This report covers sightings between August 20th to the 22nd, with the majority of sightings being Humpback whales. However, many of Humpbacks have moved from the upper Georgia Strait and lower Sutil Channel area towards the area between Powell River and Comox. Transient (Biggs) Orca have been observed in some of the same areas where Humpbacks have been found. Pacific White-Sided Dolphins in large pods have been observed in the northern part of Discovery Passage and in Nodales Channel. Our report includes some sightings of the Northern Resident Orca as well one sighting of Dall's Porpoise and Harbour Porpoise.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whale travelling together off of Powell River
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
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Sightings Update
ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-029
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Aug 22 2017
15:30 • 6-7 Biggs Orca heading south off Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Mon Aug 21 2017
19:02 • Biggs Orca ◦T002C2 Tumbo◦ heading south travelling at 3 knots off Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. Other whales in the group. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
16:22 • Biggs Orca tight to shore just below Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:40 • Biggs Orca heading south toward Hoskyn Rock, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:40 • Biggs Orca at Dunsterville Point angling toward Quadra Island heading into Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north approaching Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north approaching Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
08:53 • Biggs Orca just north of red can at Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
Ed Sharkey, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
06:30 • 3-4 Biggs Orca heading south off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. From fishing guide. ▫ Second Hand
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Aug 20 2017
18:58 • Biggs Orca heading toward Powell Islets, Malaspina Strait. Very elusive; lots of direction changes. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:55 • Biggs Orca off red can at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:00 • 5 Biggs Orca circling Little Rock south of Twin Islands, Baker Passage. After about 10 minutes, they headed south out of Baker Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:08 • 4-5 Biggs Orca off Powell Islets headed toward Mary Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:46 • 7 Biggs Orca at Achilles Bank angling toward Comox Bar, Georgia Strait. Two large males and one very young. From the 'Spirit of Endeavor',. ▫ Second Hand
14:16 • 8 Biggs Orca heading north off the north end of Lasqueti Island, Georgia Strait. One big fin.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Aug 22 2017
12:49 • NRKW Orca hunting, off Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Aug 20 2017
17:41 • NRKW Orca ◦A30s; I15s◦ between Cracroft Point and Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait. And many other Resident Orca.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A5s and I35s, surfing and eating
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Megan Hockin-Bennett, OrcaLab
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A5s and I35s, surfing and eating
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Megan Hockin-Bennett, OrcaLab
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sun Aug 20 2017
14:49 • Orca off Howe Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Radio Report
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Aug 22 2017
17:45 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of Whaletown heading towards Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:16 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west between the mine on Texada Island and the north side of Hornby Island, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:53 • 2 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:30 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south off Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
13:16 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, off Whaletown near the north side of Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Lazy whales.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off of Whaletown near Marina Island
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off of Whaletown near Marina Island
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
12:43 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south in Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
12:25 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, off Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. Big blows.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
11:11 • Humpback Whales between Bartlett Islet and Maurelle Island in the middle of Calm Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:07 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, heading south off Browns Bay towards Seymour Narrows in the middle of Discovery Passage.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:02 • Humpback Whales heading south between Harwood Island and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Sue Bertelsen, Chilliwack, BC
11:01 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, in front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:56 • 6 Humpback Whales midway between Cape Lazo and Blubber Bay, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
09:39 • 1 Humpback Whales resting, between Quartz Bay and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.
09:18 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Raza Island, Raza Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:11 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:41 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Separation Head, Quadra Island.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:40 • 1 Humpback Whales at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Mon Aug 21 2017
16:22 • Humpback Whales into Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:10 • 4 Humpback Whales in Deer Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:10 • 2 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, Deer Passage. Little ones. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:10 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north towards the mainland off West Redonda Island along the south side of Pryce Channel. Bigger ones. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:01 • 3 Humpback Whales at Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Fluke dives.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
14:13 • Humpback Whales toward Harwood Island from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Massive whales, multiple breaches; stunning!.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:29 • 1 Humpback Whales tail slaps, heading south off Steep Island, Discovery Passage. A couple of breaches.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:27 • 1 Humpback Whales 1 mile NW of Redonda Bay, Calm Channel. Small one. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south 200 metres off the beach just south of Burdwood Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel. Small and active.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
09:44 • 3 Humpback Whales, Deer Passage.
09:44 • 2 Humpback Whales by Raza Island, Calm Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
08:00 • est. 5-10 Humpback Whales moving slowly, near shore Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. 2 small groups of Humpback whales 300-500 meters from shore by the Viewpoint. One group of 2 sub adults and another group of at least 4 animals which included a large calf. ▫ Observed from Shore
Steve & Susan Grover, Powell River, BC
Sun Aug 20 2017
19:18 • 1 Humpback Whales at red can Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale near shore by the Powell River Viewpoint
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Steve Grover, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale near shore by the Powell River Viewpoint
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Steve Grover, Powell River, BC
19:18 • 1 Humpback Whales between red can at Cortez Reef and Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
18:58 • 1 Humpback Whales near Powell Islets, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
18:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north half mile off shore past the wharf at Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait. Large and small tail fins prominent when sounding.
Dave Florence, Powell River, BC
17:55 • Humpback Whales off red can at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:12 • Humpback Whales out from Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel. Very active.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:10 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north just passed Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Dove deep...Beautiful show...tails out...everything.
Lorna Rutledge, Powell River, BC
17:00 • Humpback Whales north end of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:52 • 1 Humpback Whales between Read Island and Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
15:20 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Myrtle Rocks and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
15:05 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north-west off Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River, BC
14:18 • 1 Humpback Whales halfway between Francisco Point and Whaletown, Sutil Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:21 • 2 Humpback Whales mid Strait between Vivian Island and Cape Lazo, Georgia Strait. Very curious.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
12:02 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, in the back eddy at Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:51 • 3-5 Humpback Whales heading north Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
At least five Humpback Whales off of Powell River
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
At least five Humpback Whales off of Powell River
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:55 • 3 Humpback Whales, Deer Passage.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales in Deer Passage
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales in Deer Passage
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:54 • 1 Humpback Whales mid channel of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:54 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north along the shoreline Read Island, South Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage.
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:43 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north tight to Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:34 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, above North Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
10:23 • 3 Humpback Whales close to shore Coulter Island heading toward Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
09:50 • 1 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Aug 22 2017
17:00 • est. 60 PWS Dolphins heading south-west off Sonora Point, Nodales Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south-west off of Sonora Point
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south-west off of Sonora Point
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:29 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins abeam Port Neville in the middle of Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:30 • PWS Dolphins milling, at Thurston Bay, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Peers, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:22 • PWS Dolphins by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Aug 21 2017
16:39 • est. 40 PWS Dolphins doing circles, at Copper Cliffs, Discovery Passage.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:17 • est. 40 PWS Dolphins milling, 500 metres off shore in front of old torn apart float house, on east side of Frederick Arm.
12:00 • est. 80 PWS Dolphins circling prey, in Kelsey Bay then headed around Peterson Islet, Johnstone Strait. The Dolphins were very active and splashing; moving in tight circles, apparently feeding on some small fish, probably herring. They then headed around Peterson Islet and continued down Vancouver Island. Observed from the Kelsey Bay fishing pier. ▫ Observed from Shore
Glenn Mackie, Sayward, BC
09:28 • PWS Dolphins heading north at Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage.
09:28 • PWS Dolphins heading south at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:27 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading north toward Chatham Point off Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:50 • PWS Dolphins heading south at Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Aug 20 2017
12:00 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins circling around Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About one hundred circling around Denham Island
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About one hundred circling around Denham Island
Sun, 20 Aug 2017 - 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:54 • PWS Dolphins off Wastell Islets, Broughton Strait.
Randy Hodge, Vancouver, BC
10:34 • 10 PWS Dolphins just north of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
DALLS PORPOISE
Sun Aug 20 2017
11:54 • Dalls Porpoise off Beaver Cove, Broughton Strait.
Randy Hodge, Vancouver, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Aug 22 2017
12:06 • 4 Harbour Porpoise heading south off Hidden Harbour, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
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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