April 11 Orca and Dolphins or Porpoises

April 11 – Just in…at 12:30 pm 5 to 6 Killer Whales spotted just South of Powell River close to Myrtle Rocks headed Northward.

April 11 – 9 am 4 Dolphins or Porpoises spotted by Myrtle Rocks slowly headed in a Northbound direction towards Powell River.

Hello Susan;
I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy your blog and that I really appreciate receiving it, even though it has been so quiet out there this last month.

This morning four dolphins went by Armour Rd.  and at about 9:00am would be at or around Myrtle Rocks.  Is this the type of information that you are interested in hearing? 

Am I able to tell which species of dolphins they would be by the numbers and their behaviour, as they were moving very slowly compared to others that we have seen?
Bill

Hello Bill,
Thanks for the input. Yes, this is the type of information needed, and it would be great if you could give direction of travel….it’s a big coast and they travel all of it. Also, since not everyone would know where Armour Road is without looking up on a map, including me I’m afraid, the identifiers of Black Point, Myrtle Rocks or Point, Grief Point, etc. and if they were closer to Texada or the mainland side would be the best. This ties in with the marine charts and makes in clearer to those who travel the coast and from other locations. I have people from as far away as Europe following the blog. When in doubt, any information is better than none.

If you’re in doubt about the species, my main website Whales and Dolphins BC has information on species with descriptions and photos to help identify the animals. Pacific White Sided Dolphins are grey and white and have curved dorsal fins whereas porpoises’ are triangular shaped dark brown to black and for Dalls porpoises they may have white on the dorsal. All of these animals can move slowly, taking their time. As for their behaviour, yes, sometimes it is from the behaviour that it becomes obvious which species, but other times it can be difficult without seeing some detail, please read up on the web site.
Susan MacKay