Whales and Dolphins BC Sightings

Calm Ocean but Whales?

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:12:00 +0000

I got all excited when in the very flat calm waters I saw something dark surface....it was disappointingly a log bobbing around in the tide line. Then I noticed something that looked like a dorsal....it was sea lion doing a sideways porpoise showing it's flipper and looking like an Orca. I fully expected to get some Orca reports, but I may have taught the locals to realize that sea lions can truly look like Orca from a distance when they porpoise sideways slowly.

I do have some photos of the last Orcas to be spotted close by, see below. I wish they'd get back to the Sunshine Coast area. Please note that there may have been some confusion that the whales last seen up here where spotted in the UK, but, in fact, the report only was from the UK film crew I consulted with. They were filming a reality program for the Discovery Channel. The sightings they were lucky enough to see were by Hardwicke Island in Johnstone Strait (not the UK). There have been no other local (Sunshine Coast - Johnstone Strait area) sighting reports since that last sighting posted. I do hear of people keeping a lookout along the Davis Bay walk in Sechelt and other areas (thank you)....where did they go?? Keep looking, they are out there somewhere, it's a big ocean.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Northern Resident Orca

February 11. 2012

Photo by Ed Jordan

Northern Resident Orca

February 11. 2012

Photo by Ed Jordan

Northern Resident Orca

February 11. 2012

Photo by Ed Jordan

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

Fog and Whales

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:47:00 +0000

Sightings have been few and far between over the past bit, but finally, from out of the fog, there are a couple of reports. The drifting banks of thick fog has definitely made it difficult for any sightings along the Sunshine Coast. Fog banks were a bit lighter from Campbell River and up into Johnstone Strait.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Killer Whales

February 6:

I've just had a message from Charlotte and they said they have been incredibly lucky and seen cow, big bull and possibly yearling at West Thurlow by Hardwicke. They think there may have been one or 2 more.

Jodie Wilcox (from the UK! Amazing how this works. SM)

February 3:

Whales and Dolphins BC received a late report of 3+ Orca at the top end of Johnstone Strait around 1 pm. Later reports had these whales as Resident Orca.

Susan MacKay

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

February 5:

Around 3 pm with the hydrophone down and in between boat sounds, I picked up some Pacific White Sided Dolphin chatter. It was only due to the one big dolphin leap that I could even confirm that they were under the swarm of birds off the top of Texada Island and towards Rebecca Rocks. It was great to be out on the water; and no fog.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

Storms and Orca Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:44:00 +0000

Whales are almost impossible to spot when there's a storm, but in a few places the seas weren't quite as bad as out in front here. The indication was that the Orca were headed towards Powell River, but no-one managed to spot any from Saltrey Bay to Powell River and across towards Campbell River. Seas were high enough that no ferries were running and the salt spray is all over my windows. The Whales are out there though, so with things settled down, keep your eyes open.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Killer Whales

January 23:

Hi Susan -
We got this report tonight that you might be interested in:
Jan 23 @ 5pm Alan and Jennifer Fletcher here, north side of Hornby Island. We Just had a pod of approximately 7 orcas ,no confirmed ID ,but probably group of Resident as sea lions swimming happily nearby! Animals moving east about one km off shoreline
Cheers Alan

It could be J pod, who went by SJI (San Juan Island) yesterday - so just a heads up in case they show up in your neighborhood again, whoever they are!
Susan Berta, Orca Network

January 22:

9:10 am Call came in 2 Orca (at least) were Southbound towards Powell River from between Savary Island and Lund. One Male, one Female.

Al Wood, Lund Water Taxi

Al couldn't stay long with them, but was certain about two Orca at least. There was no sign of them down to Powell River, but the seas were full of whitecaps. SM

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

Whale Sightings and Hummingbirds

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Today we did get some Orca – reports follow. Still not sure if these are Residents or Transients though. It's a bit too cold and choppy to get out on the water for ID's. Their behaviour makes me lean towards Transients rather than Resident Orca. Wonderful to have everyone letting me know so I can post the information – Thank you for networking and good eyes !

As for the Anna's Hummingbirds, thank you for all your emails. With many comments of surprise to have Winter Hummingbirds, I also heard of many other Winter Hummers in Gibsons, Sechelt, Lang Bay, all along the Sunshine Coast and up to Lund. Sounds like lots more people will be putting feeders out too.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Killer Whales

January 19:

10:30 am Call came in that there was a large group of Orca headed Northward from Lang Bay. They were spread out across the channel.

Heather Dixon

11 am Call came in that there were whales coming towards Grief Point.

Gail Alsgard

12:30 pm Over 300 Seagulls were feeding on what looked like possibly a very large herring ball. Although something must be chasing the food up and there were a few splashes that looked to be too large for birds to make, there was no clear view of any dorsals from Orca or Dolphins.

Michael Stewart

Orca off Westview, Powell River

January 19, 2012

photo by: Steven Grover (from his deck)

Hello Susan,

Did you happen to see the 2 pods of Orcas going North Jan. 19, today around 1 pm. I haven’t seen them this week but I wondered why cars were stopping along Marine Avenue. I live at Beacon B&B Spa so looked out on the water and there they were. I read your notes from January 17th and I think these appear to be the same whales you indicated on that date. There appeared to be a large one and in another location was a baby. They were fairly close by but still hard to detect how many of them there were. Happy whale watching,

Shirley Randall

1:30 pm After the “Orca out in front” sighting call from neighbour Steve Grover, I got binoculars on at least 4 Orca out in front of Westview Powell River. One male breached just off the Viewpoint as it headed in towards shore. About 2 pm An additional 3 Orca (1 Male, 1 Female & 1 Juvenile) passed by making my total count 7 Orca. They were not wasting time in heading Northward towards Atrevida Reef.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Later email report back from Steve: I never got a great look at the entire pod but I think 5 were there. I did get some shots of the bull off the deck. You can actually see the dorsal quite clearly in these shots. (see photo)

Steve Grover

January 9:

Just a hint of how far reaching the internet is: I received a late third hand report of some Orca by Cape Mudge lightstation on the afternoon of January 9^th. The report came from Jodie in the UK

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

Hummingbirds in Snow Photos - No Whales Today

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Although this really has nothing to do with Whales, Dolphins or Porpoises, these winter Anna's Hummingbirds are just too amazing to ignore. I managed to get a couple of photos of them at the feeder with the snow falling. The photos had to be taken through the window since they were too skittish to allow me to stay under cover and outside with them.

If you think you might have Hummingbirds over-wintering in our colder temperatures, the feeder mixture needs to be substantially thicker than in the summer months when they have lots of other food around. Winter mixture: In a cup measure I put 3/4 cup of sugar and fill with water to the one cup measure. I boil it up in the microwave, stirring every so often. Let it cool entirely. To avoid freezing, my feeder is under the eves close to the sliding door. Others have told me that they keep two feeders at the ready and if one starts to freeze, they put the second one out.

As for Whales, Dolphins or Porpoises, there were no sightings today, but it was also difficult to see much of the water in the snow this morning.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Male Anna's Hummingbird in the snow - Powell River, BC

January 18, 2012

Photo by Susan MacKay, SG Images

Female Anna's Hummingbird in the snow - Powell River, BC

January 18, 2012

Photo by Susan MacKay, SG Images

Male Anna's Hummingbird in the snow - Powell River, BC

January 18, 2012

Photo by Susan MacKay, SG Images

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

More Orca by Powell River

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:58:00 +0000

Surprise sighting of some Orca by Powell River and a very late report of a December sighting when we thought there were none. Reports follow. Also below are a couple of interesting links from Lisa Spaven of the Marine Mammal Response Network.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Unidentified Orca – Killer Whales

January 17:

9:42 am While talking on the phone, I was surprised to notice a blow a short distance off the Westview ferry teminal in Powell River. Quickly looking through binoculars, a few Orca appeared briefly. Doing long dives and surfacing very briefly, there were only a few chances to really look at them. There were approximately 7 Orca counted, but there may have been more. They including at least one large male and one, possibly two juveniles. After a couple of quick breaths they disappeared for quite a while and popped up again quite a distance off before the next breath. By 9:50 am they were Southbound well past the viewpoint and almost to Grief Point and out of sight.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

December 9, 2011:

Very late report, but interesting in that there were no other sightings of Orca at or around that time. There was a distant photo taken, so yes, it was Orca.

3 Orca surfaced quite close to the Texada Ferry just out from Blubber Bay and headed Northward towards Atrevida Reef and Lund.

Sean

Southern Resident Orca J27 off Willingdon Beach,

Powell River, BC January 11, 2012

photo taken off video clip by Susan MacKay, SG Images

Of Interest

Go where few have dared...inside a sperm whale! Think of this as an opportunity to experience the awe and gore of a large whale necropsy but without the mess and the everlasting smell (trust me, sperm whale stink is in a class of it's own!). It's just too bad that the necropsy wasn't filmed here.

Inside Nature's Giants - The Sperm Whale Necropsy

Wed, Jan 18, 10pm on KCTS-PBS

PREVIEW: http://video.pbs.org/video/2185065525/(amazing how a voice over and suspense-full music can make a necropsy seems action packed!)

Also, if you've ever wondered how BCMMRN fits into the national marine mammal response picture, here's the link to the national Marine Mammal Response Program website. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/mammals-mammiferes/index-eng.htm

Lisa Spaven, BCMMRN

Hummingbird Update:

Still have two male and two female hummingbirds battling over the feeder in the cold and snowy conditions. This afternoon, when the winds picked up and the feeder swung back and forth, one of the males was blown off his perch but made a safe landing onto an alternate perch. With the forecast snows, I hope to get a few photos of the birds in the snow.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

2012 Charter Cruises

Enjoy a personalized week long Charter Cruise in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Information can be found on the 2012 Charter Cruises pages of Whales and Dolphins BC.

More Orca by Powell River and Ribbon Seal

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:48:00 +0000

Some unidentified Orca today in front of Powell River – possibly the same J and L-pod Southern Residents that were around here the other day, but may be Transient Orca. See reports below. Of the Powell River Orca photos posted yesterday, the male Orcas were confirmed to be J27, born in 1991, near Powell River, BC. Mother is J11 (deceased), siblings are J25 (deceased), J31 & J39 and L87, born in 1992. Mother is L32 (deceased), siblings, L44, L56, L63 (all deceased). Probable sibling to L22. Now associated with J8. The female was J31, a female born in 1995 near Powell River, BC. Mother is J11 (deceased), siblings are J25 (deceased), J27 & J39. There has also been an unusual (and very cool) sighting of a Ribbon Seal – see information and photo below.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Killer Whales

January 14:

3:50 pm A call came in of at least 3 Orca back and forth between the Blubber Bay, Texada Island shoal marker light and the Texada shore. Thanks to the keen eyes and call from Ted Douglas

4 pm till 4:40 pm I watched, from my home in Powell River, what I counted as 7 to 9 Orca in two groups mid strait between Texada and Powell River slowly working their way Southward towards Grief Point. There was one large male, one possibly sprouter (juvenile male) and one or two juveniles with the rest being females. It was difficult to establish whether they were Transients or the Southern Residents of January 11^th working their way back down the coast. With the bird activity above together with lots of tail slaps and a few spy hops and half-hearted breaches, I do believe that these were probably Transient Orca on a seal or sea lion kill. I also called a couple of regular contributors to help get a count. Steve Grover estimated between 8 or 9 Orca and John Treen also figured either 8 or 9 Orca. Both could only confirm one male and a couple of juveniles. John lost sight of them around 5 pm after they picked up the pace rounding Grief Point heading South.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

January 13:

I just was notified by my father in law that 7 to 9 Orcas were northbound past the Quadra Island ferry this morning (January 13th) . The ferry workers told him. (It was around 9 am the Campbell River to Quadra Island Ferry)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Ribbon Seal – Puget Sound

January 11

Matthew Cleland with APHIS submitted the photo below of a ribbon seal to NOAA Fisheries, photo taken by LDA. It was sighted on a dock in the Duwamish river January 11th. NOAA Fisheries NW Region Marine Mammal Stranding Specialist Kristin Wilkinson asks that any sightings of this seal be reported to her at kristin.wilkinson@noaa.gov or 206-526-4747.
Ribbon seals inhabit the North Pacific Ocean, specifically the Bering and Okhotsk Seas, and parts of the Arctic Ocean, including the Chukchi, eastern Siberian, and western Beaufort Seas. NOAA lists them as a "Species of Concern" - more can be learned about their life history, habitat, distribution,threats, conservation efforts and regulatory review HERE.

Submitted by; Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Photo by LDA, January 11, 2012.

Southern Resident Orca in Powell River

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:49:00 +0000

The following are photos of some of the Southern Resident Orca in front of Powell River, BC. It's interesting that these whales take a trip up this way at least once per year in the winter months. Last year, J-Pod showed up just before Christmas, in the sunshine and gave some wonderful breaches. It's not often they come up this far so it will be interesting to see what happens. Keep your eyes open everyone – there are whales and dolphins out there!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

J27 in front of Powell River, BC

January 11, 2012

photo taken off video clip by Susan MacKay, SG Images

Southern Resident Female Orca (ID ?) in front of Powell River, BC

January 11, 2012

photo taken off video clip by Susan MacKay, SG Images

J26 or is it L79 ? in front of Powell River, BC

January 11, 2012

photo taken off video clip by Susan MacKay, SG Images

The Marine Mammal Response Network sent me a link to a video regarding Sea Lion entanglements that is very interesting and worth watching.

Entanglement of Steller Sea Lions in Marine Debris: Identifying Causes and Finding Solutions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dy2kepJvOM&feature=youtu.be

Please help prevent entanglements. A reminder that if you spot a marine mammal or sea turtle (we've had a few in BC recently) in distress, injured or dead, please call the hotline at: 1-800-465-4336 immediately.

Sunshine - Calm Seas – Orca !

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:29:00 +0000

After over a month of no whale, dolphin or porpoise sightings out in front of Powell River, we finally had some Orca – see report below. Other reports from the past few days have indicated there were Northern Resident Orca at the top of Johnstone Strait as well as Southern Residents in Puget Sound.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

January 11:

12:30 pm just after discussing the lack of sightings with a regular contributor to Whales and Dolphins BC Sightings Blog in a store, I received a call from Bill Taylor that there were around 7 Orca just south of Powell River headed in my direction.

1:15 pm By the time I got down to the skiff, I spotted blows by VanAnda, Texada Island. There were a couple of breaches as the Orca slowly made their way towards Powell River. They were quite spread out with some closer to Grief Point and others hugging the Texada shore when a couple of them popped up in the middle of the strait. The two big males in the lead disappeared pretty quickly, but there was at least one other male and two juveniles. With the spread, it was very difficult to get a definitive count, but there were between 11 to 14 whales total. I dropped the hydrophone and through the boat noise, I did hear a few calls as well as some echolocation. They sounded more like Resident Orca, than Transients, but with all the boat noise, it was not enough to be sure of who. Once the video clip (my still camera is in the shop) is reviewed, I'll be able to pull a photo for the blog and get a proper identification. The majority of the Orca headed out between Texada and Rebecca Rocks towards Vancouver Island while the last two went out closer to Harwood around 3 pm. Once home, I spotted a few of their blows heading North-West towards Sentry Shoal.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

January 10:

Around 12 pm A call came in that there was just one blow spotted behind one of the shrimp draggers working out in front of Powell River. There were no dorsals or additional blows seen.

Steve Grover

January Orca Reports

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:25:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a great New Year!

Locally it started with some strong winds and rain over the past few days. With all the white caps on the ocean, local sightings around the Sunshine Coast and Powell River areas have been non-existent. If any cetaceans have been out there, they've been able to stay relatively hidden. In other areas though, some Northern Resident Orca made an appearance in the Blackfish Sound area just above Johnstone Strait today, January 5, 2012. There were also Transient Orca rumoured in the upper Johnstone Strait area. Meanwhile, Southern Resident Orca were seen around the Whidbey Island area of Washington State as were a few Transient Orca. My apologies for not having more details at this time.

For those of you following my winter Hummingbird count: The winds were hard on these tiny birds, but they managed to sneak a bit from the swinging feeder a few times. Watching them time their access was interesting. Today, things settled down and lo and behold, I now have another male Anna's Hummingbird for a total of two males and two females.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Southern Resident Orca Calf and Dolphins

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Best Wishes of the Season

There's excitement over a new Southern Resident Orca calf in the San Juans, and Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been spotted in the Howe Sound and Saltery Bay areas. Looks like the Humpbacks that were in the Jervis Inlet / Hotham Sound area have finally decided to head to warmer waters.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Southern Resident Orca

Big news! It's been kept quiet to make sure all parties confirmed, but NOAA's NW Fisheries Science Center and the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that on December 17, 39-year old J16 (Slick) gave birth to a new baby calf in Puget Sound, probably only a few hours judging from the fresh fetal folds, before being seen and photographed by veteran field researcher Candice Emmons of NWSFC. This makes J16's fifth calf since her first, J26, was born in 1991. She was the sixteenth J pod orca photographed and identified by Mike Bigg in 1972, and is among the oldest whose age is known exactly. Her matriline is known as the J7's after J16's late mother.

Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

December 21:

Just spotted what appeared to be a couple hundred porpoises in a feeding frenzy north of Horseshoe Bay. 4:00pm December 21, 2011 from Sea to Sky Highway

Posted by Anonymous to Whales and Dolphins BC Sightings

December 20:

Around 11 am there were some Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Saltery Bay and Texada. Looking at the line, I can only estimate that there were around 60 to 80 of them. I was a bit too far away to be sure, but their leaps gave the species away.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

For 2012 Charter Cruise information, Click Here

Humpbacks, Elephant Seal and Hummingbirds

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:37:00 +0000

Sounds like the Humpbacks are still around the Sunshine Coast, Saltery Bay to Black Point area. There were reports of an Elephant Seal, see photo below, in the Powell River area. Lack of whale, dolphin or porpoise sightings has otherwise limited this winter's postings, but for those interested in my “Winter Hummingbirds”, there are three that have claimed the feeder. One male and two female Anna's. With Christmas just around the corner, here's wishing you and yours the best for the Holidays and coming 2012 year.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

I have continued to receive second and third hand reports of up to 4 Humpback Whales anywhere from Myrtle Rocks, just South of Powell River to the Saltery Bay / Earl's Cove Ferry runs. Dates have been unclear, but they seem to estimate between December 2 to December 8^th.

Susan MacKay

December 6:

A rare treat this morning at 8:10am ! A humpback whale was spotted heading south down the Malaspina Strait past Myrtle Rocks. It was lazily taking long dives and frustratingly out of range of our camera. But what a great sight to wake up to.

Holly Roy

Elephant Seal

This is an unusual sight around Powell River, so keep your eyes open.

December 9:

I think it the seal my friend saw yesterday is an elephant seal????

Michael

December 9, 2011

Photo forwarded by Michael Stewart

2012 Charter Cruises

There are a few week long personalized Charter Cruises available. Information can be found on the main Whales and Dolphins BC site. Direct link to the page is: 2012 Charter Cruises

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales and Orca

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:31:00 +0000

Humpback Whales and Orca, but where are the Dolphins? Few sightings, but the photos contributed by Steven Grover of the Pacific White Sided Dolphins he took when he joined me on my skiff in front of Powell River have certainly taken the tour of the world. I have received the photos back through email from Europe as well as the US and Canada. It's interesting to follow their travels. Below is a photo I took of Steve taking one of the photos in front of Powell River..

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Steven Grover taking a photo of a

Pacific White Sided Dolphin Bow riding my skiff

November 3, 2011

photo by Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

December 6, 2011:

Hi Susan, A rare treat this morning at 8:10am ! A humpback whale was spotted heading south down the Malaspina Strait past Myrtle Rocks. It was lazily taking long dives and frustratingly out of range of our camera. But what a great sight to wake up to.

Holly Roy, Powell River

December 2:

In the morning sometime, 4 Humpback Whales on the Ferry route between Saltrey Bay and Earl's Cove. (Sounds like these Humpbacks are still the same ones from the past week – SM)

Report through Steve Grover from Ardyth B.

Transient Orca

December 3:

4:35 pm 2 or 3 Orca blows and dorsals spotted between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island off Powell River. They did long dives and I only saw them about three times.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

The report back on the identification of Orca seen, reported December 2^nd. and photographed by Gordie Coles is as follows:

Thanks Susan, looks like the T019's. Not sure who else though.

regards, Jared Towers, DFO

Orca by Lund, BC

December 2, 2011

photo: Gordie Coles, Lund / Savary Island

2012 Charter Cruises

There are a few week long personalized Charter Cruises available. I will be posting more information on the main Whales and Dolphins BC site, but would like to offer these cruises to those reading this Sightings Blog first. Email me for information.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Orca / Killer Whales by Powell River, Lund and Savary Island. It seems like it's been a very long time since we've seen some whales, so it was great to get the calls and photos. In all my scanning the waters looking for them, I only managed to spot one dorsal sinking below the water. It's amazing how quickly you can get out of quickly identifying whales when you don't see them all the time. Since I'm not 100% sure of who these Orca are, I'm waiting for definitive identification and will let you all know.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca – Killer Whales

December 2:

11:30 am Here are some pictures, they were really staying down a long time . After I saw 7 or 8 disappear around Major Rock, 2 more showed up from the south . I don't know if those others had just done an about face and raced back or it there was more like 10 Orca. They headed towards Indian Point, between Savary and Hernando Islands and then Baker Pass, between Hernando and Cortez Islands.

11 am Gordie called: what first caught his eye was a whale breaching between Mace Point, Savary Island and Lund. To begin with he only saw 5 small dorsals.

Gordie Coles, Lund / Savary Island

Orca by Lund, BC

December 2, 2011

photo: Gordie Coles, Lund / Savary Island

8 am Call came in that there were 5 Orca heading Northward by the Powell River viewpoint.

Janet Southcott (Alred)

Orca by Lund, BC

December 2, 2011

photo: Gordie Coles, Lund / Savary Island

November 27:

While driving home from Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway at around noon, we spotted 4-5 orcas swimming not far offshore. We were past Brittania Beach but well before Horseshoe Bay. This sighting was especially exciting, since we've watched for Orca from this road for over 20 years and this is the first time we've ever seen them there! Kris Jones submitted by Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, USA

2012 Charter Cruises

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca, Dolphins and Humpback Whales

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Sightings: Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Humpback Whales by Powell River. Stormy seas have made it difficult to spot some of these cetaceans around the upper Georgia Strait. There are reports of Dolphins by Sechelt and some Orca seen south of Nanaimo. For Sechelt whale enthusiasts, Caitlin Birdsall of the Vancouver Aquarium will be speaking in Sechelt on Dec. 3^rd. Check the local listings for time and location.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Orca (most likely Transients)

November 26:

We saw a pod of Orcas this afternoon (around 3 pm) coming from the north and swimming through Dodds Narrows to the south (just south of Nanaimo). A number of them were slapping their tails. Some where upside down while doing this. One breached on its side. Jay Rostogi submitted by Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

November 25:

Just like to report this afternoon at Davis Bay on the Sunshine Coast, BC Canada,a very large group, at least 200 plus Pacific White sided Dolphins went by. From North to South,in Georgia strait,beautiful!!!!! Cornelia van Berkel and Don Kernan, Sechelt BC – submitted by Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

November 23:

9 am 200+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging and leaping between Harwood and Westview, Powell River. (When I spotted them, there were a couple of Sea Lions merrily porpoising with the group. SM)

Midge Dalsin, Powell River

9:20 am Peter and I have been watching a large group/pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins just out from our place since around 8:45 am. You probably already know about them.

Gladys Raven, Powell River

9:30 am till around 4 pm The Dolphins headed towards Atrevida Reef / Sliammon / Harwood Isl. / Rebecca Rocks and Grief Point. All within our “triangle” in front of Powell River. Through my intermittent watching, they did their fast foraging and lots of leaps some very high in the air. Too bad my skiff is out for service!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

November 24: report from John and Joan Treen that they watched the same group of Dolphins by Grief Point on Nov. 23^rd till it was too dark to watch them. They were still leaping and foraging back and forth.

November 22:

8 am 100+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging off the Viewpoint in Westview, Powell River.

Steve Grover, Powell River

...till 9:20 am Another couple of groups of Dolphins that were out by Rebecca Rocks came in closer to Westview and joined up with the first group making a total of over 200 Dolphins leaping, fast foraging, and generally cavorting towards Grief Point. I lost sight of them between Vananda on Texada and Grief Point.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

11:20 am Received another call from Steve Grover that the 200+ Dolphins had returned to the triangle in front of Powell River between Harwood and Texada. At 12:45 pm A call came in from John and Joan Treen that the Pacific White Sided Dolphins were headed out by Rebecca Rocks.

Humpback Whales

November 22:

4 Humpback Whales had been staying in the general area of Saltrey Bay, south of Powell River. The ferry had been announcing their sightings.

Clyde Burton, Powell River

(These are probably the ones I reported in the rays of the setting sun in front of Powell River on Nov. 15 - Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC)

Humpbacks, Dolphins, Porpoises by Powell River

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:47:00 +0000

Humpback Whales, Dall's Porpoise and some Pacific White Sided Dolphins round out the minimal sightings by Powell River over the past number of days. The storms made sightings very difficult if any Cetaceans were in the neighbourhood, but even when it was calm, there were very few sightings.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

November 15:

4:10 pm 3 or possibly 4 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island out in front of Powell River. The sun was shining and the seas were flat calm when I noticed two magnificent big blows glistening in the sunshine as these breaths hung high in the air. And that was without the binoculars! Once I grabbed the binoculars I saw the backs of a couple of a couple of whales, then noticed at least one, but possibly two more off closer to Harwood Island. As I watched them travel first South-East, then North-West it was a treat to see not only their blows, but three large tail flukes simultaneously raised as they sounded. They were too far away for any ID's, and it was getting too late to get out there. I watched them till it was too dark to easily spot them.

Susan MacKay

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Powell River, November 3, 2011

Photo: Steve Grover, Powell River

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

November 17:

9 am 10 to 20 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spread out between the North Harbour breakwater and Willingdon Beach Park, Powell River. I didn't have time to stop for more than a moment to watch them slowly foraging.

Susan MacKay

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Powell River, November 3, 2011

Photo: Steve Grover, Powell River

Dall's Porpoise

November 15:

4:40 pm While watching the Humpbacks 6 to 8 Dall's Porpoise came closer to Westview, Powell River foraging back and forth in the the current line.

Susan MacKay

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Powell River, November 3, 2011

Photo: Steve Grover, Powell River

Lower Georgia Strait & Juan de Fuca Strait reports submitted by:

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Transient Orca

November 16:
T20 & T21 were spotted near Spieden Isl earlier today
Andrew Lees

Two Orcas headed East @ Green Pt. (eastern tip of Speiden Island) right now...Male and Female 1100 hrs, Wed
Jim Maya

Southern Resident Orca

November 15:

Jeff Lamarche called about 5 pm to say that thanks to Mark Malleson he was with J and K pods 7 miles west of Sooke Harbour, on the US side of the imaginary dotted line, "foraging big-time" as they moved slowly westward.

I heard Mark from POW found J & K-pod off East Sooke Park this afternoon heading west, great job Mark:) They must have poked their noses in and then turned back around.

Andrew Lees

I came across J's and K's on the afternoon of November 15th very spread out foraging as they travelled west out the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales

Humpback Whales

November 15:
Jeff Lamarche from Eagle Wing Tours found a humpback whale about 1.5 miles SW of Sooke Harbour, heading east in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

We saw a humpback whale off of Sooke, thanks to Jeff Larmarche, which turned out to be an animal which I hadn't seen since 2007 (BCX0470).
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales

Jeff Lamarche called at 3:35 with a report of 6 humpbacks coming in the Strait of Juan de Fuca past East Sooke Park in 4-5' seas. The three that were identified were BCY0160 ("Heather"), BCZ0298, and BCX1068.

Dolphins, Humpback Whale Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:37:00 +0000

Another Catch-up Sightings Report. Dolphins, Dolphins, and more Dolphins have been the main focus around the Powell River and surrounding areas. The Orca are all elsewhere, or at least no reports have come through from any local source. Humpback Whales should be around as they pass through and down the coast on their way to their mating grounds, but there's only a couple of reported sightings.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Powell River, November 3, 2011

Photo: Steve Grover, Powell River

November 7:

I believe this pod of dolphins (on November 3^rd by Powell River) is the same pod that was seen near Horseshoe Bay last Tuesday, November 1^st all around Howe Sound.

Patricia, Sechelt

November 5:

5:50 pm 6 to 8 Pacific White Sided Dolphins headed South-West towards Texada. The odd ripple on the water caught my eye as I was preparing to head out the door. Of course I stopped to look through binoculars!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

November 4:

8:30 am No time to watch closely to confirm any numbers, but it looks like there are some Dolphins between Rebecca Rocks and Texada. SM

November 3:

3:14 pm 100+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Harwood Island and Sliammon on the Mainland side leaping and foraging. The call came in from my neighbour Steve Grover (photos included) and since they were coming our way, off we went to check them out. Didn't take long to get out there and they co-operated by coming straight for us at their fast foraging splashing speed. There must have been a split around Harwood Island since there wound up being around 300+ Dolphins heading towards us and the Comox ferry which was coming in to Powell River. Their leaps and antics are wonderful! Another smile for the day. Throughout the next few hours, they came together and spread apart (huge spread) a couple of times, but all within sight of Powell River while some always stayed close to the skiff. We left them around 6 pm starting to group up towards Atrevida Reef, just North of Sliammon. My underwater camera showed scales from the fish they were munching on. There were also two Steller Sea Lions porpoising and playing while foraging with them.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Powell River, November 3, 2011

Photo: Steve Grover, Powell River

November 1:

1:30 pm A few Dolphins in front of Westview, Powell River. (It's surprising how 100+ can be considered a few!) These ones were spread out, but there was a much larger group between Texada Island and Rebecca Rocks around 3 pm that these ones joined up with.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 31:

10:20 am 150+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins headed into Gowland Harbour, across from Campbell River. They were chasing feed. Left the Dolphins foraging in Menzies Bay at 11:15 am.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 30:

9 am Around 600 Pacific White Sided Dolphins inbound towards Powell River between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rocks. Some turned and went out towards the West side of Texada. Around 300 of them continued in towards Powell River and stayed for most of the day. Unfortunately work came before Dolphins today.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 29:

8:30 am I'm hearing tugs and tows talk on the radio barely within radio range talking about the Dolphins “jumping all over the place”. Unfortunately, they couldn't hear me and I never heard exactly where they were. SM

Humpback Whales

November 3:

8:40 am Two large blows by Rebecca Rocks – close to Dolphins, but heading away from them. Again, no time to watch for long, so never saw any tail flukes. SM

Two Humpback Whales

By Chatham Point October 24, 2011

Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Identification note: I am almost certain that these are BCX1251 aka "Orion" and BCX1258 Crescent. From Jackie at Marine Education and Research Society

October 29:

5 pm Another couple of tugs with tows talking on the radio about at least one Humpback Whale by Chatham Point, the bottom of Johnstone Strait.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

A friend of ours who lives on Amour road said he saw a mother humpback and calf on Tuesday (October 24^th) before he left for work heading south.

Michael, Powell River

Powell River Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Breaching

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 06:51:00 +0000

A few Orca and breaching Humpback Whale (photos below), and lots and lots (1000) of Pacific White Sided Dolphins...they're back! (photo below) And what a wonderful sight to see.

There may still be a problem with the email feed to subscribers. The Sightings Blog updates have not gone out over the past few updates. The problem started when Google did an update. Hopefully it will be rectified soon.

'Whale Encounters'

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 7 pm I will be speaking as part of the Lecture Series, open to the public, at the Powell River campus of the Vancouver Island University.

This multimedia presentation of photos, video and audio, will delve into cetacean identification, species interactions and behaviours with other marine species, their food, and humans. Listen to their “talk” as they socialize, echo-locate and forage for food.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca

October 25:

2:30 pm 4 Orcas by Campbell River ferry terminal. Heading North. I never saw them but a friend did and the ferry announced.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Whales

Big Humpback Breach!

By Chatham Point October 24, 2011

Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 24:

2:30 pm 2 Humpback Whales were slowly headed North-West by Chatham Point. There were some great tail lobs and huge breach (photo below). Also had a couple of Dall's Porpoise, but they didn't stay around.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Humpback Tail Lob

By Chatham Point October 24, 2011

Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 28:

Throughout the day there were spread out groups of Pacific White Sided Dolphins in front of Powell River. I spotted them at various times, and in between lumpy seas by: Harwood Island, Rebecca Rocks, Blubber Bay, Texada, and close to the Powell River shore. Even from here I could see some of the huge leaps as they chased fish.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 27:

9:30 am Having spotted a couple of hundred Pacific White Sided Dolphins out in front of Powell River, I knew I had to get out on the water. I was out with them from around 10:45 am till 3:30 pm. Even the sun couldn't help but smile through the clouds as the Lags took great leaps and played between the bursts of speed as they chased food. I saw a couple of salmon leap, and they were in pursuit. When I first saw them, there were around 200, some peeled off somewhere and then some joined up by the top of Texada for one huge speed foraging manoeuvre. It's tough to keep track of where they all got to, but I do believe that the whole group of around 1000 or so Dolphins were spread out in smaller groups from the Van. Isl. Side of Rebecca Rocks around Harwood (a few came in with a boat from Savary Island direction) to Grief Point / VanAnda way. By the time I left them, there were around 100 of them and from home, I could still see them till it got too dark. What a great day! A few of the photos will be shown at my presentation Nov. 1^st.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

This guy Breached around 13 times in a row

Powell River October 27, 2011

Photo Greg and Janice McLaughlin from their boat

October 26:

5:45 pm Around 30 Lags (PWS Dolphins) with 4 Sea Lions porpoising along with them headed South by Grief Point, Powell River.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

October 24:

2 pm The call came in: Well over 100 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were all around and in between a tug and log boom. They stayed with the slow moving tow all the way from outside Grant's Reef and along the Harwood Shore heading towards the Mainland. We've been watching them for a couple of hours from Savary Island.

John and Joan Treen, Savary Island

4 pm As the tug and tow rounded Harwood Island, by Atrevida Reef, my neighbour, Steve Grover called to let me know he'd spotted them. Approximately 5-600 Dolphins were back and forth, with a few leaps along the way, around the tug and tow and spread out from Sliammon to Harwood. They headed towards Vivian Island then turned back towards Westview then off to Sliammon and back again. At one point, the very large group of around 1000 Dolphins were together directly in front of Powell River for a bit of foraging. By the time it dusk rolled around, some had split off to somewhere while others stayed out in center strait between Harwood and Atrevida Reef.

October 23:

Hi Susan:) Hope all is well in Powell River for you. Spent last week going up to Bella Coola on the tug & barge. Thought I would see lots of whales around buy really only a couple of HB's (Humpbacks) past Lizard Point and about 40 Lags (Pacific White Sided Dolphins) in Blackfish. Coming in yesterday through Seymour Narrows, that huge group of Lags was spread between Maud Island & Race Point. Estimate 1000+. They were visible from a couple of miles away with the squalling behavior & all the gulls overhead! They have been here now for a couple of weeks, cycling between Seymour & Nodales Ch. My guess is herring or pilchard they're munching on. Take care!
Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Sightings Transients, Humpbacks and Dolphins

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:49:00 +0000

Transient Orca, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Humpback Whales. Lots of activity out there! Thanks to Ivan on the Western Explorer for good eyes and reporting on his way back South.

'Whale Encounters'

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 7 pm I will be speaking as part of the Lecture Series, open to the public, at the Powell River campus of the Vancouver Island University.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Note Email Subscribers: There was a problem with sending the previous update titled “1000 Dolphins, Humpbacks and.....” to your inbox, but it is posted on the Sightings Blog. If it is not below today's report, please click on this link to see it: http://whalesanddolphinsofbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/1000-dolphins-humpbacks-and-other.html

Transient Orca

October 20:

1:39 pm The T002C's (4 Transients) were a nice surprise by Welcome Bay on the West side of Texada Island. They were just travelling around 4 to 5 knots. By 2:20 pm they were across from Maple Bay about 1/2 mile off the Texada shore still heading Northward. We did not see them take any seals, but there were a couple of nice breaches.

Ivan, Western Explorer

5 pm I'm thrilled to finally be able to report a sighting myself! The 4 Transient Orca appeared just off of Rebecca Rocks in front of Powell River, nicely grouped, doing a few longer dives. They were slowly headed North-West.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Humpback Whales

October 20:

10 am 4 Humpback Whales by Rock Bay – Brown's Bay, just above Campbell River. No specific direction – possibly doing some feeding.

Ivan, Western Explorer

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 20:

11 am 500+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins spread out over quite an area by Plumper Bay, Campbell River. No specific direction – possibly doing some feeding.

Ivan, Western Explorer

3:10 pm A dozen Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spotted by Lesquetti Island after leaving the Transients. (Radio receiption was very broken, so no direction heard – SM)

Ivan, Western Explorer

1000 Dolphins, Humpbacks and Other Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Few days of catch up. Hundreds to a thousand Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been active from Marina / Cortez Island into the various channels and inlets. Humpback Whales are slowly working their way down the coast taking time to munch on some food along along the way. A few Transient Orca have been sighted locally, but as of today's post, they have been up around the top end of Johnstone Strait. It seems like the Whales and Dolphins sightings along the Sunshine Coast and Powell River are slower or later, isn't everything, this year.

'Whale Encounters'

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 7 pm I will be speaking as part of the Lecture Series, open to the public, at the Powell River campus of the Vancouver Island University.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Killer Whales

October 15:

8:45 – 9 am 3 Transient Orca 1 big male and two females by Copper Bluff, Campbell River, possibly Northbound.

Elvis

11:40 am Orca – could only confirm 1 whale, but looks like a large female heading South down Malaspina Strait, by Grief Point, Powell River.

John Treen, Powell River

October 11:

3:20 pm 3 Transients look like all females by Separation Head, Discovery Passage Southbound. Went as far as Ripple Rock, right in the Narrows then turned back North. At 4:15 pm they were at Brown's Bay slowly headed North-West.

Scholar Holler

8 pm Possibly T20 and T21 Northbound right in Seymour Narrows.

Jack, Campbell River Whale Watching

Humpback Whales

October 19:

10 am 2 Humpback Whales by Chatham Point in a North-West direction. Looked like a Mom and calf.

Ivan, Western Explorer

2 pm 2 Humpback Whales by Chatham Point back and forth, possibly feeding. These are both large whales, doesn't look like a Mom and calf.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 17:

3:45 pm 2 Humpback Whales just off Cape Mudge. No Direction.

Ivan, Western Explorer

October 15:

9:45 am Humpback mid-strait by Painter's Lodge, Campbell River, Discovery Passage heading South.

Commercial Fisherman

Hi Susan thanks for the call this morning. We got some fluke shots of the HB (Humpback) I will send on and I will send a couple of the mob of Lags squalling across the water it was awesome! (Photos not received – SM) The HB was all docile doing the odd fluke him then poof he full breached 40ft from us!! So close all our Jaws were hanging on the ground and no one got a pic! What a way to end the season!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 14:

12 pm 5 to 600 Lags foraging by and into Deep Water Bay, Discovery Passage.

Great day. Had all the lags at Separation Head, Deepwater Bay on the way in. Couldn't take the time to look for the HB (Humpback) anywhere though as we were headed for a Grizzly. Great viewing at Orford with 7 different Griz. Cold though, made it home just as the sun was setting :) tugboat trip next week to Bella Coola, hoping to see lots on that trip!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Fin or Humpback Whales

October 14:

9:30 am Possibly 3 Fin or Humpback Whales in Okisollo Channel by Howe Island.

Fisherman Report

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 19:

11:15 am 800 to 1000 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spread out then grouped up in Nodales Channel by Thurston Bay.

Ivan, Western Explorer

October 17:

2:20 pm 50 or so Pacific White Sided Dolphins at the South end of Marina Reef (by Cortez Island).

Ivan, Western Explorer

4 pm 400-500 Lags by Chatham Point, milling about.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 16:

9:40 am 300 or so Dolphins by Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage headed North by Okisollo Channel. By 3 pm they were by Rock Bay, they hadn't moved too far, based on a report from a fisherman friend.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 15:

1 pm Around 600 Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Seymour Narrows to Brown's Bay, Northbound.

Nick Templeman & Garry Henkel

October 14:

9:15 am Around 500 Dolphins Southbound by Deep Water Bay, Discovery Passage.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 13:

10:50 am Hundreds and Hundreds of Pacific White Sided Dolphins Southbound by Kelsey Bay – from Fishing friend. At 12:50 pm Jen, CRWW figured there were more like 1000 Dolphins Eastbound by Camp Point, Johnstone Strait.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

October 14:

End of day report: Great Grizzly tour. 9 Grizzlies up at Orford River. Saw 6 Dall's Porpoise in Bute Inlet, foraging.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 12:

11:30 am Some Dall's Porpoise by Fawn Bluff.

Probable Dall's Porpoise

October 14:

8:45 am Radio call announced 10 Orca at Brown's Bay headed North-West. Garry headed that way and found 10 Dall's Porpoise at Brown's Bay soon after the radio call came in.

This is something that happens ocassionally due to the black and white markings of the Dall's. They can look like mini-Killer Whales. - SM

Southern Vancouver Island and Puget Sound Reports

submitted by: Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Isl., WA

October 16
Big surprise today! (Southern Residents) J pod with the K7s and L87 came south through Trincomali Channel today at approximately 13:00. They were in a very relaxed and social mood, displaying a range of behavior from spyhopping (three at once!), breaching, porpoising, logging, sharking, cartwheeling, "blowing raspberries", and even some mating/sexual play going on. At one point, the J4s, J7s, most of the J9s, and K7s came together in what I can only call an "orca soup" or orca dog pile, as they stopped swimming and simply rolled over each other, all the while vocalizing which could be heard above the water. Speaking of which, the hydrophones revealed VERY chatty whales! LOTS of amazing and near constant vocalizing. Incredible day, I will never forget it. Tasli Shaw

October 15
I was out on the water and a group of 11 transients were found out west of Sooke and 4 transients who turned out to be the T18s off Victoria water front. When we arrived the transients could not be Identified. Later that night with the help of Ron Bates the transients were transients from California. Final Identification on the California transient killer whales: The male was CA 166 and the main female with the black spot on the saddle patch is CA 172. They have only been seen in BC waters a couple of times and also only seen in California waters a couple of times. Final IDs: Josh McInnes, Ron Bates and Alisa Schulman

October 15
No news for the last couple of days regarding the Southern Resident Orcas but we had 2 groups of Transient Orcas off Victoria. In the morning 7 Transients were spotted south of Race Rocks heading west. In the afternoon 4 Transients were first spotted on one of the local web camera's near Cook St and when boats arrived scene they id the T's as the T18's. We also had one report of a Humpback Whale at the top end of Haro Strait! The day before there were at least 8 Humpback Whales sighted off Victoria and one off San Juan Island:) Andrew Lees

October 18
We have at least 6 humpbacks off Victoria today :) Andrew Lees

October 17
A Minke Whale has been in Discovery Bay, near Cape George, (west of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula) for several days. It seems to be going after the herring balls which also attract seals and lots of gulls and loons. Richard Isherwood, Port Townsend WA

October 14
Thursday Kath and I saw 30-40 Lags (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) off Java Rocks (near Saturna and South Pender Islands BC). Brad Armstrong

Sightings Orca, Dolphins, Humpback, Porpoise

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:18:00 +0000

Sightings of Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Transient Killer Whales, Humpback Whales and Dall's Porpoise.

'Whale Encounters'

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 7 pm I will be speaking as part of the Lecture Series, open to the public, at the Powell River campus of the Vancouver Island University.

This multimedia presentation will delve into cetacean identification, species interactions and behaviours with other marine species, including their food, and humans. Listen to their “talk” as they socialize, echo-locate and forage for food.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Transient Orca

October 9:

5 pm Three Transient Orca by Brown's Bay, above Campbell River Northbound. No Identifications.

3 pm T20 and T21 were Northbound in Seymour Narrows.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 7:

2 pm Transients First spotted at Penn Islands, Sutil Channel, T002's with the newborn calf were left still headed South by Hill Island.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

T002C and New Calf

September 28, 2011

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 5:

5 pm 3 Orca – 2 males by Chatham Point. By 6 pm the second group of another 3 Transients was spotted by Separation Head, Discovery Passage. They were spread out by Brown's Bay with one group headed in a North-West direction while the other group was Southbound. One big male had a floppy dorsal.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

3 pm Pod of Orca by the red light (assumed by Cape Mudge Radio caller just announced the report– SM) Soon after, around 8 to 10 Transients were spotted by AJ by McMullen Point.

Humpback Whales

October 9:

4 pm Humpback was cruising around by Granite Point, Kanish Bay.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 8:

10:45 am Humpback Whale, possibly the one known as 'Arial', was back and forth by Kanish Bay.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 7:

5:40 pm Left Humpback at Kanish Bay headed Southbound.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

October 6:

10:30 am Spotted Humpback by Kanish Bay, but gave us the slip and no flukes. (for ID purposes). 60+ Sealions at Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids, and another 150+ Sealions at Mitlenatch Island. 3 nice Black Bears completes our tally for the day....no Orca.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

October 9:

4 pm 12 or so Pacific White Sided Dolphins were between Savary Island closer to the end of Harwood Island with their noses pointed towards Sliammon and Powell River. (I watched for them, but never did see any closer to Powell River – SM)

Joan Treen, Savary Island

October 5:

8:30 am Around 15 Dolphins Northbound by Duncan Bay, Campbell River.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

October 5:

3:15 pm 6 Dall's Porpoise were foraging by Henrietta Point, Bute Inlet.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Puget Sound Reports

submitted by:

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Orca

October 4

1:15 pm - SRKWs (no pod ID yet) travelling south fast just snuck up on Beam Reach students while they were measuring water properties at Turn Point. Whales are traveling south and southeast. Beam Reach students were with resident orcas from 12:47 pm slightly north of Turn Point to 2:30 pm, just south of Turn Point.
Beam Reach

October 3

~15-20 orcas right off the Tsawwassen ferry terminal (south of Vancouver BC) this morning as the Spirit of Vancouver Island came into dock at 9:30 a.m. Very spread out but one male (with two others -- female and juvenile?) was very close in between the ferry dock and the DeltaPort container shipping terminal. Seemed mostly to be females / juveniles. What a great way to start the week.
Melissa T Anderson

October 3

Our Desolation Sound guided flotilla spotted 6-7 Orcas in Malaspina Strait (northeast Georgia Strait) at approximately 1145 on 10-3-11. The whales were never close enough for us to get a good ID photo, but there appeared to be at least one large male in the group. They were first sighted near McRae Islet off of Stillwater Bay (49 44.235 N, 124 18.638 W). Somewhere between there and Cockburn Point, the Orcas dove. We lost sight of them and the next time we could account for them they had crossed the strait and were closer over to the Texada Island side.
Emmelina Mojica

October 2

It's getting to that time of year. The lighting is getting a bit softer, the temperatures are dropping. But the wildlife still abounds! And they are busy feeding! Our first stop on our trip today was Speiden Island, where 4 Steller Sea Lions were busy eating salmon--tossing them about at the surface while the gulls tried to snatch a piece when they could. Then a harbor seal was seen near Sentinel Rock eating the last bits of an octopus! The Dall's porpoises were busy feeding on fish and dashing about and then diving deep. Soon it was time to go visit the orcas, and we were lucky enough to see L2 Grace, L5 Tanya, L78 Gaia, L54 Ino, L100 Indigo, L108 Coho, L117 (un-named until next year), and of course my favorite L88 Wavewalker! L88 set about doing some serious fishing near Kellett Bluff while another whale spyhopped nearby. The water was flat calm, and the blows as whales foraged echoed over the water. Meanwhile, under water the orca symphony was in full swing as the whales talked amongst themselves. It was a very amazing day.
John Boyd (JB), SSAMN Marine Naturalist, Western Explorer

Humpbacks

October 5

Pretty sure what I saw this afternoon, was a pod of humpback whales southbound in Swanson Channel. There was several boats with them, not the usual whale watching boats though, but definitely watching them. Let me know if anyone else did.

Elizabeth - Pender Island

October 5

2:24 PM - It looked like 2 gray whales just went by beddis rock, Pender island, heading towards Trincomali. Just wondering if anybody else saw them?

Shelley

October 3

A bit cooler with sun trying to break through clouds, fairly calm water with a less than 2' ebbing tide made for a pleasant sighting of a Humpback Whale! First spotted off of San Juan Island Hannah Heights at about 1:15pm, heading across Haro Strait at 2:05pm. The whale seemed to be foraging, zigzagging back and forth, near shore then more toward Hein Bank and Canada. Also saw Dall's Porpoise, perhaps socializing with the Humpback? Nice to see more Humpbacks visiting the Salish Sea!

Caroline Armon. OnBoard Tours

October 2

We were out on Sunday the 2nd looking for whales and we came upon one, maybe two humpbacks, 1.8nm east of Seabird Point on Discovery Island (east of Victoria) traveling slowly southwest. Wonderful experience out in the fog.

Keith Provan, AScT

Transient Orca by Savary Isl. 'KC' the Humpback Whale and Dall's

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:29:00 +0000

Transient Orca by Savary Island and Dall's Porpoise in our upper Georgia Strait. 'KC' the Humpback Whale in the lower Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage area. Dolphins are mostly in the upper Johnstone Strait area.

Stormy weather and very few people out on the water, or even being able to see much from shore, over the past few days has meant fewer sightings. Northern Resident Orca have not made an appearance for quite a while now. It is a big ocean and if they have gone above Vancouver Island, there are even fewer people watching for them in the storms that have been passing through. They are out there though so keep looking!

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

T-055A2

October 2, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca

October 4:

9:30 am A couple of Orca were breaching in front of (North side) Savary Island. Murray was working on the front row and asked if I had spotted the whales. At 11:20 am The Orca went around Mace Point, Savary Island looking like they were headed towards Powell River.

Gordie Coles, Savary Island

3:10 pm Some Orca were in front of Campbell River headed West. Unknown who or how many.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 2:

T-55s found them coming out of Chancellor channel at bottom of Wellboure. They passed within 200meters of a HB..(Humpback - SM)<> and are now headed for the Sealions haulout on Helmken Island.

3:40 pm Just left them headed west after doing a circuit of Helmken island and taking a couple of Harbour seals

Nick

T-055B

October 2, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

These are some pics of our encounter with the T055's and "KC" the HB...at least I think that's who it is! We found KC with some help from a fellow boater who gave us a call as we were headed up past Vansittart Pt. We found him on the Vancouver Island shoreline......right in the kelp bed! We spent some time keeping him company as he was sort of snoozing on the surface a lot and and there was quite a few seine vessels headed for the opening. From there we did a loop of Hardwicke Isl. searching for the T's. We didn't think we were going to find the only 4 orcas in the entire Johnstone Strait! As we slowed down to check the bear beaches in Wellboure Channel I caught speedy movement in the distance! It turned out to be the juvenile travelling at 15+ knots to catch up to the 3 dorsal fins in the distance! There were cheers on the boat when we found them! as they slipped slowly out of Chancellor Ch. we ran almost directly back into KC who was entering Chancellor........we held our breath as they passed each other within 150 meters. There were some scared looking Sealions on Helmken Island as they did a full sweep down one side, taking I think one harbour seal on the way. They actually went right into Billy Goat Bay it was very cool! It was a chilly but fantastic day on the zodiac!!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 1:

2 pm Very broken radio transmission that sounded like Orca were close to Phillips Arm.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

At 14:30 a single male orca was at Beachy Head inbound. A Prince of Whales boat arrived moments later and probably got a ID. At 16:08 I saw the orca again, at Race Rocks. All these whales were observed from the Beachy Head lookout in East Sooke Park. Vincenz Eberl

Group of 5 transients played their way along the Victoria waterfront yesterday afternoon, including several spectacular breaches. Val Shore submitted by

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Humpback Whales

'KC' Tail Flukes

October 2, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

October 2:

See Nick's report on 'KC' short for 'Kelp Creature' close to the Transients under the Transient Orca report.

October 1:

From 11:45 to 16:40 at least 4 humpbacks were hanging out about 2 miles south of Race Rocks. I did not see any humpbacks breach in this time period. At about 16:30 one of them was occasionally putting its pectoral fin into the air but not slapping it down. Vincenz Eberl submitted by

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

2:50 pm Very broken radio transmission about a Humpback Whale Southbound, but couldn't hear where.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

September 27:

60 Dolphins by McMillen Point Southbound at 10 am (my apologies – missed posting this previously - SM)

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Dall's Porpoise

October 2:

9 am Couple of active Dall's Porpoise by Greensey Bay, Campbell River

Fog Horn Jeff

October 1:

10:15 am Group of very active Dall's Porpoise by Turn Island, across from Chatham Point.

Joel, Tenacious 3

Southern Resident Orca Reports

submitted by

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

Orca action abounded in Admiralty Inlet today and yesterday, and along San Juan Island and points between. While Js and Ks and some Ls were making their way up Whidbey Island Sunday morning from Bush Point to Admiralty Head to Partridge Point, the L2s were shuffling along the west side of San Juan Island, joined in mid-day by the L12s, in from Race Rocks, south of Victoria.

October 2

Just before 6pm this evening, Sunday 10/2, sitting in my house I heard the beautiful whoosh sound of their breathing, loud enough through the closed double-pane windows that I knew they had to be very close to shore. As I was getting up to get my camera, I heard a thunderous splash. And just as I opened my door to begin taking photos, one of the whales, which I lovingly call our "floating pandas," bolted up into the air completely out of the water, in a full sideways-oriented second breach right in front of me, as if to say hello (it's fun to artificially personalize these things!). The whole pod spent about 15 minutes foraging at Eagle Point before heading northwest. There was at least one youngster with them. Whales were here at Eagle Point several times on Thursday and Friday (9/29 and 30), and were also at Lime Kiln at sunset on Friday evening, between 6:30 and 7:30pm. It's always a joy to be close to these creatures, and as the season wanes, I feel a particular good fortune to have what is one of the last encounters for many months

Alex Shapiro, Eagle Point, San Juan Island

October 1

From 4:45pm until sunset there were 9 L pod whales along the west side of San Juan Island. Two had gone a good distance north past Lime Kiln lighthouse. Gaia L-78 and Grace L-2. Wave Walker L-88, Ino L-54 and 10 month old L-117 didn't quite make it to the light when they turned back sown island. Tanya L-5 and Coho L-108 were spotted as L-54 and L-117 were coming back south. About a mile to the south were Nyssa L-84 and Indigo L-100. During my listening time, one call I heard sounded like a K pod call, but no K pod whales were present.

Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island

More Baby Orca Photos, Humpback and More

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:26:00 +0000

More photos of the New Transient Orca Calf. Humpback Whale 'KC' or 'Kelp Creature' has been doing his/her kelp play. A couple of other Transients, Dall's and Harbour Porpoise sightings. Looks like the Pacific White Sided Dolphins went to Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait and above while the Northern Resident Orca are still above Johnstone Strait somewhere.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

Baby Transient Orca Spy Hop

September 28, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca

September 29:

8:30 am 4 Transient Orca were by North Bluff, Campbell River towards Maude Island, Discovery Passage.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

11 am Found T20 and T21 in Seymour Narrows doing long dives and fighting the big ebb tide.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Newborn Calf

(about the size of a dolphin)

September 28, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

2:45 pm Transients were by Cape Mudge heading Southward.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

Sometime around 2 pm 4 – 5 Orca, one tall, male dorsal were headed North between Cortez and Quadra Islands.

BC Ferry Tanaka

September 28:

Here are some pics of the T002C Gang with the new calf! These were taken today during our encounter starting at 1030hrs and ending at approx 1300hrs.They were travelling up Discovery Passage Northbound then went right thru Kanish Bay at the top of Quadra Island. There may have been a seal kill near the end as there was some feeding activity and birds around after. The calf is the smallest I have seen for sure, looking more like a dolphin! Also a shot of T002C2 that i thought really showed her scoliosis (This photo of T02C2 will be in the next Sightings posting - SM). They are my favorite gang of T's, love that T002c had the new calf, cheers!

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

September 30:

9:15 am A Humpback was by Eagle's Cove to Elk Bay slowly heading North.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

In between these two reports I was listening to a few comments about this whale rolling, slapping it's pectoral fin and playing in and with the kelp – possibly 'KC' again.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

12 pm The lone Humpback Whale only made it as far as Rock Bay, by Chatham Point.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 28:

This beauty (photo below) was doing doughnuts in Plumper Bay (Campbell River) this afternoon at approx 1600 hrs. Is it one we know? Cheers,

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

I wondered where he was! This is "KC" BCY0291 born in 2002. Again, really value getting this data! Jackie Hildering.

('KC' stands for Kelp Creature. He's regularly seen in the upper Johnstone Strait area. Susan MacKay)

'KC' Tail Flukes

September 28, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

September 30:

12:30 pm 5 Harbour Porpoise were in Chameleon Harbour, Thurston Bay Marine Park.

3 pm 5 to 6 Dall's Porpoise were foraging in Bute Inlet.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

September 29:

11:50 am 3 Dall's Porpoise were foraging by Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Around 12 pm 2 Harbour Porpoise were bow riding (possibly Hybrids from behaviour – SM)

Fog Horn Jeff

2:30 pm 6 Dall's Porpoise by Jimmy Judd Island in the Yuculta Rapids.

Joel – Tenacious 3

Puget Sound Reports

Submitted by:

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

September 28

Today around 2pm we found members of our resident pods K and L, almost 50 whales, spread out in Haro Strait heading up to Turn Point. We were able to identify K20, L87, L41, L88, and K40. We got to see a wide range of behaviors and all our passengers were very excited. On the way home we stopped along Spieden and saw many harbor seals on the rocks, as well as four-legged mammals grazing on the hillside including some bucks and a few rams. The icing on the cake was the Bald Eagle standing on the shore line with a salmon in its talons, and a handful of Steller Sea Lions lazing in the water at Green Point.

Mike, San Juan Safaris

September 28

Beam Reach students were with resident orcas off Hannah Heights, southwest San Juan Island at 11:01 am to northern Haro Strait between Henry Island and Stuart Island at 3:30 pm.

Baby photos of New Orca Calf plus more Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:43:00 +0000

Baby photos of the newest Transient Orca calf born! The main comment everyone had was that it was the smallest Orca they had ever seen. It says a lot when these reports come from the Whale Watching Tour community. The Baby was around 6 feet long when first seen – the size of a small Harbour Porpoise. Do whales really know that a storm is coming? I don't know, but they disappeared the day before it hit. September 26, 2011 was a major storm day where no-one was, or wanted to be out on the water. So we have Transient Orca, Humpback Whales, some Pacific White Sided Dolphins and some Dall's and Harbour Porpoise making appearances after the storm. The Resident Orca had gone out into Queen Charlotte Strait, above Johnstone Strait, just before the Storm Day hit.

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

First Photo of Transient Calf

Looks like Mom's back is a good Ride

September 27, 2011

Photo: Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Northern Resident Orca

September 25:

All the Resident Orca had gone out into Queen Charlotte Strait.

Transient Orca

September 28:

9:30 am T02C's with new calf (total of 4 animals) slowly headed Northwards by Separation Head.

FogHorn Jeff

11:15 am The Transients chased a couple of Dall's Porpoise who seemed to evade them close in to shore.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

3:50 pm Transient Orca by Orange Point close to the Vancouver Island Side heading South.

AJ to Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures on Radio

5 pm – 6 pm The Orca were close to Shelter Point close to Vancouver Island still headed south to Oyster Bay. There were two other whales who joined the 4 Transients. No ID's on the joiners. But they all continued slowly Southbound. There were a couple of Harbour Porpoise around also, but they didn't seem to pay attention.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

September 27:

8:40 am 4 Transient Orca with a tiny Orca calf by Brown's Bay heading North.

Carl

10 am The Orca (T02C's) were slowly headed North. By 11 am they were by McMullen Point and 12 pm by Cinque Islands headed towards Greensey Bay.

Raido and Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

3:15 pm The T02C's in Nodales Channel. By 5 pm the report was they were by Dent Rapids.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Humpback Whales

September 28:

10:30 am Humpback was spotted northward bound by the Campbell River fishing pier.

Radio

Humpback Whale

Septtember 17, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

11 am A Humpback whale was by Kanish Bay above Campbell River Southbound. (uncertain if it was the same whale or not – SM)

Benito

4:10 pm Humpback Whale by Plumper Cove doing circles.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 27:

8:45 am A Humpback Whale was Southbound by Brown's Bay. (Later reports of the whale was missed – my apologies. SM)

Carl

September 25:

11:45 am Humpback Whale Northbound by Vansittart Point.

Elvis

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

September 28:

3:45 pm 6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins who did not want to have anything to do with us, were by Surge Narrows.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

September 27:

9 am 50 to 60 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were active around Kanish Bay, just above Campbell River.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

September 16, 2011

Photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 25:

12:20 pm Pacific White Sided Dolphins were reported by Kelsey Bay.

Radio

Dall's and Harbour Porpoise

11:15 am The Transients chased a couple of Dall's Porpoise who seemed to evade them close in to shore.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

5 pm – 6 pm The Orca were close to Shelter Point close to Vancouver Island stil headed south to Oyster Bay. There were two other whales who joined the 4 Transients. No ID's on the joiners. But they all continued slowly Southbound. There were a couple of Harbour Porpoise around also, but they didn't seem to pay attention.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

September 25:

12:10 pm Around 12 Dall's Porpoise were Southbound by Greensey Bay.

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

Transient Orca with Dolphins and Dall's Porpoise in close proximity

noreply@blogger.com (Whale Tails) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Transient Orca with Dolphins and Dall's Porpoise in close proximity, a couple of Humpback Whales and a report of some Resident Orca too.

I must apologize for running out of time to organize these sightings reports under Species headers before posting this update. A number of reports would have had to be duplicated due to the interaction with the Transient Orca. Great photo of the weather! Read On...

Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC

September 24:

8:30 am Approx 20 Orca by Elk Bay headed towards Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Radioed to Fog Horn Jeff who a little bit later found around 10 Orca – possibly T20's plus more.

Fog Horn Jeff

10 am 14 or more Transient Orca close to Turn Island, Johnstone Strait. At least 4 big fins. The group included T18, T19, T20 and T21 plus others.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

10 am 6 to 8 Dall's Porpoise were close to the Transients and sped Southward tight to shore and in a hurry.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

10:45 am Dall's Porpoise in 5 or 6 groups of 5 or 6 each in Nodales Channel towards Bute Inlet.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

Transient Sprouter (sub-adult)

September 23, 2011

photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

10:45 am Transient Orca just above Walkem Islands just doing circles.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

12:15 pm Same Transients now between Bear Point and Camp Point Westing.

Simon

1 pm 2 large Humpback Whales at Bear Point – Ripple Point Eastbound down Strait.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

1 pm till around 3:30 pm What a day! Found the Transient Orca heading West up Johnstone Strait after seeing the two Eastbound Humpbacks. While wondering what the Orca were up to, around 100 to 150 Pacific White Sided Dolphins appeared Eastbound from Tyee Point, Race and Current Pass area foraging towards Vansittart Point in circles. The Orca made a zig zag over to the Thurlow Island side where the Dolphins were while the Dolphins made it over to the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. This game of chess back and forth from one side of Johnstone Strait to the other, Orca following the Dolphins went on for a couple of hours. There was a fair bit of feed in the water with gulls swarming above the Dolphins. We're certain that these were Transient Orca, including T20 and T21, so this whole procedure seemed surreal. We did not see any kills. Then after leaving all of this activity heading back towards Campbell River, around 4 pm we came across yet another 200 to 300 more Pacific White Sided Dolphins! Some of them bow rode with a huge cruise ship...Amazing day.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

4:30 pm 200 – 300 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were North-west bound doing around 8 knots around Seymour Narrows. They were spread all across the Passage. Spectacular!

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

September 23:

9 am 10 or so Transient Orca at Separation Head, Discovery Passage. Two big males were on the Vancouver Island side while the females were closer to the Quadra Island side. There was at least one small calf, still has yellow, in with the females. By 10:20 am they were still Southbound into Seymour Narrows. This was a different group than yesterday's Transients.

Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys

10:15 One Humpback Whale by Granite Point heading South and was by Kanish Bay by 10:30 am.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

? am – pm Resident Orca were in Nodales Channel

Radio

Whale watching in the Rough!

September 23, 2011

photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

This gang came thru today North bound in the am then when I got to them at 1100 am they were smoking south with the big flood tide today. The pictures do the water today some justice but you had to be there to see how rough it really was! She was gusting 35+ knots at times off Cape Mudge and I figured the rip in the centre off of Cape to be about 16-18 ft curling at times! Cool with the back eddy because you can safely watch them negotiate the madness! So lots of fun and thru that some ID photos taken. Don't know if I'm right with all of them but there were some there we just couldn't shoot because of the conditions. I thought T20/T21,T101's/T-102, T100's and maybe more! Cool gang. We left them headed into the madness off of the red can at Cape Mudge @ approx 1245 hrs

We also later at approx 1430 hrs in the pouring rain found 300+ Lags flying south at Kanish Bay in Discovery Passage! A great day, signing off for now, ttys, cheers! Nick

Emailed you and Jared the pics from the day....woo stormy! Think T100s T101s&102& T20/21... 10 or 11 Orca's very cool off Cape Mudge watching 18 ft curls roll beside us:) Nick

Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

On my way home about 530 pm 250-ish Dolphins Browns Bay north bound.

Jen, Campbell River Whale Watching

Transient T101 by Cape Mudge

September 23, 2011

photo: Nick Templeman, Eagle Eye Adventures

September 22:

8:30 am First thought there were 3 Orca, 1 male and 2 females, right outside Discovery Marina, Campbell River, but the there were more than a couple heading North-west, but couldn't get a count. By 9:15 am they were by April Point still slowly northbound. One male has a dorsal that hooks to the left. Left these guys and at 9:30 am came across 5 more Transients at Chatham Point Westing.

Fog Horn Jeff

10:20 am Orca Eastbound 2 at Rock Point and 4 at Bear Point. (These were believed to be Transients meeting up with the North-west bound group from Campbell River – SM)

Radio

1 pm Dolphins at Bear Point – no numbers or direction.

Radio

2:30 pm 8 to 9 Orca by Howe Island in Nodales Channel mostly small dorsals. 5:15 pm Transients by Brown's Bay.

Aaron, Campbell River Whale Watching

Puget Sound Reports

by: Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network, Whidbey Island, WA

September 22
L Pod was pretty much at South Beach when we first came upon them. They were spread out over a tremendous area. Once again the calm water made for easy identification of the saddle patch. Among the first whales we saw were L2, L79, L72, and later L41 (Mega).
We also had an amazing encounter with two juvenile whales who shot up, out of nowhere, in front of the boat, while we were shut down and proceeded to swim laps around us while we watched in amazement. The water was calm and clear and we could see the white flash from their bellies as they scooted in past us in a blur and then darted out to regroup before doing it again. In my whole summer out here I have not seen behavior like that from orca whales until today. Orcas may pop up near a boat and pass by at close proximity, but it is always with an air of dignity, as though they are on a mission and could care less about boat or the people on it. They always keep their composure and when they do let loose a little it is typically in the company of other orcas with boats watching from afar. Today was different. There was no breaching or rolling upside-down. No tail slapping or lollygagging at the surface. These two little guys were behaving, totally and completely, like a couple of hooligans. It was awesome. Even Capt Mike had to leave the wheelhouse and squeeze up to the railing to get a better view. It was one of those exceptional moments that makes you want to do a fist pump and yell, "Yessss!"
Laura, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

September 22

Beam Reach students were with [orcas] from 3:02 until 4:02, along the southwest side of San Juan Island.

September 21

We encountered 4 transients off Hein Bank around 12:30 pm, one male and 3 females, heading south-east, perhaps another visit to Puget Sound? Then we headed north-west and were accosted by Dall's porpoise, then found the L12's coming south along SJI, very spread out, with L41, L79, L89, L94 and L113 easy enough to identify. They were still heading south when we left them around 3:30 or so. The weather was picture perfect, mill-pond like seas and beautiful clouds. Magic!
Jill

September 21

We left the harbor today and headed north. Half way up the San Juan Channel we encountered Dall's Porpoise. They were in a good mood and stayed nearby, bow riding and surfing our wake for several minutes. Out in front of us a little seal popped up with a fat salmon in his mouth. As we were leaving the Dall's we saw what looked to be at first a large Stellar's Sea Lion, then as we shifted our vantage point resembled a piece of driftwood, but eventually moved to reveal that it was, in fact, a large male ELEPHANT SEAL! What? Here? Yes. The large, protruding nose was a dead giveaway. He was rather shy and slipped below the surface, not to be seen by us again.
Out in Haro Straight we shut down and watched a small group composed of J16, J26, and J42 and 36. They looked to be just traveling. There were no long dives and their pace was slow and steady. We could hear each and every breath from whales near and far away from us. A single female surfaced off our other side and we watched her glide gracefully past us. There were so many whales in all directions that we dropped our hydrophone to take a listen. It was amazing. It was as if we had stepped into the middle of a crowded party. It was so calm that we could even hear echolocation clicks. While we were sitting, watching, and listening to the orcas something big exploded to the surface about a quarter of a mile away from us. It was like watching a submarine shooting to the surface. It happened two more times. In that time I was able to gather my wits and identify the large, torpedo-like object as a breaching Minke Whale! I have never seen a Minke breach before. It was awesome!
Laura, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris

September 23 Around 2pm we found a single Minke north of Turn Point in Boundary Pass. Dall's were out in the middle of Haro, but pretty elusive. Mike, San Juan Safaris