Have You Seen Any of These?

Friday, September 27, 2013

1000 Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient Bigg's Killer Whales, Humpbacks, Minke, Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

Just when you wonder where the Transient Bigg's Orca got to, they pop up. Pacific White Sided Dolphins are in huge numbers, giving way for many reports. They've mostly managed to stay clear of the Bigg's Orca. A few Humpback Whales are now being noticed working their way South in the inside waters. I would expect us to have more reports of these Southbound Humpbacks transiting our inside waters over the next while.
For those interested in my winter Hummingbirds, the first of my winter Anna's Hummingbirds have arrived back to the feeder.
There is a link below to a video clip of a group of around 20 Transient Bigg's Killer Whales attacking a small Blue Whale. The harsh realities of nature.
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 Killer Whale T10
September, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 27:
2:44 pm 3 to 5 Orca milling about in Race Passage just below Kelsey Bay.
Pacific Yellowfin

September 26:
9:43 am 2 or 3 Bigg's Orca Southbound by Eagle's Cove / McMullen Point, Discovery Pass. T123's I believe.
4 pm T10's are now in front of Campbell River mill Northbound.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 26:
10:38 am Orca are now at Brown's Bay running 6 knots Southbound.
Radio

September 26:
12:47 pm Killer Whales Southbound by April Point. (T123's)
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 26:
1 pm 4 – 5 Orca 1.5 miles off Mitlenatch Island Northbound towards the fishing hump.
Radio

September 26:
1:02 pm 3 Orca Northbound at Mittlenatch Island. (T10's)
1:42 pm T10 / T10B and T10C still Northbound between red and green can buoys off Francisco Point, bottom of Quadra Island.
2:10 pm 2 Orca Southbound by the Cape Mudge Village.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 26:
1:42 pm Orca just popped up between Mary Point, Cortez Island and Sarah Point, above Lund. They're going in towards Desolation Sound. (These are in addition to the above Orca – SM)
Radio

September 26:
2:29 pm 3 or 4 Orca doing long dives by Myrtle Rocks / Albion Point area of Powell River. First they headed North then they suddenly turned and headed South. One big male and a young one. (Again, these are in addition to the above Orca – SM)
Jim Southern, Powell River

September 26:
2:37 pm 6 or 7 Orca off Cape Mudge now. PWS Dolphins are Southbound by McMullen Point.
Radio

September 26:
2:45 pm Two Orca travelling East between Black Pt (Albion) and Myrtle Pt. ...@ bottom of Fleury/ Whalen Rds, Powell River. Only surfaced and dived...just boogying on eastward.
Perk Percy, Perseas Dive, Powell River

September 26:
6:03 pm T10's still Northbound by Separation Head with PWS Dolphins still at the North end of Deepwater Bay foraging. Last on scene with them.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 21:
9 am 6 Orca at Francisco Point by the red can buoy heading North.
9:17 am The 6 Orca are heading mid channel up Sutil Channel to Hoskyns. Looks like the T02C's.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 21:
11:18 am The Orca are right on the Cortez Island ferry route, mid-channel. Lots of breaching and activity now; a couple of frisky males. The whole group joined up, rested for 3 minutes, then became very active.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 21:
12:18 pm Killer Whales grouped up and moving into Hoskyn Channel.
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 21:
2 pm Sounds like (radio chatter) 8 Transients Southbound from Hoskyn Channel
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 21:
2:19 pm Orca now at Viner Point, Read Island Eastbound.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 21:
4:48 pm T101A and T102 - that's all I saw. The guests saw 2 more Orca they said. Left T101A / T102 headed from Penn Islands to Bullock Bluff at 4:40 pm
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 21:
7:39 pm 4 Orca Northbound by ferry pilings – they only came up once on the Campbell River side of the channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Transient Bigg's Killer Whale T10B
September, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Unidentified Orca

September 25:
Between 2 and 2:30 pm Orcas were spotted coming north on Stuart Channel. Came between Round Island and the shore line. Heading toward Dodds Narrows.
Janette Dyck

Humpback Whales

September 27:
9:00 am. One Humpback, flipper slapping. Mid way between Myrtle Rocks and Black Point towards Texada shore.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River

September 27:
1:44 pm Humpback Whale feeding close to shore by Hickey Point, lower Johnstone Strait.
Pacific Yellowfin

September 26:
10:38 am Humpback Whale between Donegal Head, Malcolm Island and Twin Islets. Doing 7 minute dives.
In general, there's lots of Humpbacks still in the Blackfish Sound area still.
Pacific Yellowfin

Sept 25/26:
Humpback whale reportedly off Saltery Bay.
Jim Southern, Powell River

Minke Whales

September 26:
9:09 am Minke Whale feeding at the entrance to Wells Passage.
Pacific Yellowfin

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
2013
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 27:
8:20 am 300 PWS Dolphins by Deepwater Bay, Discovery Pass.
9:24 am Couple hundred Dolphins just North of Seymour Narrows.
Radio

September 27:
9:26 am 100+ PWS Dolphins foraging at Seymour Narrows.
2:03 pm 200+ PWS Dolphins Northbound by Kanish Bay.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 27:
5:14 pm Hundreds of PWS Dolphins – Chatham Point to Greensea Bay area of Discovery Pass.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 27:
10:06 am Hundreds of PWS Dolphins South of Kanish Bay Southbound on the Vancouver Island side of Discovery Pass.
4:27 pm Dolphins still across from Deepwater Bay Northbound now.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 27:
3:23 pm 200 PWS Dolphins Southbound by Moriarty Point on Vancouver Island side. They're back and forth and angling towards Okisollo Channel at 3:45 pm
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 26:
9:43 am Reports of PWS Dolphins spread out in the Denham Bay area.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 26:
12:47 pm Large group of PWS Dolphins now Southbound in Denham Bay; reportedly.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 26:
12:47 pm 500+ PWS Dolphins by Horn Point, just above the Yuculta Rapids.
2:29 pm PWS Dolphins are headed West down Nodales Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 26:
1:21 pm 110 PWS Dolphins in Kanish Bay and a couple of Hundred spread between Kanish Bay to Eagle's Cove, Discovery Pass.
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 26:
4:44 pm 100+ PWS Dolphins 2 miles North of Separation Head on the Quadra Island side of Discovery Pass.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 25:
7:59 am Hundreds of PWS Dolphins in Seymour Narrows Northbound.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 25:
10:42 am PWS Dolphins in front of Okisollo Channel heading North towards Greensea Bay. They're jumping everywhere!
11:30 am There's a 5 mile spread of PWS Dolphins!
Radio

September 25:
4:23 pm PWS Dolphins in Thurston Bay, Nodales Channel.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 25:
5:32 pm 80 PWS Dolphins by Cinque Islands, at the mouth of Okisollo Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 24:
9:30 am 25 PWS Dolphins between Kanish Bay to Brown's Bay, Discovery Pass.
3 pm 350+ PWS Dolphins by Kanish Vay.
Radio

September 24:
10:20 am 40-50 PWS Dolphins foraging in Vancouver Bay area of Bute Inlet.
4:49 pm 1001 PWS Dolphins in Discovery Pass again! 4 miles of Dolphins... it's pretty amazing.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 23:
9 am Large group of PWS Dolphins foraging by Denham Bay...Hundreds!
10:38 am Massive group of PWS Dolphins by Greensea Bay spread across Discovery Passage.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 23:
9:56 am 15 PWS Dolphins and one juvenile Steller Sealion together at Rendezvous Islands, foraging/sleeping.
4:24 pm 400-600 PWS Dolphins spread out over 4 to 5 miles in Discovery Passage.
5 pm I bet there's over 1000 PWS Dolphins all told. My whole crew thinks so too. They're actually spread from Plumper Bay all the way to Eagle's Cove in Discovery.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
2013
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 23:
12:27 pm Many PWS Dolphins spread between Kanish Bay and Brown's Bay in Discovery Pass.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 23:
2:12 pm Lots of PWS Dolphins at Dent Islands.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 23:
2:12 pm About 80 or so PWS Dolphins wake riding a pleasure craft past Powell River. Could see them still Northbound between Atrevida Reef and Dinner Rock.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 23:
150 PWS Dolphins by Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 22:
9 am 6 PWS Dolphins just North of Campbell River.
9 am A big bunch of PWS Dolphins in Kanish Bay.
Radio

September 22:
10:54 am Group of around 50-ish PWS Dolphins West of Yorke Island Eastbound towards Kelsey Bay.
3:07 pm 100 PWS Dolphins just South of Chatham Point.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 22:
3:44 pm Many heaps of PWS Dolphins by Cinque Islands heading towards Campbell River.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 22:
4:22 pm Yes, Hundreds, perhaps even 1000! PWS Dolphins spread out from Greensea Bay to Chatham Point.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 21:
9:17 am We just left the pod of 130 – 150 PWS Dolphins foraging off Walcan in Discovery Pass.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 21:
5:30 pm Dolphins at Deepwater Bay Southbound.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 21:
7 pm About 75 PWS Dolphins and 50 Steller Sea Lions are having an enormous festival of mammalian mirth at Jimmy Judd Island, Gillard Pass, leaping and playing together!
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 21:
7:39 pm 100-ish PWS Dolphins milling by Steep Island, Discovery Pass.
Discovery Marine Safaris

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
2013
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

September 26:
10:10 am 1 Dall's Porpoise by Johnstone Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 23:
3:30 pm 10 Dall's Porpoise at Vancouver Bay, Bute Inlet.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

Links in the News

This gang of Transient Bigg's Killer Whales are doing their best to drown and feed on a smaller Blue Whale. So much for the idea that they don't attack the larger whales!


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)

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Long Cetacean Sightings Report: Orca, Humpbacks, Minke, Dolphins and Porpoise

There have been so many Whale and Dolphin Sightings covering a huge geographic area and range of species. This is a long catch up report again.
Volunteers are truly needed to help compile data in a more timely manner. In particular during the height of the season from June through September while more boats are on the water generating more sightings reports. Currently it is still only one person receiving and compiling reports.
Volunteers are also needed to help with compiling identifications of individual animals so that the information can be catalogued comprehensively.
If you are willing to assist, please contact me: Click here
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



Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Orca have spent a fair bit of time travelling up and down Johnstone Strait with a few venturing farther to the West.

NRKW I51 in Blackney Pass
September 11, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 15:
Throughout the day: I15's and A30's were in the Blackfish Sound area.
Radio

September 14:
11:30 Orca, possibly the I15's are Westbound by Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Aaron Webber / Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 13:
9:13 am There are a lot of Orca somewhere in the fog off Cracroft Point. Can't tell actual numbers or direction, just hearing blows.
5 pm the I15's and A30's are Westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Radio

September 13:
10:32 am Confirm the A30's only so far found at Cracroft Point then lost again in the fog.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

September 12:
9:44 am I15's came into Johnstone Strait Eastbound last night and are unaccounted for...did they go down the strait?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 12:
11:40 am 5 – 6 Orca part of the I15's across from Port Neville Westbound along the VI shore and another 10 same location mid-channel.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 12:
12:26 pm The I15's are slowly Westbound towards Stimpson's Reef with Bill Mackay on the Naiad Explorer. Dolphins came in from the West to find the other 5 on VI shore when they couldn't find them they made a bee line for the ones that made it to Stimpson's Reef.
12:59 the total Orca count was 12 by Stimpson's Reef and 5 on the Vancouver Island side.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 12:
1:49 pm A few Orca (the 5 from the I15's) at Adams River Westbound.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 11:
10:37 am I15 calls picked up at Critical Point, Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Radio

September 11:
12 pm 4-5 of the I'15's came across Johnstone Strait to the bottom Blackney Pass. They passed the boat and continued West along the Hanson Island shore while the rest stayed on the Vancouver Island side slowly Westbound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 11:
3:46 pm I15's are headed to the bottom of Weynton Pass.
Radio

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales pop up in various areas hunting various prey.

Bigg's Killer Whale
White Island, Sechelt
September 12, 2013
Geordie Harrower, Roberts Creek

September 20:
11:58 am At least 5 Orca at Sentry Shoal angling towards Vancouver Island. There's at least one sprouter (a juvenile male who's dorsal is “sprouting”) and one small one heading South-West at around 5 knots.
12:39 pm They're 2 miles off Miracle Beach, Vancouver Island.
1:54 pm More Orca! 1 male apart from the others Northbound between Savary Island and Dinner Rock. After munching on a seal, they headed up Thulin Pass and stalled.
3:13 pm The Orca just turned Southbound out of Thulin Pass, by the Copeland Islands and then turned again heading North on the outside of the Copeland Islands.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 20:
4:51 pm 4 Orca now heading East into Desolation Sound. They went right past Okeover straight East.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 19:
11:45 am We have just watched a pod of 5 Orcas, one young, travelling in a line from the Savary Wharf to Mace Point heading south. Moving quickly as they approached the point. Dulcie and Bruce Macdonald, Savary Island

September 19:
6:41 pm Killer whales outside Powell River.
Wendy Price

September 19:
Late in the day: Sounded like almost all the Transient Bigg's that passed Campbell River on the 18th headed up to the top of Johnstone Strait, but obviously some others either came up from the South or the same ones returned to the Sunshine Coast.

September 18:
3:30 pm 20 + Orca heading North at the Cape Mudge Village and more in front of the Campbell River Marina. Kurt's with 8+ Orca at Tyee Pool Northbound and Mario's with 12+ Orca at the Cape Mudge Village.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 18:
7:37 pm Orca off Kanish Bay mid-channel chasing Dolphins, there's also a second group farther North approaching Elk Bay heading North. The Dolphins have scattered!
Discovery Marine Safaris

September 18:
6:31 pm Ids on the first gang of 4 was the T137's Then I photographed T036B coming through the Narrows with a gang of 6, so assume the 036 and 036A gangs. And then there were 4-5 more that we missed. All were Northbound through Seymour Narrows at 6:15 pm.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 17:
12:18 pm 3 Orca South of Surge Narrows heading North.
1:09 pm Transients milling South of Whiterock Pass no direction in Hoskyns Channel. 2 big fins and 1 small. They're moving back into Settlers Island Group behind Goepel Island. Heading back towards Surge Narrows. We're leaving scene to Orford.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 17:
4:50 pm T10's (T10,T10B, T10C) Picked them up at Okis Islands as they headed out of Okisollo Channel towards Discovery Pass.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 16:
12:28 pm 3 Orca by Kinghorn Island Westbound.
2:08 pm 4 – 5 Orca Southbound Francisco Point / Salmon Point.
2:20 pm More Orca around 7 Orca total 1-2 miles off the can by Francisco while others are already down by Oyster Bay.
Radio

September 16:
3:39 pm Leaving 5 Orca Southbound 1.5 miles off Miracle Beach
Geoff, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 14:
12:50 pm Orcas. Big Beach, 1.3 km SE of Favada Point, Texada Island. N 49 43 42.79 W 124 37 29.91 One large and one small individual offshore about 250 m Small group close to shore, about 50 m All were moving south at a steady speed.
John Dove and members of the Texada Trekkers

September 14:
3:56 pm (call time stamped so approximate) 4 Orca by Davies Bay, close to Crescent Bay on the West side of Texada. 1 big male had the longest / tallest dorsal fin I'd ever seen.
Micheline McCaulley, (sp??) Texada Island

September 13:
9:55 am Bunch of Transient Bigg's including T101's and T19's Southbound at the bottom of Lesquetti Island
12:21 pm We had the T101's, T137's and others for a total of 13 Orca (no T18A – missing) Southbound at the bottom of Lesquetti still
Simon Piddock, Cowichan

September 13:
No Time given: Orca off Otter Bay, Pender heading north to Active Pass.
Paul Downie

Transient Bigg's Killer Whale
September 13, 2013
Paul Downie

September 12:
9:10 am 4 Orca Francisco Point all big fins.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 12:
9:44 am 4 Orca heading South towards Francisco Point only saw 3 to begin with then the 4th showed up.
10:26 am T101's and T102
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 12:
10:26 am T101's and T102 Southbound off Cape Mudge
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 12:
Morning: 7 Biggs Transients, surprised the heck out of me while doing my morning paddle off Roberts Creek this a.m. It was awesome.
Geordie Harrower, Roberts Creek

September 12:
2:13 pm Orca Marina Island Northbound
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 12:
2:47 pm Just heading south out of Pender Harbour, a pod of roughly 8 orcas and a small one, heading north. I've got footage on my tablet but no stills. You can check my FB page - Sheena Fraser (a pic of me at Stonehenge). Hopefully it will download.
Sheena Fraser

September 12:
3:16 pm Leaving 4 T's Orca at Subtle Islands Sutil Channel Northbound
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 12:
Between 3:30 – 4:00pm September 12th around Lee Bay - two pods of killer whales, one with two adults and an adolescent and the second pod with 4 adults. Fishing for salmon and heading from Lee Bay out towards Agamemnon Channel and Texada Island area. On holiday and staying at Wharf Waterfront Suite, Madeira Park; Sunshine Coast. (Note: these are Transient Bigg's Orca - meat eaters and were most likely hunting seals - SM)
Julie Carter

September 12:
4:46 pm T002C's Northbound at Dunsterville Islands
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 12:
8:10 pm Left the T02C's frolicking and eating ducks in Hoskyn's Channel just below Conville Point.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 11:
Around 9 am 3 or 4 Orca came right into the bay while we were anchored in Tenedos Bay, Desolation Sound. A jet ski went out to see them closer so they didn't stay long, but did go along the shore and over to a shallow rock. We lost track of them after the jet ski followed them.
Julia Allen, Powell River

September 11:
10:37 am 2 Orca Northbound Rotary Park just South of Discovery Marina and probably more
11:24 am 4 Orca Westbound Sara Point towards the Copeland Islands
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 11:
11:24 am Killer W's Northbound in front of Cruise Ship Dock
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 11:
3:41 pm 2 Transient Bigg's at red light Maude Island slowly against tide.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 11:
3:41 pm T20 and T21 Southbound Seymour Narrows
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 11:
6:16 pm T20 T21 Southbound at Cape Mudge
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 11:
6:19 pm Orca off Sara Point no direction. Heading towards Waddington Channel.
6:50 pm 3 Orca now heading into Okeover Inlet
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 10: (late report)
Around 10 am 4 Transient Bigg's Killer whales sowed up around Donegal Head, Malcolm Island heading into Cormorant Channel towards Sointula. They were targeting birds; playing with, tormenting and killing them. It's uncertain if they ate any of them or just left a path of dead birds in their wake.
2:30 pm The Orca ID'd as T35A / T35A1 / T35A2 and T38A were still Westbound by Lennard Rock.
Jared Towers, DFO

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
September 8, 2013
Jos Krijinen, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales are still prevalent in the upper Johnstone Strait area, but a few appear to have started their Southbound migration.

September 17:
8:15 am Humpback in Discovery Passage by Painter's dock Northbound
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 16:
8:25 am 2 (possibly a 3rd) Humpback blow Southbound down Lewis Channel. Blows were far too big for anything but Humpback Whales since I could see them off in the distance from Raza Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 16:
10:14 am 2 Humpbacks off Well's Pass
Pacific Yellowfin

September 16:
11:42 am Humpback at Cinque Islands
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 16:
7:33 pm Humpback heading towards Seymour Narrows
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 15:
1 pm Humpback is right by Jimmy Judd Island in Gillard Pass Northbound bucking the tide.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 15:
2:56 pm Humpback Westbound at Dent Rapids on the Sonora side close to shore.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 15:
Throughout the day: 15 Humpback Whales still lunge feeding and breaching around the Blackfish Sound area.
Radio

September 15:
Large single Humpback spotted 3 times over a few hours today N,E and W of Keats Island in Howe Sound. good video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NAUrQdlT3E
Dave Landry

September 14:
11:43 am - 12:14 pm Humpback Kelsey Bay Eastbound towards Camp Point.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whale Tail Flukes
September, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 14:
1:30 pm Humpback turned back towards the West by Yorke Island, just up and across from Kelsey Bay.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 13:
5:30 pm A Humpback Whale is by April Point, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 13:
7 pm Humpback is staying close to the Tyee Pool off Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River just doing donuts. (There was concern that a Humpback had been injured, but the photograph provided is inconclusive, so any additional information would be appreciated – SM)
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 13:
8:49 am Humpback known as 'KC' Southbound at the Cape Mudge Village. (No injury on 'KC', so regarding the above, it is possible there was a second Humpback. Any further information would be appreciated - SM)
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 11:
9 am 3 Humpbacks at Bold Head, Blackfish Sound. Then by:
10 am the count was up to 8 Humpbacks in the same area.
Radio

September 11:
3:46 pm A number of Humpbacks at bottom and top of Weynton Pass
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Minke Whale
Not many Minke Whales have been in reports this year. Could this be from the whaling activities of a few nations still?
September 11:
10:20 am Minke Whale in front of Alert Bay, Cormorant Island.
Radio

Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been scattered, spread out, and regroup in large numbers after Transient Bigg's Orca pop up. They have recently partially moved out of Nodales Channel which was their steady area for so long.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins Okisollo Channel
September 14, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 20:
8:30 am Sounds like the pods of Dolphins are in Discovery Passage again this morning; spread out from April Point to Copper Bluffs.
9:12 am Just left the pod with all the babies off Painter's Lodge right along the shore. There were approximately 80-100 then a sub pod of 15 towards the mill, THEN another pod of 150+ off Duncan Bay, and MORE sub pods along the way to Seymour Narrows.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 20:
12:11 pm Small group of Dolphins off the Campbell River cruise ship dock.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 20:
12:18 pm Large group of Dolphins at Hall Point, Nodales Channel heading towards Frederick Arm.
Benito

September 20:
1:54 pm 50 Dolphins off Cape Mudge.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 20:
3:36 pm 70-100 Dolphins off the red can buoy, Cape Mudge spread out towards Oyster Bay.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 20:
3:56 pm 100 Dolphins North of Deepwater Bay Southbound towards Campbell River.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 20:
4:30 pm Dolphins still at Deepwater Bay foraging.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 19:
8:15 am Dolphins were reported off of Copper Bluffs area of Discovery.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 19:
9:20 am 100 Dolphins near Maude Island
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 19:
9:20 am 80 -100 Dolphins – the group with all the babies. Left them 9:10 am bucking the ebb current at Maude Island. Also, a few hundred Dolphins off the Kanish Bay area was reported by Brad from Painter's lodge. Will look on way. 250+ Dolphins by Nixon Island area Kanish
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 19:
9:20 am Dolphins still at Maude Island red light.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 19:
12:45 pm Dolphins Southbound by Separation Head
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 19:
3:18 pm 100+ Dolphins Yellow Island
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 19:
4:09 pm 153 Dolphins very spread out at the mouth of Frederick Arm.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 19:
4:41 pm 100 Dolphins at the South end of Seymour Narrows; just left them.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 18:
9:39 am Leaving large group of Dolphins spread across Discovery Pass from Kanish Bay to Eagle's Cove foraging.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 18:
12:28 pm Dolphins in Discovery Channel and Nodales as well as a large group at Kanish Bay milling. Both groups are spread out and there are hundreds in both.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 17:
9:40 am 30-40 Dolphins between Eagle's Cove / Granite Point Also a report of 400-500 Dolphins by Hall Point.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 17:
10 am Dolphins at the mouth of Okisollo with a few Dall's Porpoise foraging.
Radio

September 16:
8:48 am 200+ Dolphins at the mouth of Nodales Channel.
Radio

September 16:
10:15 am Left Dolphins foraging / sleeping between Brougham Point / Davis Point
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 16:
12:28 pm 100+ Dolphins at Springer Point
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 16:
1:38 pm Dolphins Westbound in Okisollo
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 15:
9 am Bunch of Dolphins by Cinque Islands heading into Okisollo Channel.
Sharkey

September 15:
9:32 am 300 Dolphins Southbound down Discovery Passage towards Deepwater Bay. They're spread out from Bodega to below McMullen Point!
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 15:
11:24 am 100 Dolphins across from Port Neville Vancouver Island side.
3:34 pm 100 Dolphins North of Brown's Bay
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 14:
8:45 am Large group of Dolphins are Eastbound into Okisollo Channel. They're just West of Gypsy Shoals – leaving them foraging at 9:10 am.
1 pm Some of the Dolphins are at the entrance to Hole in the Wall heading towards Octopus Islands. Some of the others, by 1:40 pm stayed foraging and milling by Okis Islands, Okisollo Channel.
Brad, Painter's Lodge

September 14:
9:50 am 200-300 Dolphins in a big line stretching from Venture Point to Gypsy Shoal foraging.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 14:
10:30 am 20+ Dolphins just outside of Kanish Bay.
10:40 am 150 or so Dolphins Southbound mid-channel below Kanish Bay.
Radio

September 14:
11 am 150 or so Dolphins still Southbound by Deepwater Bay.
11:30 am 200 Dolphins Eastbound by Helmken Island towards Camp Point, Johnstone Strait.
3 pm Large group of Dolphins are still Eastbound by Vansitaart Point, Johnstone Strait, so didn't move much.
Aaron Webber / Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 14:
1:30 pm 20 – 30 Dolphins at the mouth of Frederick Arm.
Radio

September 14:
2:30 pm Left around 100 or so Dolphins foraging and cavorting between Okis Islands and Gypsy Shoal plus another 8 or so on the NW side of Okis Islands.
Time not noted: I went back out when they decided to play right in front of my anchorage. They continued to forage and play for a couple of hours working their way out of Okisollo Channel with the tide. I left them at Bjerre Rock.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 14:
5 pm Leaving the Dolphins in Okisollo Channel by Venture Point. They look like they've turned back into Okisollo.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 13:
9:55 am 50-is Dolphins West of Kanish Bay
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 13:
10:32 am 150 Dolphins Kanish Bay foraging.
Radio

September 13:
11:22 am 127 Dolphins at the mouth of Kanish Bay
2:34 pm Lags still at Kanish Bay – the North end
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 13:
2:40 pm 2 Dolphins Westbound by Walkem Light, Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 12:
9 am 400-500 Dolphins spread out from Big Bay, Hanson Island across to Vancouver Island. They headed up into Blackfish Sound through Blackney Pass.
Wayne Garton, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

September 12:
10:06 am Dolphins at Elk Bay
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 12:
10:26 am 70-80 Dolphins – the pod with all the juveniles and babies just South of Hole in the Wall in Okisollo Channel foraging and frisky behaviour.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 12:
12:30 pm Around 20 Dolphins mid strait by Adam River across from the the Broken Group of Islands, Johnstone Strait. Heading to harass the NRKWs down the strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
September 11:
10:37 am Dolphins Rock Bay Eastbound
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 11:
12:34 pm 50 Dolphins Seymour Narrows Northbound
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 11:
3:41 pm 35+ Dolphins between Lawrence Point and Aran Rapids foraging
Radio

September 11:
4:57 pm 6-8 Dolphins at Point 45 heading North towards Granite Point
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 11:
1:30 to 5:30 pm 50 Dolphins at Hall Point
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

Pacific White Sided Dolphins Okisollo Channel
September 14, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise
Dall's Porpoise were in larger numbers for a while at the top of Johnstone Strait, but have spread, in smaller groups, down the coast after a few groups of Transient Bigg's Orca passed through that area.
Harbour Porpoise are so shy and usually in smaller groups that with the larger animal reports, they tend not to get noticed or reported as frequently.


September 17:
9:50 am 8 Dall's Porpoise ran North along the rocks at Granite Point while we were watching the Dolphins.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 17:
11:40 am 2 Harbour Porpoise between Major Rock and Savary Island foraging.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 16:
2:47 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise off Twin Islands foraging towards the Copeland Islands.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 16:
4:31 pm 6 bow riding Dall's in Seymour Narrows
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 14:
10:13 am 5 playful Dall's Porpoise Brown's Bay.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 14:
10:30 am 4 Harbour Porpoise came into Nutcracker Bay, Okisollo Channel and foraged around Salt Wash, at anchor, for about 15 to 20 minutes (kept missing the photo!).
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 14:
12 pm 2 Dall's Porpoise foraging in tide rips at the entrance to Nodales Channel. Suddenly 10 or so came zipping over to bow and wake ride briefly then continue their foraging.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 14:
1:30 pm 6 Dall's Porpoise by Sonora Point, Nodales Channel – playful.
Radio

September 13:
2:12 pm 12 + Dall's Porpoise at Ripple Point came for a quick bow ride and continued foraging just above Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait.
3:43 pm approximately 6 Dall's Porpoise were foraging at the entrance to Nodales Channel in the tide rips.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 13:
5:30 pm 3 Harbour Porpoise were foraging by the outer anchorage of Thurston Bay Marine Park.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 12:
10:30 am 3 Dall's Porpoise foraging by Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 12:
11:05 am 3 Harbour Porpoise foraging by Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait.
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!

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

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Cetaceans Galore: Orca, Humpback, Minke, Dolphins and Porpoise

Orca, both Resident and Bigg's as well as some unidentified Orca popping up everywhere, Humpback Whales breaching and lunge feeding, Pacific White Sided Dolphins in large groups, still only one Minke Whale to report and some Dall's and Harbour Porpoise. Some fog was thrown in to make finding these animals harder, but also quite magical once found.
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


Northern Resident Killer Whales

Northern Resident Orca with scratch marks more reminiscent of Bigg's
Weynton Pass September 5, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 9:
12:52 pm 4 – 5 Orca in the Robson Bight Reserve Eastbound.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi, Way West Water Taxi

September 9:
2 pm Large group of Orca, the A34's plus in Weynton Pass.
7:11 pm The I15's have just entered Blackney Pass westbound into Blackfish Sound.
From early morning throughout the day the I15's plus some others, possibly the A8's spent their time close to and at the Eastern end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There were a few PWS Dolphins harassing them.
Radio

September 6:
7:45 am 5 or 6 Orca Northbound at Brown's Bay, above Campbell River.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 6:
10:10 am A8's are at Turn Island while the A36 boys are in Nodales Ch. By Davis Point.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 6:
10:10 am A8's at Chatham Point and Nodales. A36's and dolphins in Nodales North of Davis Point.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 6:
11 am Large group of Orca (the I15's and A30's) were being harassed by a number of PWS Dolphins by Forward Bay (above Port Neville & Kelsey Bay) as they headed West up Johnstone Strait.
12:30 pm They had made it up to Boat Bay, across from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
3 pm They hadn't moved much off Cracroft Point area.
Radio

September 6:
12:30 pm The A36 brothers were being harassed by some Dolphins by Chatham Point.
2:10 pm A36's Westbound 1 mile East of Ripple Point.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 6:
2:05 pm 8 plus Orca headed for Discovery Passage out of Okisollo Channel.
Colin, Pacific Yellowfin

September 6:
2 pm Possibly A34's at Chatham Point.
Lee, Adventure Quest and Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 5:
8:42 am Orca reported at Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
10:06 am Confirmation on the A36's boys only. Foraging at Sonora Point about 500 meters apart.
4 pm A36's Eastbound by Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
4:42 pm Other Resident Orca Westbound by Chatham Point with about 100 PWS Dolphins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 5:
12:08 pm A36 boys off Hall Point, Nodales Channel doing donuts.
3:26 pm 10 Orca Westbound by Harding Island, Nodales Channel.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 5:
12:08 pm Orca Eastbound by Walkem Light. Must be the A8's. We're not with them, but just a report.
Kurt Staples, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 5:
6:15 pm A36 brothers foraging at Hall Point, Nodales Ch.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 5:
6:21 pm A8's are Southbound in Discovery Passage at Okisollo Channel.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 5:
Not noted, but photograped NRKWs in Weynton Pass. SM

September 4: In the Fog!
10:45 am Large group of Orca Eastbound from Cracroft Point to the Sophia Islands, Johnstone Strait. 11:30 am They had been Identified as the I15's and A8's and were still Eastbound by Boat Bay.
Wayne Garton, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

September 4:
12:25 pm A36 brothers Eastbound from Robson Bight.
2:54 pm A8's and A36's still Eastbound by Windy Point above Kelsey Bay.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 4:
3:32 pm Orca still Eastbound by the East end of St. Vincent Bight, above Kelsey Bay.
4:10 pm Left A36's Eastbound at Port Neville and A8's Eastbound mid strait out from Port Neville.
Discovery Marine Safaris

Transient Bigg's Orca
Powell River September 9, 2013
Steve Grover, Powell River

Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

September 10:
9:11 am Orca at Baker's Pass by the red can marker off of Cortez Island – Richard has them.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 10:
9:45 am 3+ Orca 1 mile off Stubbs Island playing with and hunting birds.
Radio
2:30 pm The 4 Transient Bigg's were off of Leonard Rock close to Sointula still hunting, harassing and killing various water birds as they slowly headed West. They were ID'd as T38A / T35A / T35A1 and T35A2 by Jared Towers, Alert Bay

September 10:
12 pm 8 or possibly 9 Orca. T100's plus are Southbound for Grant's Reef off Savary Island chasing Common Murres again. They're even with Manson Pass right now. There's a big female in here with a real triangle shaped dorsal.
3 -4 More Orca just showed up off Savary Shoreline!
And More Again!! We're up to 20 plus Orca now with the T101's and T102.
At one point they had all split up then all came together again then separate once again.
3:09 pm Leaving 8 of the Orca including the T002C's Southbound almost to Rebecca Rocks in front of Powell River.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 10:
12 pm T101 and T102 at Mitlenatch Island.
12:42 pm Leaving 4 T's Westbound by Mitlenatch Island.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 10:
4:04 pm Leaving the Killer Whales Southbound off Texada heading towards Denman / Hornby Islands.
Geord, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 9:
7 am Orca reported Southbound in the Yuculta Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 9:
9:34 am Orca in Okisollo Channel Westbound.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 9:
9:34 am 4 possibly more Bigg's Killer Whales (Richard with). One big fin Westbound out of Okisollo Channel approximately 1 mile East of Bjere Rock.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 9:
12:02 pm Orca Southbound by Nixon Islands off Kanish Bay. Travelling a slow 1.1 knots.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 9:
12:52 pm 8 – 10 Orca at the top end of Texada Island angling towards Harwood Island, Powell River.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures & Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 9:
1:15 pm At least 3 Orca travelling west close inshore between Black Pt (Albion) and Myrtle Pt. ...@ bottom of Fleury/ Whalen Rds 1:15pm Mon Sep/09/13
1:35...3 more, further out, appeared to be (briefly) investigating some excited fishermen's boat. Travelling west quickly, but not as fast as first trio.
Perk Percy Perseas Dive, Powell River

September 9:
1:30 pm 8 + Orca including one very big male Northbound from Albion Point foraging by Myrtle Rocks, Powell River. 3 or maybe more Orca had passed earlier with one large male in the group.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River

September 9:
2 pm Group of Transients at the mouth of Greenway Sound.
Radio

September 9:
About 2:15 Sept. 9, about 5 orcas Northbound past the Beach Gardens at Grief Point......looked like one fairly large male in the group.
Grant Rainsley, Powell River

September 9:
2:10 pm Wanted to let you know that a pod of Orca came by Powell River this afternoon, September 9. I got a call from a friend, Niels Voss around 2:10 pm that Orca were northbound at Grief Point so I grabbed the camera and headed for the viewpoint. I counted 7 animals in 3 groups all moving north at a steady but leisurely pace. The farthest group of 2 ( 1 male 1 female ) were at least 1500 meters out and are seen in the attached photos against Harwood Island. The first group had 2 females and a juvenile that liked to pop out like a cork even though it was fairly large. The last group of 2 males came the closest to shore, about 250 meters out. I thought that they might be transients but I also photographed a large sea lion playing near the south harbour breakwater while they were passing. The sea lion seemed very unconcerned. What a beautiful afternoon to photograph Orca, you could actually hear them breathing quite well because there was no wind. When I left about 3:00 pm they were further from shore in line with the mill. Hope they hang around for a few days. (These are Bigg's Killer Whales from the photos, but not 100% on the individuals probably T101's/T102- SM)
Steve Grover, Powell River

September 9:
3:30 pm 4 Orca just North of Seymour Narrows Southbound on the mainland side (assuming Quadra side).
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 9:
4:22 pm Orca are apparently at Race Point heading South.
5:14 pm The T002C's are way inside Gowland Harbour. Just went past 5 Harbour Porpoise 30 feet from them. Amazing, never seen Killer Whales in here, ever!
5:44 pm Leaving the T002C's. WOW, what a sight. They went right through the small gap behind Gowland Island and along the docks at April Point! Leaving them now at Quathiaski Cove Southbound.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 9:
6:09 pm Left the Orca near Cape Mudge.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 9:
? pm 3 Orca known as the T10's were spotted off Cracroft Point working their way up behind some PWS Dolphins. Once the dolphins realized that these were not the fish eating Northern Resident Orca they made a quick get away to the opposite side of Johnstone Strait. The T10's weren't interested in pursuing them or even hunting a couple of juicy Sea Lions, but continued West along the Hanson Island shore where they stopped to check out the Harbour Seal haulouts at the Stephenson Islets. At 6 pm they finished checking all the little islets and continued a shoreline search right through the narrow kelp laden passage separating the Pearse Islands to Pearse Pass. A short time later I spotted a mom and calf following the other 3. They took the Johnstone Strait side of Pearse Islands. We're unsure of the identity of these trailing two.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Bigg's Orca
Powell River September 9, 2013
Steve Grover, Powell River

September 8:
9:50 am Orca at Marina Island, off Cortez Island – Northbound.
12:48 pm Passing Viner Point heading for the Breton Islands, where there was some hanky panky going on.
7:51 pm Leaving the Orca Northbound by Walcan. Looks like only the T10's now – didn't see the others anywhere.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 8:
10:44 am Confirmation of T10/T10B/T10C plus 3 females (possibly T124/T124D/T124E) right now off Coulter Bay, Cortez Island.
12:14 pm Leaving Killer Whales off Twin Bay, Reid Island. They're heading South-West along the Reid Island shore for Viner Point.
6 pm Spoke with Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours, Aboriginal Journeys who said the Bigg's were in front of Tsadwaluten lodge on Quadra Island Northbound.
6:32 pm Picked up T10B/T10C and the younger female from the T124's so far only the three, but the other three should be close by. They're Northbound bucking the flood tide half mile South of the Campbell River fishing pier.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 8:
4 pm Orca Southbound near Francisco Point, bottom of Quadra Island now.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 8:
7:15 pm Orca Northbound by Sechelt. From a friend with waterfront property there.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 7:
?am 3 Transient Bigg's were passing Minstrel Island.
Radio

September 7:
4:16 pm 4 Orca at Rock Bay light Westbound.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 7:
4:15 pm The T02C's Westbound slowly back eddy to beck eddy coming up to the Walkem Island Light and 100+ PWS Dolphins running South FAST at Separation Head.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 7:
6:15 pm T002C's slowly Westbound at Ripple Point.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 6:
11 am 2 Orca heading into Fife Sound.
Radio

September 6:
12:06 pm 2 Killer Whales West of Kelsey Bay Westbound along the Vancouver Island shore.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 6:
12:25 pm 6 Orca known as the T37's Westbound by Vansitaart Point near the Thurlow Island shore (below Kelsey Bay). Doing long 8 minute dives.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 6:
12:33 pm More Transient Bigg's in Okisollo Channel. (these may have been NRKWs - SM)
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 6:
12:30 pm 4-5 Killer Whales Eastbound from Staples Island (Port Hardy). The big male has a definite lean to port side of his dorsal. 1 pm The ID's are confirmed to be T18's and T19's.
Radio

September 6:
2:44 pm Unconfirmed report of Orca by Rendezvous Islands heading into Bute Inlet.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Unidentified Orca

Unidentified Killer Whales
Savary Island September 7, 2013
Sherryl Yaciansky, Savary Island

September 7:
10:35 am Orcas off Plumper Bay, Campbell River area Northbound.
1:24 pm Mystery 6 Orca at Greensea Bay Northbound.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching & Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 7:
1:53 pm Same 6 Orca now just South of Chatham Point on the Vancouver Island side.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 7:
4 pm 12 Orca in Collingwood Channel by Bowen Island south bound.
Caroline Walker

September 7:
Around 7:30 pm this evening (Sep 07), there were two whales swimming together just inside the reef at high tide. The attached photo captures one of them. We spotted them from our front deck, and we live on the south side of Savary, mid-island, at 1900 Vancouver Blvd. Unfortunately, some people in a boat were following them the entire time they were in view.
Sherryl Yaciansky, Savary Island

September 6:
2:45 pm 3 Orca by Adam River, Kelsey Bay area Westbound along the Vancouver Island shore.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 6:
4:45 pm 3 Orca including 1 big male came along the Johnstone Strait side of Yorke Island close to shore then turned back up close to shore then around the front of Yorke Island and over the Sunderland Channel side of Yorke. (These were most likely Transient Bigg's - SM)
Ross

September 6:
6 pm While on a fishing trip we saw 4 Orca, 1 big male, 1 larger female and 2 smaller females Eastbound by Washer Rock off Friendly Cove on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. They appeared to be playing there for around 15 minutes. This is the first time seeing Orca around here in a very long time.
Garry McQuillan, Lantzville

September 4: In the Fog!
Early morning: Orca Eastbound by Telegraph Cove.
9 am Orca by Kaikash Creek tight to shore Eastbound.
10 am Orca Eastbound by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island.
10:45 am Large group of Orca at entrance to Fife Sound angling towards Malcolm Island.
11:30 am Around 8 Orca heading from Bold Head to Donegal Head, Blackfish Sound.
Radio

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale Lunge feeding in the Fog
September 5, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 10:
7 am Humpback Whale Northbound by Discovery Harbour Marina moving quickly.
Garry

September 10:
7:30 am Humpback Whale Southbound at Picnic Beach, Cape Mudge.
9:11 am The Humpback is near the tide rip at the lighthouse oposite Rockland Road.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 10:
10:33 am Humpback heading North doing 6 minute dives by Quathiaski Cove.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 10:
11:36 am Humpback whale photo was texted for ID confirmation. (Confirmed as 'KC' or 'Kelp Creature' who I commented was conspicuous by his absence at the upper Johnstone Strait area yesterday – SM) It's 'KC' – Very cool! I'm getting better at HB ID's. We left him Northbound at copper Bluffs cutting over to Duncan Bay, Campbell River.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 8:
7:30 am Humpback Whale by Sonora Lodge's dock Northbound.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 8 & 9:
Throughout the days: Still numerous Humpbacks in the upper Johnstone Strait area. With all the leaping and lunge feeding going on, it's frustrating to miss seeing the breaches, especially the full body out of water ones. There are some enormous splashes and thunderous sounds as these animals land though. In a one hour count on September 9th from just drifting by Stubbs island, there were 8 different animals in view with only a mom and calf working together. Since some krill has moved in (it's a bit later than usual) they seem to be more spread out. Of note, spotted the 9th in the morning, is one known as 'Yogi' who made an appearance in the reports not too long ago, much farther down the coast! A few, conspicuous by their absence in the upper Johnstone Strait area are 'KC' (see 10th) and 'Ariel' but may be the ones spotted farther down the coast recently. 'Chunky' was spotted a while back but not in the past week or so.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whale Lunge feeding with Admirers
September 5, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

September 6:
3 pm 2 large Humpback Whales were lunge feeding between Mitchell Bay, Malcolm Island and Pearse Reefs.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

September 5:
12:46 pm Humpback Whale by Campbell River pulp mill slowly Southbound.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 5:
1:19 pm Humpback at Walcan, Campbell River no direction.
2:30 pm Leaving Humpback North side of Steep Island.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 5:
1:19 pm Humpback by April Point, Campbell River breaching like mad!
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 5:
3:26 pm Humpback by Cape Mudge Village Southbound.
Kurt Staples, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 4: In the Fog!
9 am 2 Humpback Whales at the top end of Weynton Pass.
Radio

Humpback Whale Lunge feeding
September 5, 2013
Susan MacKay, SG Images

Minke Whale

September 9:
9 am the Minke known as 'Bolt' has moved farther East and is by Cracroft Point foraging.
Radio – Sailcone George

September 7:
4:15 pm One Minke (believe it to be 'Bolt') feeding off the bottom of Pearse Pass in the tide rips.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

See also notes with NRKWs and Transient Bigg's reports. They are not duplicated here.

September 10:
9 am 200 + PWS Dolphins foraging in and out of Baronet Pass by Cracroft point.
Radio

September 10:
10:03 am 100 PWS Dolphins at Yellow Island milling back and forth towards Walcan, Campbell River.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 10:
12 pm PWS Dolphins at the mouth of Okisollo Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 10:
4:40 pm Left the PWS Dolphins milling at Greensea Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 9:
9 am 300-400 PWS Dolphins close to Cracroft Point, top of Johnstone Strait. Foraging back and forth then headed towards Blinkhorn and spread between Vancouver Island and Hanson Island.
Radio

September 8:
9 am 200 – 300 PWS Dolphins foraging in Parsons Bay, Blackfish Sound.
Radio

September 8:
9:30 am 50 PWS Dolphins at Race Point area.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 8:
1:31 pm 100 PWS Dolphins in Frederick Arm. By 1:52 pm they were approaching Gomer Island at the mouth of Frederick's.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 8:
6 pm PWS Dolphins at Deepwater Bay.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 8:
6:32 pm PWS Dolphins heading West at Hall Point Nodales Ch.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 8:
Approx 100 pacific white sided dolphins came from between Hardwicke and Yorke Bot islands and then crossed Johnstone Straight towards Vancouver Island, continuing "up" Johnstone Straight on the Vancouver Island side of the channel until out of sight.
Ross

September 7:
11 am 10 PWS Dolphins milling in Plumper Bay, Campbell River area.
Lee, Adventure Quest

September 7:
12:30 pm 200 + PWS Dolphins Westbound in Blackfish Sound.
Radio - Orca Rider

September 7:
3:14 pm 100 PWS Dolphins spread from Okisollo Channel to Discovery Passage.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris

September 7:
3:14 pm 100 PWS Dolphins at the mouth of Okisollo.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 7:
4 pm 100 PWS Dolphins milling at Greensea Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 7:
4:15 pm 100+ PWS Dolphins running South FAST at Separation Head to get away from the Transient Bigg's Killer Whales.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 7:
6:30 pm I left the large group of PWS Dolphins heading toward Copper Bluffs, Campbell River...foraging behaviour.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 6:
10:10 am 200 PWS Dolphins foraging by Harding Island, Nodales Channel.
4 pm 100 PWS Dolphins milling by Greensea Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 6:
5:30 pm Same 100 PWS Dolphins in front of Okisollo Channel.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 6:
11 am 200 + PWS Dolphins including some very small calves were frolicking and harassing NRKWs by Forward Bay.
Radio

September 6:
12:08 pm Hundreds of PWS Dolphins mid channel just East of Adam River, Kelsey Bay.
12:47 pm More Dolphins West of Adam River.
2:33 pm Hundreds of PWS Dolphins still Westbound just West of Adam River, Kelsey Bay.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi

September 5:
4:42 pm 100 PWS Dolphins Westbound by Chatham Point with some NRKWs.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 4: In the Fog!
9 am 200-300 PWS Dolphins Eastbound by Izumi Rock.
Radio – Sailcone George

September 4:
10:45 am Around 300 PWS Dolphins by Cracroft Point
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

September 4:
5:10 pm 8 – 10 PWS Dolphins Southbound by Brown's Bay.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

September 9:
9:53 am 3 Harbour Porpoise in Bute Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

September 9:
3:20 pm 8 – 10 frisky Dall's Porpoise by Johnston Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

September 7:
6:45 pm 12 playful Dall's Porpoise at Hall Point, Nodales Ch.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge

September 6:
3:44 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise on the West side of Aran Rapids at the entrance to Bute Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours


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)

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