Have You Seen Any of These?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Busy Orca days!

More of the Northern Resident Orca came into the top of Johnstone Strait and some more ventured down into the channels around Campbell River. There has been a distinct lack of whales and dolphins in and around Powell River and Savary Island areas with finally a couple of Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales showing up. The Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been making their way out of the lower channels and working their way up the coast, while a few Humpback Whales have worked their way down. Dall's and Harbour Porpoise round out the sightings.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Killer Whales

NRKW in Race Passage
August 29, 2012
Susan MacKay, SG Images

August 29:
8:30 am Orca reported by fishermen at Davis Point, Nodales Channel inbound towards Frederick Arm.

August 29:
8:30 am At least 12 Resident Orca Northbound from Cinq islands in Discovery Passage. A few minutes later there were 2 or 3 more heading out of Nodales towards Howe Island. Unsure if they're the ones that were at Davis Point. There was a bit of a split as they foraged spread across the strait over to Chatham Point Lightstation and continued West around to Rock Bay by around 9 am. There were at least 16 Resident Orca spread out by Walkem Islands by 9:30 am
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 29:
9 am Report that some of the other Resident Orca headed out of the Robson Bight Reserve heading West in the fog.

August 29:
10 to 10:30 am The lead group consisting of the A23's had rounded Ripple Point in lower Johnstone Strait with some of the others still foraging by Walkem Islands as well as some more reported still in Nodales Channel by Hall Point, which turned out to be the A36's.

With such a huge spread, and the back and forth foraging, there were various numbers in the counts making it difficult to say who was where. But for sure, the A8's, A23's, A25's and the two A36 boys for a definite total of 14 Orca throughout the day, with more possible, but unconfirmed. One report described the very unique split topped dorsal of I64 from the I11 Matriline. But this male was not spotted again, nor were any of the other I11's. I do not know if the I11's have even come into the inside waters, but this unique dorsal and the variations in number of Orca makes me wonder.... It is more likely that we had the A24's, but again, unconfirmed.

By 11:42 am Nick, Eagle Eye Adventures was leaving one group at Bear Bight on the Vancouver Island side heading up, and I had picked up on the lead group, the A23's who were with Sean, Tenacious 3 making their way up from Vansitaart Point to Ripple Shoal while being harassed by a couple of Dall's Porpoise. They were bucking the tide and stalled, as they had yesterday, by Camp Point where they had a rub on the shore and foraged. As the current settled, they worked their way up Race Passage past Helmken Island when I spotted a very small Humpback and left this lead group around 3 pm.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 29:
1:28 pm A36's still at Hall Point.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 29:
2 pm The A36 brothers spent the day in Nodales again. I last saw them swimming along the Sonora shore Westbound at Sonora Point.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Resort

August 29:
2:30 pm (approx) Some Orca were at foraging at Palmer Bay heading West slowly.
4 pm At least 6 Orca had made a turn and were now working their way East below Camp Point on the Vancouver Island shore.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 29:
6:05 pm The A36's had turned also and were now at Davis Point heading back into Nodales Channel.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 28:
8 am Orca headed into Nodales Channel with another 16 Orca by Chatham Point from a fisherman. They spread out all the way from Thurston Bay Marine Park with some heading into Frederick Arm by 11 am. A few PWS Dolphins were harassing some of the Orca which were all of the A5 Pod.
12 pm With some of the whales still in Frederick Arm, the rest worked their way down Nodales, still being pestered by some Dolphins and started to head West. They were foraging and taking their time till they got to Turn Island where they were clocked at 10 to 12 knots, but slowed again soon after.
5 pm I picked up the A8's and A23's at Camp Point continuing up Race Pass after a brief stall by Camp Point to forage and have a bit of a rub on the beaches. A short time after, I got a radio call from Sean, Teancious 3 that the A30's were just on the West side of Kelsey Bay. Sounded like there was going to be an Orca party. There were lots of vocalizations. The A30's appeared to turn back to West just as the others were arriving at the East side of Kelsey Bay where they again stalled for a nap.
7:30 pm As I headed back to my anchorage, I saw the last of the A5's who had taken the Current Pass side of Helmken instead of Race Pass. These whales all grouped up around Earl's Ledge and headed East again down Race Pass.
I could hear their vocalizations till around 10 pm.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 28:
11:30 am A30's were at Swaine Point being harassed by a few PWS Dolphins and heading East.
3:50 pm The A30's were at Cedarstead Creek, past Naka, still headed East towards Kelsey Bay. (see above for their turn)

August 27:
9:10 am “Fair number of Orca” by Donagal Head spread out to Bold Head and Stubbs Island. There were between 40-50 Orca.
9:30 am Residents A30's, plus so many more entering Johnstone Strait, some via Weynton Pass, and some by Blackney Pass.
11 am A30's and I15's were by the Sophia Islands and headed to the Bight – very vocal.
2:40 pm Some Orca were continuing East passing Naka Creek.

August 27:
6 pm Tenacious 3 was leaving the Orca Easting against the ebb by Windy Point. They were spread out and doing long dives. It was the A8's, A23's and A25's.

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Transient T102
August 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 27:
7 – 8 pm 2 Transient Orca were slowly heading West doing long dives and hunting on the South-West side of Savary Island. A seal was as high as possible on a rock and looked worried.
Lesley Roberts, Savary Island

Humpback Whales

August 29:
3 pm (approx) 1 very small looking Humpback Whale was headed East in Race Passage while the Resident Orca headed West.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 29:
4 pm Humpback Whale in Baker Pass, between Hernando and Cortez Islands.
Radio

August 27:
10:30 am 2 Humpback Whales were feeding by Cracroft Point.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 27, 28 and 29:
Lots of Humpback activity still in the upper Johnstone Strait.

Humpback Whale
August 29, 2010
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 29:
No PWS Dolphins were reported!

August 28:
8:30 am 20 – 30 PWS Dolphins at Denham Island / Hall Point area at the top of Nodales Channel. Looks like a nursery pod.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge
Few were harassing the Orca – see above reports.

August 28:
Friends on their way south near Burke Channel yesterday took videos of the 100 or so PWS Dolphins that followed their boat for about an hour.
Michael Stewart, Powell River

August 27:
9:30 am 150 PWS Dolphins around Yorke Island – zig zagging and sort of heading South. They were still there on my second pass through at Noon.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

9:50 am 40 – 50 PWS Dolphins by the Broken Islands, Port Harvey.
10 am 20 – 25 PWS Dolphins by Ripple Point
3:30 pm 12+ PWS Dolphins by Denham Island heading South.

5:40 till 6 pm 80+ PWS Dolphins off Earl's Ledge foraging towards Kelsey Bay with a bit of play thrown in. Lots of very young calves.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 29:
12:20 pm Couple of Dall's Porpoise bow riding and harassing the Orca close to Tyee Point, Ripple Shoal.
Sean, Tenacious 3

August 29:
4 Dall's Porpoise foraging at Bear Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 27:
8:30 am 4 Harbour Porpoise just as we left the harbour. Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 27:
No time given: Pretty quiet down here. 6 or so Dall's Porpoise playing in Dent Rapids.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge



Sunday, August 26, 2012

Many Sightings - Orca Spread Out

Many reports with the Northern Resident Orca still spread out, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales popping up, large number of Humpback Whales in the upper Johnstone Strait with a few farther South, Pacific White Sided Dolphins in large numbers in various places, Minke Whales not showing themselves easily, and Dall's and Harbour Porpoises being spotted, and reported, a bit more frequently.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca
(Fish eating) Killer Whales

NRKWs - A25's
August 24, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:
8:30 am Some Orca were spotted heading West past Ledge Point off Port McNeill. 1 pm The I15's were at Pulteney Point.

August 26:
8:50 am A30's were picked up by Eve River / Naka Creek heading East down Johnstone Strait.
Around 12 pm A30's turned and were Westbound by Naka Creek. This was also around the time the Transients T02C's were Westbound on the other side of Johnstone Strait.

August 26:
9:45 am 6+ Orca Westbound by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island. These turned out to be the A34's while another group was reportedly inbound from the Port Hardy area.

August 26:
8:57 am Orca by Frederick Arm from a fisherman - turned out the be the A8's.
1:48 pm the A8's were Westbound by Ripple Point. They were moving at around 8 knots by Camp Point, but stopped to forage at Ripple Shoal. They timed it just right to get a push from the tide.

August 26:
11:43 am A8's Westing in Nodales.
2 pm Residents rounding Ripple Point.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 26:
12:00 pm A8's Westbound by Chatham Point.
3:01 pm A8's still Westing by Palmer Bay, between Camp Point and Ripple Point.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 26:
4:30 pm A8's still Westbound with the tide by Paterson Island, just below Kelsey Bay. Had them this morning at Frederick Arm.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 25:
7:30 am Orca in Blackfish Sound – someone said they were Eastbound, someone else reported Westbound. Sounds like foraging to me!
9 am Orca spread out from Blinkhorn across to Hanson Island Eastbound.
1:50 pm Small groups of Orca were spread out foraging from Robson Bight to Cracroft Point.
One salmon, no ID on the salmon, jumped right in front of the A30's as they passed the Sophia Islands heading East towards Swaine Point. They quickly caught and shared it. A few spy hops from the calf followed.
Around 2:30 pm the I15's with some on the Vancouver Island shore and some by the Sophia Islands headed West up Johnstone Strait to around the Turn Point area and by 5 pm were back in the Bight.

August 24:
8 am I15's were Easting out of Robson Bight. And by 10 am were passing Naka Creek, but they didn't go much farther.
12 – 1:10 pm they only travelled across the Strait to the Broken Islands by Port Harvey and appeared to be waiting for the A's that had gone to Nodales Channel and were working their way back up the Strait.
4:50 pm the I15's were back by Boat Bay heading West – there was no word on the A's at that point.

August 24:
11:08 am 20 Orca in Nodales – no idea who, I'm not there yet.
12:09 pm A23's, A25's and A30's total of 20 of them, Westing by Walkem Islands doing 8 knots. 12:30 pm They're Westing hard; already past Ripple Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:
11:30 am 20 Orca in Nodales Channel Westing, A30's and A25's I think.
2 pm They flew by Vansitaart Light doing 9 knots Westbound.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales
(Meat eating) Orca

Transient Breach!
August 24, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:
8:01 am Orca Northbound by the fishing hump off Cape Mudge.
They were right in front of Campbell River when they made a sudden U-turn and headed South again.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 26:
8:30 am 4 or 5 Orca, haven't seen a big fin yet off Cape Mudge.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 26:
8:30 am 4 – 5 Orca on the Mudge side. Doesn't appear to be a male in the group, but will try to get a better look.
Lee via Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 26:
11:35 am 5 or 6 Transient Orca by Escape Reef, Forward Bay slowly heading West. Unfortunately it was a bit too lumpy for me to stay to get proper ID's, but it looked like T02C and thought I possibly saw T20 as well. I spoke with Tenacious 3 around noon and they said that they heard there were some Orca by Stimpson's Reef at 10:30 am. At 2:10 pm I heard that T02C's were just past Boat Bay – so confirmed! The Resident A30's were reported by Naka Creek at noon, which would have put them Westbound on the other side of Johnstone Strait around the same time.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 25:
8:26 am 3 Orca reportedly by Millie Island, Port Neville, perhaps Eastbound.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 25:
9:30 am 3 Transients in Sunderland Channel Easting.
10:05 am It's the T02C's in Sunderland.
4 pm Found another 5 Transients by Mitlenatch Island! One large male. Left them at Marina Reef Northbound.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 25:
12:30 pm I'm in Wellbore Channel with the Transients T02C's.
2:05 pm They're doing 3 knots and taking deeper dives down Chancellor Channel heading to Loughborough Inlet.
3:04 pm I'm leaving Orca by Loughborough, still Easting into the inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

August 24, 25 and 26:
Humpback Whales were in abundance! Cormorant Channel alone had 7 whales the morning of 26th, with another 2 or 3 in Weynton Pass and “lots” reported by Bold Head. Although I do not have a total count for the 26th or the 25th, the total count at the top of Johnstone Strait / Broughton's has been around 13 individual animals.

August 26:
6:30 am Men out fishing and saw 2 Humpbacks at Flower Island.
Cam and Laureen Reid, Sechelt

August 24 or 25?:
While spending some time with the Humpback show by the Plumpers and Bold Head, a number of Pacific White Sided Dolphins decided to harass two Humpback Whales, one of whom was 'Freckles'. The PWS Dolphins were relentless and the Humpbacks were trying to shake them by surfacing first off one side then the other of the Gikumi bugling their displeasure as they surfaced. It was quite the show.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

Minke Whales

August 26:
8 am 4 Minke Whales were feeding off the Pearse Reefs.

August 24:
8:40 am 2 Minke Whales between Alert Bay and Pearse Islands.
Dave Towers, Seasmoke Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphin
August 24, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:
8:30 am 25+ PWS Dolphins at Bold Head.

August 26:
(approx) 8:30 am Hi, saw a beautiful huge pod of porpoises (actually, they were Pacific White Sided Dolphins – SM) go by our cottage in Selma park just south of Sechelt. They were heading north.
Peter Vysek, Sechelt

August 26:
11:43 am 150 or so PWS Dolphins milling in Frederick's Arm.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 24, 25 & 26:
All day: A few of the PWS Dolphins were constantly around the Northern Resident Orca bow riding and generally being annoying to them. If the Orca weren't close by, they'd bug the Humpback Whales – see report above for one specific instance.

August 25:
9:40 am 250 to 300 PWS Dolphins were spread out around the Plumper Islands foraging, leaping and putting on a good show.

August 25:
2:30 pm 150 PWS Dolphins in Mayne Passage.
4:12 pm 40 Dolphins Westing FAST by Knox Bay, must've heard the Transient Orca.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:
9:12 am A large gang of PWS Dolphins by the Plumper Islands.
10 am 100 or so PWS Dolphins by Donagal Head
Later in the afternoon, time not noted, this group seemed to grow to be closer to 200+ Dolphins.

August 24:
11:08 am 150 PWS Dolphins Westing near Okisollo Channel in Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:
11:30 am 200 PWS Dolphins Southbound at Deepwater Bay, just above Campbell River.
2:30 pm 100 PWS Dolphins foraging in Nodales Channel.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 24:
2:30 pm 75 PWS Dolphins by Harding Island in Nodales Channel heading East.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 24, 25 & 26:
Most reports over the radio go something like “oh yeah, we've seen them here and there.” So limited reports of specific sightings:

August 26:
10:20 am 6 Dall's Porpoise by Swaine Point foraging. They came over for a very quick couple of leaps bow riding then they were gone.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 26:
Before 11:43 am Pod of around 12 Dall's Porpoise milling around by Whiskey Point.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 25:
9:30 am 4 Dall's Porpoise foraging at the entrance to Growler Cove.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 24:
2:20 pm 2 Dall's and 4 Harbour Porpoise were foraging together in Clio Channel by Walden Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC




Friday, August 24, 2012

Orca Up and Down, Humpbacks, and Other Cetaceans

Orca in and all over the place then off they go again. For the Resident Orca, the smaller numbers of fish appears to be causing their long treks. The Transient (Bigg's) Orca are following what's following fish. Pacific White Sided Dolphins have had the run put on them a number of times. Humpback Whale numbers are staying around the same at the top of Johnstone Strait, but seem to be increasing down closer to Campbell River. Dall's Porpoise are here and there, while Harbour Porpoise are seldom noticed until there's a lack of other Cetaceans.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

This posting was delayed due to lack of signal. Orca update from early today August 24, 2012: 8 am Some Orca (probably Transients) were spotted heading into Frederick Arm while some more of the Resident Orca are heading East down Johnstone Strait. SM

Northern Resident Killer Whales – Orca

NRKW Munching on a Halibut in Blackfish Sound
August 21, 2012
Susan MacKay, SG Images

August 23:
8 am A23/25/30's and the I15's are the Residents in the Bight trying to avoid being harassed by PWS Dolphins. By 9:30 am Some of the A's and I's headed West by the Sophia Islands and along the Hanson and Vancouver Island shores. The headed up Weynton Pass around 1:30 pm and spent some time foraging around the Plumpers while a few headed to the East.

August 23:
9:20 am Orca Eastbound at Camp Point. Some PWS Dolphins met them and were all over them – no ID's yet.
2:25 pm They are at Rock Point now still Easting. Nick figures A25's.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 23:
11:52 am The A25's are now at Bear Point heading East....not Transients as initially thought!
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 23:
1:04 pm A25's at Ripple Point Easting with 6 to 7 PWS Dolphins harassing them.
4 pm Orca Easting in Nodales now – probably since the Dolphins headed West.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 22:
1:15 pm Some of the Residents were spotted by Scarlett Point Lightstation. No Direction, but it's thought it was the A30's.

August 21:
9 am Resident Orca Westing by Kaikash Creek just out of the Bight. They were very spread out and were foraging back and forth a while up by Cracroft Point when a sea otter popped up. There's been the odd sighting along the coast this year – no photo this time, sorry.
Around noon, the the Residents consisting of A23/25/30's and the I15's all worked their way up Blackfish Sound into Queen Charlotte Strait foraging along the way with at least one halibut munched on even while being harassed by a couple of PWS Dolphins. Photo above.
By 3:15 pm The Orca had sped up to 12-15 knots headed NW towards Polkinghorne Island and Wells Pass. Then they went ??

August 20:
8:30 am Report from Larry on the Discovery Skiff that around 4 or 5 am some Orca passed their kayak camp on the Sophia Islands heading West and another report that some Orca were heard, not seen due to fog, just East of Telegraph Cove.
8:45 am Some Orca, whose numbers suggested the I15's were spread out by Port McNeill. Once Bill on the Naiad got on scene, it was confirmed that it was the I15's who were headed West.
By 11 am the 17 Orca had passed Pultney Point Lightstation and decided to turn back for a bit of a rub on the beach and socialize. There were spyhops, tail slaps and just some general play as they very slowly worked their way back to the East.
1:40 pm The I15's went right into the Nimpkish estuary foraging for that elusive salmon.
3:21 pm I15's still Easting with the lead 3 angling towards the Stephenson Islets while the rest were still on the Vancouver Island side by Pearse Pass. I left them with the lead headed to the Hanson Island shore and the rest over by Telegraph Cove still headed East.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 20:
10:30 am Orca just East of Eve River heading East – turned out to be the A30's and A23's. The A30's and A23's had gone East foraging, then turned East around noon.
3:21 pm The A's have just entered the the East end of the Reserve. They didn't stay long; 4:25 pm they were at the Sophia Islands.
5:20 pm the I15's just passed Kaikash Creek Eastbound.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Adventures

August 20:
12:18 pm A group of Residents are Westing by Stimpsons Reef.
1:56 pm I'm on Cracroft Island side now by Escape Reef.
2:16 pm Left the A30's Westing by Forward Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 20:
12:32 pm A23's and A25's Westing at Stimpson's Reef.
Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

6:30 pm A23's were by Cracroft Point when 4 Transient Orca came around the corner from Baronett Passage. The A23's met them head to head, just over 100 feet apart, then submerged – guess they parted at that point. In the excitement and chance to hear any vocal exchange they might have, Lukwa dropped the hydrophone without securing it first – Oops! The Transients headed East and were again close to some of the Resident Orca that were still in the Bight.
8 pm A23/25/30's and I15's all in the Bight.

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

T02C's by Mitlenatch Island
August 10, 2012
Ted Douglas' Son took Photo

August 22:
11:17 am 4 Transients Chatham Point Southbound. 2 Females 2 juveniles all clean fins.
12:30 pm Left the Orca Southbound at Deepwater Bay, Campbell River.
3:27 pm Transients at Duncan Bay now, north of Campbell River. I'm hoping to find them on the way home.
5:10 pm I left the Orca Southbound by red can buoy off Cape Mudge. They swam right past 4 Harbour Porpoise and a seal!
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 22:
2 pm A small group of Transients were seen Inbound just above Port Hardy. No further information available.

August 21:
6:54 am 10 to 12 Transient Orca Northbound by Cape Mudge Light.
Richard and Laurel via Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 21:
9:30 am T101/102 gangs plus others Northbound in front of Campbell River.
11:02 am T90's T100's and T101/102's turned and bucking the ebb tide Southbound at Brown's Bay.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 21:
9:30 am A report came in that some Transients were on a Sea Lion by Donagal Head. These whales were very elusive and quiet. Usually, they become quite vocal once on a kill. They did, however, abandon the kill to die a slow death. These were two females and two juveniles, so the assumption is that it was training excercise for the juveniles. They did pass by numerous Dall's Porpoise and Harbour Seals. Their being quiet was probably due to hearing all the Resident Orca chatter headed in their direction, and their head to head on Aug. 20th.
The Transients stealthily left the area and were spotted around 12:45 pm heading by Pearse Islands, but again gave the slip only to pop up again by Telegraph Cove working their way to the East, down Johnstone Strait.
3:54 pm These Transients were still Eastbound by Kaikash Creek and headed into the Bight. No idea if they had chased any of the PWS Dolphins in the Strait.
They were Identified as the T046's.

August 21:
8:23 am 5 or 6 Orca in front of We Wai Kai Village (Cape Mudge) now. No direction. From a sport fisherman.
8:52 am They're heading North past our marina (Campbell River) now. Ebb Tide.
2:55 pm 12 Orca Southbound Race Passage including T102's and T100's.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 21:
10:30 am Orca coming out of Sunderland Channel.

August 21:
Two sighting today near Browns Bay but the same group. There were so far away I could not make anything out except the dorsal and their blows. There was one large male and two younger calves. But this group was a bit larger group with maybe 6 or so. But there were the two calfs, and probably a couple males, one very large boy ;~)), and assorted others probably females. The first group was around 10:15. Then I heard on the radio that they had doubled back from Seymour Narrows. They are closer to Plumper Bay for the second sighting, Got to see one breach. 11:15 or so. One last report...the whales never left but meandered up toward the Bay and hung out. (about 10-12) they have been in the Bay area for over an hour...The guys in the Whale boats were saying they exhibited sleepy kind of behavior...just hanging out..not hunting. He indicated they were T100's and I am sure he will give you a good report. Their behavior really gave some great photo ops...Looking forward to what he sends you.
Jacquie Nevinger

August 20:
6:30 pm The Resident Orca, A23's were by Cracroft Point when 4 Transient Orca came around the corner from Baronett Passage. The A23's met them head to head, just over 100 feet apart, then submerged – guess they parted at that point. In the excitement and chance to hear any vocal exchange they might have, Lukwa dropped the hydrophone without securing it first – Oops! The Transients headed East and were again close to some of the Resident Orca that were still in the Bight.

August 20:
7 pm T02's Easting in Cordero Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales 'KC' and Friend
August 19, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 23:
Humpback Report for the day is incomplete, so no total for the day. But at 8 am there were at least 5 Humpbacks between Bold Head and the Whitecliffe Islets and another couple that were spotted by Weynton Pass.
August 22:
Throughout the day, the Humpbacks were in their 'usual' spots where feed tends to accumulate. Total count for the day at the top of Johnstone Strait was 10 including 'Humpless' whose dorsal was virtually taken off due to probable prop damage.

August 21:
7:47 am 2 Humpback Whales just above Deepwater Bay, Campbell River.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 21:
Throughout the day: Total count for the day at the top of Johnstone Strait was 8 – 10 including 'Freckles' down by the Sophias.

August 20:
7:40 am 2 Humpbacks Southbound off Point 45 (sorry, I don't know where that is)
AJ

August 20:
8:50 am 2 Humpback Whales at Chatham Point Northbound.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 20:
8:54 am Humpbacks everywhere this morning! 2 Humpbacks, possibly Mom and calf, just South of the hump (fishing spot by Cape Mudge) from Rowdy.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 20:
Throughout the day: Total count for the day at the top of Johnstone Strait was 6 – 8 including 'Chunky' and her calf in Weynton Pass.

August 20:
Late Report: 2 (maybe 3?) Humpbacks that came through Naka on Saturday. We did see the pod of orcas that came through yesterday afternoon- but they were very close to the Cracroft shoreline, so no pics to go along... but there were approx 6, with one male, possible the same pod we saw on Saturday morning. They slowly travelled West along the Cracroft shoreline from about 1pm-3pm. Also, just as we were leaving camp (about 4:30pm), a Humpback made an appearance!! Heading East fairly quick (no pics) with a couple tail slaps to wave goodbye :)
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 23:
9 am 200 to 300 PWS Dolphins were foraging and harassing the Orca around the Robson Bight. A few followed, or led as they like to bow ride the Orca's noses, some of the A's and I's over to the Sophias.
The rest must have gone up the Vancouver Island shore since they seemed to pop up around Blinkhorn then out at the top of Weynton Pass by the Plumper Isands.

August 23:
2:25 pm Apart from the Dolphins that met up with the Orca, there's 100 or so PWS Dolphins in Nodales Channel.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 23:
1:04 pm A25's at Ripple Point Easting with 6 to 7 PWS Dolphins harassing them.
3 pm 100 PWS Dolphins heading West in Nodales.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 22:
8 am Large group, around 300 PWS Dolphins were Eastbound by Blinkhorn. Soon after, they were Westbound and spent most of the day foraging in and around Weynton Pass to Beaver Cove. The last report, still from that area was around 3 pm still just off Blinkhorn.

August 22:
2:30 pm 40 PWS Dolphins in Frederick Arm milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 21:
8:30 am Around 100 PWS Dolphins were in front of Telegraph Cove foraging.
9 am 500 – 600 PWS Dolphins were spread right across Johnstone Strait in front of Boat Bay, across from Robson Bight.
3 pm The Transients, T46's were headed down the Strait, so must have passed by, or chased the approx. 400 PWS Dolphins who were now just below Blinkhorn.
3:15 pm Another, perhaps splintered off, group of around 150 PWS Dolphins were Eastbound by Escape Reef just above Port Harvey.
6:30 pm A few PWS Dolphins were in Robson Bight at the same time as the Transient Orca.

August 20:
8:45 am 100-ish PWS Dolphins heading into Frederick Arm.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 20:
3 pm 300 PWS Dolphins by Yorke Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 20 – 22:
Dall's Porpoise have popped up in various places in groups ranging from 4 - 20, most commonly in Weynton Passage, and top and bottom of Blackfish Sound. They occasionally bow ride for a while then continue their foraging, or disappear when they realize the Transient Orca are around.

August 22:
3:30 pm One little Harbour Porpoise came into Growler Cove foraging for a short time.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 22:
5 pm 4 Harbour Porpoise at Cape Mudge. The Transients swam right past them.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 20:
Late Report: Also, forgot to tell you, we saw 3 Harbour Porpoises just East of Naka, heading East at about 2pm. We were out on the kayaks when they appeared, which was nice :)
Tara Bladon, Campbell River


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Orca - Humpback Confrontation

Resident Orca still doing long runs up and down Johnstone Strait. A few Humpback Whales have decided to head down the Strait as well running head on into Transient Orca (see photo). For Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales there has been the T02C's reported but the others are somewhere. Lots of Pacific White Sided Dolphins, most down closer to Campbell River and the inlets, and some Dall's Porpoise showing up down as far as Savary Island finally. Minke Whales are around, but with the need for patience to watch them and so much other activity, they fall a bit above the little Harbour Porpoise for sightings reports.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca Confronts Humpback Whales
August 19, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Northern Resident Orca

August 19:
8:15 am Around 5-6 Orca very slowly Easting by Naka Creek, but last night around midnight there had to be over 20 Orca through here. Sounded more like 30!! Constant blows and quite a few slaps. We stood at the beach to listen. :)
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 19:
10:20 am 5 – 6 Orca were spotted Westbound by Port Harvey. From a friend.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expedititions

August 19:
11:20 am Orca, still unknown who, Westing by Port Harvey, Broken Islands area.
12 pm Orca on the Vancouver Island side between Naka Creek and Eve River Westbound. At the same time, another group, originally thought to be Transients were on the other side of Johnstone Strait, by Forward Bay also Westbound.
By around 1 pm it was determined, even with the drifting fog, that these were all Resident Orca including the A30's on the Vancouver Island side, and the A23's and A25's on the Cracroft Island side. By 1:45 pm they were running around 3 knots still Westbound just below Boat Bay chasing fish. And 3 pm at Boat Bay, they picked up the pace to run at 9 knots, still West, but foraging.

August 19:
7:10 pm The Orca never really left the area but worked back and forth completely spread out across the Strait from Cracroft Point to Kaikash Creek. They have turned to head East towards the Bight.
Geoff, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

August 18:
9 am Some of the Residents were reported in Robson Bight Ecological Reserve while some of the A30's were found in the fog, Eastbound by Blinkhorn.
10:30 am A30's were still very slowly Eastbound by Izumi rock and spread across the Strait, not quite in the Reserve.
1:12 pm Orca are working their way out of the Bight headed East.
6:20 pm Orca at Naka Creek

August 17:
8:45 am NRKW's past Kaikash Creek and made it West to Blinkhorn and across the Strait to Turn Point, where they turned back East at 9:15 am.
12:30 pm A23's/25's and 30's were spread out back and forth by Boat Bay to the Reserve and slowly Eastbound.
1:40 pm the A30's were the trailing group slowly Easting, but the others were reported as far East as Cedarstead Creek, below Naka Creek.
3 pm the A30's were foraging by Cedarstead and turned West again.

Spyhopping Orca
2012
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales – Orca

August 19:
11:20 4 Orca – the T02C's were found Eastbound by Kelsey Bay.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:
2 pm We just left the T02Cs Eastbound in Chancellor Channel heading towards Wellbore. There was some commotion by Helmken around 1 pm when two Eastbound Humpback Whales met these Orca. The Orca appeared to try to take on one of the Humpbacks, but were slapped by the huge Humpback pectoral flippers. An actual confrontation! Then they tried for a Sea Lion on Helmken Island, but that Sea Lion managed to get away. They had passed some Dall's Porpoise running on the other side of Chancellor Channel as well. Quite a mixture in the day.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:
6:55 pm Transients at mouth of Loughborough Inlet Easting.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 18:
9:30 am Transients were reported by Kelsey Bay after chasing approximately 500 PWS Dolphins out of Sunderland Channel.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 18:
2:48 pm Just leaving T002C's Easting into Sunderland on the Hardwicke shore.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 17:
12:40 pm Transients T02C's 1 mile East of Gunner Point Westbound in Sunderland Channel.
3:13 pm Just leaving Transients now Eastbound in Sunderland Ch. Along the Hardwicke shore. They gave the PWS Dolphins a good scare by Fanny Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:
Late in day: 4 Orca came out of Booker Lagoon and past by us at anchor in Cullen Harbour. The previous week or so we saw lots of Orca up around Namu and Fury Island.
Cam & Laureen Reid, Sechelt

Humpback Whales

Humpback 'KC' Flukes after Orca Confrontation
August 19, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:
11:32 am 2 Humpback Whales, Earl's Ledge by Kelsey Bay.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:
There was some commotion by Helmken around 1 pm when two Eastbound Humpback Whales met these Orca. The Orca appeared to try to take on one of the Humpbacks, but were slapped by the huge Humpback pectoral flippers. An actual confrontation!
3:09 pm On our way back, we found and left the Humpbacks at Ripple Point now still Easting.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:
4 pm Two Humpbacks by Chatham Point – Mom and Calf.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 19:
Throughout the day: 2 Humpbacks, Mom 'Chunky' and her calf in Weynton Pass, 1 Humpback Eastbound by Blinkhorn, 2 HB's by Cracroft Point lunge feeding, 1 HB by Parsons Bay, 1 HB went into Robson Bight Reserve by Izumi Rock and 1 HB between Stephenson Islets and Pearse Island.
The total in the upper Johnstone Strait for the day that can be accounted for as not being duplicated are: 6 animals.

August 18:
Morning: 2 Humpbacks in Blackney Pass
8:21 am 2 Humpbacks went East by Naka Creek - what a treat!!! The boys were out kayaking when the Humpbacks came by. Pretty special moment for them, especially for Darren, first time kayaking at sea and first time seeing whales in their natural habitat!
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 17:
1 pm 2 Humpback Whales. I actually had to take the boat out of gear to allow one Humpback to wake up enough to move across my bow. He/she had been sleeping in Cormorant Channel right in my path. Once awake it went to join another Humpback and do a few lazy lunge feeds through some bait balls on the Malcolm Island side of Pearse Pass.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Minke Whales

August 19:
9 am 2 Minke Whales were feeding just off Pearse Pass.
Dave Towers, Seasmoke Adventures

August 17:
1 pm 2 Minke Whales lunge feeding by Leonard Rock, Haddington Island till a few fast boats travelled close – and they were gone.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 19:
11:30 am 200 PWS Dolphins by Kelsey Bay
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:
Approx: 1:30 pm 150 PWS Dolphins by Rock Bay, Walkem Islands, just above Chatham Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:
5 pm 150 PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point milling about – great evening.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 19:
8 pm Some PWS Dolphins were around Whitebeach Passage, Blackfish Sound.
Radio

August 18:
11:35 am PWS Dolphins at St Vincent Bight, just above Kelsey Bay

August 17:
8:30 to 10:30 am 8 – 10 PWS Dolphins were foraging back and forth in my anchorage in the Pearse Islands.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 17:
11:02 am 200 Dolphins eating at Eve River zig zagging
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 17:
2 pm We left the PWS Dolphins Westing hard after an Orca scare by Fanny Island, across from Kelsey Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

August 19:
9 am Around 20 Dall's Porpoise foraging by Pearse Pass.
11:15 am Dall's Porpoise bow riding by the Blow Hole, Plumper Islands.
Dave Towers, Seasmoke Adventures

August 19:
2 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise in Chancellor Channel and another 2 that we'd seen earlier at Camp Point, close to Helmken Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:
6 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise foraging in the tide rips at the bottom of Weynton Pass.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 18:
Partial report: Some Dall's Porpoise in Blackney Pass

August 18:
11:23 am 3 or 4 Dall's Porpoise splashing about (maybe feeding?) just West of Naka Creek.
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 17:
12:50 pm 30 or so Dall's Porpoise were foraging in the tide rips at the bottom of Pearse Passage, between Cormorant and Pearse Islands.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
 
August 17:
4:30 pm Bill and I and Eric and Anna Bircher saw 3 Dalls porpoises on our way back to Indian Point, Savary Island from Lund today. We were happy to see something!
Dee Ingraham, Savary Island

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Residents Looking for Salmon, Transients on a Tear

Northern resident Orca doing their long runs down to Nodales and back every couple of days it seems. With late and seemingly sparser salmon runs, it's all about the food. Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales are hunting up a storm, while the Pacific White Sided Dolphins are trying to avoid them with everything they have. But a few Porpoise haven't been as lucky. A bow riding Minke Whale! Humpback Whales are busy trying to fatten up for their Autumn trip back to the warm waters of Hawaii and Mexico. I've noticed a shortage of krill and smaller bait balls of small fish. Again, maybe they're just running a bit late?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

A30 and A38
August 14, 2012
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 16:
1:30 pm Resident Orca did go East and are in Nodales Channel.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

August 16:
1:45 pm The Resident Orca are entering Nodales Channel (by Howe Island from Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures)
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 16:
5 pm Last I heard was that the Residents were still in Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:
9 am A23's, A25's and A30's were headed West out of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
10:35 am Orcas now Easting by Kaikash Creek.
Following a pattern they've had for a while now, they would go towards Cracroft Point and Blackney Pass then, all spread across Johnstone Strait, they'd head back into the Bight and tease everyone that they were about to go East out of the Bight. They did this a couple of times during the day.- SM
5:45 pm They were again Easting by Kaikash Creek headed back towards the Reserve.

August 14:
7:15 am 10 to 15 Orca Westbound at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.
Harley via Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 14:
7:48 am Report of 12 or so Orca in Nodales Channel. I'm on my way to see.
11:15 am It's the Residents! They're Westbound by Ripple Point.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:
3 pm We left the Residents Westing at Camp Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:
7 pm Resident Pods were slowly working their way back to the West by Havannah Channel.
Cruise Ship Volendam

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Transients on Porpoise Kill
August 2012
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 16:
7:44 am 6-7 Orca spotted in Whale Passage, by Cortez Island – no real direction. (from a sports fisherman)
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 16:
8:49 am Found the Transients! (it's his birthday and looking forward to some days off, so he's forgiven for not telling me where he found them, or anything else – Happy Birthday! - SM)
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 16:
10:12 am Transients between Raza and Rendezvous Islands. They are the T101/102's and T90's for a total of 7 or 8 between the two gangs. Had a flurry of action as we seemed to get a Harbour Seal kill at Kelsey Point on Stuart Island. Many breaches and rolls after. Very cool.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 16:
12:42 pm T102 and gang by Kelsey Point, Stuart Island – Looks like 7 Orca.
2 pm Transients Southbound in Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 16:
6 pm I left the Transients mid channel in Hole in the Wall heading towards Okisollo Channel.
Joss Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 15:
11:23 am Sounds like T02C's at Jesse Island, Blenkinsop Bay.
2:30 pm We left the 150 PWS Dolphins by Vansittart Point, Race Passage still moving quickly after the Transient (Bigg's) T02C's tried for a kill in Blinkensop Bay, Sunderland Channel. When the Transients tried, the Dolphins scattered in a panic. We left the T02C's in Sunderland Channel. (repeated in PWS Dolphins)
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:
5:45 pm T02C's just turned at Forward Bay, Wellbore Channel. Headed West with the ebb.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 14:
2:18 pm T02C's Southbound in Chancellor Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 14:
3:21 pm Heard rumours of Transients in Chancellor Channel headed South.
Caught the T02C's at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet. They gave us an awesome show. They were chasing Porpoise teaching the calf. They made a kill then around 7 pm wandered back into Loghborough Inlet.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:
5 pm We left the T02C's at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet milling. They got a Harbour Porpoise. They were Jumping and Spyhopping, rollovers and backstrokes. They were happy after their dinner. Saw the momma feed the little one nose to nose. Little one was breaching after.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:
6:57 pm Just left the T02C's at Lyle Island, mouth of Loughborough Inlet. No direction – milling. Killed a Porpoise before we got on scene. We witnessed 2 Harbour seals get flushed out of the Thurlow Island shore. Chased one extremely close to us.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

RE: Photo Above:
Enclosed is a picture from the other day off of Cape Mudge with the T018/19 Gang & T20/21. They spread out off of Cape and In true transient fashion took off after the first Harbour Porpoise that came along! They hunted right through about 20 sportfishing boats off of the Hump as well! It was amazing to see them all work together to coral the porpoise as well.....big T20 Tail Slapping the surface. The hunt only lasted a couple of minutes.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

Humpback 'Claw' Lunge Feeding
Baleen very visible
August 14, 2012
Susan MacKay, SG Images

August 16:
Throughout the day: First in the fog it was just “we heard a blow” and then once the fog cleared the sightings were from Blackney Pass, Flower Island, Bold Head, Stubbs Island and Pearse Reefs. The sightings included: 'Argonaught', 'Chunky and her new calf', 'Conger', and 6 others for a total of 10 Humpback Whales in the area.

August 15:
5 – 6 pm 4 Humpback Whales worked their way up Blackfish Sound and were working back and forth between Double Bay, Hanson Island and Bold Head across the strait, even coming in between small boats trolling. Two of the whales headed for a narrow passage through the the Plumper Islands and Hanson Island known as the Blow Hole. Right at that time, a number of small boats, completely unaware that the whales were in their path, went flying in both directions through the Blow Hole and another narrow pass known as the Romantical Pass. Myself and a tour vessel the Island Odyssey waited for the whales to surface after these small boats cleared. Finally one large animal surfaced with a huge blow and retreated quickly back towards the less confined space of Blackfish Sound. This whale already has a nick in it's dorsal fin which looks suspiciously like prop damage. A few deep breaths and a bit of trumpeting when he met up with the other two still in Blackfish. Then I noticed a couple of large Humpback blows from behind some rocks. Good, all accounted for. This last whale either took the Romantical Pass or went around the shoals back towards Blackfish also. It had managed to avoid the boats by hiding close in the kelp bed and by rocks.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 14:
11:40 am Just got a report (radio) of a Humpback Whale Northbound at Quadra lighthouse (Cape Mudge).
3:21 pm Just left the whale bucking the tide still by the lighthouse (afternoon run).
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:
12:17 pm Spotted a Humpback just South of Cape Mudge. It stayed feeding in the same area for a couple of hours. I really enjoyed watching it.
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 14:
11:30 till 2 pm 3 Humpbacks with a possible fourth stopping by briefly, were lunge feeding on small herring around the Pearse Reefs. Of the three, there was 'Argonaught' and 'Claw' and uncertain at this time who the third and possible fourth was. Total Humpback count for the day was again between 8 to 10 whales.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 14:
6 pm Humpback Whale was at Duncan Bay Westing.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:
8 pm Humpback Whale breaching by Kanish Bay. May be 'Stripe'.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Minke Whales

August 16:
10:20 am Minke Whale just off the Pearse Islands was actually Bow Riding then wake riding with the Naiad Explorer!
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 15:
10 am (approx) Lots of PWS Dolphins by Hickey Point – no direction or actual numbers.

August 15:
2:30 pm We left the 150 PWS Dolphins by Vansittart Point, Race Passage still moving quickly after the Transient (Bigg's) T02C's tried for a kill in Blinkensop Bay, Sunderland Channel. When the Transients tried, the Dolphins scattered in a panic. We left the T02C's in Sunderland Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:
6 pm 150+ PWS Dolphins doing zig zag pattern between Turn Island, Howe Island and Chatham Point.
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 14:
11 am 100 or so PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point foraging.
Afternoon tour: Dolphins were at Kanish Bay, across from Chatham Point foraging around. And on the way back around 7 pm the close to 200 PWS Dolphins were still zig zagging all over Discovery Pass close to Chatham Point.
Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 16:
8:40 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise, maybe 3 by Cape Mudge Lighthouse.
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 16:
Again during the day there were smaller groups of Dall's Porpoise, some just foraging in tide rips and other being playful and bow riding.

August 14:
9:20 am One lonesome Harbour Porpoise foraging near Simm's Creek, Campbell River.
Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 14:
Throughout the day, there were groups of Dall's Porpoise foraging around Weynton Pass.