NRKWs, Transient Bigg’s, Killer Whales Everywhere, Humpback Hanging around Desolation Sound
The Northern Resident Orca have arrived into the inside waters in numbers. The majority are staying at or above the top of Johnstone Strait, but we have been fortunate to have some continue to come down the strait and go into Nodales Channel. In the meantime, the Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales are still down near the bottom of Desolation Sound with some spending time around Savary Island and Powell River. There are some that have been reported as far down as Vancouver. Humpback Whales have also found some good food in and around Desolation Sound. The Pacific White Sided Dolphins are being spotted in smaller groups than the previous couple of years. They seem to appear most frequently still in the Nodales Channel area frequently when the Northern Resident Orca are there. There are extremely few reports of Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise. Are they not around, not being noticed, or just not reported?
Susan MacKay & Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins BC
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Every sighting report is valuable!
WHAT DO ALL THESE LETTERS AND NUMBERS MEAN?
KILLER WHALES
A quick explanation and understanding of all these letters and numbers allocated to Killer Whales that seem to be flying around in our reports:
Orca families are matriarchal (the mother rules). The family pod stays together for life, so when we see a big male, it’s pretty certain that he’s a son or nephew. When the numbers were first issued, this was not well understood, but once realized, the oldest matriarch was how the family pod was named. Family trees have been monitored over many years, and all Orca pods continue to be monitored. Transient Bigg’s allocations start with the letter T in BC waters, except when we’ve had known Transient Bigg’s up from California with the assigned CA designation.
For example, not to go back too far, of Northern Residents: the A8 Matriline has now become the A42’s. A8 (1953-2004) gave birth to A28 ‘Havannah’ (1974-2010) and to A42 ‘Sonora’ (1980- still strong). Since there were two sisters, the A8 designation remained even after A42 gave birth to A66 ‘Surf’ (1996), A79 ‘Current’ (2004) and A88 ‘Cameleon’ (2008). When A42 gave birth to her fourth calf, A103 ‘Albion’ (December 2010) off Powell River, there was still a bit of debate if A28 was alive or not, but after such a long time, it’s felt certain she is gone. She never had any offspring. So, following this logic, we now have the A42’s as the family pod name. With her offsprings there are a total of 5 family members in the pod who travel and stay together their entire lives.
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
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| A42 ‘Sonora’ |
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| A66 ‘Surf’ & A79 ‘Current’ |
Northern Resident Orca A42’s
off Camp Point, Johnstone Strait
August 17, 2014 – 4 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Aug 17:
10:00 am: Sounds like there are whales (Orca) at Kelsey Bay, easting.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 17:
10:05 am: Sounds (radio) like you have Orca right there on the Kelsey Bay side of Helmcken. Brad is apparently on the scene.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 17:
10:24 am: There are about 15 Orca in Race Passage, half way between Petersen Islet and Camp Point, Johnstone Strait. One male is way ahead, almost to Camp Point.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Aug 17:
11:13 am: Orca just foraging and resting still at Camp Point.
11:30 am: They are all spread out from Tyee Point to Vancouver Island side below Camp Point, mostly centre Strait, easting. They are definitely NRKW’s A’s from their vocalizations.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC.
Aug 17:
1:26 pm NRKW’s still easting at Turn Island, Johnstone Strait.
(from radio)
Aug 17:
2:19 pm: NRKW’s westing at Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 17:
2:38 pm: NRKW’s A34’s easting at Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
3:30 pm:The NRKW’s A34’s, A42’s, and A36’s all easting between Ripple Pock and Rock Point, close the Chatham Point across from Nodales Channel. They’re all spread out.
GarryHenkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Aug 17:
2:48 pm: Suspect that the NRKW’s A36’s are also still easting from Ripple Point.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 16:
9:10 am: NRKW’s are at Kaikash Creek in the fog heading east towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
(from radio)
Aug 16:
8:45 am: Orca alert! Orca reported easting into Frederick Arm. via radio call from Oak Bay Hurricane.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Aug 16:
9:00 am: Orca right off the Salmon Farm at Sonora Point in Nodales Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin.
Aug 16:
10:30 am: 5 Orca NRKW’s are in Nodales Channel by Sonora Point angling towards Frederick Arm. The calf looks like it’s foraging along with some Pacific White Sided Dolphins and/or playing. There’s lots of breaching and spy hops as well as vocalizations as they head into Frederick Arm. Very nice!
12:30 pm: The NRKW’s (later identified as A42’s) are now by Thurston Bay westbound.
(from radio)
Aug 16:
2:40 pm: The NRKW’s I15’s are eastbound by Kaikash Creek, across from Blackney Passage.
(from radio)
Aug 16:
3:00 pm: The NRKW’s A42’s are at Rock Bay, Chatham Point, westing slowly.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 16:
3:39 pm: The NRKW’s known as the A42’s are at Ripple Point, westing at 5 knots.
Fabien Minfray, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Aug 15:
6:00 am: 6-7 NRKW Orca were reported at Eve River, above Adam River, Kelsey Bay area.
(from radio)
Aug 15:
6:25 pm: We have the NRKW’s A42’s easting along the Vancouver island shore at 4 knots. Lots of vocalizations. Leaving them foraging at Hickey Point. Tenacious 3 leaving the scene.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Aug 15:
9:08 pm: Orca at Hall Point, along with some Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 14:
1:16 pm Orca at Earl’s Ledge, on the south shore of Hardwicke Island, easting.
1:33 pm: They are heading toward Peterson Light easting at 4 knots.
1:40 pm: Think it is actually the A23, A25s NRKW’s.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Aug 14:
10:00 am: NRKW’s are westbound out of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. No mention of who.
(from radio)
Aug 14:
2:10 pm: With the Orca south end of Helmcken Island eastbound on the Vancouver Island side.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Aug 14:
2:55 pm: These NRKW’s are definitely the A23’s and A25’s. Looks like they’re having a good time.
3:25 pm: The NRKW Orca have turned and are no by Vansittart Point, eastbound down Johnstone Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 14:
4:20 pm: The NRKW Orca are on the Vancouver Island side by Ripple Point, eastbound at 5.5 knots.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 14:
5:45 – 7:30 pm: Had the NRKW’s at Davis Point in Nodales Channel. It was peaceful.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 13:
10:00 am: NRKW Orca in Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. No numbers or direction of travel.
(from radio)
Aug 13:
10:40 am: NRKW’s A42’s slowly westing from St. Vincent’s Bight. Tenacious 3 is on the scene.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Aug 13:
11:50 am: The NRKW’ A23’s and A25’s are westing at Adam River. No sign of the A42’s as yet.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 13:
1:30 pm: Left the NRKW’s A23/23’s at Naka Creek, westbound.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Aug 13:
1:33 pm:the A23, A25s NRKW’s are heading toward Peterson Light easting at 4 knots.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Aug 13:
2:45 pm: Leaving the A25’s and A23’s near the Michael Bigg’s Ecological Reserve westbound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Aug 13:
7:37 pm: Northern Resident Killer Whales easting into Nodales Channel, slithering to and fro along the Thurlow shores. Alas, my day of searching is over!
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.(reported by John Lewis)
Aug 12:
10:30 am Northern Resident Killer Whales A42’s just passing Kelsey Bay westbound and moving quickly.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Aug 12:
11:22 am NRKW’s are eastbound at Brassseau Bay, by Kelsey Bay.
(from radio)
Aug 12:
11:55 am: NRKW’s at Kelsey Bay, easting. There are some Transient Bigg’s at Elk Bay, northbound too.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Aug 12:
4:00 pm: The NRKW’s known as the A42’s were eastbound by Humpback Bay in Johnstone Strait.
5:00 pm: NRKW’s are at Ripple Point, eastbound.
(from radio)
August 12:
5:26 pm: Orca easting at Ripple Point.
John Lapp. Discovery Marine Safaris.
TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales, Lang Bay, Powell River
August , 2014 – 3 photos
Heather Tausig, visiting Lang Bay
Aug 17:
Second hand report of 5 Transient Killer Whales at Sarah Point yesterday.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 17:
12:17 pm 4 Transient Bigg’s Orca just North of the Copeland Islands / Lund heading towards Sarah Point.
4:17 pm: Orca southbound from Powell River.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Aug 17:
4:36 pm: Just got a call. Orca off Spillsbury Point.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin.
August 17:
8:10 pm 3 – 4 Orca are right outside the Westview Harbour, Powell River playing around not going much of anywhere. There’s 1 big male and a calf. Looks like maybe heading slowly southbound.
Jasmine Brown, Powell River
August 17:
8:45 pm 3 Orca just off the viewpoint in Powell River frolicking. No really big fin, but one smaller calf. Tail lobs and just playing.
Caroline Jackson, Powell River
Aug 15:
Second hand report of Orca between Savary Island and Lund on Friday the 15thin the afternoon.
Rick Thaddeus, Savary Island.
Aug 13:
9:41 am: I saw a couple of Orca headed to go by the east end of Savary Island at about 8:45 am. They were going steadily NE and seemed to be quite quiet. One large bull and one smaller one but I think there may have been one or two more. They were headed close to Mace Point.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island
Aug 12:
04:00 am – 4:45 am: The night security at Painter’s Lodge reported Orca passing by very early this morning. No direction or numbers.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Aug 12:
7:20 am: Orca northbound in front of Cape Mudge village on Quadra Island.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 12:
8:10 am:There is a large group of Orca at Steep Island, northbound, according to Bradden Kiley at Painter’s Lodge.
8:30 am: One group is Transient Bigg’s T02’s, don’t know who the other group is yet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
August 12:
8:30 am: 6 – 8 Orca reported at Race Point, Discovery Passage.
(from radio.)
Aug 12:
11:55 am: Transient Bigg’s at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage, northbound.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Aug 12:
12:20 pm: No other ID’s yet, other than the Transient Bigg’s T002C’s. Looked like 5 others with them.
4:40 pm: If there are only 4, they are the T002C’s. The others that went south off Cape Mudge a while ago I think were the Transient Bigg’s T100’s, but I will double check later on.
Got the T101’s, T90’s, T124’s, T34’s and T37’s in Howe Sound today. Just received this from my buddy from Steveston Whale Watch. So that’s where the rest are!
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 12
1:00 pm: One lone big male Orca (presume Transient Bigg’s) was southbound by Powell River between the Texada ferry terminal angling towards the Powell River Sea Walk.
Relayed through Liz Douglas, Judy Brant, Powell River.
Aug 12:
2:50 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca at Seymour Narrows southbound, travelling at 10 knots with the current.
Fabien Minfray, Eagle Eye Adventures.
August 12:
3:09 pm: Transient Bigg’s T0002C’s are eastbound in Okisollo Channel by the second fish farm.
4:00 pm: We left the Transient Bigg’s T002c’s after some attempted foraging in Okisollo Channel by Upper Rapids. They then caught the big flood push and ended up heading east with the flood from Hole in the Wall.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 12:
3:40 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca eastbound by Campbell River Mill. At the same time Transient Bigg’s known as the T02C’s were in Hole in the Wall, eastbound also.
(from radio)
Aug 12:
4:10 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca spotted by the fishing hump off Cape Mudge, Quadra Island.
(from radio)
Aug 12:
4:39 pm: Around 6 Transient Bigg’s easting towards the east end of Hole in the Wall, Okisollo Channel.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 12:
5:21 pm: The Transient Bigg’s Orca are at the top end of the Rendezvous Islands, heading south.
6:00 pm: Leaving the Transient Bigg’s at the east side of the Rendezvous Islands, still heading south.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 10:
6:23 pm: Saw a group of Orca off Lang Bay and Palm Beach, (Powell River area)
some pictures attached.
Heather Tausig, Lang Bay.
(It looks like one of them might be T19B based solely on the large flipper, but I see there’s quite a nick I don’t recall seeing in other shots of him. – S.M.)
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
(These could be either Southern Resident or Transient Bigg’s Orca)
Aug 12:
5:20 pm: I was on my way from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay on the BC Ferries when the Captain announced that there was a pod of Orca directly ahead and that he would be slowing the ferry down. Sure enough, there was a pod of 7 or 8 no more than 50m from the ferry as we passed. They seemed to be just relaxing, surfacing constantly, but as the ferry got closer they turned and approached the ferry. After enjoying this amazing and fairly rare sight (in Howe Sound) for 10 minutes, the Orca dove and were not seen again.
Earl Paxton, West Vancouver.
August 12: (rec’d 13th)
My wife saw 6-7 Orca in Collingwood Channel of Hutt Island heading east along Bowen Island last night from the ferry.
Geordie Harrower
HUMPBACK WHALES
Humpback Whale BCX0380
Looking like she’s put on some weight since July 28th (see prior report)
August , 2014 – 4 photos
Tanja Hanson, Powell River
Aug 16:
Afternoon: Second hand report of three Humpbacks north west of Sarah Point.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 14:
10:44 am: Humpback Whale reported to Coast Guard as entangled with a log by Pendrell Sound.
11:00 am: The Humpback Whale had no lines attached to it or the log.
(He/She was adapting to the environment of many boaters who avoid logs, so probably had learned that staying with a log in the channel was a good way to be safe. He/she stayed with the log for quite a while, probably resting. All in all, a very good outcome!)
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
Aug 14:
12:51 pm: Humpback just outside Roscoe Bay, heading towards Desolation Sound.
(from radio)
Aug 13:
11:30 am: A friend transiting the area has reported a Humpback near Sarah Point, no direction.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 13:
11:59 am: Humpback off Sarah Point, which is at the NW extremity of the Malaspina Peninsula.
(from radio)
August 12:
9:30 am Humpback Whale northbound by Brown’s Bay.
Radio
Aug 12:
11:05 am: Humpback at Chatham Point, junction of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait,heading west.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 12:
11:55 am: Humpback inside of Walkem islands, northbound.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Aug 12:
3:15 pm: Humpback in Desolation Sound eastbound towards Homfray Channel.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Aug 11: (received on Aug 14)
Hi! We spotted a Humpback on Sunday afternoon, August 10ththis last week, it was near Tenedos Bay, Desolation Sound, and swimming towards Grace Harbour, Monday morning, August 11th. What an amazing sight! We think it was "KC" due to the notch in the tail. (‘KC’ has damage to the dorsal fin – from photos submitted, this Humpback Whale looks to be BCX0380 ‘Zed’ see July 28threport and photos – SM)
Tanja Hanson, Powell River. via email.
Aug 10: (received on Aug 14)
Last Sunday, August 10, approximately 0930, a single Humpback about 100m offshore Hornby Island just south of Grassy Point, travelling slowly north and then turned westward as it rounded the point.
Richard J Bennett, Vancouver.
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Aug 16:
9:08 am: Pacific white Sided Dolphins with Orca at Hall Point.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 16:
3:00 pm: Three Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Sonora Point in Nodales Channel, foraging. These are very small animals. Looks like two juvenile with a tiny new born calf. Almost like the adults left the youngsters to babysit the calf.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Aug 15:
12:34 pm: 20-30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Sonora Point, in Nodales Channel. Angling towards Frederick Arm.
(from radio)
Aug 13:
8:45 am: 10 Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Horn Point in Cordero Channel.
(from radio)
Aug 13:
2:14 pm: 30 – 40 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Escape Reef, Johnstone Strait, no direction.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Aug 13:
2:14 pm: 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Escape Reef, doing big circles.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Aug 13:
2:40 pm: A few Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Sonora Island.
(from radio)
Aug 13:
3:02 pm: 10 Pacific White Sided Dolphins west of Gillard Passage, foraging, no direction.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Aug 12:
4:04 pm: Large group of Dolphins reported at Squirrel Cove.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
DALL’S & HARBOUR PORPOISE
Aug 13:
2:40 pm: 20 playful Dall’s porpoise by Horn Point, just above Dent Rapids.
(from radio)
August 13:
Forgot to mention, a little baby Harbour Porpoise popped up while I was paddling. Never have seen one before.
Geordie Harrower
LINKS
A curious and friendly Humpback whale near Prince Rupert, B.C, spent over an hour visiting with, and having a good look at, the surprised passengers on a whale watching boat! Full story below:
A look at the dreadful living conditions that the Killer Whale known as "Tilikum" was provided with by Sealand and Seaworld. A twenty foot whale in a thirty one foot tank! Details in this newly released video:
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