Finally some Sightings - Orca and Dolphins

Just when you think there will be another minimal report, some Whales and Dolphins pop up. Today we had Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales, first reported off Savary / Lund this morning, and Pacific White Sided Dolphins in front of Powell River. Some very late reports also came in, but at least they were reported. A report from Hawaii too. Although I had hopes of the Southern Resident Orca who were seen Northbound by Victoria the other day, it was not to be – yet. They are due, every December in the Powell River to Comox area. Keep an eye out.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

off marina by Grief Point, Powell River

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

December 10:

9:47 am 5 or 6 Orca headed towards Powell River from Savary / Lund area.

Gordie Coles, Savary Island

December 10:

11:57 am The 6 Orca suddenly appeared just between the Powell River ferry terminal and the Viewpoint heading South in quite a hurry. There was one male and one juvenile in the group. Perhaps they were in pursuit of the Dolphins, but no Dolphins were sighted other than the report below. With the skiff in the shop, I drove down to Beach Gardens to hopefully catch them on camera. They slowed right down by the marina stopping briefly as if to check something out. A sea lion quickly made a bee line to shore. I left them at 12:45 pm continuing South towards Myrtle Rocks doing longer dives and moving slower.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

between Grief Point, Powell River and Texada Island

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

December 10:

12 pm Some Orca just popped up down by the viewpoint in Powell River. Just happened to look out and saw them.

Steve Grover, Powell River

December 10:

12:03 pm Killer Whales in front of the Powell River Ferry right now. 2 Orca Southbound – from friend on the ferry.

Stephen Mohan, Powell River

December 1: (late report)

1 lone Orca was seen chasing a bunch of sea lions onto the beach at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island.

Dave & Nancy Gough, Powell River

October 19: (late report)

Shortly after 5 pm there was a large pod of around 20 Orca off the North-West side of Texada Island angling towards Comox. There were some splashes, tail lobs and breaches. Seen from the Powell River to Comox ferry.

Marc Salewski, Powell River

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Looking towards one of the terraced mines

just South of VanAnda on Texada Island

December 10, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

December 10:

Between 10 and 10:30 am Around 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were foraging close in to shore by Willingdon Beach. They were running back and forth.

Ted Douglas, Powell River

Humpback Whales

December 5:

7:11 pm 2 Humpback Whales just passed Poipu, Kauai heading South.

Gordie Coles, on holiday in Hawaii

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Humpback Whales, Transient Orca and Dolphins

Humpback Whales are moving South between Vancouver Island and the mainland, while Transient Orca are meandering about stopping to take the occasional sea lion. Some Pacific White Sided Dolphins were also reported off Savary Island. I have sworn I've seen some blows and then nothing, but since I can't confirm, these are not reported below. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I don't think so.

Most of the Sightings reports below have come in late after the fact, but still are important, so a reminder to all to please keep them coming.

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Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Transient Orca

by Harwood Island

Susan MacKay, SG Images

November 12:

11 am At least 8 Transient Orca were spotted heading North-West by Shelter Point, close to Vancouver Island. There was at least 1 big fin (male) and it's believed that it was the same group that was around Cowichan on November 11^th seen taking a sea lion. (Rumour has it that the whales included T93. - SM)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

November 10:

Late report that earlier in the day, there were some Orca just off Lund. No direction or numbers.

Geri Batchelor, Savary Island

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale

Lunge Feeding

Nick Templeman

November 7:

10 am Saw a big animal and blow, assumed to be a Humpback Whale off the Powell River viewpoint headed towards Grief Point.

Steve Grover, Powell River

November 1:

This is a picture of my whale sighting. I was standing on the rocks of the Saltery Bay campsite and the whales are breeching over by Hardy Island. You have to zoom in the picture and those white dots are the splash. When I saw the splash I heard boom boom 2 seconds later. (When Humpbacks land their breech, it can sound like an explosion. Especially if there are hills to echo off of. - SM)

Jeannette Russell, Powell River

November (last week sometime):

No time or actual numbers, but there was a report that there were Humpback Whales by Oyster River, Vancouver Island.

Humpback Whales

by Hardy Island

Jeannette Russell

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

November 1:

8 am 6 to 8 PWS Dolphins were jumping around our boat and bow rode for 20 minutes or so 100 yards off the beach at Indian Point, Savary Island. Great experience.

Jim and Shelly, Savary Island

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Transient Orca, Dolphins, Humpbacks and Porpoise Sightings

Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Humpback Whales and Dall's Porpoise in today's report. Managed to get radio to work, albeit poorly, in time to hear being called with some of the sightings reports below. Radio died again after three or so hours, so please continue to send emails, text messages or call with sightings reports. Keep your eyes open – and report please!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

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Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

and

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Transient Orca

October 16, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 17:

12:16 pm A number of Orca of unknown type (assumed to be Transients – SM) off Campbell River this morning Southbound.

Aaron Nagler, Sonora Resort

October 16:

9:13 am 4 – 5 Orca on the East side of Quadra Island just off Heriot Bay. They're about 3 miles NW of Francisco Point (Cape Mudge) headed SW. They're running at about 4 to 5 knots along the Quadra shore towards Cape Mudge.

10:14 am Killer Whales identified as T18, T19, T19B, and T19C.

10:47 am The Orca turned the corner and are now running North up Discover Passage at around 10 or 11 knots! By 11:20 am they were at Race Point, and just a bit above the Narrows there are at least 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading North-West away from the Orca. They're about 1 mile apart from each other!

Ivan on the Western Explorer

October 16:

11:58 am Transient Orca are just passing Separation Head heading North-West. 2 on the Vancouver Island side and the other two mid-channel. Can see the PWS Dolphins ahead of them.

Geordie, Discovery Marine Safaris

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Note the Orca blow about a mile back!

October 16, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 16:

1 pm Left the Orca at McMullen Point headed North-West. The PWS Dolphins were milling in Kanish Bay.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 16:

3 pm 4 PWS Dolphins by Sophia Islands, Blackney Pass area.

Nick Templeman

Humpback Whales

October 16:

12:25 pm Humpback Whale at the mouth of Okisollo Channel foraging.

Geordie, Discovery Marine Safaris

October 16:

Heard broken transmission just before radio died of a second Humpback Whale believe it was also by Okisollo Channel, but no confirmation from anyone.

SM

October 16:

1:30 pm Left the Humpback Whale Southbound by Deepwater Bay, and report of another Humpback at the mouth of Okisollo Southbound too. Lots of life!

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 16 rec'd:

A mother and calf humpback are hanging out at the bottom end of Troop Pass where it meets Seaforth Channel, just a few km out of Bella Bella. They were heard but not spotted on Oct 9 (by me) and then spotted by another kayaker on Oct 13th. They have been there for several weeks according to local reports.

Vic Gladish

Humpback Whale

October 16, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

October 17:

Day: Just a few Dall's Porpoise up in Bute Inlet. Was pretty quiet, but had 7 Grizzly Bears though :)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Many Sightings - Orca Spread Out

Many reports with the Northern Resident Orca still spread out, Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales popping up, large number of Humpback Whales in the upper Johnstone Strait with a few farther South, Pacific White Sided Dolphins in large numbers in various places, Minke Whales not showing themselves easily, and Dall's and Harbour Porpoises being spotted, and reported, a bit more frequently.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

(Fish eating) Killer Whales

NRKWs - A25's

August 24, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:

8:30 am Some Orca were spotted heading West past Ledge Point off Port McNeill. 1 pm The I15's were at Pulteney Point.

August 26:

8:50 am A30's were picked up by Eve River / Naka Creek heading East down Johnstone Strait.

Around 12 pm A30's turned and were Westbound by Naka Creek. This was also around the time the Transients T02C's were Westbound on the other side of Johnstone Strait.

August 26:

9:45 am 6+ Orca Westbound by Lizard Point, Malcolm Island. These turned out to be the A34's while another group was reportedly inbound from the Port Hardy area.

August 26:

8:57 am Orca by Frederick Arm from a fisherman - turned out the be the A8's.

1:48 pm the A8's were Westbound by Ripple Point. They were moving at around 8 knots by Camp Point, but stopped to forage at Ripple Shoal. They timed it just right to get a push from the tide.

August 26:

11:43 am A8's Westing in Nodales.

2 pm Residents rounding Ripple Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 26:

12:00 pm A8's Westbound by Chatham Point.

3:01 pm A8's still Westing by Palmer Bay, between Camp Point and Ripple Point.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 26:

4:30 pm A8's still Westbound with the tide by Paterson Island, just below Kelsey Bay. Had them this morning at Frederick Arm.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 25:

7:30 am Orca in Blackfish Sound – someone said they were Eastbound, someone else reported Westbound. Sounds like foraging to me!

9 am Orca spread out from Blinkhorn across to Hanson Island Eastbound.

1:50 pm Small groups of Orca were spread out foraging from Robson Bight to Cracroft Point.

One salmon, no ID on the salmon, jumped right in front of the A30's as they passed the Sophia Islands heading East towards Swaine Point. They quickly caught and shared it. A few spy hops from the calf followed.

Around 2:30 pm the I15's with some on the Vancouver Island shore and some by the Sophia Islands headed West up Johnstone Strait to around the Turn Point area and by 5 pm were back in the Bight.

August 24:

8 am I15's were Easting out of Robson Bight. And by 10 am were passing Naka Creek, but they didn't go much farther.

12 – 1:10 pm they only travelled across the Strait to the Broken Islands by Port Harvey and appeared to be waiting for the A's that had gone to Nodales Channel and were working their way back up the Strait.

4:50 pm the I15's were back by Boat Bay heading West – there was no word on the A's at that point.

August 24:

11:08 am 20 Orca in Nodales – no idea who, I'm not there yet.

12:09 pm A23's, A25's and A30's total of 20 of them, Westing by Walkem Islands doing 8 knots. 12:30 pm They're Westing hard; already past Ripple Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:

11:30 am 20 Orca in Nodales Channel Westing, A30's and A25's I think.

2 pm They flew by Vansitaart Light doing 9 knots Westbound.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

(Meat eating) Orca

Transient Breach!

August 24, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:

8:01 am Orca Northbound by the fishing hump off Cape Mudge.

They were right in front of Campbell River when they made a sudden U-turn and headed South again.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 26:

8:30 am 4 or 5 Orca, haven't seen a big fin yet off Cape Mudge.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 26:

8:30 am 4 – 5 Orca on the Mudge side. Doesn't appear to be a male in the group, but will try to get a better look.

Lee via Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 26:

11:35 am 5 or 6 Transient Orca by Escape Reef, Forward Bay slowly heading West. Unfortunately it was a bit too lumpy for me to stay to get proper ID's, but it looked like T02C and thought I possibly saw T20 as well. I spoke with Tenacious 3 around noon and they said that they heard there were some Orca by Stimpson's Reef at 10:30 am. At 2:10 pm I heard that T02C's were just past Boat Bay – so confirmed! The Resident A30's were reported by Naka Creek at noon, which would have put them Westbound on the other side of Johnstone Strait around the same time.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 25:

8:26 am 3 Orca reportedly by Millie Island, Port Neville, perhaps Eastbound.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 25:

9:30 am 3 Transients in Sunderland Channel Easting.

10:05 am It's the T02C's in Sunderland.

4 pm Found another 5 Transients by Mitlenatch Island! One large male. Left them at Marina Reef Northbound.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 25:

12:30 pm I'm in Wellbore Channel with the Transients T02C's.

2:05 pm They're doing 3 knots and taking deeper dives down Chancellor Channel heading to Loughborough Inlet.

3:04 pm I'm leaving Orca by Loughborough, still Easting into the inlet.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

August 24, 25 and 26:

Humpback Whales were in abundance! Cormorant Channel alone had 7 whales the morning of 26^th, with another 2 or 3 in Weynton Pass and “lots” reported by Bold Head. Although I do not have a total count for the 26^th or the 25^th, the total count at the top of Johnstone Strait / Broughton's has been around 13 individual animals.

August 26:

6:30 am Men out fishing and saw 2 Humpbacks at Flower Island.

Cam and Laureen Reid, Sechelt

August 24 or 25?:

While spending some time with the Humpback show by the Plumpers and Bold Head, a number of Pacific White Sided Dolphins decided to harass two Humpback Whales, one of whom was 'Freckles'. The PWS Dolphins were relentless and the Humpbacks were trying to shake them by surfacing first off one side then the other of the Gikumi bugling their displeasure as they surfaced. It was quite the show.

Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions

Minke Whales

August 26:

8 am 4 Minke Whales were feeding off the Pearse Reefs.

August 24:

8:40 am 2 Minke Whales between Alert Bay and Pearse Islands.

Dave Towers, Seasmoke Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

August 24, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 26:

8:30 am 25+ PWS Dolphins at Bold Head.

August 26:

(approx) 8:30 am Hi, saw a beautiful huge pod of porpoises (actually, they were Pacific White Sided Dolphins – SM) go by our cottage in Selma park just south of Sechelt. They were heading north.
Peter Vysek, Sechelt

August 26:

11:43 am 150 or so PWS Dolphins milling in Frederick's Arm.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 24, 25 & 26:

All day: A few of the PWS Dolphins were constantly around the Northern Resident Orca bow riding and generally being annoying to them. If the Orca weren't close by, they'd bug the Humpback Whales – see report above for one specific instance.

August 25:

9:40 am 250 to 300 PWS Dolphins were spread out around the Plumper Islands foraging, leaping and putting on a good show.

August 25:

2:30 pm 150 PWS Dolphins in Mayne Passage.

4:12 pm 40 Dolphins Westing FAST by Knox Bay, must've heard the Transient Orca.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:

9:12 am A large gang of PWS Dolphins by the Plumper Islands.

10 am 100 or so PWS Dolphins by Donagal Head

Later in the afternoon, time not noted, this group seemed to grow to be closer to 200+ Dolphins.

August 24:

11:08 am 150 PWS Dolphins Westing near Okisollo Channel in Discovery Passage.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 24:

11:30 am 200 PWS Dolphins Southbound at Deepwater Bay, just above Campbell River.

2:30 pm 100 PWS Dolphins foraging in Nodales Channel.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 24:

2:30 pm 75 PWS Dolphins by Harding Island in Nodales Channel heading East.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 24, 25 & 26:

Most reports over the radio go something like “oh yeah, we've seen them here and there.” So limited reports of specific sightings:

August 26:

10:20 am 6 Dall's Porpoise by Swaine Point foraging. They came over for a very quick couple of leaps bow riding then they were gone.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 26:

Before 11:43 am Pod of around 12 Dall's Porpoise milling around by Whiskey Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 25:

9:30 am 4 Dall's Porpoise foraging at the entrance to Growler Cove.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 24:

2:20 pm 2 Dall's and 4 Harbour Porpoise were foraging together in Clio Channel by Walden Island.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca - Humpback Confrontation

Resident Orca still doing long runs up and down Johnstone Strait. A few Humpback Whales have decided to head down the Strait as well running head on into Transient Orca (see photo). For Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales there has been the T02C's reported but the others are somewhere. Lots of Pacific White Sided Dolphins, most down closer to Campbell River and the inlets, and some Dall's Porpoise showing up down as far as Savary Island finally. Minke Whales are around, but with the need for patience to watch them and so much other activity, they fall a bit above the little Harbour Porpoise for sightings reports.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca Confronts Humpback Whales

August 19, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Northern Resident Orca

August 19:

8:15 am Around 5-6 Orca very slowly Easting by Naka Creek, but last night around midnight there had to be over 20 Orca through here. Sounded more like 30!! Constant blows and quite a few slaps. We stood at the beach to listen. :)

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 19:

10:20 am 5 – 6 Orca were spotted Westbound by Port Harvey. From a friend.

Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expedititions

August 19:

11:20 am Orca, still unknown who, Westing by Port Harvey, Broken Islands area.

12 pm Orca on the Vancouver Island side between Naka Creek and Eve River Westbound. At the same time, another group, originally thought to be Transients were on the other side of Johnstone Strait, by Forward Bay also Westbound.

By around 1 pm it was determined, even with the drifting fog, that these were all Resident Orca including the A30's on the Vancouver Island side, and the A23's and A25's on the Cracroft Island side. By 1:45 pm they were running around 3 knots still Westbound just below Boat Bay chasing fish. And 3 pm at Boat Bay, they picked up the pace to run at 9 knots, still West, but foraging.

August 19:

7:10 pm The Orca never really left the area but worked back and forth completely spread out across the Strait from Cracroft Point to Kaikash Creek. They have turned to head East towards the Bight.

Geoff, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

August 18:

9 am Some of the Residents were reported in Robson Bight Ecological Reserve while some of the A30's were found in the fog, Eastbound by Blinkhorn.

10:30 am A30's were still very slowly Eastbound by Izumi rock and spread across the Strait, not quite in the Reserve.

1:12 pm Orca are working their way out of the Bight headed East.

6:20 pm Orca at Naka Creek

August 17:

8:45 am NRKW's past Kaikash Creek and made it West to Blinkhorn and across the Strait to Turn Point, where they turned back East at 9:15 am.

12:30 pm A23's/25's and 30's were spread out back and forth by Boat Bay to the Reserve and slowly Eastbound.

1:40 pm the A30's were the trailing group slowly Easting, but the others were reported as far East as Cedarstead Creek, below Naka Creek.

3 pm the A30's were foraging by Cedarstead and turned West again.

Spyhopping Orca

2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales – Orca

August 19:

11:20 4 Orca – the T02C's were found Eastbound by Kelsey Bay.

Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:

2 pm We just left the T02Cs Eastbound in Chancellor Channel heading towards Wellbore. There was some commotion by Helmken around 1 pm when two Eastbound Humpback Whales met these Orca. The Orca appeared to try to take on one of the Humpbacks, but were slapped by the huge Humpback pectoral flippers. An actual confrontation! Then they tried for a Sea Lion on Helmken Island, but that Sea Lion managed to get away. They had passed some Dall's Porpoise running on the other side of Chancellor Channel as well. Quite a mixture in the day.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:

6:55 pm Transients at mouth of Loughborough Inlet Easting.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 18:

9:30 am Transients were reported by Kelsey Bay after chasing approximately 500 PWS Dolphins out of Sunderland Channel.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 18:

2:48 pm Just leaving T002C's Easting into Sunderland on the Hardwicke shore.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 17:

12:40 pm Transients T02C's 1 mile East of Gunner Point Westbound in Sunderland Channel.

3:13 pm Just leaving Transients now Eastbound in Sunderland Ch. Along the Hardwicke shore. They gave the PWS Dolphins a good scare by Fanny Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:

Late in day: 4 Orca came out of Booker Lagoon and past by us at anchor in Cullen Harbour. The previous week or so we saw lots of Orca up around Namu and Fury Island.

Cam & Laureen Reid, Sechelt

Humpback Whales

Humpback 'KC' Flukes after Orca Confrontation

August 19, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:

11:32 am 2 Humpback Whales, Earl's Ledge by Kelsey Bay.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:

There was some commotion by Helmken around 1 pm when two Eastbound Humpback Whales met these Orca. The Orca appeared to try to take on one of the Humpbacks, but were slapped by the huge Humpback pectoral flippers. An actual confrontation!

3:09 pm On our way back, we found and left the Humpbacks at Ripple Point now still Easting.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:

4 pm Two Humpbacks by Chatham Point – Mom and Calf.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 19:

Throughout the day: 2 Humpbacks, Mom 'Chunky' and her calf in Weynton Pass, 1 Humpback Eastbound by Blinkhorn, 2 HB's by Cracroft Point lunge feeding, 1 HB by Parsons Bay, 1 HB went into Robson Bight Reserve by Izumi Rock and 1 HB between Stephenson Islets and Pearse Island.

The total in the upper Johnstone Strait for the day that can be accounted for as not being duplicated are: 6 animals.

August 18:

Morning: 2 Humpbacks in Blackney Pass

8:21 am 2 Humpbacks went East by Naka Creek - what a treat!!! The boys were out kayaking when the Humpbacks came by. Pretty special moment for them, especially for Darren, first time kayaking at sea and first time seeing whales in their natural habitat!

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 17:

1 pm 2 Humpback Whales. I actually had to take the boat out of gear to allow one Humpback to wake up enough to move across my bow. He/she had been sleeping in Cormorant Channel right in my path. Once awake it went to join another Humpback and do a few lazy lunge feeds through some bait balls on the Malcolm Island side of Pearse Pass.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Minke Whales

August 19:

9 am 2 Minke Whales were feeding just off Pearse Pass.

Dave Towers, Seasmoke Adventures

August 17:

1 pm 2 Minke Whales lunge feeding by Leonard Rock, Haddington Island till a few fast boats travelled close – and they were gone.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 19:

11:30 am 200 PWS Dolphins by Kelsey Bay

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 19:

Approx: 1:30 pm 150 PWS Dolphins by Rock Bay, Walkem Islands, just above Chatham Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:

5 pm 150 PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point milling about – great evening.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 19:

8 pm Some PWS Dolphins were around Whitebeach Passage, Blackfish Sound.

Radio

August 18:

11:35 am PWS Dolphins at St Vincent Bight, just above Kelsey Bay

August 17:

8:30 to 10:30 am 8 – 10 PWS Dolphins were foraging back and forth in my anchorage in the Pearse Islands.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 17:

11:02 am 200 Dolphins eating at Eve River zig zagging

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 17:

2 pm We left the PWS Dolphins Westing hard after an Orca scare by Fanny Island, across from Kelsey Bay.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

August 19:

9 am Around 20 Dall's Porpoise foraging by Pearse Pass.

11:15 am Dall's Porpoise bow riding by the Blow Hole, Plumper Islands.

Dave Towers, Seasmoke Adventures

August 19:

2 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise in Chancellor Channel and another 2 that we'd seen earlier at Camp Point, close to Helmken Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 19:

6 pm 4 Dall's Porpoise foraging in the tide rips at the bottom of Weynton Pass.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 18:

Partial report: Some Dall's Porpoise in Blackney Pass

August 18:

11:23 am 3 or 4 Dall's Porpoise splashing about (maybe feeding?) just West of Naka Creek.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 17:

12:50 pm 30 or so Dall's Porpoise were foraging in the tide rips at the bottom of Pearse Passage, between Cormorant and Pearse Islands.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

 

August 17:

4:30 pm Bill and I and Eric and Anna Bircher saw 3 Dalls porpoises on our way back to Indian Point, Savary Island from Lund today. We were happy to see something!

Dee Ingraham, Savary Island

Residents Looking for Salmon, Transients on a Tear

Northern resident Orca doing their long runs down to Nodales and back every couple of days it seems. With late and seemingly sparser salmon runs, it's all about the food. Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales are hunting up a storm, while the Pacific White Sided Dolphins are trying to avoid them with everything they have. But a few Porpoise haven't been as lucky. A bow riding Minke Whale! Humpback Whales are busy trying to fatten up for their Autumn trip back to the warm waters of Hawaii and Mexico. I've noticed a shortage of krill and smaller bait balls of small fish. Again, maybe they're just running a bit late?

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

A30 and A38

August 14, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 16:

1:30 pm Resident Orca did go East and are in Nodales Channel.

Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

August 16:

1:45 pm The Resident Orca are entering Nodales Channel (by Howe Island from Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures)

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 16:

5 pm Last I heard was that the Residents were still in Nodales Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:

9 am A23's, A25's and A30's were headed West out of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

10:35 am Orcas now Easting by Kaikash Creek.

Following a pattern they've had for a while now, they would go towards Cracroft Point and Blackney Pass then, all spread across Johnstone Strait, they'd head back into the Bight and tease everyone that they were about to go East out of the Bight. They did this a couple of times during the day.- SM

5:45 pm They were again Easting by Kaikash Creek headed back towards the Reserve.

August 14:

7:15 am 10 to 15 Orca Westbound at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.

Harley via Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 14:

7:48 am Report of 12 or so Orca in Nodales Channel. I'm on my way to see.

11:15 am It's the Residents! They're Westbound by Ripple Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:

3 pm We left the Residents Westing at Camp Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:

7 pm Resident Pods were slowly working their way back to the West by Havannah Channel.

Cruise Ship Volendam

Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales

Transients on Porpoise Kill

August 2012

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 16:

7:44 am 6-7 Orca spotted in Whale Passage, by Cortez Island – no real direction. (from a sports fisherman)

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 16:

8:49 am Found the Transients! (it's his birthday and looking forward to some days off, so he's forgiven for not telling me where he found them, or anything else – Happy Birthday! - SM)

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 16:

10:12 am Transients between Raza and Rendezvous Islands. They are the T101/102's and T90's for a total of 7 or 8 between the two gangs. Had a flurry of action as we seemed to get a Harbour Seal kill at Kelsey Point on Stuart Island. Many breaches and rolls after. Very cool.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 16:

12:42 pm T102 and gang by Kelsey Point, Stuart Island – Looks like 7 Orca.

2 pm Transients Southbound in Calm Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 16:

6 pm I left the Transients mid channel in Hole in the Wall heading towards Okisollo Channel.

Joss Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 15:

11:23 am Sounds like T02C's at Jesse Island, Blenkinsop Bay.

2:30 pm We left the 150 PWS Dolphins by Vansittart Point, Race Passage still moving quickly after the Transient (Bigg's) T02C's tried for a kill in Blinkensop Bay, Sunderland Channel. When the Transients tried, the Dolphins scattered in a panic. We left the T02C's in Sunderland Channel. (repeated in PWS Dolphins)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:

5:45 pm T02C's just turned at Forward Bay, Wellbore Channel. Headed West with the ebb.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 14:

2:18 pm T02C's Southbound in Chancellor Channel.

Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching

August 14:

3:21 pm Heard rumours of Transients in Chancellor Channel headed South.

Caught the T02C's at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet. They gave us an awesome show. They were chasing Porpoise teaching the calf. They made a kill then around 7 pm wandered back into Loghborough Inlet.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:

5 pm We left the T02C's at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet milling. They got a Harbour Porpoise. They were Jumping and Spyhopping, rollovers and backstrokes. They were happy after their dinner. Saw the momma feed the little one nose to nose. Little one was breaching after.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:

6:57 pm Just left the T02C's at Lyle Island, mouth of Loughborough Inlet. No direction – milling. Killed a Porpoise before we got on scene. We witnessed 2 Harbour seals get flushed out of the Thurlow Island shore. Chased one extremely close to us.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

RE: Photo Above:

Enclosed is a picture from the other day off of Cape Mudge with the T018/19 Gang & T20/21. They spread out off of Cape and In true transient fashion took off after the first Harbour Porpoise that came along! They hunted right through about 20 sportfishing boats off of the Hump as well! It was amazing to see them all work together to coral the porpoise as well.....big T20 Tail Slapping the surface. The hunt only lasted a couple of minutes.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

Humpback 'Claw' Lunge Feeding

Baleen very visible

August 14, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

August 16:

Throughout the day: First in the fog it was just “we heard a blow” and then once the fog cleared the sightings were from Blackney Pass, Flower Island, Bold Head, Stubbs Island and Pearse Reefs. The sightings included: 'Argonaught', 'Chunky and her new calf', 'Conger', and 6 others for a total of 10 Humpback Whales in the area.

August 15:

5 – 6 pm 4 Humpback Whales worked their way up Blackfish Sound and were working back and forth between Double Bay, Hanson Island and Bold Head across the strait, even coming in between small boats trolling. Two of the whales headed for a narrow passage through the the Plumper Islands and Hanson Island known as the Blow Hole. Right at that time, a number of small boats, completely unaware that the whales were in their path, went flying in both directions through the Blow Hole and another narrow pass known as the Romantical Pass. Myself and a tour vessel the Island Odyssey waited for the whales to surface after these small boats cleared. Finally one large animal surfaced with a huge blow and retreated quickly back towards the less confined space of Blackfish Sound. This whale already has a nick in it's dorsal fin which looks suspiciously like prop damage. A few deep breaths and a bit of trumpeting when he met up with the other two still in Blackfish. Then I noticed a couple of large Humpback blows from behind some rocks. Good, all accounted for. This last whale either took the Romantical Pass or went around the shoals back towards Blackfish also. It had managed to avoid the boats by hiding close in the kelp bed and by rocks.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 14:

11:40 am Just got a report (radio) of a Humpback Whale Northbound at Quadra lighthouse (Cape Mudge).

3:21 pm Just left the whale bucking the tide still by the lighthouse (afternoon run).

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

August 14:

12:17 pm Spotted a Humpback just South of Cape Mudge. It stayed feeding in the same area for a couple of hours. I really enjoyed watching it.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 14:

11:30 till 2 pm 3 Humpbacks with a possible fourth stopping by briefly, were lunge feeding on small herring around the Pearse Reefs. Of the three, there was 'Argonaught' and 'Claw' and uncertain at this time who the third and possible fourth was. Total Humpback count for the day was again between 8 to 10 whales.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

August 14:

6 pm Humpback Whale was at Duncan Bay Westing.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 14:

8 pm Humpback Whale breaching by Kanish Bay. May be 'Stripe'.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Minke Whales

August 16:

10:20 am Minke Whale just off the Pearse Islands was actually Bow Riding then wake riding with the Naiad Explorer!

Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 15:

10 am (approx) Lots of PWS Dolphins by Hickey Point – no direction or actual numbers.

August 15:

2:30 pm We left the 150 PWS Dolphins by Vansittart Point, Race Passage still moving quickly after the Transient (Bigg's) T02C's tried for a kill in Blinkensop Bay, Sunderland Channel. When the Transients tried, the Dolphins scattered in a panic. We left the T02C's in Sunderland Channel.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

August 15:

6 pm 150+ PWS Dolphins doing zig zag pattern between Turn Island, Howe Island and Chatham Point.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

August 14:

11 am 100 or so PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point foraging.

Afternoon tour: Dolphins were at Kanish Bay, across from Chatham Point foraging around. And on the way back around 7 pm the close to 200 PWS Dolphins were still zig zagging all over Discovery Pass close to Chatham Point.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

August 16:

8:40 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise, maybe 3 by Cape Mudge Lighthouse.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 16:

Again during the day there were smaller groups of Dall's Porpoise, some just foraging in tide rips and other being playful and bow riding.

August 14:

9:20 am One lonesome Harbour Porpoise foraging near Simm's Creek, Campbell River.

Tara Bladon, Campbell River

August 14:

Throughout the day, there were groups of Dall's Porpoise foraging around Weynton Pass.

Northern Residents and lots of Other Sightings

Northern Resident Orca, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Dall's Porpoise sightings from mostly the upper Johnstone Strait area with Pacific White Sided Dolphins and a late report of Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales in the Sunshine Coast – upper Georgia Strait area.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Killer Whales

NRKW A75 with Her New Calf

August 2, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

August 3:

Throughout the day: the A30's have been from the top of Blackfish Sound down Johnstone Strait to just East of The Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, back up the Strait as far as Beaver Cove, by Telegraph Cove and then back down towards the Bight.

August 2:

Throughout the day: the A30's were again, spotted at the top of Blackfish Sound in the morning and worked their way down the Sound towards the Bight. Later in the day, they had ventured up Johnstone Strait to Beaver Cove and turned back towards the East at 7:30 pm

August 1:

Throughout the day: the R4's, A11's, I15's and A30's were spread out all over Blackfish Sound then Johnstone Strait foraging, went back towards the Bight, when around 1 pm the R4's and I15's popped up in Weynton Pass while the rest were close to the Bight. These Resident Whales also turned back to the bight till 6 pm when the R4's, on their own were spotted by the Stephenson Islets at the bottom of Weynton Pass. They continued West in Johnstone Strait and I left them around 7:30 pm still headed West past Alert Bay. Overnight: The I15's and A11's possibly joined the R4's to head out West into Queen Charlotte Strait.

The R's are not regularly seen in the area so it was a treat – I also managed to get some great vocal recordings. Their vocals are quite a bit different than the A Clan or G Clan calls. I'm working on getting a few short audio clips up – SM

NRKW's the R4's

August 1, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 30:

Second hand report of Transient Orca passing Cortez and up into Surge Narrows.

Humpback Whales

August 3:

Throughout the day: The total count today was only 5 Humpback Whales that I heard about. One of them was Breaching at Cracroft Point as the A30's headed closer to Blackney Pass.

August 2:

9 am Humpbacks: 1 at Whitebeach Pass, Mom and Calf at Bold Head, 1 at Parsons Bay.

9:30 am Humpbacks: 2 at Bold Head, 2 at Flower Island, 1 in Weynton Pass.

10:30 am 4 Humpbacks at Wells Pass.

4 pm – 7:20 pm Humpback lunge feeding between the Stephenson Islets and just off Pearse Islands. It left the area in Johnstone Strait heading towards Weynton Island.

Total number unique animals during the day: 9 Humpback Whales

August 1:

Throughout the day: 1 Humpback Weynton Island, 1 by Plumper Islands and 1 putting on a huge show with enormous tail lobs, breaches and pectoral slaps after lunge feeding in Blackney Pass while the NRKW's were also there.

August 1:

11:46 am 2 Humpback Whales – 'Chunky' and her calf (photos in yesterday's post) at Camp Point close to Kelsey Bay headed West against the current.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whale (Salt Wash at anchor behind)

August 2, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Minke Whales

August 3:

12:30 pm Minke at top of Pearse Pass headed towards birds picking off feed. Too long dives for any photos.

August 1:

4:42 pm Minke angling from Pearse Islands toward Weynton Pass.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

August 3:

3:45 pm 100+ Leaping PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay by Dent Rapids.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Dall's Porpoise

August 3:

1 pm Dall's bow riding by Telegraph Cove and Stephenson Islets – no numbers.

August 2:

7 pm 2 Dall's Porpoise between Stephenson and Pearse Islands.

August 1:

No time recorded 2 Dall's Porpoise foraging by Pearse Islands.

Resident Orca Take Center Stage - Other Sightings Too

Northern Resident Orca are taking center stage with their appearances. And rumour has it that there are more of them coming into the Broughton / Johnstone Strait area. The Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales are doing a good job of keeping a low profile, which they do when the Residents are around. I have seen them pass one another going in opposite directions in Johnstone Strait, but both groups hug the opposite shore as they do. They do not mingle and tend to avoid one another. The Residents usually would have the upper hand since they regularly travel in greater numbers and are tighter knit family pods. They frequently touch one another as they travel. There are still plenty of Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, some Minke Whales and Porpoise in the reports.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Killer Whales

Orca A46 also known as Kaikash

one of the two A36 brothers

July 31, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 31:

8:30 am Orca reported by Thurston Bay, Nodales Channel headed East towards Hall Point.

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

July 31:

8:50 am 6 Orca by Donagal Head foraging around some of the fishing boats.

Radio

July 31:

11:50 am Only found the A36's in Nodales Channel. At 11:35 am they turned to the East at Howe Island back into Nodales with the flood.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 31:

Around 4 pm NRKW's at the East end of Robson Bight. Had been reported to:

Wayne Garton, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

July 31:

4:45 pm A pod of Orca was spotted off Pine Island.

6 pm Orca that had gone into the Bight were exiting and heading West.

Cruise ship Volendam

July 31:

5:30 pm Reportedly a “bunch” of Orca are inbound towards Blackfish Sound along the QC Strait side of Malcolm Island by Bear Point.

Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching

July 31:

6 pm The last report I have of the A36s (that's the only ones we saw today) was westing at Ripple Point.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 31:

6:50 pm Orca A30's plus Westbound by Kaikash Creek, just across from Cracroft Point.

Radio

July 30:

9 am Orca including a calf just off Boat Bay heading West. A36's and A11's spread out from the Bight to Cracroft Point working back and forth foraging.

10:13 am Orca now slowly Westing from the Bight to Cracroft Point. By 10:30 am they had turned again.

3 pm Some Orca were heading East by Naka Creek. Another report said Eve River,

Radio

July 30:

5:30 pm Orca update: We left residents @ eve river easting below the Bight.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Transient Orca – Bigg's Killer Whales

July 30:

6:24 pm Orca heading past Quathiaski Cove, Campbell River. Not sure how many, I'm on the ferry. Only saw a couple – big dives, might be more.

7:30 pm 4 small dorsal fins at Brown's Bay heading West – Scotty with them.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 30:

7:30 pm Browns Bay Small group of Orca (possibly 3-4) Too far to make out even the saddle. They were down for a long dive.

Jacquie Nevinger

July 30:

7:42 pm 4 small fin Transients through Seymour Narrows right now on the 10 knot ebb. No ID's.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 30:

8 pm Orca update: 4x transients browns bay heading north

Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whale Tail Flukes

July 26, 2012

Susan MacKay, SG Images

Humpback Whales

July 31:

6:20 pm 2 Humpbacks between Bold Head and Donagal Head Blackfish Sound.

Radio

July 30:

9 am 2 Humpback Whales southbound by Kelsey Bay.

Scotty, Painter's Lodge

July 30:

9 am Humpback by Double Bay – Hanson Island

2:50 pm Humpback Mom and Calf by St. Vincent Bight, close to Kelsey Bay heading SE.

Radio

Minke Whales

July31:

6 pm Minke Whale in front of Double Bay, Hanson Island

Radio

July 30:

9 am Minke Whale by Bold Head, Blackfish Sound.

Radio

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

July 31:

8:45 am Large group of PWS Dolphins in Deepwater Bay, Campbell River area.

4 pm We had about 100 Dolphins milling back n forth by Jimmy Judd Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

July 30:

10:14 am 100 + PWS Dolphins feeding in Kanish Bay, across from Campbell River. Then Southbound through Seymour Narrows.

11:30 am Another bunch of 150 + at Johns Point, Nodales Channel.

No time given: Also about 50 PWS Dolphins at Horn Bay, Okisollo Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Bow Riding

July 31, 2012

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

July 31:

No time given: There were 6-8 Harbour Porpoise at Venture Point in Okisollo Channel.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

July 31:

6:50 pm Some Dall's Porpoise just outside Robson Bight.

Radio