Although some Orca reports have been coming in from the upper Johnstone Strait for Northern Resident Orca and a few Transient Biggs passing through and around the upper Georgia Strait, Humpback Whales seem to be the primary sightings reports. As of writing this, today's count is up to 20 Humpbacks spread out in numbers ranging from lone whales up to six in one area. The areas range from close to Hornby Island, across the strait to Texada Island and Powell River, and up through some of the rapids in the various channels just below Chatham point. At one point the transient Biggs Orca, the T002C Family, and a couple of Humpback Whales were within extremely close proximity along the Quadra Island shoreline. These whales usually stay well away from one another.
A few of the around 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins also got into the act by harassing a couple of Humpback Whales in Nodales Channel. Not quite sure if the third Humpback just left the area or if the Dolphins continued harassment by chasing the one on it's own. The majority of the Dolphins were spread out from Brown's Bay in Discovery Passage up to Kelsey Bay.
Most boaters have become a bit more aware and it's great to see people slowing and stopping for these wonderful mammals. There's a lot of activity out there and we are grateful to receive all your sightings reports, especially happy to hear more from some of our shore-based spotters. Keep your eyes open, and don't forget to report.
Note - due to the high number of reports we have received in the past 6 days, we will be releasing another report shortly.
Susan Mackay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
A few of the around 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins also got into the act by harassing a couple of Humpback Whales in Nodales Channel. Not quite sure if the third Humpback just left the area or if the Dolphins continued harassment by chasing the one on it's own. The majority of the Dolphins were spread out from Brown's Bay in Discovery Passage up to Kelsey Bay.
Most boaters have become a bit more aware and it's great to see people slowing and stopping for these wonderful mammals. There's a lot of activity out there and we are grateful to receive all your sightings reports, especially happy to hear more from some of our shore-based spotters. Keep your eyes open, and don't forget to report.
Note - due to the high number of reports we have received in the past 6 days, we will be releasing another report shortly.
Susan Mackay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Pacific White Sided Dolpins jumping like popcorn and putting on a show at Denham Rock
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Society News & Events
Real Time Monitoring Station Update: We're LIVE!
Connect to our first installation mounted at Beach Gardens Marina click on our YouTube Channel Live Link. Please bear with us as we work on the transmission problems causing the intermittent bouncy images. Even with the bouncy images, we still managed to have a couple of whale sightings. The hydrophone (underwater listening) installation will follow.
Thank You to all our hardworking volunteers and contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
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Sightings Update
ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-028
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Fri Aug 18 2017
15:15 • est. 2 Biggs Orca heading north just passed Nootka St. about 500 metres off shore Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Janet Southcott, Powell River, BC
13:00 • 5 Biggs Orca around Snake Island, Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. Checking out snorkellers in very shallow water.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Thu Aug 17 2017
18:00 • 4-5 Biggs Orca heading south off Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Three Transient Bigg's Killer Whalesheading north off of Cape Lazo
Tue, 8 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Three Transient Bigg's Killer Whalesheading north off of Cape Lazo
Tue, 8 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Aug 19 2017
15:03 • est. 65 NRKW Orca ◦A23s; Gs◦ heading west at Sophia Islands, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:08 • NRKW Orca spread out, heading west across the Strait from Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:36 • NRKW Orca heading west at Naka Creek, Johnstone Strait. G and A pods.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Aug 18 2017
13:00 • 40-60 NRKW Orca ◦A30s◦ between Kaikash Creek and Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 17 2017
12:32 • NRKW Orca ◦I15s◦ abeam Baron Reef, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Tue Aug 15 2017
14:00 • est. 5-7 Orca moving slowly, heading west opposite Port Mellon, Thornbrough Channel, Howe Sound. Initially they were taking long dives and then came close to a log boom. At the log boom, they were close to the surface and circled around as if hunting. ▫ On Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Ann Parkinson, Vancouver, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Five to seven Killer Whales heading west opposite to Port Mellon in Thornbrough Channel
Tue, 15 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Ann Parkinson, Vancouver, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Five to seven Killer Whales heading west opposite to Port Mellon in Thornbrough Channel
Tue, 15 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Ann Parkinson, Vancouver, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Aug 19 2017
17:32 • 2 Humpback Whales heading toward Plunger Passage, between Hill Island and Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
16:25 • 2 Humpback Whales at Arran Rapids going into Bute Inlet.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:20 • 1 Humpback Whales at south end of Yuculta Rapids.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:08 • 2 Humpback Whales pectoral slapping, west side of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Multiple pectoral slaps. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
16:00 • 2 Humpback Whales at Arran Rapids headed into Bute Inlet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:31 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading west off entrance of Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
15:13 • 2 Humpback Whales bucking tide, between Big Bay and Sea Lion Rock, Yuculta Rapids. Very active.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:10 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River, BC
14:54 • 2 Humpback Whales heading toward Evans Bay, Sutil Channel.
14:53 • 2 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:14 • Humpback Whales breaching, Connis Point, Pryce Channel. Breaching multiple times.
12:28 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, north end of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Ian Perry, Cetus Society - StraitWatch
11:44 • 4 Humpback Whales between north end of east Penn Islands and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:17 • 6 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Penn Islands and Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel. Three sets of two.
09:43 • 2 Humpback Whales between mid Marina Reef and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
07:47 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north travelling about 5 knots off the fishing area in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Fri Aug 18 2017
16:57 • 3 Humpback Whales in Von Donop Inlet.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:53 • 4-5 Humpback Whales in Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Four to five Humpback Whales in Von Donop Inlet
Fri, 18 Aug 2017 - 6 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Four to five Humpback Whales in Von Donop Inlet
Fri, 18 Aug 2017 - 6 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:07 • 2 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
14:02 • 2 Humpback Whales in Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Ian Perry, Cetus Society - StraitWatch
12:33 • 1 Humpback Whales north side of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Caught in prawn trap. DFO and Coast Guard know about this but whale has not since been located. They are actively looking.
BMS, Vancouver, BC
11:30 • Humpback Whales heading south near Little Bear Bay down Discovery Passage, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:24 • 2 Humpback Whales tail slaps, west of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:57 • Humpback Whales heading east by Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 17 2017
16:36 • 2-3 Humpback Whales off of Whaletown, Sutil Channel.
16:33 • 2 Humpback Whales in Whale Passage aimed for Sutil Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:41 • 4 Humpback Whales south of Drew Passage, Sutil Channel. Very active.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales very active in Drew Passage
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 3 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales very active in Drew Passage
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 3 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:53 • 3 Humpback Whales south of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. Very curious.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:18 • 3 Humpback Whales between Raza Island and South Rendezvous Island, Raza Passage.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:07 • 3 Humpback Whales off of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:03 • 3 Humpback Whales moving towards Bullock Bluff, Calm Channel.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:26 • 2 Humpback Whales off of Bullock Bluff heading towards the Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales just south of Bartlett Island, Pacific Ocean.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:18 • 4 Humpback Whales between Marina Island and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:17 • 4 Humpback Whales between the green can at Wilby Shoals and Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Aug 16 2017
18:17 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
18:15 • Humpback Whales between Subtle Islands and Hill Island, Sutil Channel. A bunch of whales.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
18:14 • 2 Humpback Whales off the Comox ferry route to Little River in the middle of Georgia Strait. Very active whales.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:00 • 2 Humpback Whales tail slaps, north-east of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. They were fairly stationary doing continuous slapping, alternating with each other. ▫ From Ferry
Geneva Janzen, Campbell River, BC
15:51 • 2 Humpback Whales east of marker at Grant Reefs, Malaspina Strait. Reported by boater. ▫ Second Hand
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
15:49 • 4 Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Whaletown, Sutil Channel. Very active. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Whaletown
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 - 6 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Whaletown
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 - 6 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:35 • 1 Humpback Whales off the red can at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
15:25 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, along the east side of Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:21 • Humpback Whales heading north off Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Report from BCCSN that whale is entangled with crab trap with buoy attached. It was heading towards Hernando Island. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:37 • Humpback Whales foraging, between the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
Mark Howell, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
10:38 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south just south of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
10:37 • 2 Humpback Whales taking short dives, off the south end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Tight to shore and lots of big flukes.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales approaching Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:21 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south off the red can at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:56 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south from Wilby Shoals towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:52 • 2 Humpback Whales 150-m off the shore of Raza Island heading into Deer Passage. Possibly mother and calf.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:46 • 2 Humpback Whales along the east side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
08:51 • 2 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:25 • 3 Humpback Whales near the light at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:40 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north across from Campbell River close to Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
06:48 • 3 Humpback Whales just north of Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Fluke of a Humpback Whale passing by Campbell River
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Kaitlin Paquette, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Fluke of a Humpback Whale passing by Campbell River
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Kaitlin Paquette, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Powell River
Sat, 19 Aug 2017 - 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Powell River
Sat, 19 Aug 2017 - 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sat Aug 19 2017
16:29 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins resting, at Bear Point, Johnstone Strait.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:40 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading north mid channel off 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:19 • PWS Dolphins milling, mid channel out from Palmer Bay, Johnstone Strait. Appeared to be headed south initially but turned around.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:59 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins off North Bluff angling toward Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
14:07 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins playing, north of Separation Head on shoreline of Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:48 • PWS Dolphins heading south 2 miles south of Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage. South of the big group.
12:45 • PWS Dolphins heading north mid-channel at the south end of Kanish Bay. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:27 • PWS Dolphins heading north on Vancouver Island side by Kanish Bay.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
10:36 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins heading south past Kanish Bay. Info from Ladyhawk. ▫ Second Hand
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:53 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins heading south off Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Aug 18 2017
13:49 • PWS Dolphins doing circles, south of Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:31 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading south mid channel in front of Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:00 • PWS Dolphins headed from Discovery Passage into Nodales Channel.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:00 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins heading south from Ripple Point to Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:30 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins just past Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait. Reported by a fisherman. ▫ Second Hand
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 17 2017
14:55 • PWS Dolphins at Denham Rock, Dent Rapids.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific white Sided Dolphins jumping like popcorn at Denham Rock
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 7 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific white Sided Dolphins jumping like popcorn at Denham Rock
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 7 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:32 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins heading west in front of Port Neville, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:30 • PWS Dolphins heading towards Davis Point to Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Aug 16 2017
16:27 • PWS Dolphins milling, west of Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:15 • PWS Dolphins milling, half-mile west of Cinque Islands in the middle of Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:51 • 15 PWS Dolphins off Windy Point, Johnstone Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:26 • PWS Dolphins heading south in Kanish Bay. Drafting tug with double red barge.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
DALLS PORPOISE
Sat Aug 19 2017
16:00 • 8 Dalls Porpoise playing, Jimmy Judd Island, Dent Rapids.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Other Species
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Wed Aug 16 2017
16:06 • 1 Other Species at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. A Sea Otter was observed.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
NEW! WOWs Sightings Archive Explorer
Recommended for desktop browsers and newer mobile devices
Dive into over 5,000 Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings reported in our Sightings Updates with the WOWS Sightings Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer takes readers into the Cetacean world of the BC Coast. Easily view all Cetacean sighting reports together with all sighting photos and videos:
• View species such as Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
• Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
• Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
• Goto Port Alberni to watch a close-up video of Orca in the harbour
• Track the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
• Check-Out "KC", the ever popular Humphack and track his whereabouts this past August
• Goto one of 12,000 named locations on the BC and WA State coast
• Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Explore this powerfull new research tool with the Archive Explorer Help page
Note: The Cetacean Sightings Archive is also available in database format together with sighting photo and video links for viewing, query and download here
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
Dive into over 5,000 Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings reported in our Sightings Updates with the WOWS Sightings Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer takes readers into the Cetacean world of the BC Coast. Easily view all Cetacean sighting reports together with all sighting photos and videos:
• View species such as Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
• Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
• Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
• Goto Port Alberni to watch a close-up video of Orca in the harbour
• Track the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
• Check-Out "KC", the ever popular Humphack and track his whereabouts this past August
• Goto one of 12,000 named locations on the BC and WA State coast
• Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Explore this powerfull new research tool with the Archive Explorer Help page
Note: The Cetacean Sightings Archive is also available in database format together with sighting photo and video links for viewing, query and download here
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
The Magazine
Due to the large number of sightings, the Magazine is taking a short break and will return this coming Monday in Issue 2017-030
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