Have You Seen Any of These?

Friday, October 4, 2013

Bigg's Killer Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Humpbacks and More Sightings

A couple of days of rough weather made sightings a bit more difficult, but when you have Pacific White Sided Dolphins in groups in the hundreds and up to 1000, or a Humpback breach, they are not to be missed! Transient Bigg's Killer Whales have grouped up again briefly while the smaller Dall's and Harbour Porpoise seem to be in hiding.

I am pleased to say this is the first of many reports compiled with the help of, and thanks to, Lynne Cracknell who has volunteered to assist with this on a regular basis.

On October 24th I will be giving a presentation and talk on Pinnipeds; Seals and Sealions. Details are at the bottom of the reports.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable


TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES

Transient Bigg's Orca
October 3, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

October 3:
1:09 pm Orcas off red can buoy south end of Quadra Island heading towards the mainland. Will let you know in a couple of minutes how many there are. There are a couple of big fins in the group. Five of them at least are jumping around like popcorn! About 12 Orca total.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.

October 3:
1:36 pm Lots of Killer Whales, very spread out. Can’t count them all, but there are twenty at least.
1:55 pm All Northbound now, approaching the Cape Mudge Lighthouse. The group have split, I only have 8 at the lighthouse now. Leaving them still heading north at lighthouse.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.

October 3:
3:36 pm 7 Orca are playing off Cape Mudge Village for the past 40 minutes, in front of Elvis’ old house (Elvis is one of our regular reporters – SM). There's 1 big male in the group. There's been breaching, spy hopping, head stands where I could see the white underside of the Orca tails, and general playful behaviour as they just hang around across from Hidden Harbour.
J.R. (name withheld by request), Campbell River

October 3:
3:40 pm Orca are still moving North, haven’t got as far as the village on Quadra Island yet. They are moving very slowly; they might be resting. The ones I am looking at don’t look like they are playing.
Laura, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Bear Excursions.

October 3:
4:33 pm Many Orcas, probably 20 or so, travelling Northbound at April Point, across from Campbell River.
5:20 pm T101's and T102 for sure in the group. Superpod of transient Bigg’s approaching Steep Island, Discovery Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

October 3:
6:46 pm 12 Orca Northbound by McMullen Point, Campbell River.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.

October 2: 

7:30 am 4 Killer Whales Northbound by Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage

Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.

October 2:
6:30 pm At least 4 Orca sighted Northbound by Myrtle Rocks, just South of Powell River. They were doing long dives against the Texada shore, by the mine then 2 popped up close in to shore. There's at least one big male.
Jim Southern, Powell River

October 1:

12:00 pm Radio transmission report of possible Southbound Killer Whales in Plumper Cove. Probably in Seymour Narrows by now. No numbers and no response to request for more info.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.

October 1:
1:01 pm Orca spotted Southbound by Maude Island, Seymour Narrows.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.


September 30:
5:22 pm 5 – 10 Orca spotted moving Northbound off the Walcan Seafood Site, Campbell River.
Geoff, Discovery Marine Safaris.

September 30:
5:37 pm. Orca at Maude Island, Seymour Narrows, Northbound. Looked like T19B.
6:12 pm. About 7 Orca in total.
6:19 pm Leaving the Orca in Deepwater Bay, Northbound and tracking PWS Dolphins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

September 30:
5:40 pm 2 Orca Northbound in Seymour Narrows.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi.

Transient Bigg's Orca 2013
Showing the white underside of tail
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions

UNIDENTIFIED ORCA
(Either Southern Resident or Transient Bigg's)

September 19: (rec'd late)
12 pm 7 – 8 Orca It was low tide, calm waters. The Orca gathered at the South end of Samsun Narrows, started to proceed North one of the larger ones stayed on the side of Saltspring Island. The other groups were divided into two adults and a calf and another group of three to four adults. They proceeded to travel North across Maple Bay then appeared to cut across open water North of Vesuvius and the last we saw them they appeared to be heading to the North end of Saltspring.
Martin McDonald, Saltspring Island


HUMPBACK WHALES

October 3:
2:11 pm 3 Humpback Whales midway between Detwiller Point on Valdez Island and Thrasher Rock, in the Gulf Islands.
Colin, Pacific Yellowfin

September 29:
9:55 am Humpback Whale moving back and forth between Texada Island and Powell River. Been watching it for at least 10 minutes. I first noticed a huge splash, (breach – SM) even in the rough water; then saw the tail a few times. It looked big.
Leigh Stewart, Powell River

September 29:
10:20 am Saw Humpback Whale only once heading South into the bay just above VanAnda, Texada Island. Never did see flukes, just blow and back, but definitely a Humpback.
Steve Grover, Powell River


PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS

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

October 3:

9:57 am 30 PWS Dolphins milling around in Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
4:01 pm 301 or so PWS Dolphins at Point 45, just South of Kanish Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

October 3:
12:37 pm 300 PWS Dolphins widely distributed around Howe Island, at the entrance to Nodales.
John, Discovery Marine Safaris.

October 3:
3:36 pm 300 PWS Dolphins traveling South by Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.

October 2:
8:50 am PWS Dolphins by Plumper Cove, Discovery Pass.
Radio

October 2:
9:14 am At least 100 PWS Dolphins traveling Northbound at 10 knots off McMullen Point, Discovery Passage.
4:21 pm 200 PWS Dolphins at Point 45, south of Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

October 1:
All Day: Lots and Lots of PWS Dolphins in Discovery Passage. From Fishermen talking.
Radio

September 30:
9:45 am 200 PWS Dolphins milling around in Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
4:58 pm 500 PWS Dolphins at Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.

September 30:
5:14 pm Hundreds of PWS Dolphins North of Brown's Bay, Southbound and foraging.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi.

September 29:
9:27 am 500 PWS Dolphins by Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.

September 29:
1:42 pm Hundreds of PWS Dolphins at Seymour Narrows.
Fabian, Way West Water Taxi.

September 29:
2:03 pm Fabian speaks the truth! Many many many heaps of PWS Dolphins in Seymour Narrows now.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.

September 28:
10:00 am 20 PWS Dolphins Eastbound at Davis Point in Nodales Channel, leading us to 1001 PWS Dolphins between Sonora Point, Nodales Channel, John’s Point and Frederick’s Arm. It was dolphin soup!
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.

September 28:
3:19 pm Lots! 500 PWS Dolphins sighted at Gomer Island at the entrance to Frederick’s Arm, top of Nodales Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.

September 27:
8 AM Saw a small number of dolphins off Mullen Point in Lang Bay, South of Powell River.
Michael Stewart, Powell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphin
2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours


DALL’S PORPOISE

October 2:
2:46 pm 7 Dall’s Porpoise spotted off Lawrence Point, Bute Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bears Tours.


Presentation and Talk
Pinnipeds: Seals and Sealions

Malaspina Naturalist Club is an associate member of BC Nature. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, October 24th - Doors open at 7:00 pm - Speaker begins at 7:30 pm
Trinity Hall, United Church, Powell River

Susan MacKay will be talking about Pinnipeds: the classification refers to the marine mammals that have front and rear flippers such as Seals, Sea Lions and Walrus. Of the 33 species globally, there are five species of Pinnipeds that frequent our local BC waters while a few of the others migrate through our waters, to and from their breeding grounds. While some of these are considered true seals, some are not. Apart from local species information, Susan will talk about their cute and quirky behaviours as well as specifics of how they relate to nature's balance in our oceans.

Susan MacKay is the founder of Whales and Dolphins BC and is the President of the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs). She is also a member of the Marine Mammal Response Network responding to injured dead or distressed marine mammals.

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

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



Friday, September 27, 2013

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

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

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable


Transient Bigg's Killer Whales

Transient Bigg's Killer Whale T10
September, 2013
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unidentified Orca

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

Humpback Whales

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

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

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

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

Minke Whales

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

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

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

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

Links in the News

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


Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

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

Friday, September 20, 2013

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

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

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 12:
11:05 am 3 Harbour Porpoise foraging by Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Call 1-877-323-9776 or Email your report.
Every sighting report is valuable!

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