Have You Seen Any of These?

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Orca, Minke, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Porpoise and Links - WOWs

Delayed report due to work on the web site. Our Transient Bigg's Killer Whales headed out of the inside waters...we think. They certainly sped through Seymour Narrows at around 20 knots and were seen as far away as Port Hardy! There is one report of Transient Bigg's Orca still in the area. Southern Resident Killer Whales in Haro Strait, Minke Report, Humpback Whales heading up the coast, while a few Pacific White Sided Dolphins are still around and a few Dall's porpoise disappearing from Orca. During one whale watching tour, there was an unusual rescue of a duck! And last, but not least, a couple of Links in the News. Read On:

Web site workings are to promote our involvement in the Powell River Sea Fair! We have a Whale Watching Journey from one of our regular contributors, Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours who has Donated two 6 hour tours as a fundraiser for Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs), our governing body. Thank you Garry! Entries can be made on line or by visiting our table at Powell River's 50th Sea Fair 2013.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

Humpback Whale
June 25, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

June 25:
9 am Sailboat arrived in at marina in the evening reported seeing 3 Orca doing circles off Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island in morning.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 23:
11:19 am 6 Orca Southbound at Grant's Reef off Savary Island headed towards Texada.
Pleasure boat fishing over radio

June 23:
Just after 12 pm I went looking for the reported whales and spent over 45 minutes drifting with the hydrophone down looking for the Orca spotted earlier. When I saw the 6 Dall's Porpoise (see report below), I thought perhaps they had been mistaken for Orca. This would not be the first time since they are both black and white. I did think I heard a couple of distant calls over the various boat sounds, but couldn't be sure, so headed back to the harbour in the rain.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 23:
3:30 pm 8 – 10 Orca 5 miles South of Savary Island and 6 miles West of Harwood Northbound. They're off Grant's Reef heading towards Sentry Shoals slowly.
3:55 pm There's 1 calf – pretty small and 4 big males for sure. The total count is between 12 to 14 Orca and headed Northbound. There were roughly 12 animals and one had a calf that still had the yellow-orange in it's white patches.
Jeffrey Smith, MV David B, Northwest Navigation

June 23:
8:36 pm 12 to 20 Orca off Whilby Shoals, sort of Northbound – can't decide which way to go.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 23:
8:38 pm 14 or more Orca Northbound in front of We Wai Kai village (Cape Mudge Village) now. From Father in law.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 23:
At 2100hr Tonight, a Group of at least 5 Orcas passed our campsite at Cape Mudge opposite Campbell River. Video Clip attached.
(Unfortunately I cannot post the video clip directly into this report or it would not go to our subscribers due to oversized document for emails. I can post links though, but do not have one for this at this time. - SM)
Peter Damhuis

June 23:
9:40 pm The Orca, numbers between 22 – 25 sped through Seymour Narrows at 20 knots! The last group were left still Northbound (West) at Brown's Bay. Saw T101/102's and T02C's for sure.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Southern Resident Killer Whales

June 21:
4.30pm We found members of L Pod , L 41, ' Mega ' and the rest of the L 12 family group, foraging off San Juan Island.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca Magic

Humpback Whales

Humpback known as BCY0409 “Yogi”
June 21, 2013
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca- Magic

June 25:
9:03 am Humpback Whale Southbound at Cinq Islands, Discovery Passage.
11:50 am Almost to Brown's Bay now on Vancouver Island shoreline, still Southbound.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 25:
10:50 am Humpback Whale Southbound at 9 foot Bay (Donkey Bay) from Jen.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 25:
2:48 pm Humpback Whale in back eddy by Maude Island. Hit the current and pushed him back to Race Point. Big tides, and he's still trying to buck the tide. A few minutes later, he turned South, again by Race Point mid channel.
3:18 pm Left Humpback Middle Point near Duncan Bay close to Vancouver Island side.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 24:
10:14 am Humpback Whale off the red can buoy at Cape Mudge. Apparently breaching and stuff from Coastwild.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 24:
10:13 am Humpback at Red Can Buoy off Cape Mudge.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 21:
5 pm We also (in addition to the SRKW report) found a small, lone Humpback whale was foraging off Hein Bank.
Although the photo is not in high resolution, I was able to identify the Humpback as BCY0409 “Yogi” - SM
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca- Magic

Minke Whales

June 19:
We saw two illusive Minke whales near Darcy Island Haro Strait.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca Magic

Minke Whale
June 19, 2013
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca Magic

Pacific White Sided Dolphins


June 27:
11:45 am 12 or so PWS Dolphins by Chatham Point just milling. With Jen.
Shaun, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 27:
2:20 pm 40 or so PWS Dolphins running, well, swimming, back and forth and being active intermittently at Turn Island right where Discovery Pass and Johnstone Strait meet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 26:
9:45 am about 40 PWS Dolphins by Chatham Point Lightstation no direction.
Radio

June 26:
1:28 pm 6 Dolphins in Cordero / Blind Channel area being elusive.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 25:
2:30 pm 20 PWS Dolphins Southbound by Davis Point Nodales Channel.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 25:
3:30 pm 20 PWS Dolphins left them by Howe Island in Okisollo Channel Eastbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 24:
9:20 am Small group of 6 to 8 PWS Dolphins of Coho Point, Texada.
Radio

June 24:
1 pm 15 to 20 PWS Dolphins spread out by Cinq Islands, Discovery Pass in smaller groups.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 24:
2 pm Leaving the PWS Dolphins spread out over 2 miles from Okisollo Channel to McMullen Point in Discovery Passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 23:
9:30 am Dolphins at Chatham Point to Nodales Channel.
Radio

June 23:
12:40 pm 6 PWS Dolphins are inbound against the tide at sealion rock by Sonora.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

June 23:
3:20 pm Sounds like Discovery Marine Safaris have the PWS Dolphins at Davis Point in Nodales Channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Dall's Porpoise

June 23:
Around 1:15 pm While heading out to search for the reported Orca, I spotted 6 Dall's Porpoise Northbound in a hurry past the Powell River mill.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC


Unusual Sea Rescue

Muscovy Duck
Rescued June 23, 2013
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 23:
4:15 pm A Muscovy Duck was off Cape Mudge in the tide rips getting bombed by Bald Eagles. He literally crawled over the transom of our boat! We contacted Avian Rescue who organized a pick up in Black Creek. He/she may have a slight case of hypothermia, so they will put him/her on a heating pad and build a shelter for recovery.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions


Links in the News

A new type of killer whale has been discovered off the coast of New Zealand. The whale has been classified as Orcinus orca Type D. The killer whale is characterized by a very small white eye-patch and bulbous forehead. (Please note that the photo used for this article is NOT the Type D Orca – I am waiting for a photo to share with you. - SM)

Video: Rare, majestic Right Whale spotted off B.C. coast for first time in 62 years!

Enter to WIN a Whale Watching Journey: http://whalesanddolphinsbc.com/win-at-sea-fair-2013/


Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise? Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report. Every sighting report is valuable!

Whales and Dolphins BC is officially the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Minke Whales, Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Orca seemed to pop up all over the place, but not today. Report from the North Coast may have been Northern Resident Orca that were known to be up that way. Minke Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and possible Porpoise round out this report instalment.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Orca Spy Hop
June 18, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 21:
2:50 pm 4 Orca just popped up heading to Grief Point, Powell River Southbound. Definitely 1 big male.
Liz and Ted Douglas, Powell River

June 21:
Around 2:45 - 3 pm 8 or more Orca were heading Southbound towards Grief Point in two groups. There were two big males. We were walking along the Powell River Sea Wall and didn't take binoculars or camera. They were moving at a steady pace.
Steve Grover, Powell River

June 21:
3:25 pm Sounds like it might be the T018's/T019's off Grief Point, Powell River. Brother-in-law said Southbound.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 20:
Around 9:45 am Report of small fin Orca at Gypsy Shoal in Okisollo Channel Westbound from water taxi. Apparently 1 large fin in group.
1241 pm Found Orca at Brown's Bay Southbound mid-channel.
1:50 pm Orca now at April Point, Discovery Passage doing 9.25 knots by Quathiaski Cove.
2:41 pm They did a split with T019B heading towards Shelter Point and T018's by the red can buoy (bottom of Cape Mudge area). Left T019B 2 miles off the beach by Shelter Point at 2:58 pm still Southbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 20:
12:39 pm T018's/T019's Southbound by Brown's Bay mid-channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 20:
11:22 am 3 Orca inside Okeover Inlet (behind Lund- SM) 1 big fin, two smaller. They've been in Okeover Inlet for around 1 hour so far. They've gone all the way to the head of the inlet. Not the same ones as Monday, 17th (see report below).
Susan Hanson, Okeover Inlet

June 20:
1:28 pm Orca now by mill, Discovery Passage
Kurt Staples, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 20:
3 pm Leaving the T018's still Southbound still angling towards Mitlenatch.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 20:
3:54 pm Orca in Tenedos Bay, Desolation Sound
Gordie Coles, Savary/Lund

June 19:
10 am Orca just rounding Grief Point from sport fishing boats on radio.
10:42 am Orca Northbound towards Powell River mill doing long dives. Only saw them a couple more times closer to Atrevida Reef.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Bigg's Orca off Harwood
June 18, 2013
Steve Grover, Powell River

June 19:
10:30 am 2 or more Orca; 1 big male in front of Westview, Powell River Northbound.
Steve Grover, Powell River

June 19:
1:14 pm Just spotted 2 Orca west of Vivian Island off Harwood Island heading west, didn't look like they were in a hurry, just cruising along.
Robin Buckley, Prawn Boat, Lora Jan

June 18:
9:30 am 6 Orca Southbound by Harwood spit, off Powell River. I've attached one image from this morning' sightings. The rest were too blurry because the boat was bouncing around quite a bit. I'm pretty sure there were 6 Orca in total but they cruised by my boat fairly quickly and I was scrambling to find the camera. Looked like 2 males and I didn't see any small ones. No salmon today, not even a bite, I guess jelly fish don't count.
Steve Grover, Powell River

June 18:
9:45 am Why do Orca always stop behind a tree that's in my line of sight? Once they cleared the tree, I saw them hug the Harwood Island shore angling towards Rebecca Rocks, then cut across to Texada after the ferries had cleared. I lost track of them by the Blubber Bay light where they were resting for a while. I counted 6 Orca too.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 18:
11:10 am 5 – 6 Orca Whale Channel side of Penn Islands Southbound.
11:41 am Orca by the center top Penn Islands.
Radio

June 18:
12 pm Orca still Southbound and hunting at the bottom of Penn Islands. 10 Orca confirmed including 3 big fins.
12:43 pm Hill Island, Sutil Channel resting, travelling and some hunting. They turned North. T018's, T019B, T019C and others.
Shaun & Mark, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 18:
3:16 pm Orca close to Baker Pass heading towards Mitlenatch about 5 knots.
Radio

June 18:
4:28 pm Left Orca 3.5 miles North of Mitlenatch slowly Southbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 17:
8 pm 5+ Orca came into Okeover Inlet. One big male had a curved fin. They were in the Inlet till dark.
Susan Hanson, Okeover Inlet

June 17:
ID's from yesterday are the T018's/19's/23's and T121A (same as May 31st off Storries Beach)
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Believed to be the Northern Resident Orca spotted up that way, but unconfirmed - SM

June 16:
6:30 am Orcas near Bella Bella. While trolling, I observed a small group of Orcas in Lama Pass, 6km south of Bella Bella, at about 6:30 am on June 16. Two were close together and had small dorsal fins and the third, with a very distinctive, tall, inverted V shaped dorsal fin, stayed quite apart from them. They came up Lama Pass from the southeast and appeared to retreat back in the same direction.
I heard from two other sources that large pods of Orcas were sighted in Seaforth Channel, west of Bella Bella, on the 16th and 17th - from 10 in one sighting to 25 in another)
Vic Gladish, Bella Bella
Minke Whales

Minke Whale with some critter attached
June 15, 2013
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca Magic

June 15: (rec'd 18th)
We had two Minke whales Saturday June 15, around 2pm, off Salmon Bank off San Juan Island.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca Magic

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 22:
11:40 am 20 PWS Dolphins in Okisollo Channel heading to Discovery Passage.
2:45 pm 15-20 Dolphins by Kanish Bay.
3:30 pm Large group of playful PWS Dolphins by Walcan (Campbell River)
4:15 pm 30 about PWS Dolphins off mill (Campbell River)
Radio

June 22:
12:09 pm Just leaving 10 PWS Dolphins milling by Elk Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 22:
4:30 pm 30 PWS Dolphins at Orange Point, Seymour Narrows. Quite playful, just left them.
Mark, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 21:
3 pm 20 Dolphins in Nodales Channel.
Radio

June 21:
4:25 pm 40 to 45 PWS Dolphins between Rock Bay and Chatham Point foraging. They had come out of Nodales Channel about 45 min prior.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 20:
3:44 pm 8 PWS Dolphins Southbound slowly at Whiskey Point, just South of Quathiaski Cove. They're running about 200 meters off the beach.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 18:
10:10 am 6 PWS Dolphins by Denham Island.
Radio

June 18:
12:44 pm 6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel by Whaletown, Cortez Island.
Mark, Discovery Marine Safaris

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
June 20, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Porpoise ?

June 21:
10 am Some Porpoise at Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise? Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report. Every sighting report is valuable!

Whales and Dolphins BC is officially the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Orcastravaganza! Speeding Orcas get top billing.

Orcastravaganza! Transient Bigg's Killer Whales certainly reappeared in numbers; although the ones that went Vancouver's Burrard Inlet did not come back up this way, many others appeared in the upper Georgia Strait. Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall's and Harbour Porpoise round out the sightings, while there are a few links of interest after the reports.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!


Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Young Orca Breach
June 17, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 17:
10:46 am 3 Small fin Orca at Breton Islands, just off Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island Southbound.
Found larger groups in afternoon and left them at 3:52 pm heading for Lund. 3 Orca from the group split off and going on the West side of Hernando Island Southbound.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 17:
12:45 pm A couple of groups of Orca including T19B in one group of 7-8 Orca. The T19B group are angling towards Marina Island from Quadra while another group of Orca are farther up by Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island.
12:49 pm Another 4 Orca angling towards Marina Island now so probably 12 Orca at least.
1pm They're Southbound running 1 nautical mile off the North end of Marina Island shoreline.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 17:
3:10 pm 2 or 3 groups of Orca worked their way down Marina Island towards Baker Pass and Hernando Island.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 17:
4:52 pm Orca heading for Kinghorn Island from friend.
5:15 pm Found 5 Orca, T18's/19B between Sarah Point, above Lund and Squirrel Cove, Cortez Island. Heading up Lewis Channel.
6:14 pm 3 more Orca just showed up – we're almost to Teakerne Arm. So the count is up to 8 Orca.
7:14 pm 2 more Orca just came smoking in!! They came from below us somewhere. So total is now 9 or 10 Orca. We're leaving them now at Bullock Bluff, the top of Lewis Channel. Don't know which way they'll turn.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 16:
7:45 am 5 to 6 Orca heading South at the fishing Hump off Cape Mudge.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 16:
10:57 am 3 Orca – one very large male out in front of the Powell River Harbour.
Elizabeth Tenhoeve, Powell River

Transient Bigg's On the Move
June 16, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

June 16:
10:48 am Orca Northbound in front of Powell River! Grabbed camera and gear and out the door (after answering Elizabeth's called in report above). As we, Elizabeth came with me, headed out of the harbour, we spotted T020 the big male first, just off the Powell River Mill. There were 10-12 Orca spread out and later ID's proved to include the T077's. They took their time slowly picking up the pace once they were on the South side shoals of Savary Island. The call from Dee (report below) came in just as the whales we were with started to pick up the pace. A number of whale watching boats from Campbell River came down to check out the whales and while one headed back towards Campbell River came upon yet another group of Orca (report below). All the Orca met up and turned South speeding up as they went.
3:10 pm Around 22+ Orca sped Southwest past Harwood and Vivian Islands towards Denman and Hornby Islands. They were running about 10-12 knots, so actual counts were difficult, even with photos as they seemed to just keep coming and popping up as they porpoised along.
3 pm Noticed that T020 was continuing Northbound up the mainland shore towards Lund, well away from the rest of the whales. I didn't notice any others with him.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 16:
11:18 am There is a pod of Orcas heading south east, should be around the top end of Grants Reef (between Savary and Vivian Islands) about now. We never got close but in the binoculars we could see them breaching, doesn't look like a huge pod, maybe 5-10. Hope they continue south and I see them on the way home!
Robin Buckley, Prawn boat; Lora Jan
June 16:
1:16 pm 5 – 6 Orca are breaching and tail lobs right in front of our place! The little one did some head stands that looked like he/she was figuring out that the tail needs to be below the water to swim. It looked like they were having a great time.
Dee Ingraham, Savary Island

June 16:
2:01 pm Another large group of active Orca close to Sentry Shoal – breaching.
Shaun, Discovery Marine Safaris
June 16:
3:10 pm T020 was still Northbound on the East side of Savary Island. He picked up the pace to 6-7 knots by Lund where we left him still alone at 4:38 pm.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 16:
Around 7 pm 3 Orca - T020, T021 and T077A just off Teakerne Arm in Lewis Channel. Left them around 9 pm still Westbound up Lewis Channel. Sleepy travel with some searching, but no kills.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 15:
Our dream came true today. When travelling to Narrows Inlet this morning, we saw Killer Whales in Sechelt Inlet, south of Storm Bay around 10 am, and then on our return journey around 1 pm they were on the west side of the inlet across from Tuwanek. It was wonderful! I never thought we would get to see them in Sechelt Inlet. We videotaped them and have sent it on to youtube (see link below). They may be the same group that was spotted near Stanley Park yesterday? (How exciting for you!! These were the same Orca I had in front of Powell River in the last report, and no, these ones did not go to Vancouver. Did you see them head out the inlet? - SM)
Joan Bech, Roberts Creek

June 15:
4 pm Fishing Guide reports he saw 7 Orca Westbound from Sutil Island towards the Southern tip of Reid Island.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

June 15:
At 8:40 PM mother and calf orca and maybe another are 3km E of Grant Reefs (between Savary Island / Harwood)buoy and going SE. It is too far for me to see much detail.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island

June 10 (rec'd June 15):
Evening I subscribe to your web site and was one of the lucky people out fishing near Lund when the whales came through. I had my canon rebel with zoom lens and took a lot of pics of them. I have good shots of the male who swam with a female always by his side, a ways beside them was, I believe 3-4 females and a younger one and then a real baby. I was so busy taking photos that I never really counted them. We followed them for three hours all the way to Atrevida reef. At one point when they passed Savary Island another pod I think with 3 for sure a male and a female and not sure if the other was smaller, they all came together and then travelled down the coast towards Powell River in two groups. I have lived here for over 50 years and always was on the coast or water in a boat, and I have never seen a performance of such happy whales. So I was just wondering if anyone has identified this group and if I showed you a close up of the male and his saddle would you be able to tell what group they are? (see Photo) This was Monday evening June 10 2013
Dymph Vander Maeden, Lund

T020 and Breaching Calf
June 10, 2013
Dymph Vander Maeden, Lund

Humpback Whales

June 17:
9:20 am Humpback Whale just off Cape Mudge, not sure which direction he/she is heading.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 17:
10:18 am Humpback Whale right in front of Big Rock in Campbell River; Northbound.
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 17:
11:50 am Humpback Whale about half a mile off the beach off the Cape Mudge Village was Northbound towards Seymour Narrows.
12:05 pm Left the medium sized Humpback just above Quathiaski Cove slowly Northbound.
10:47 am got a Facebook message from a friend in Toba Inlet that there are Humpbacks and Porpoise in the inlet today.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 17:
3:43 pm Humpback Southbound by Browns Bay above Campbell River.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 17:
4:20 pm Humpback by McMullen Point Westbound towards Chatham Point.
Steve, FV Sleepwalker relayed through Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

June 16:
10:30 am No confirmation, but 2 Humpbacks reported West of the fishing hump off Cape Mudge – heading North.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 15:
9 to 9:30 pm Observed Humpback whale heading west; 1 km out from Douglas Bay (Brew Bay South of Powell River).
Bob and Laura Johnson, Powell River

Humpback Whale
June 17, 2013
Garry

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 17:
no time given. 6 PWS Dolphins by Seymour Narrows.
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 17:
5:15 pm Dolphins by Hole in the Wall, Sonora Island.
5:50 pm Playful PWS Dolphins by Chatham Point Lightstation.
Radio

June 16:
11:50 am 20+ PWS Dolphins by Hall Point in Nodales Channel.
Radio

June 16:
6:19 pm 20 PWS Dolphins by Deepwater Bay, Campbell River area.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 15:
12:32 pm 25 PWS Dolphins just milling about in Brown's Bay, North of Campbell River. Just left them.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 15:
2:50 pm 20 PWS Dolphins Brown's Bay milling and foraging – no direction.
Mark, Discovery Marine Safaris

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

June 17:
5:50 pm Some Dall's Porpoise by Chatham Point Lightstation.
Radio

June 16:
Time: One little Harbour Porpoise just off Mystery Reef Northbound getting away from the Orca.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC


Links

Orca in Sechelt Inlet June 15 from Joan Bech:

Some photograph work by Bryant Austin on underwater shots of whales.

9 Types of Dolphins You Didn’t Even Know Existed:

Orca (T86's and T101's) in Vancouver Harbour June 14:
BCTV:

CBC:

Global BC:

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise? Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report. Every sighting report is valuable!

The official governing non-profit society of Whales and Dolphins BC is
Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Friday, June 14, 2013

Transient Bigg's Orca, Grey Whale, Dolphins, Porpoise, S Resident Killer Whales, Minke Whale

Whales, no Whales days, but the Pacific White Sided Dolphins are around avoiding Transient Bigg's Killer Whales. A Grey Whale disappeared when the Orca showed up. Some Dall's and Harbour Porpoise seem to pop up when the Orca are far enough away, or when they manage to get away from them. Couple of late reports including reports of Minke, Southern Resident Orca and Harbour Porpoise in the San Juan Islands.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Bigg's Orca
June 13, 2013
Myrna, Powell River

June 13:
8 am-ish 2 Transient Bigg's Killer Whales reported Southbound in Lewis Channel by fisherman.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Resort

June 13:
12:14 pm 6+ Orca South of Rebecca Rocks, Powell River. Looks like they're angling North towards Coho Point, Texada Island. Doing long dives and taking their time. A few Dall's Porpoise raced up ahead of the Orca. 12:40 pm The Orca stopped with a few slaps on the water and with the hydrophone down all this time, they finally got very chatty. This is usual after a kill or when they're socializing. Couldn't see them or their blows for around 20 minutes! At 1:15 pm 3 Harbour Porpoise came up from the direction of the Orca and stopped close by the skiff to catch their breath before continuing past. The Orca then appeared to turn South where I could see blows heading Denman and Hornby Islands. There was one large male together with a couple of females and a possible calf when I first spotted them and the last blows were from two large males.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 13:
3:15 pm 2 Orca Southbound by Havannah Point, Texada Island.
Commercial Tug Boat

June 13:
3:41 pm 4 or 5 Orca popped up as we rounded Harwood Island heading South towards the harbour. It looked like there were 2 males and 3 smaller fins, but too spread out between Harwood and the Powell River mill, and no time left to spend with them to confirm. They moved at a pretty good pace, doing long dives and the last blows seen were headed towards VanAnda, Texada Island as we headed into Westview harbour.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 13:
About 5 pm 4 Orca – picked them up just off VanAnda and left them about 6:50 pm just off Myrtle Point still Southbound.
Mark, Discovery Marine Safaris


June 13:
6:45 pm These whales just passed by the house, south of town, Whalen Road, Powell River, going south.
Myrna, Powell River

June 12:
12:15 pm Large group of Transient Bigg's off Nanaimo from Simon.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 11:
8 am Report of 1 large fin Orca from someone on the ferry from Quadra to Campbell River. No direction.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 11:
8 am Couple of big male Orca – but couldn't hear where the boaters were.
Radio

June 10:
8:15 pm 12+ Orca breaching, rolling around, tail slapping and just having a great time by Dinner Rock, just South of Lund. Lots of boats out there fishing – getting a great show. (Their huge splashes and even their blows could be seen from Powell River glistening in the sunshine for almost an hour. They appeared to head North. SM)
John and Joan Treen, Savary Island

Transient Bigg's Orca T20 & Friends
June 8, 2013
Michael Matthews, Okeover Inlet

June 8 (rec'd June 10):
Five whales headed up Okeover Inlet about 4 pm, and then out again an hour later. One very large fin (but definitely not ‘Captain Hook’), three smaller fins and one very young calf. Photo of all but the calf attached. They might be the same family which came up the inlet in April, but T40 (‘Captain Hook’) was definitely not with them this time. (Thank you so much for that report....we wondered where they went. The big male is known as T020, you may have noticed other photos of him in the Sightings reports. I would like to post your photo with credit to you, if that's OK. It shows others that they too can see them from shore, not just boats. Thanks again for the report and looking forward to getting more updates. SM)
Michael Matthews, Okeover Inlet

June 5 (rec'd June 10):
6:30 pm approximately 4 Orca close to Sarah Point. Male = T20 (highly probable)
They stayed close in to shore while we watched them even after they passed us. I can't be absolutely 100% positive but I don't think they turned into Desolation Sound. We headed back to Lund after about 20 minutes. We were on a dinner cruise. We saw evidence of their catch, a large chunk, in the water near the boat. Liz Kennedy


Grey (Gray) Whale

June 10:
8:15 am A Grey Whale – yes, lighter grey than a Humpback and very splotchy grey / white patches surfaced three times. I heard it once and saw it twice from the yard as it headed Northbound by Albion (Black) Point, just South of Powell River.
Bill Taylor, Powell River

San Juans SRKWs, Minke Whale and Harbour Porpoise

June 6 (rec'd June 10):
We had some good looks at Harbour Porpoise traveling fast away from the Ocean Magic on June 6/13 as well as 3 Minke Whales off in the distance at Salmon Bank June 6th. Same day we saw the L 22's , a family of three Orca traveling slowly along the west side of San Juan Island. Apparently all of L pod came into these waters earlier in the week. I have only seen the L12's and the L22's so far.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic

Transient Bigg's Orca T20
June 5, 2013
Liz Kennedy

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 14:
3:13 pm Small group of maybe 10 PWS Dolphins at Bodega Point, Kanish Bay area of Discovery Passage.
Shaun, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 13:
5:59 pm 150 or so PWS Dolphins by Deepwater Bay, Discovery Pass. 6:27 pm leaving Dolphins Northbound at No Name Creek.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 12:
7:45 am A few PWS Dolphins at the Eastern mouth of Hole in the Wall.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Resort

June 12:
1:17 pm 3 PWS Dolphins at Deepwater Bay, above Campbell River milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 12:
2:40 pm 6 or so PWS Dolphins McMullen Point milling. Stayed with them till 2:52 pm. They continued to forage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 12:
3:22 pm 4 PWS Dolphins at Brown's Bay Southbound to Orange Point now.
Shaun, Discovery Marine Safaris

June 11:
1 pm PWS Dolphins at Henrietta Point Northbound Stewart Island from DMS.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 11:
2:40 pm 20 PWS Dolphins in lower Bute Inlet by Fawn Bluffs.
Radio

June 11:
3:37 pm 10 PWS Dolphins milling about at Jimmy Judd Island, Gillard Pass in the Yucalta Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 11:
4 pm 8 PWS Dolphins at Orange Point, Discovery Passage foraging.
6 pm About the same number of PWS Dolphins at Jimmy Judd Island off Sonora Lodge.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 10:
12:45 pm 15 or so PWS Dolphins by Church house, Stuart Island, just milling.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 10:
4:11 pm 12 PWS Dolphins in Bute Inlet 3 miles in.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Dall's Porpoise


June 14:
4 pm 5 Dall's Porpoise by Denham Island above the Yucalta Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 13:
12:40 pm Around 8 Dall's Porpoise raced up the NW side of Texada ahead of some Orca. They slowed down as they headed around Coho Point.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 12:
2:50 pm 1 lone Dall's Porpoise spotted by Gomer Island at the top of Nodales Channel.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

Harbour Porpoise

Harbour Porpoise
June 6, 2013
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic

June 13:
1:15 pm 3 Harbour Porpoise came up to and stopped on the opposite side of the skiff from the direction of the Orca. They rested on the surface for a moment or two as if to catch their breath, then slowly continued NE towards Harwood Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

June 11:
2:41 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise by Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
No time given: 2 Harbour Porpoise in Bute Inlet by Arran Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 10:
4:09 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise at the East end of Hole in the Wall.
6:17 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise in Okisollo Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours


And a bit of Text Humor – don't you love autocorrect?:
8 Amish Orca spotted...
2 Herb Porpoise...
Yes, these are corrected in the above reports – SM


Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise? Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report. Every sighting report is valuable!

The official governing non-profit society of Whales and Dolphins BC is
Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Cetacean Sightings: Transient Bigg's Orca Popping up and Four other Species

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales popping up everywhere! Other Cetacean sightings in this report include Southern Resident Orca, Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and some Dall's Porpoise.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Bigg's Orca Mom and Young Calf
June 9, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 9:
Approx. 11:20 am Orca reported (3rd hand and relayed) at the “top end” of Cortez Island. Jos Krijnen and Garry Henkel

June 9:
1:03 pm 10+ Orca found between Cortez Island and Center Islet by Plunger Pass.
They are in small groups spread out at least 16 of them.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 9:
1:50 pm Another group of 4 or 5 Orca in Whale Pass slowly Northbound towards Calm Channel / Rendezvous Islands. Looks like a very small calf with them.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 9:
1:59 pm Rest of the 20 or so Orca are by the scallop farm off Quadra island, Sutil Channel side. 2:15 pm left the T18's and T19B 1 mile North of Francisco Point, 400 meters off the Quadra Island shore. Southbound.
3 pm Headed to Whale Pass and left the 4 Orca plus small calf circumnavigating Penn Island by Cortez. Don't think this is a new calf, since it doesn't appear to have the usual orangy tinge, but it is small.
4:28 pm 1 Orca at the North end of Cortez Island. Seen it two times and then not again....phantom female Orca.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 9:
8:20 pm Found 12-14 Orca between Penn Islands and Bullock Bluff off the North-West side of Cortez Island. For sure we had T86A's and T20. T20 breached 5 times with the sun (glaring) behind! Left them doing donuts in the same spot and my way back 9:16 pm. Will look at photos for other ID's back at the barn.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 8:
9:16 am 3 Orca Southbound at Seymour Narrows...bucking the tide. Reported from Richard at Painter's Lodge; relayed:
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 8:
9:18 am 3 Killer Whales Southbound at Seymour Narrows.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 8:
10 am 4 Orca by Mystery Reef, Savary Island headed North towards Mace Point/Major Rock slowly. There's 1 big male and 1 small calf – looks quite brown in colour.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island

June 8:
12:10 pm T101's and T102 Southbound at Orange Point, Campbell River.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

June 8:
2:55 pm Leaving Orca between Mitlenatch and Sentry Shoal. They're mid channel going 6 knots Southbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 7:
9:18 pm 2 Orca heading North in front of the 50th parallel marker in Campbell River.
Shaun, Discovery Marine Safaris

Transient Bigg's Orca T20
June 6, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 6:
11:30 AM today two Orcas were proceeding close to the mainland (500m) going NW by Savary's eastern point (Mace Point). They appeared to be a large bull and a smaller male. I spotted the Orcas from my boat while fishing. Unfortunately did not have my camera. The Orcas seemed to be heading steadily NW ward. This would be the second time I have seen Orca from my boat.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island

June 5:
11:55 am Orca Northbound in Malaspina Strait.
3:44 pm 4 Orca between Rona and the Red Can Buoy, Willow Point area below Campbell River angling towards Vancouver Island shore.
5:30 pm 5 Orca Southbound by Sentry Shoal, SW of Savary Island.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

June 5:
12:13 pm Some Orca right out in front of Westview Harbour in Powell River. At least one big male and a couple of females. They're angling straight in towards shore.
1:15 pm Could see 4 of them Northbound – looks like they're heading towards the Powell River mill.
John and Joan Treen, Powell River

June 5:
A short time later, they're just below Atrevida Reef, but North of Sliammon.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 5:
There were 4 Orca including T20 (photo) and T86's doing long dives and continuing North slowly. Around 5 pm they stopped for a seal snack, a couple of breaches and spy hops. 6 pm I left the Orca in Thulin Pass by the Copeland Islands still Northbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours
June 5:
A small pod of about 4 Orcas at 7:15 pm between Piper's Lagoon and The Shack Islands in Nanaimo. Two adults and possibly a juvenile or two, we were on kayak and they surprised us as much as we surprised them. They surfaced twice before disappearing. We were about 50 ft away and as many times as I've seen them, they're beautiful, majestic and frightening. We were close enough to see details in they're markings. They were headed north when we initially saw them but lost sight after they submerged. They most likely headed out to more open water as they were extremely close to the shore and there were a few motor boats in the immediate area.
Kris McParland

June 4:
Loggers I spoke to in Ramsay Arm, above Desolation Sound saw some Orca in close to the logging operation and witnessed what they felt may have been the birth of a calf. They saw an extremely tiny calf very pink and orange.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

Southern Resident Killer Whales

Southern Resident Orca Jpod
June 1, 2013
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic

June 1:
Saturday's group of J Pod, June 1st, traveling past San Juan Island at 1.30pm. Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic


May 31:
2 pm 'Blackberry ', J 27 was ID on his way south with other members of J Pod as they travelled down Haro Strait this afternoon. They were moving fast and well spread out, L 87, Onyx who always travels with Spieden, J 8 was also ID. Photo
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic

Humpback Whales

June 9:
2-3 humpback whales at junction of Raymond Pass and Seaforth Channel, west of Bella Bella; several breaches close to shore. The whales appeared to be moving west across the top of Raymond Pass but at least 1 was just hanging out in a small cove and then at the confluence of the two bodies of water – lots of tide and wind stirring up the waters.
Vic Gladish, Bella Bella

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

June 9:
3:20 pm 15 or so PWS Dolphins at the East side of Hole in the Wall.
Mario, Campbell River Whale Watching

June 7:
3 pm 12 or so PWS Dolphins foraging by Granite Point, Discovery Passage.
3:35 pm Around 100 PSW Dolphins by Separation Head, fast foraging and feeding back and forth. They went right into Brown's Bay. Left them still running back and forth at 4 pm by Brown's Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 6:
10:14 am Around 20 PWS Dolphins by Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio

June 6:
12:18 pm 25 – 30 PWS Dolphins Westbound in Cordero Channel by Cordero Lodge. Left them 12:45 pm by Erasmus Island almost at Greene Point Rapids.
12:55 pm Another 4 more PWS Dolphins by Sonora Point, top of Nodales Channel.
4:10 pm Another 8-9 PWS Dolphins at Marina Reef, by Cortez Island, Northbound and foraging.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
June 5, 2013
Campbell River Whale Watching

Dall's Porpoise

June 9:
3:56 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise in the East entrance to Hole in the Wall – they're jetting South.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale Watching and Grizzly Bear Tours

June 7:
1:30 pm Some Dall's Porpoise in Seymour Narrows.
Radio

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise? Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report. Every sighting report is valuable!

The official governing non-profit society of Whales and Dolphins BC is
Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)