Humpback is breaching by the Sophia Islands.

Of these reports, there are at least 8 different Humpbacks in the area.

Various Radio

July 28:

9 am Humpback Whale between Telegraph Cove and Weynton Island.

9:30 am 2 Humpback Whales in Beaver Cove, 2 at Bold Head, 1, maybe 2 at Blackney Pass and 2 by Flower Island!

Total for morning alone count = at least 8 different Humpbacks in the area.

Various Radio

July 28:

See also Nick's NRKW report for Humpback info. 3 Humpbacks at Blackney Pass foraging close by Orca.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 17:

2:25 pm The location was Lewis channel between Cortez Island and West Redonda Island. We were averaging about 4 knots Northbound, so 4 nautical miles South of Cortez Northern tip in Lewis Channel would put your pin pretty close. We never did see the tail. There would be a blow, with no body apparent – then the dorsal fin for about three seconds – then gone. Repeated several times about 1 minute intervals from the picture times. I’ve been pouring over dorsal fin photo’s and profiles for days, and I just wasn’t getting anywhere that I had confidence in. You have been very helpful and I can’t adequately express our gratitude.

Rob Ridley

(I looked at some of the photos Rob sent and let him know that he had seen a Humpback Whale. The surprise was when he sent another photo, I realized that there were actually 2 different Humpbacks! One of them looks like 'Arial's' dorsal. – SM)

Rob's Earlier Email:

My Brother and I were recently on a sailing trip around Cortez Island –and we were blessed with a sighting of a whale – clearly not one of the oft seen orcas. I’m hoping you can shed some light. We would really like to know what we’ve seen. I’m attaching the pictures unedited in the hope you can zoom in and offer some guidance. I don’t know if it helps, but we both guessed 10 to 12 feet from blow to dorsal fin, though there is a time lapse that might affect that judgement.

Thanks for any help you can offer – and thanks for your support of cetaceans.

Rob Ridley

Minke Whales

July 29:

10 am (approximately) Couple of Minke Whales on the East side of Cormorant Island.

Radio

July 28:

11 am Minke Whale by Blinkhorn Light.

11:45 am Minke by Stephenson Islets (possibly the same one) into Weynton Pass.

Radio & SM

Mom & Calf Pacific White Sided Dolphins Leaping

July 27, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 29:

2 pm 100 PWS Dolphins in Frederick Arm, just above Desolation Sound. Just leaving them now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 28:

12 pm PWS Dolphins (no numbers or direction given) by Hickey Point, Kelsey Bay area and a few in Robson Bight.

Radio

July 28:

4:33 pm 60 + PWS Dolphins swimming around Denham Bay, Dent Rapids for the past couple of hours.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 28:

5:31 pm 75 PWS Dolphins at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

July 28:

8:45 pm 5-6 Dall's Porpoise foraging in the tide rips between Pearse Islands and the Stephenson Islets.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Resident & Transient Orca, Humpbacks, Minke Whales Plus

Northern Resident Orca just above Campbell River, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales below Mitlenatch Island and above Johnstone Strait. Minke Whale avoiding the Transients, Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins in numbers and some Dall's Porpoise. Although there are many species sightings, they are spread out. When spotted though, there can be some great excitement in watching them.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident (fish eating) Killer Whales

Northern Resident Orca

July 27, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 27:

10:28 am Resident Orcas in Nodales Channel. Not sure who yet, but believe it's the A36's and A11's. Must be feeding on Spring Salmon in there.

2:20 pm I left the Orca Westing at Rock Point, by Chatham.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 27:

4:25 pm A36's and A11's Westbound at Camp Point – by Helmcken Island.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 26:

8:45 am A36's, and more by Chatham Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 26:

8:50 am A36's at Chatham Point heading to Nodales Channel.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 26:

10:41 am We only have the A36's and A11's in Nodales Channel, no A30's...

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 26:

12:30 pm Orca's the A36's and A11's are now Westing at Davis Point.

3:23 pm Sounds like Orca are at Ripple Point now – still Westing.

5:30 pm Orca still headed West by Camp Point now.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 26:

5:30 pm Left the A36's and A11's at Camp Point having a rub, slowly moving West.

Tenacious 3

Transient (Bigg's – meat eating) Killer Whales

July 27:

10:30 am till around 1:30 pm The Transient T77 and T75B groups of Orca were spotted off Lizard Point, Malcolm Island heading West towards and beyond Numas Island in Queen Charlotte Strait. They were very vocal and social; breaching, tail lobs, spy hops.

Various Radio including:

Alexandra Morton and Bill Mackay, Naiad Explorer

July 26:

8:50 am Transients at Stuart Island.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 26:

1:30 pm I was out out fishing today with my brother Mark from California when we sighted a pod of Orca in the Georgia Strait about 1 Nautical Mile SW of Vivian Island at around 1:30 pm. We were fishing by the end of Harwood Island when I noticed a breach and some blows out in the strait. We headed closer and saw 3 females as well as 1 male some distance to the north. They seemed to be slowly moving towards Mittlenatch Island. We saw some tail lobbing, spy hopping and other playful activity. It was a treat for my brother as it was the first time he'd seen Orca in the wild. Hope things are going well for you up north.

Steve Grover, Powell River

July 26:

3 pm Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales spotted by Ledge Point heading West. Possibly the same Orca spotted by Bear Point, Malcolm Island early in the day.

5 pm 6 Transients T77/T75B's were between Alert Bay and Alder Bay, playing vocalizing and generally having a good time. Very slowly they were working their way East down Johnstone Strait.

Jared Towers, DFO & MERS

(don't know which hat he was wearing – sorry - SM)

July 26:

5:45 pm till 7:30 pm The 6 T77's and T75B's picked up the pace when three cruise ships came down past Alert Bay. The Orca headed into Beaver Cove, beside Telegraph Cove, and were in, around and by various log booms, possibly checking for seals. They were still slowly heading East past Telegraph Cove and disappeared in the fog.

Jeff, Lukwa

July 26:

8:30 pm Message on answering machine: “There are Orca.....Oh....Ahhh....” Someone in the background yelled “Breach!” more Oh's and Ahh's and very briefly mentioning that they (no numbers) were Southbound by Armour Rd – Myrtle Rocks area of Powell River. (Thanks Nina! - SM)

Nina Falls, Powell River

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale, Weynton Pass

July 26, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

July 27:

Throughout the day there were various sightings of Humpback Whales in the Blackfish Sound, upper Johnstone Strait area. The count, as far as I could tell today was 5 distinct animals at any one time.

SM

July 26:

8:38 am was the first report of 2 Humpback Whales off Bold Head, Blackfish Sound from Roy. Throughout the day there were a couple around Stubbs, a couple by Bold Head and one down by Flower Island almost in Blackney Pass.

Various - SM

3:30 pm till 5 pm one large Humpback fluked, indicating a deep or long dive, in Weynton Pass, then another one just around the corner by Double Bay did the same thing angling towards Flower Island. Not too long after, as I crossed Weynton Pass again, close to the Stephenson Islets, one Humpback surfaced directly behind me. I stopped, of course and managed a couple of photos. This is a whale I'm not familiar with, and I understand is new to the area.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Minke Whales

July 27:

6:30 pm One large Minke Whale was feeding including one lunge I saw off of Double Bay, Hanson Island in Blackfish Sound.

Susan MacKay Whales and Dolphins BC

July 26:

9 am Minke Whale just in front of Alert Bay.

Dave Towers, Tuan

July 26:

5:20 pm As I was sitting at the bottom of the Pearse Islands, patiently waiting for the Transient Orca to work their way closer, I spotted a Minke Whale moving very quickly down the center of the Strait and once at the bottom of Weynton Pass, slowed, but continued to get out of the area. Transients will and do kill Minke Whales, but I believe these Transients were too busy socializing to take notice – fortunate Minke!

Jared Towers had mentioned earlier there were 6 Minke Whales seen during the day in Pearse Passage. He has and is continuing to catalogue and identify the individual animals.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Wake Riding

July 27, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 27:

Around 1 pm 6 PWS Dolphins in Bute Inlet right by Arran Rapids.

3:35 pm 100 PWS Dolphins by Henrietta Point in Bute Inlet....Upgrade that to 200!

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 26:

10:41 am 100+ PWS Dolphins at Jimmy Judd Island in the Yuculta Rapids.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 26:

1 pm 75 PWS Dolphins at Horn Point, Dent Rapids area.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

July 27:

5 pm 2 Dall's Porpoise were foraging in Weynton Pass.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 26:

3:30 pm 10 + Dall's Porpoise foraging around Stubbs Island in Weynton Pass.

6:20 pm 8+ Dall's Porpoise foraging at the bottom of Pearse Islands appear to be unaware of the Transient Orca headed their way.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

NRKW's, Transient Killer Whales Plus

Orca everywhere! Northern Residents finally made an official appearance, with a new calf, in Johnstone Strait, Transients have been at Savary Island, down below Powell River and some, that are more frequently seen in Alaska made their way right through, chasing Pacific White Sided Dolphins, from their first ID point above Campbell River continuing West above Alert Bay. Humpback Whales have been spotted around the top of Johnstone Strait down to Helmcken Island a bit above Campbell River. Minke Whales and Dall's Porpoise round out the sightings reports.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca

Jessica Dohm

Northern Resident Orca – Killer Whales

July 25:

7:30 am The A30's just passed Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait heading East in the fog.

Cracroft Lookout

July 25:

10 am the A30's Resident Orca easting by Naka Creek while the Transient Orca (T077 and T075B's) are between Stubbs and Donagal Head top of Blackfish

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 25:

We were fortunate to have a regular contributor, Tara Bladon, from Campbell River, and friends camping at Naka Creek giving some great fogbound Orca updates:

9:05 am Saw 2 Orca heading West about 10 minutes ago. They were closer to the other (Cracroft Island) shoreline. Looked like 2 but maybe 3.

9:30 am I can still hear the blows off in the distance! The water is like glass – fog here too, beautiful.

9:45 am 6 Orca here now...make that 10 or so! Heading East.

10:04 am 2 males; 2 groups one is 7 or 8 the other is 5 with no male; all heading East. Pretty close to shore – what a treat for us!!!

What a treat to be there for one night and to see the Orcas!

(the A36's had joined up with the A30's - SM)

Tara Bladon, Camping at Naka Creek

July 25:

2:13 pm A30's just South of Eve River (so called since it's close to Adam River – SM)

Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 25:

5:30 pm Resident Orca in St. Vincent Bight.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 24:

9:14 am 2 Orcas near Bear Bight – no direction. Sounds like the A36 brothers.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 24:

10:23 am A36's Easting by Ripple Point.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 24:

11:46 am Looks like the A36's are still Eastbound by Nodales Channel.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 24:

2:50 pm A30's in Blackfish Sound Eastbound by Bold Head. Total of 11 Orca.

Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

July 24:

5 pm A30's foraging by Stubbs Island. A75 has a New Calf – she's a pretty young Mom! They may be headed down Weynton Pass. (note: they did, but weren't found till close to Cracroft Point down Johnstone Strait – SM)

Jared Towers

July 24:

6 pm A36's were Westing at Davis Point Nodales Channel

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 24:

7:02 pm A30's just eastbound by Cracroft Point.

7:45 pm Now just off the Sophia Islets heading towards Boat Bay.

Jeff, Lukwa

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 25:

10 am the A30's Resident Orca easting by Naka Creek while the 6 Transient Orca (T077 and T075B's) are between Stubbs and Donagal Head top of Blackfish Sound

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 25:

6 pm I spotted from Savary two male Orcas about 2 km E of Grant Reefs Bouy going roughly east at 6 pm today (Wednesday). I did not see them surface
many times before they did the disappearing act.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island

July 24:

11:45 am Orca chasing PWS Dolphins westbound off the SW end of Savary Island, just above Grant's Reef angling towards Mitlenatch Island. Lots of huge chasing leaps and splashes!

Dee Ingraham, Savary Island

July 24:

1:24 pm Orca and Dolphins by the Tyee Pool in front of Campbell River

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 24:

1:54 pm 6 Transients Northbound by Pulp Mill in Campbell River. Trying to get a PWS Dolphin right at the Argonaut wharf jumping 20 feet in the air he (tug Inlet Ranger) said. T's went West by Chatham Identified as ones that frequent Alaskan waters, T077 and T075B gangs. They were moving quickly up Johnstone Strait. Don't know what happened to the PWS Dolphins ahead of them....I'd guess they took Nodales Ch.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 24:

6:08 pm Just left the 6 Transient Orca Westbound by Chatham Point. They took something by Howe Island, not sure what, but were circling and sharing something. Lots of gulls picking up scraps.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 24:

7:40 pm 4 Orca Northbound by Armour Road, close to Myrtle Rocks, Powell River.

8:30 pm Orca were splashing around – looks like feeding. Now they're headed Southwards.

Nina Falls, Powell River

July 24th:

what a lovely sight, one large male orca, two females and a very small calf from around 9 p.m. until it was too dark to see. they seemed to be feeding and at times the large orca would appear straight out of the water and then descend once again. they were about 1 to 2 km off albion pt (black point) south of powell river. so calm we could hear the blows. seemingly the seals knew they were there and hugged the shore. the 3 yr old grand daughter enjoyed the show even without binoculars and we were pleased that the 6 yr old, also visiting from alberta, was able to experience this awesome sight.

Laura Johnson (donkersley beach), Powell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 25:

8:50 am PWS Dolphins at Horn Point, not sure of number or direction, if any.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 24:

2:30 pm 150 PWS Dolphins by McMullen Point heading North fast away from the Transients.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 24:

1pm The Dolphins were coming out of Nodales at that point. Re: A36's poss turn

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 24:

Group(20)  of WSD in Browns Bay about 2:20pm.  

Jacquie-Summer Resident Brown's Bay.

Folks here in the park said it was more like 50 WSD.  so between 25-50 is a better number.  I was in the marina and it is lower elevation and they were in the park and it is higher and thus a better view. 

Jacquie Nevinger, Campbell River

July 23:

11:30 am 120 – 150 PWS Dolphins in Nodales Channel, by Hall Point foraging.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

July 25:

5:10 pm couple of Humpback Whales around Weynton Pass and ?? (apologies, details never got noted – SM)

Radio

July 25:

5:30 pm 2 Humpback Whales heading East at Helmcken Island.

6:14 pm They had turned and we left them heading West at Earl's Ledge

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 25:

5:30 pm 2 2 Humpback Whales 'Stripe' and another by Helmcken Island

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 24:

9 am Humpback Whale by Stubbs Island

Radio

July 23:

11 am Humpback Whale, think maybe it was 'Arial' was Northbound by Kanish Bay.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Minke Whales

July 24:

9 am Just out of Alert Bay, we spotted a Minke Whale.

Dave Towers, Seasmoke Tours

July 24:

5:15 pm 3 Minke Whales one in Pearse Pass the other two at the bottom of the Pass.

Jared Towers

Dall's Porpoise

July 24:

9 am Just coming out of Alert Bay, some Dall's Porpoise were bowriding.

Dave Towers, Seasmoke Tours

More Transient Calf Photos Plus Sightings

More New Transient Orca calf photos and late reports. Sightings reports from the top of Johnstone Strait down to Savary Island. There's an interesting comment on the previous post. My reply is underneath Anonymous' comment. Additional comments anyone? It would be nice if you put your name to it to stand behind what you say, but you don't have to.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whale

New Transient Calf with Family

July 21, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 22:

5:30 am 3 Orca just passed by Steep Island on the Quadra side (Campbell River).

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 22:

7:37 am Orca between Green Can buoy off Cape Mudge and Marina Island. No direction or numbers yet.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 22:

10:25 am – 3:30 pm T065A's reported by Kaikash Creek By 12:35 pm they were heading through Pearse Pass. Jared Towers had identified them as T065A's. By 3:30 pm they had continued out past Pulteney Point Lightstation at the top of Malcolm Island.

Radio and text messages

July 22:

10:25 am Some Transients by Grant's Reef off Savary Island heading South.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 22:

AM Had 4 Orca heading South. They actually gave us the slip and we lost them mid strait between Vancouver Island and Grant's Reef.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 21:

Dear Susan! We just came home from a fabulous trip with Garry, (Aboriginal Journeys) where we first spotted the newborn Orca. Attached I have some pics we took of it. Hope you like them. Cause we had our little Baby boy on board (with his 4 month the youngest Garry ever took on a trip) we named the Baby Orca after him: Leonard (Hope he turns out to be a boy). Yours

Michael Heinich

(Perhaps if it's a female she could be called Leona - SM)

Newborn Transient Calf - Leonard or Leona

July 21, 2012

Michael Heinich

July 21:

Hi All, Thought everyone might like a couple of good pics of the new Transient ( Biggs) Killer Whale we photographed yesterday! Received a call from Garry Henkle from Aboriginal Journeys as he was on his way up to us @ Hardwicke Island for the T065A's (thanks JT For the ID's) When he came upon these guys travelling South at Vansitaart Point. He called in excitement as he got on scene that he was looking at the tiniest KW he had ever seen and that the females were kind of pushing it along in front of them....almost helping it swim! He said we should come down right away!

We made our way down an hour later and came on scene at Ripple Point in Johnston Strait. We confirmed the ID's as the T046 gang, plus one very new calf! HE/she was the smallest KW I have ever seen and looked like a small dolphin! Still all discolored and very fresh looking! Still had the fetal folds and was very wrinkly judging by the pics. I thought only hours old but I’m not sure on that...anyone??

We left them entering Nodales Channel. There was some celebratory behaviour at Ripple Point of spyhops and such. A small flurry of hunting behaviour at one point but a motor yacht came and got between and the porpoise got away at a high rate of speed! Enjoy the photos and share with photo credit please!! Thanks everyone!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Northern Resident Killer Whales

July 23:

9:39 am A36's Easting by Robson Bight. They turned and reports of other Orca calls inbound till after 5 pm possibly by Cracroft Point.

Radio

July 22:

8:15 am Orca just East off Malcolm Island.

11:58 am A36's Eastbound in Blackney Pass.

Radio

New Transient Calf with Mom?

July 21, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

July 23:

8 am One Humpback Whale Northbound passing Painter's Lodge, Campbell River.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 23:

5 pm Spotted a Humpback just off the Pearse Islands heading towards Weynton Pass. I headed out and found three Humpback Whales working the tide rips and currents in Weynton Pass towards Stubbs Island. One of them was Stripe but couldn't identify the other two. One was fighting the current running at it's maximum and was pushed back twice till it finally went around the main push. I stayed until 7 pm to watch them feed under the birds. No great lunge feeding in that current.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 22:

11:58 am Humpbacks by Bold Head, top of Blackfish Sound – too foggy to really see anything, but they're here.

Radio

July 22:

3:30 pm One very large Humpback Whale feeding between Weynton Island and Weynton Reef in amongst hundreds of birds. One large tail fluke and it was gone. No chance to get a good look or photo for ID.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 22:

12:44 pm 8 – 10 PWS Dolphins by Kingcome Inlet.

Radio

July 22:

1:36 pm 4 – 6 PWS Dolphins by Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait – thought they were coming to play in the wake, but they only took one quick run.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 22:

Around 3 pm 50 PWS Dolphins by Denham Bay, above Dent Rapids.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

July 22:

12 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise foraging at the mouth of Port Harvey.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 22:

2:03 pm 4 – 6 Dall's Porpoise by Swaine Point Light, Johnstone Strait.

3:32 pm 4 – 6 Dall's Porpoise at the bottom of Weynton Pass then another three came zipping over to bow ride past the Stephenson Islets.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 22:

5:17 pm 2 Dall's Porpoise at Center Island, Sutil Channel foraging.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 22:

5:30 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise foraging near Simms Creek, Campbell River.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

New Baby Transient Orca !

Very busy Orca day! But the biggest news is that of a new Orca birth. A brand new Transient Orca calf which was possibly mere hours old. The Transient Orca population is certainly doing well. Nature is taking her course in keeping the number of seals and sealions down by increasing these meat eating Killer Whale numbers. It's sad that they do also take Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's and Harbour Porpoise as well as other whales, but it is Nature in the raw.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

Baby Transient Orca!

July 21, 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

(NT Photography)

July 21:

7:30 am Call came in over the radio that there were some Transient Orca by Hall Point at the top of Nodales Channel. No number or direction.

Fishing boat

July 21:

7:40 am Relayed message: 6 Orca headed down Nodales Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 21:

8:50 am Found them! They were headed into Hemming Bay, across from Thurston Bay Marine Park, in Nodales Channel but didn't stay long. They tracked behind Lee Islands and continued relatively quickly down and into Johnstone Strait. The various Whale Watching boats out of Campbell River joined up to observe these Orca for a time. At times they were moving up to 10 knots with the tide! I stayed with them right as they caught the slack tide at Race and Current Passage and left them a bit after 1 pm just below Yorke Island still heading West up Johnstone Strait. It was difficult to say how many were in the group since some appeared to split off, but there were 4 Orca staying close together and definitely another two that meandered off somewhere, then rejoined, then separated. At the speed they were going and the long dives they took at times, I was surprised that the four Orca even stayed true on course....my direction. After I left them behind a ways.....see Northern Resident Orca report.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 21:

12:25 pm (via notes from various radio transmissions) As Garry, with his tour was making his way up towards Earl's Ledge, by Kelsey Bay to join up with Nick, the last of the tour boats, and myself, he happened across 3 or 4 Orca by Tyee Point, bottom of Current Passage, with “the smallest calf I've ever seen”. There were two females (T046 and T122 ID's from Nick) helping the calf along in front of them, which leads us to believe that it truly was a newborn. It has a wrinkled appearance and is quite orange.....Photos! And Tiny! These whales headed slowly East down Johnstone Strait.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys & Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Baby Transient Orca - so tiny!

July 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 21:

3:57 pm Orca by Mace Point, East end of Savary Island facing Lund. No numbers or direction given.

Gordie Coles, Savary Island / Lund

July 21:

6:55 pm 4 Orca and tiny calf Southbound into Denham Bay by Dent Rapids following 30 + Pacific White Sided Dolphins.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

July 21:

7 pm 6 or so Transient Orca that I left by Yorke Island, Sunderland Channel had made their way up by Boat Bay quickly and were continuing West. Thanks to Jared Towers, of DFO who managed to get out to see and identify four of the whales as the T065A's.

SM

Northern Resident Orca

July 21:

Around 12 pm The 2 Northern Resident Orca, A36's were Eastbound down Johnstone Strait by Adam River.

Bill Mackay, Naiad Explorer

July 21:

Around 1:21 pm After I left the Transient Orca behind a bit, I came across the two A36 brothers working their way East down Johnstone Strait just across from Millie Island, Port Neville. These two seemed a bit undecided for a while as to where they wanted to go. Perhaps they heard the Transients, who outnumbered them, coming up the Strait. At 1:32 pm they turned to head back West up Johnstone Strait. I left them behind as they were moving slowly and I was cutting across the Strait.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

9:46 am 75 + PWS Dolphins by Thurston Bay Marine Park heading up Nodales towards Hall Point. There are a lot of really small baby Dolphins in the mix. Under 1 foot long!

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 21:

4:30 pm 50 PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay, by Dent Rapids.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 21:

6:55 pm 4 Orca and tiny calf Southbound into Denham Bay by Dent Rapids following 30 + Pacific White Sided Dolphins.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

Baby Transient Orca - First ID shot!

July 21, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

July 21:

8:30 am Couple of Dall's Porpoise foraging off Sonora Point in Nodales Channel.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca, Dolphins and More

The majority of the large group Transient Orca continued their way up Johnstone Strait and into Knight Inlet while a few of the usuals stayed down in our area. Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been scattered throughout the inlets and popping up in groups of 24 up to 200. The Northern Resident Orca were reported up in Queen Charlotte Strait. Another unusual to see, but not rare, species spotted today was a cougar lying on a rock on the shore just above Campbell River. A huge Elephant Seal was also spotted in the Arran Rapids “in shallow water, inhaling an 8-10 lb salmon whole.”

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

Large Group of Transient Orca

July 18, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 20:

1:50 pm 2 Orca 1 large male, 1 female spotted on the hunt between Manson's Landing and Sutil Point, Cortez Island

Pacific Yellowfin

July 19 & 20:

A report came in that the Transients had continued up Johnstone Strait and were spotted at Boat Bay then in Knight Inlet.

Susan MacKay – various relays

July 19:

11:30 am Transient Orca at Boat Bay – Sharkey, Painter's Lodge on scene. No direction.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Transient Orca

July 18, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Northern Resident Killer Whales

July 20:

2:24 pm A36's at Lizard Point, Malcolm Island foraging.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 20:

8:45 am 100 - 200 PWS Dolphins Southbound for Greensea Bay. Really spread out from Howe Island to Chatham Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 20:

Around 11 am 150 – 175 PWS Dolphins Greensea Bay

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 20:

12 pm 24 or so PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay – foggy and raining, so tough to find.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

July 20:

11 am 150 PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point Northbound.

12:40 pm 75 + PWS Dolphins by Hall Point Sonora Island Westbound.

3:55 pm Leaving another group of around 50-75 PWS Dolphins heading towards Hole in the Wall, via Calm Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 20:

3 pm Large group of PWS Dolphins just off Whiterock Passage towards Rendezvous Islands.

?Radio

Soon after: Still off north Rendezvous Island heading towards Stuart Island.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 20:

3:45 pm 100+ PWS Dolphins between Turn Island and Chatham Point Lightstation.

AJ, on Water Taxi run

July 20:

6:30 pm 75 - 100 PWS Dolphins heading East up Okisollo Channel.

Joel, Discovery Marine Safaris

July 19:

10 am 60-70 PWS Dolphins by Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 19:

10 am Around 12 PWS Dolphins in Seymour Narrows.

Joel, Discovery Marine Safaris

July 19:

1:30 pm 50 PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay, above Dent Rapids.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 19:

5 pm 40 PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay – just off the eagle show.

Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Orca

July 18, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

July 20:

Around 2 pm Had 2 Humpback Whales by Bold Head, Blackney Pass.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

July 19:

10:45 am 2 Harbour Porpoise at Francisco Point, off Cape Mudge. And, 2 more at Rebecca Spit at 11:05 am, as well as 4 more at Jimmy Judd Island Gillard Pass, at 3 pm. Lots around now that the Orca are spread.

Garry, Aboriginal Journeys

July 19:

6 pm 12-15 Harbour Porpoise south end of Twin Islands foraging.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Sightings: Transients, Dolphins and Porpoise

Transient Orca, Bigg's Killer Whales in abundance. They decided to group up for a bit of socializing then split up again. The Pacific White Sided Dolphins also seem to have re-grouped, possibly safety in numbers reasoning; as did some Harbour Porpoise. A few Dall's Porpoise sightings round out this report. Word has it that the A36 pod of Northern Resident Orca have finally made an appearance in the upper Johnstone Strait.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca - Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 18, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 18:

8:42 am First sighting of around 6 Transient Orca by Sentry Shoal Northbound towards Mitlenatch Island. Didn't take long and there were a number of them spread out.

Sharkey, Painter's Lodge

July 18:

11 am The Orca are almost to Quathiaski Cove. There are two groups plus another bunch by the red can buoy off Cape Mudge. Total of 18 to 20 Orca.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 18:

1 pm About 12 Orca are heading NW through Seymour Narrows.

3 pm Orca between Maude Island light and Race Point in the Narrows and there are still some by Salmon Point, south of Campbell River.

Various broken radio transmissions

July 18:

5:30 pm We left around 10 Transient Orca Northbound at Race Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 18:

7:30 pm Sighted Transient Orca group that has two infants. There were about 5 including one very large male, a female with the little guys and several other various. I say transients because of previous sightings on two babes. It was at 7:30 Browns Bay, Campbell River heading North up the inside passage.
Jacquie-Summer Resident Browns Bay

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

off Vivian Island - July 9, 2012

Jessica Dohm

July 17:

11:34 am Orca! 9+ Orca really spread out in a couple of groups in Sutil Channel between Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island and Whaletown, Cortez Island.

Jen & Kurt, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 17:

2:20 pm Orca angling towards Viner Point, Read Island. Not sure if they'll decide to go Hoskyns Channel or Whale Passage.

Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 17:

3:25 pm Transient Orca hugged the Read Island shore and headed into Evans Bay.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

July 17:

4:15 pm AJ left the Orca rounding Viner Point looked like they were heading for Heriot Bay or Hoskyns Channel. Doing deep travelling dives.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Late Reports: Re: July 15:

Orca spotted by Copeland Islands, no time, number or direction.

Joss on a kayak

Mother and calf Orca spotted off Lund by a buddy yesterday (15^th).

Gordie Coles, Savary Island/Lund

July 15:

4:55 pm Orcas travelling north east spotted by Kinghorn Island moving towards Station Island and in the direction of Refuge Cove. 4 - 5 individuals, 1 large bull, 2 young ones, 1 other large one (not as big as the bull - maybe mother). Apparently they were also in front of Lund earlier that day - I did not see them as i was coming back w/ our zodiac from Toba inlet when we spotted them. :)

Christine Hollmann, Terracentric Coastal Adventures Ltd.

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

off Vivian Island - July 9, 2012

Jessica Dohm

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 18:

4 pm 200-300 PWS Dolphins off of Fawn Bluff in Bute Inlet.

Joss, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 17:

11 am 50-60 PWS Dolphins by Horn Point in Dent Rapids. At the same time, there were another 12 PWS Dolphins a little farther along by Denham Island.

Joss & Nick, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 16:

10:30 am 50-60 PWS Dolphins in Bute Inlet by Clipper Point. They're heading towards Fawn Bluff.

Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 16:

12 pm Around 20 PWS Dolphins by Horn Point to Nodales Channel.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

July 16:

4:40 pm 50-60 PWS Dolphins 2 1/2 mi SW of Clipper Point, Bute Inlet. There were also a few in Arran Rapids.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

July 16:

5:30 pm We had a handful of PWS Dolphins near Quathiaski Cove, Campbell River.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 16:

9:30 pm 6+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins came as far down Bute Inlet as Moh Creek had a few leaps as they foraged, then turned to rejoin the rest farther up the inlet. Managed a few foraging vocals.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

July 18:

8:05 pm 1 or 2 Harbour Porpoises near Cape Mudge Lighthouse.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

July 17:

9:54 am 10-12 Harbour Porpoise foraging at the entrance to Bute Inlet by Johnstone Bluffs. There was one very small calf who actually did a little breach beside Mom. So cute!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

July 17:

12:10 pm Couple of Dall's Porpoise by Sheer Point – Whiterock Pass area.

Joss, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 16:

10 am Couple of Dall's Porpoise by Denham Island, Dent Rapids area.

Sharkey, Painter's Lodge

July 16:

10:30 am 2 Harbour Porpoise in Calm Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 16:

6 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise foraging mid channel near Cape Mudge Lighthouse.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River