Rare Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Dolphins and Porpoise
Rare Transient Bigg’s Whales make an appearance in BC’s inside waters creating much excitement. This is only the second time they’ve been spotted in BC waters, and the first inside of Vancouver Island. There was also sadness to see that the big male had only half a dorsal fin from an apparent boat strike. We have been working hard to prepare for Powell River Sea Fair July 25, 26 & 27 and hope to see you there. This long Sightings Report is full of photos and information, so our Fundraising information is farther below. Have you bought your Raffle tickets yet?
Susan MacKay & Lynne Cracknell, Whalesand Dolphins BC
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Every sighting report is valuable!
Transient Bigg’s Orca (T137’s)
July 3, 2014
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours
TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES
July 8:
2:45 pm Found the Orca for everyone travelling North in Hoskyns Channel 1 mile from Beazley Pass, Surge Narrows.
4 pm Left the T49A’s Northbound in Okisollo Channel after watching them slip through Beazley Pass with the ebb current.
Here are some of the pics from our encounter with the T049A’s yesterday. Many thanks to Colin on the Pacific Yellowfin for passing that earlier sighting to us and giving us something to search for! There was much hollering in our boat when I spotted them! When we first arrived on scene a sailboat was crowding them pretty close so we stood off to see what would happen, they travelled up the Reid Island shoreline with the sailboat on the island side. Almost to the top of Hoskyns and in view of the Surge Narrows dock the Killer Whales made an abrupt left turn and headed right towards Beazley Passage. We followed them through Beazley which I have never seen in the past 17 years, and let them go at approx 1600 hrs headed north up Okisollo Channel. Cheers!
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
July 8:
4:30 pm Left the Orca by Cyrus Rocks in Okisollo Channel Westbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 8:
6 pm Leaving the Orca heading West out of Okisollo Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin.
Transient Bigg’s Orca T049A’s
July 8, 2014 – above 3 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
July 8:
7:00 p.m. – about a mile off of Neck Point in Nanaimo. A pod of 4 Orca (one very small) – circling, diving, and breaching for about 20 minutes – quite the show – then headed north.
Lori Jones, Nanaimo
July 7:
10:04 am: 7 Sea Pandas (Orca) at Kelsey Bay, eastbound. Large male has only half a dorsal fin, jagged top.
10:43 am: They are easting in Race Passage.
Little more info from today. As soon as we got on scene the small fin with a couple chunks out of it swam directly under the boat belly up firstly about 10-15 meters below then again seconds later a few feet below. just some behavioural info. did not surface near the boat though.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Transient Bigg’s Orca travelling with U135
Orca with Propeller Damaged Dorsal
July 7, 2014 – 3 photos of pod
by Ripple Shoal, Johnstone Strait
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge
July 7:
Whales and Dolphins BC asked Fabien Minfray, Eagle Eye Adventures, who was with the Orca to text message a photo of the injured Orca and a couple of others he was travelling with for identification and damage assessment purposes. When it was clear these were new whales to our area and had no identification reference, we forwarded the photos to Jared Towers, DFO, who has worked on the main identification catalogues we use. We had previously seen photos posted on line of these whales in the Monterey Bay area of California, and thought perhaps they were normally considered ‘Californians’. Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
Jared’s quick response was appreciated and exciting news:
Looks like a group of whales fairly common on the Oregon coast. To my knowledge they’ve been photographed only once before in B.C., offshore of Vancouver Island. We (DFO) refer to the animals in the photos as U133, U134 and U135. I think it’s important for people to know that this type of research on Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales is being done.
Jared Towers, Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
July 7:
12:35 pm: Orca now westing, doing 7 knots, just before Tyee Point, just below Ripple Shoal.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Transient Bigg’s Orca U135 is whale with Propeller Damaged Dorsal
July 7, 2014 – 3 photos
by Ripple Shoal, Johnstone Strait
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
July 7:
1:40 pm: Orca changing directions now westbound mid channel, Johnstone Strait, just west of Tyee Point. Leaving the scene now.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
July 7:
7:50 pm Whale(s) of some sort (later identified as Transient Bigg’s Orca – SM) Northbound towards Westview, Powell River mid channel out from Myrtle Rocks area. Looks like it/they are past VanAnda now.
Jim Southern, Powell River
July 7:
8:34 pm Found 5 Orca just off Grief Point, Powell River. Steve Grover hopped on board with me. There were 2 males, 2 juveniles and one female later identified as T049A’s. One of the males separated from the others and wasn’t spotted again. They slowly headed along the mainland shore continuing North. Left them almost by the Powell River Mill at around 9:40 pm. Beautiful evening and calm waters. Once again it was good to see some caution and distance kept by some of the boats in the area around the whales. Even the Texada ferry was slow departing while the Orca were in front of it.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
July 7:
8:43 pm 2-4 orca off of Grief Point heading towards Powell River, then a boat came right into their path and stopped. They did a long dive and were gone from sight ….too bad..boat now chasing them!
Joanne Brough, Powell River
July 7:
8:51 pm At least 3 whales heading North in front of Oliver
Street.
Shirley Randall, Powell River
July 7:
8:45 pm We have Orca right out in front of our place! No idea how many, they just popped up.
Ted and Liz Douglas, Powell River
July 3:
7:30 am: 6 or more Orca southbound mid channel, Discovery Passage by Painters Lodge, one big fin on Vancouver Island side.
I was just babysitting these guys this morning so stayed pretty far away and just took a couple snaps there were 3 hanging together, the bull, the small fin and the calf. 2 others were around, a smaller male and a female I think, they kept splitting off and joining up. Off a couple miles was also 3-6 Bigg’s but I was never near enough to get a better guess at numbers than that. (Based on photos submitted, we identified them as the T137’s – SM)
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Transient Bigg’s Orca (T137’s)
July 3, 2014
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 3:
7:45 am: 5 or 6 Orca southbound at April Point, moving quickly south.
8:00 am: There are at least 8 Orca and are passing We Wai Kai village (Quadra Island) already, travelling at 9 knots
8:05 am: Orca have moved south of the light house already.
8:42 am: They are now between Shelter and Salmon Point, and have finally slowed down a bit.
8:55 am: The Orca have split up into smaller groups, there are some Porpoise around also. They are spread out between Vancouver Island and Mitlenatch about half way between. There are 10 – 12 Orca.
3:30 pm: Orca last seen 2 miles south of Sentry Shoals, milling. The sea is too lumpy for good viewing. (Based on photos submitted, we identified them as the T137’s – SM)
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 3:
11:20 am: The Orca are now a couple of miles south of Sentry Shoal, closer to the Vancouver Island side.
(from Radio)
July 3:
3:45 pm: Last word on the Orca was that they were 1.9 miles south southwest of the Sentry Shoal Buoy at approximately 1300 hours.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
July 1:
8:00 am: Orca in Lewis Channel, heading north.
6:13 pm: Orca have turned back into Whiterock Passage and are heading south.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin.
July 1:
10:30 am: Orca in Teakerne Arm.
10:55 am: Orca now in Lewis Channel angling towards West Redonda Island shoreline.
12:13 pm: Whales still heading north, approaching Rendezvous Islands.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 1:
1:23 pm: Orca at North Rendezvous Island, Raza side, along the beach. Moving lazily northbound.
2:50 pm: T101’s are at Johnson Bluff, at the mouth of Bute Inlet. T002Cs between Hole in the Wall and the mouth of Bute.
3:00 pm Leaving the Orca now.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 1:
4:39 pm: Looks like the Orca are all gathering together north of Rendezvous Island, southbound.
4:47 pm: Still north of Rendezvous and haven’t chosen a side of the island yet. Tail flapping and breaching now.
5:03 pm: They have moved to the Drew Passage side.
5:45 pm: Leaving Orca in Whiterock Passage. They have turned and are heading back towards Calm Channel, Rendezvous Island.
Fabien Minfray, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Transient Bigg’s Orca T049A’s Powell River
July 7, 2014 – above 2 photos
Steve Grover, Powell River
HUMPBACK WHALES
July 9:
7:30 am 2 Humpback Whales Northbound by we wai kai (Cape Mudge) village.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 9:
12:40 pm 1 possibly 2 Humpback Whales between Westview, Powell River and Rebecca Rocks angling towards the Vivian Island side of Harwood Island.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
July 8:
9 am Humpback Whale in Race Passage, just below Kelsey Bay.
Radio
July 8:
2:56 pm Humpback known as ‘KC’ is at Kelsey Bay Westbound against the tide.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
July 8:
9:30 – 10 pm Humpback Whale just off the working quarry below VanAnda, Texada Island. It’s headed North.
Jim Southern, Powell River
July 6:
9:24 am: 3-4 Humpbacks spotted out in the middle between Harwood and Vancouver Islands before it got too foggy.
Radio
Humpback Whale
July 2, 2014
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 6:
Morning: Humpbacks spotted just off Grant’s Reef this morning and put on a nice show while fishing.
Recreational Fisher – Radio
July 6:
5:15 pm: Humpback northbound at 45 Point, Discovery Passage.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 6:
6:15 pm: Humpback just north of Cinque Isles, quarter of a mile off the Sonora Island shore, slowly heading north. Leaving the scene.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
July 5:
2:07 pm: Humpback Whale headed into Chancellor Channel from Johnstone Strait.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
July 4:
2 pm (approx) Two Humpbacks spotted between Rebecca Rocks and Little River in the afternoon. Seen from the ferry. They were at N49 47.40 W124 47.48 This was the second sighting of them as we crossed.
Ferry, Queen of Burnaby
July 3:
3:42 pm: Humpback Whale between Rebecca Rocks and Vivian Island, westing.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC.
July 2:
4:55 pm: Humpback off Deepwater Bluffs, Discovery Passage.
(from radio)
July 2:
5:20 pm: Left Humpback at Plumper Bay, southbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 1:
1:15 pm: Humpback just off the Kelsey Bay wharf, milling around and making short dives. By the time we got there it had been in the area for about fifteen minutes, it stayed for about ten minutes more and then angled off southwards towards Peterson Islet.
Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins BC.
GREY WHALES
July 1:
6:00 pm: Apparently a Grey whale was spotted at April Point, near Campbell River, heading south.
Brad, Painter’s Lodge.
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
July 9:
12 pm 15 PWS Dolphins at Horn Point.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 9:
1:35 pm 15 PWS Dolphins milling about 300 feet off Burnt Bluffs between Horn Point and Dent Island on the mainland side. Just leaving them.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
July 7:
5:07 pm: 20 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Greene Point Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 7:
Day: There were about 20 PWDs hole in the wall, Okisollo junction with at least 3 very new calves.
Bradden Kiley, Painter’s Lodge
July 7:
Afternoon: Some Pacific White Sided Dolphins were spotted in front of Powell River briefly.
Dr. Jacques DuToit, Powell River
July 6:
2:06 pm: 15 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Horn Point, milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 5:
11:30 am: Half a dozen Pacific White Sided Dolphins Greensea Bay, Discovery Passage.
(from Radio)
July 5:
2:40 pm: 12 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Howe Island milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 4:
10:02 am: 25 Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Denham Island and Dent Island.
Brad, Painter’s Lodge.
July 4:
11:35 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Horn Point.
11:45 am: They are moving fast towards Little Dent Island.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 4:
12:00 pm: Small groups of Pacific White Sided Dolphins spread out between Ripple Rock and Camp Point.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 3:
9:15 am: Half a dozen Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Hall Point, milling about.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin.
July 3:
3:00 pm: 25 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Tugboat Pass near Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
July 7, 2014
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 3:
3:20 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Dent and Little Dent Islands.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 3:
5:00 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins still dashing thither and yon between Horn Point and Denham Island.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
July 2:
11:40 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Camp Point.
12:20 pm Pacific White Sided Dolphins now by Petersen Islet.
(from Radio)
July 2:
1:50 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Brad, Painter’s Lodge.
July 2:
4:20 pm: 10 Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling at Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
HARBOUR PORPOISE
July 3:
8:55 am: Saw four Harbour Porpoise at Salmon Point while keeping tabs on the Orca.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 2:
1:55 pm: 2 Harbour Porpoise at Centre Islet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
FUNDRAISING 2014
Fundraising 2014:Tickets for our Two Huge Raffles are available:
Powell RiverTown Centre Mall on Sat., July 12 & Sea Fair July 25, 26 & 27th
Campbell RiverDiscovery Marine Safaris office & at the Discovery Marina dock offices of: Eagle Eye Adventures & Aboriginal Journeys Whale & Grizzly Tours
2 GREAT RAFFLES FOR A TOTAL OF 6 TOURS TO BE DRAWN!
RAFFLE #1:
-
Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours – Whale Watching for Two
-
Discovery Marine Safaris – Whale Watching for Two
-
Stubbs Island Whale Watching – Whale Watching for Two
RAFFLE #2:
-
Adventure Quest Tours (Kayak Tour for Two)
-
Eagle Eye Adventures (Whale Watching for Two)
-
Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions (Whale Watching for Two)
Tickets are 5 for $10 – Please make sure you specify what Raffle you’d like in the notes.
Both raffles will be drawn at 5 pm on July 27, 2014 at Powell River Sea Fair
Thank you all for your ongoing enthusiasm and support!
From all of us at Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)
Transient Bigg’s Orca (T137’s)
July 3, 2014
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours
LINKS
Thanks very much to Arlene for the link to this important news story:
And in this news story, whale watchers in Point Loma, California, had a HUGE surprise!
Boat overturned by Blue Whale:
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Every sighting report is valuable!
We are the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society
Gaming Licence for Raffle #1 is 65278 Raffle #2 is 65280 – Know your limit, play within it.
