Have You Seen Any of These?

Friday, March 29, 2013

Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Numbers and Orca Report

Pacific White Sided Dolphins are around in large numbers and one brief Orca report. The calm sunny weather this long weekend should make spotting Cetaceans easier, so please remember to call your sighting in. Every sighting report is important.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Call our toll free Sightings Hotline: 1-877-323-9776
To report your whale, dolphin or porpoise sighting.


Pacific White Sided Dolphins

March 29:
9:30 am 2 small curved dolphin looking fins are close to shore by the viewpoint in Powell River. We also saw a few blows yesterday around 4:30 pm, but couldn't stay to watch them.
Leah Stewart, Powell River

March 29:
7:30 pm Well over 100 PWS Dolphins were spread out mid channel between Rebecca Rocks (in front of Pwell River) and Vancouver Island. I watched their blows and splashes till a bit after 8 pm. They were chasing feed back and forth out there but slowly working their way North West towards Vancouver Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

March 28:
7:10 pm We've been watching between 50 to 100 PWS Dolphins for around 40 minutes just off Rasmussen Bay (Copeland Island area) and towards Lund. They were circling, leaping and splashing back and forth. We saw them come down Thulin Passage.
Mary Tilberg, Lund


Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Known for their spectacular leaps
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Unidentified Orca

March 27:
11 am Orca in front of Campbell River – no numbers or direction, from friend.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

Enjoy your Easter weekend everyone!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and News Links

Transient Bigg's Orca and Pacific White Sided Dolphins make brief appearances. Shows they are around. There were also rumours of a possible Humpback Whale just north of Victoria, so keep a lookout. A few links below including one of a rare species of Dolphin known as and Hourglass Dolphin. There is so much left to learn about the animals that habit our earth and her oceans.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call our toll free Sightings Hotline: 1-877-323-9776
Every sightings report is important!

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Bigg's Killer Whale
T063 in front of the Powell River Mill
Susan MacKay, SG Images

March 26:
A pod of 4 Orcas were headed north towards Dodd's Narrow, Nanaimo area,(Believed to be T063 and friends who were rumoured to be hanging around between Nanaimo to Rathtrevor Beach (see Mar. 24 post) area close to Comox - SM)
at 4:30 today . Three smaller whales being lead by a huge bull with a very large dorsal. Two of us, kayakers, waited them for approximately 20 minutes.
Randy Millar

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

March 25:
On the first official tour of the season, we found 100 PWS Dolphins at the mouth of Bute Inlet by Stuart Island. Some were very large looking. Found them around 1:30 pm and left the area around 2:45 pm. (Current sightings photos not sent in, but posted directly to Facebook pages - SM)
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Links in the News

The rare Hourglass Dolphin is found in the Antarctic Ocean. It is an amazing looking Dolphin.

Video clip of a Bottlenose Dolphin, assumed to be the Mom, carrying her dead calf while other dolphins follow behind. Although we aren't supposed to put human feelings on animals, these animals grieve.

Whale of a smile:

Antarctic's first ever whale skeleton found – a Minke Whale.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

A Few Gray (Grey) Whale Sightings and Last Minute Orca Update

After posting this we got word of some Orca, so here's the report:
Unidentified Orca
March 24:
Hi there,
Tracked two killer whales heading south off Rathtrevor Beach this afternoon – between 3:15 and 4:30.  Appeared to be a mom and baby as the little one still had some pink.  They were very slow – perhaps feeding as they would stay in one area for a while, there wold be lots of splashing and commotion and then they would move on.  At one point the adult appeared to be chasing something through the water as it was moving very fast. It was an amazing experience! Thanks
Jill


Sightings are very few...odd for this time of year. But between the rough weather on the west coast of Vancouver Island, there are some Grey Whales showing up for the Pacific Rim Grey Whale Festival in the Tofino – Ucluelet area; see reports below. There are also a few Greys showing up just South of Vancouver Island around Whidbey Island and Transient Bigg's Killer Whales also in the US San Juan Island area. No word on where those Pacific White Sided Dolphins got to. They may still be in the Sechelt - Jervis Inlet area. Keep your eyes open – there must be more whales, dolphins or porpoise out there.
To report your sighting, call our new toll free hotline: 1-877-323-9776
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Gray (or Grey) Whales

Gray Whale blows are low and heart shaped.
Feeding in shallow water, they are easy to watch from shore.
Susan MacKay, SG Images

March 23:
I didn't give a report yesterday because it was practically the same as Thursday. (rough on the water).
Today was different, we were off Salmon Beach watching two, likely male, Grey's rolling in shallow water close to the shore. They were having a great time, not sure if they were eating much or just having fun. No herring here yet so not likely that they were eating that much.
Don McBain, visiting Ucluelet

March 21:
5 greys making their way west from Sail Rock towards Mara Rock about 1:30. Mainly just backs but one tail, and fairly close to the "Lady Selkirk". More tomorrow I hope.
Don McBain, visiting Ucluelet

Gray Whale back
Blotchy patches of pigment, barnacles and mites,
the orange coloured spots, cover the whole whale.
Susan MacKay, SG Images

LINK
Zoom Sunshine Coast Magazine Spring 2013 issue just out and in digital version too. Whales and Dolphins BC has a piece in it with a few photos:

Gray Whale head
Their head shape gives them a prehistoric appearance.
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Toll Free Sightings Hotline: 1-877-323-9776

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

NEW Toll Free Number, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Links in the News

New
Toll Free Sightings Report Hotline:
1-877-323-9776

I'm pleased to announce that thanks to some of the proceeds from our first fundraiser, Whales and Dolphins BC's toll free reporting hotline is up and running! There are a few minor adjustments to be made to streamline the service, and promulgate the number. Should you encounter any problems or quirky behaviour of the system, please let us know.
It has been incredibly quiet for any whale and dolphin sightings with only a late report from the Jervis Inlet area with link to a short video clip below. Even the radio has had little traffic other than some chatter between a couple of shrimp draggers and some static. There were rumours of some other Pacific White Sided Dolphins up around the Port McNeill and Port Hardy areas, but where the ones on the Sunshine Coast got to is anyone's guess....perhaps with the new toll free, the reporters won't hesitate to call their sightings in. Some other Links in the News also below.
As this update is being typed, there were reports and warnings issued for all of Georgia Strait and lower Johnstone Strait by the Coast Guard about water spouts, the equivalent of tornadoes on the water. Wonder what the whales think of them?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins


Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Chasing feed in the setting sun
Susan MacKay, SG Images

March 15:
Link to video clip of PWS Dolphins between Saltery Bay and Earl's Cove from the ferry. Thanks to Michael Stewart for the heads up.

Links in the News

Northern Resident Orca A11, ‘Yakat’ one of the first killer whales to be photo-identified by researchers in early 1970's was found deceased near Ketchikan Alaska:

A whale of a success story: Gray whale comeback boosts business

Navy training harming whales and other marine mammals

Beached Sperm whale in Spain dies from ingesting plastic waste

The thrill of the chase: Amazing photos of the moment pod of killer whales hunts down penguin and drags it to a watery grave

To report your whale, dolphin or porpoise sighting, please call our new toll free number: 1-877-323-9776

Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Winner is....

Short post - with the link to the video clip of the draw. Congratulations to Graham Blake of Denman Island!


Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

J-Pod Sightings? Countdown - 2 Days left to Enter

After the excitement of having the Southern Resident J-pod make an appearance, (see previous report) there were a couple of sightings of possibly the same pod of Killer Whales. Although the recent reports are unconfirmed as J-pod, they have not been spotted elsewhere, so the reports are listed under Southern Resident Orca. Keep your eyes open, and please report any sightings.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Only 2 days left to enter the Draw
Draw to be held in Powell River March 16, 2013
All contributions till midnight March 15, 2013 are being entered in the draw.
Winner will be contacted directly and
name will be posted as soon as possible after.
Thank you all for your support you are making a difference!
Good luck to all!

Southern Resident Orca – all J-Pod ?

Southern Resident Orca from J-Pod
March 10, 2013
Nick Templeman, CR Whale and Bear Excursions

March 12:
5:30 pm At least 3 or 4 blows off Twin Islands (off Hernando, by Baker Pass - SM). Bit lumpy out that way, but think they're Orca.
Cam M.

March 11:
5:57 pm There are Orca in front of Comox.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

March 10:
What a magical encounter....it has been over 12 years for me to see J Pod, Ruffles was still the man when i saw them! When we first cam on scene it took a while to get a handle on the whole scene. We had only seen 4-6 animals to start but once we settled in, realized we were looking at a huge spread, well over 2-3 miles. We witnessed lots of surface activity, some longer, foraging dives. Seems they were successful in the hunt for salmon as we witnessed lots of gull activity over them in the distance in spots where they were on the surface. Hopefully getting a well deserved Spring salmon or two! They stayed quite separated the whole time...in little sub groups, so we were not able to see or photograph everyone. There was much excitement at points, breaches, double breaches, a couple times was 6-8 in a row! very happy whales.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Southern Resident Orca from J-Pod
March 10, 2013
Nick Templeman, CR Whale and Bear Excursions

The Countdown is on:
2 Days Left to Enter the Draw!
Whales and Dolphins BC needs your support through sightings information, volunteering, and financial contributions to ensure continued growth and web presence. To assist with fund raising, there will be a Random Draw for a 4 day, 3 night Cruise for Two! Every $5 worth of Donation enters your name for the draw. Support and you could win this cruise! Draw date: March 16, 2013

For those not wanting to use PayPal secure credit card services, please contact me to make other arrangements – thank you. Some other questions you might have may be answered on the FAQ's – Donate Q & A page.

Thanks to those who have contributed already – Good Luck!

Southern Resident Orca from J-Pod
March 10, 2013
Nick Templeman, CR Whale and Bear Excursions

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Orca from J-pod, Transients, and Dolphins

Southern Resident Orca made a surprise appearance. Some other Orca, assumed to be Transient Bigg's Killer Whales as well as a few Pacific White Sided Dolphins also in the report below. The Gray Whales are getting closer and have been seen at the bottom of Vancouver Island. I personally thought I spotted a couple of large Humpback or Gray whale blows out from Powell River, but could not confirm, so not an official report.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

5 days left to enter the Draw
(see link below reports)
Draw to be held in Powell River March 16, 2013
All contributions till midnight March 15, 2013 are being entered in the draw.
Thank you for your support.  Good luck to all!


Southern Resident Orca

March 10:
4:53 pm Heading off to Mitlenatch and a blow caught my eye. Initially it looked like 4 Orca, all small fins off the Green Can buoy by Wilby Shoals, then more showed up, then some more. Around 12 animals were spread from Wilby Shoals off the bottom of Quadra Island and Vancouver Island. After seeing an open saddle patch and the curved rather than pointed dorsals, as well as Resident behaviour, the Southern Residents of J-pod slowly worked their way South. There were a few breaches and bit of play – will send some photos. (Photos not received by posting time – SM) Left them still very slowly Southbound half way between Mitlenatch Island and Salmon Point at 6:25 pm.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear

Orca – Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
(most likely, but unconfirmed)

March 6:
Hi there spotted 4 whales in between Gibsons (sunshine coast) and Bowen Island heading North around 1030 am Wed March 6 2013
Sue Booth

March 7:
9 am 4 Orca were seen Southbound just off Quathiaski Cove, from the Quadra – Campbell River ferry. Apparently they were all small fins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

March 5: (rec'd 6th)
4:10 pm 3 or possibly more Pacific White Sided Dolphins were cruising close to the water taxi wake as we headed to Savary Island from Lund. They disappeared when another boat passed by, so only saw them briefly.
Geri Batchelor, Savary Island


The Countdown is on:
Whales and Dolphins BC needs your support through sightings information, volunteering, and financial contributions to ensure continued growth and web presence. To assist with fund raising, there will be a Random Draw for a 4 day, 3 night Cruise for Two! Every $5 worth of Donation enters your name for the draw. Support and you could win this cruise! Draw date: March 16, 2013

For those not wanting to use PayPal secure credit card services, please contact me to make other arrangements – thank you. Some other questions you might have may be answered on the FAQ's – Donate Q & A page.

Thanks to those who have contributed already – Good Luck!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Bigg's Killer Whales, Herring and Links in the News

With the herring spawn started, it was only a matter of time before we started to see some Cetaceans close by. Great 'spawn' report below. Lots of chatter on the radio about it too. The Orca, some unidentified, finally did make their presence known. Also a couple of links in the news.

10 days left to enter the Draw
Draw to be held in Powell River March 16, 2013
All contributions till midnight March 15, 2013 are being entered in the draw.
The winner of the cruise for two can transfer their winning to another party, should they wish. 
Good luck to all!

Although Beazley the cat would love to draw the name, it was decided that he'd probably either pull more than one name, or not pull a name at all. So, we have a young, non-contributor from out of town coming to pull the name. There will be photos and, barring technical difficulties, a video clip of the draw.

Society, budgets, and official charity status are all being worked on. It's time consuming work to produce all official and legal documents. This has caused the delay in reports being posted and responses to emails. There have also been glitches with Facebook postings. Please bear with me and continue to pass on sightings; they are all important. The web site and domain name has just been renewed for three more years. Thank you!
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
April Point – Campbell River
March 5, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

March 5:
4:50 pm T18/T19/T19B and the rest of the gang are by Walcan, Campbell River still Northbound. left them at Brown's Bay still Northbound at 5:30 pm. They did a cool, over 10 minute dive, at slack tide on Ripple Rock. Never seen that before....
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Watching

March 5:
4:25 pm 4 Orca Northbound by April point across from Campbell River. Nick found them and said they're T18/T19's. These are the best photos I got today. They were far away. Thank god for my zoom lol
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
April Point – Campbell River
March 5, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Unidentified Orca

March 4:
8:33 am Hi Susan ... there are some Orcas reported off of Harmac (Nanaimo) right now ..I'm at work there and I have a camera so I'll see if I can get a shot of them.
Derek Crook

February 25 (Rec'd Feb 28)
I got a note yesterday from one of my friends at the Bay. (Brown's Bay, just NW of Campbell River) She woke up to a Pod of Orca some morning this week in the Bay...So they are not all in the strait... Think it was Monday.
Jacquie Nevinger, via Florida

Herring Spawn

March 5:
In the meantime, a Denman "sighting", if you will. Not whales sadly, but the herring spawn began this week on March 3. A sure sign of spring around these parts. Here are a few photos. Feel free to share one or all or none wherever you wish. Hope to get some more wildlife instead of just fishing fleet shots before the spawn is over. The sea lions, seals, eagles, and sea birds come in droves for this event. Unfortunately they weren't in the immediate vicinity of the fleet when I was out with my camera. I honestly wonder why the herring spawn doesn't bring in the Biggs. It is a sea mammal buffet.
Graham Blake, Denman Island

Herring Fisheries off Denman Island
March 3, 2013
Graham Blake, Denman Island

Additional information heard through radio chatter is that there have been huge schools of herring in Comox harbour, Qualicum, and mostly over on the Vancouver Island side of Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Links in the News

Marine Protected Areas and Protecting our oceans: On February 5, 2013, the federal government’s environmental watchdog released a report suggesting that Canada has a long way to go to protect our coastal ecosystems and oceans. Canada has only protected one per cent of our oceans, while Australia and the United States are well on their way to meeting ocean conservation goals (at 40 and eight per cent respectively). Video clip and more on the David Suzuki Foundation website at: http://action2.davidsuzuki.org/spend-a-little-save-a-lot

The longest of the video clips of Orca, sea lions and surfers in close to shore off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. There were reports on the news that these Orca were hunting the sea lions, but I have yet to see sea lions swimming towards and with Transient Bigg's Killer Whales..... They usually get as far away and as high up onto rocks as they can when T's are in the neighbourhood and on the hunt. They all, except for the surfers, appear to be chasing herring close in to shore. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOtntDW0KnM

The Countdown is on:
Whales and Dolphins BC needs your support through sightings information, volunteering, and financial contributions to ensure continued growth and web presence. To assist with fund raising, there will be a Random Draw for a 4 day, 3 night Cruise for Two! Every $5 worth of Donation enters your name for the draw. Support and you could win this cruise! Draw date: March 16, 2013

For those not wanting to use PayPal secure credit card services, please contact me to make other arrangements – thank you. Some other questions you might have may be answered on the FAQ's – Donate Q & A page.

Thanks to those who have contributed already – Good Luck!