As we publish this report, some of the Northern Resident Killer Whales have made their way down into Johnstone Strait. Being harassed by Pacific White Sided Dolphins is a very good indicator of the Resident or fish eating Orca. The Dolphins tend to hide when the Transient Bigg's are around as they are meat eaters and frequently take Dolphins, Porpoise, Seals and Sea Lions, as well as other whales, if they can. Some pods of Transient Bigg's have preferences, such as Seals, and some prefer Dolphins. There are a few more pods of Transient Bigg's Orca in our inner waters as well as the Southern Resident Orca once again.
Humpback Whale reports are plentiful with KC and Arial still being very active. With a few more Humpbacks around again, many people are saying that it's about time. Hard to imagine it was only a few years ago that they really started to re-populate our inside waters again.
When we have so many reports of Orca, Humpbacks and Dolphins, our smaller Porpoise reports are few and far between. They are still out there, but most people find it more exciting to report the larger Cetaceans.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whale reports are plentiful with KC and Arial still being very active. With a few more Humpbacks around again, many people are saying that it's about time. Hard to imagine it was only a few years ago that they really started to re-populate our inside waters again.
When we have so many reports of Orca, Humpbacks and Dolphins, our smaller Porpoise reports are few and far between. They are still out there, but most people find it more exciting to report the larger Cetaceans.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Big male T051 near Marina Island
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Society News & Events
A reminder to all out on the water to be very aware of any Whales, Dolphins or Porpoise. Slow down around them. Better yet, if you find yourself closer to any of these wonderful animals than the guidelines allow, put the boat into neutral and enjoy watching them as you drift. Please pay attention boaters!
Our team of Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your reports are mapped and published each week.
Are you the type of volunteer interested in Cetacea and mapping, who would be willing to spend some time with our growing Society network?
We are also preparing for our first Real Time Monitoring Station and will be posting additional callout for Volunteers in this regard.
DONATE
to the non profit wild ocean whale society
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP 2016-021
TRANSIENT BIGG'S KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 12 2016
16:24 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading North about 3 nautical miles off Shelter Point, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:06 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading North 3 miles North-West of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts by Mitlenatch Island
Tue, 12 Jul 2016 - 3 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts by Mitlenatch Island
Tue, 12 Jul 2016 - 3 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Sun Jul 10 2016
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
17:45 • 3 Bigg`s Orca moving slowly, heading North-West near Gibsons heading towards Roberts Creek, Georgia Strait. I watched the orcas for approx. an hour from shore in front of Bonniebrook Lodge and then Chaster Park. They were quite a ways out and appeared to come from between Gibsons / Keats Island. Travelling parallel to the shore as they went by. One large and two smaller. ▫ Observed from Shore
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
15:54 • 2 Bigg`s Orca moving slowly, heading North right off of Miracle Beach Park, Georgia Strait. One big fin and one female.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:38 • 2 Bigg`s Orca heading North 500 metres off shore near Miracle Beach Park. One big male, one female. ▫ Observed from Shore
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:43 • Bigg`s Orca heading North between Kitty Coleman Beach Park and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. From a fisherman. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:38 • Bigg`s Orca heading North at Jones Island heading towards Boundary Bay, President Channel. ◦T49As◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sat Jul 09 2016
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:02 • Bigg`s Orca heading toward Smelt Bay, Sutil Channel.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading towards Smelt Bay
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading towards Smelt Bay
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:20 • Bigg`s Orca heading South along Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T051s near Marina Island
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 1 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T051s near Marina Island
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 1 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Jul 08 2016
16:10 • Bigg`s Orca heading North at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ◦T101s◦ Another group is trailing just below Chatham Point also Northbound. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T101s near McMullen Point
Fri, 8 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T101s near McMullen Point
Fri, 8 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:36 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North in front of the Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ◦T102s◦ Large pod.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:29 • 7 Bigg`s Orca heading North moving out to mid-channel between Whiskey Point and the Campbell River Coast Marina, Discovery Passage. Looks like 3 big fins, 1 in the lead and others behind. Breeching and spy hopping. There are a couple females too.
11:26 • 5 Bigg`s Orca moving quickly, heading North at the Campbell River Coast Marina, Discovery Passage. Traveling with the tide.
11:24 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading North about 200 feet in front of the Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Erin, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Jul 07 2016
15:10 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading North just North of Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:30 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading North off Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading North by Duncan Bay
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading North by Duncan Bay
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Dustin Luchak, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
11:52 • 4 Bigg`s Orca moving quickly, heading North In front of Campbell River, Anchor Inn, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jul 06 2016
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:06 • Bigg`s Orca heading South at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. ◦T101s, T102s◦ At 5 knots. Fabien on scene. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:37 • Bigg`s Orca heading South north of Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ◦T101s◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:59 • Bigg`s Orca heading South from Plunger Passage towards Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Tue Jul 05 2016
20:31 • Bigg`s Orca heading South-West off Point Roberts, Georgia Strait. Travelling towards the Belle Chain.
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
20:28 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading West in Barnes Bay, Okisollo Channel. Report from Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching. ▫ Second Hand
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
20:28 • Bigg`s Orca in Hoskyn Channel. Lots of Orca in the area.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Lots of Ts in Hoskyn Channel
Tue, 5 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Lots of Ts in Hoskyn Channel
Tue, 5 Jul 2016 - 9 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:36 • Bigg`s Orca bucking tide, off Kellsey Point on Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. ◦T100s◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:52 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North on the East side of Stuart Island, Bute Inlet. Travelling close to shore and moving towards Arran Rapids. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:58 • 3 Bigg`s Orca bucking tide, off Kellsey Point on the South-West end of Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
14:16 • Bigg`s Orca bucking tide, off Kellsey Point on the South-West end of Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. ◦T101s◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
13:36 • 3 Bigg`s Orca playing, in front of Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel. They killed a harbour seal. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Jul 04 2016
13:15 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca breaching, heading North between Texada Island and Sechelt Peninsula, Malaspina Strait. Just about 200 yards offshore at 11793 Sunshine Coast Highway. Possibly adults or adults with calves. Too distant to be certain. ▫ Observed from Shore
Glen Mullett, Sunshine Coast, BC
Glen Mullett, Sunshine Coast, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading North off of Duncan Bay
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 6 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Ts heading North off of Duncan Bay
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 6 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 12 2016
15:15 • 10 NRKW Orca heading East off South-East Bay South of Eve River, Johnstone Strait. Orca were poss A34s but definitely NRKWs with the Dolphins harassing them. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 12 2016
13:24 • SRKW Orca heading North along the South-West shore of Pender Island, Swanson Channel. ◦J2 Granny◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sun Jul 10 2016
14:39 • SRKW Orca heading West near Iceberg Point south end of Lopez Island, Rosario Strait. ◦J-Pod◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Wed Jul 06 2016
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Tue Jul 05 2016
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Jul 12 2016
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
12:23 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North-West 2.2 nautical miles West of Mitlenatch Island angling towards Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
Mon Jul 11 2016
16:34 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South mid-channel, abeam Steep Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
14:52 • 1 Humpback Whales off the Campbell River Cruiseship Dock, Discovery Passage. ◦BCX1258 Crescent◦
14:43 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North just off the ferry terminal at Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ◦BCX1258 Crescent◦
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
14:08 • 1 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading North mid-channel, in front of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Taking long dives.
Mireille Morissette, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
09:50 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North about 1 mile off Mitlenatch Island between Salmon Point, Georgia Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCX1258 Crescent breaching a bit too close for comfort near Mitlenatch Island
Mon, 11 Jul 2016 - 1 items
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCX1258 Crescent breaching a bit too close for comfort near Mitlenatch Island
Mon, 11 Jul 2016 - 1 items
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Sun Jul 10 2016
18:44 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at the Cape Mudge Fishing Hump off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
15:37 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Mitlenatch Island and Black Creek, Georgia Strait. About two miles out from Vancouver Island.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:15 • 2 Humpback Whales by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0706 Arial; BCY0291 KC◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
13:56 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, off Separation Head on the side of Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Dustin Luchak, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
11:52 • 2 Humpback Whales playing, heading North by Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0706 Arial; BCY0291 KC◦ Performing some breaching, spy hopping and pectoral slapping. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:39 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North in front of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
08:57 • 1 Humpback Whales heading West angling towards Campbell River, Georgia Strait. Heading towards Vancouver Island.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Sat Jul 09 2016
15:15 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, North of Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. In front of Driftwood Restaurant.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Ron Johnston, Savary Island, BC
Fri Jul 08 2016
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:57 • 3 Humpback Whales in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC; BCY0767 Arial;◦
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
Thu Jul 07 2016
16:06 • 1 Humpback Whales South of Whiskey Point on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Humpback whale working the back eddy. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:31 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North between No Name Creek and 9 foot bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South off Race Point, Discovery Passage. The Humpback is in line with the Orca.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB heading towards Race Point with orcas
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB heading towards Race Point with orcas
Thu, 7 Jul 2016 - 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mireille Morissette, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
07:57 • 2-3 Humpback Whales heading North In front of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jul 06 2016
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
16:12 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North south of No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0706 Arial; BCY0291 KC◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:49 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, long dives, heading South at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Tue Jul 05 2016
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
08:42 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading South North end of Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage. Travelling at 3 knots close to Quadra Island shore.
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Wed Jun 29 2016
07:06 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading West 3-km West of Quatsino Lighthouse, Pacific Ocean. Breached surface 300 yards from fishing boat. ▫ On Scene
Tom Mccaffrey, Quatsino, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Jul 12 2016
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:20 • PWS Dolphins across from Sonora Point angling towards East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel. Small group with a couple of babies.
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Sat Jul 09 2016
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:45 • PWS Dolphins at end of Frederick Arm.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS at the end of Fredricks Arm
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS at the end of Fredricks Arm
Sat, 9 Jul 2016 - 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mark Howell, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Thu Jul 07 2016
08:58 • PWS Dolphins heading South off Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait. Heading into Discovery Passage. ▫ Radio Report
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Wed Jul 06 2016
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Tue Jul 05 2016
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS putting on a show
Wed, 6 Jul 2016 - 3 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS putting on a show
Wed, 6 Jul 2016 - 3 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-021
The Magazine
The Magazine is taking a short Summer break and will return in late July.
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