Cetaceans Everywhere! Many Species, Many Photos
So much Cetacean activity everywhere along the inside coast from Sechelt to Blackfish Sound and even a couple of reports from the West coast of Vancouver Island to attempt to summarize. We’ll let the report speak for itself.
Susan MacKay & Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins BC
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Every sighting report is valuable!
TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES
Transient Bigg’s killer Whales by Petersen Island
September 13, 2014 – 2 photos
Paul Hibbert, Sayward
Sept 13:
10:00 am: 4 Transient Bigg’s Orca, one is a male, taking the Cormorant Channel side of Cormorant Island (Alert Bay), leaving the Minke whale that has been hanging around near Alert Bay alone.
11:38 am: These are the 4 Transient Bigg’s T137’s that were down by Campbell River last night. They went out past Sointula on Malcolm Island and then presumably west past the Pulteney Point Light station on the south west corner of Malcolm Island. (Local ID provided by Leah)
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching
Sept 13:
2:27 pm: Two pods of Transient Bigg’s chased a very large group (100’s) of Pacific White Sided Dolphins into H’kusam Bay, near Kelsey Bay in Johnstone Strait. There were two big males, a family group, and a few more. They didn’t catch any Dolphins who shot off south like the clappers. We spotted the dolphins first and hoped to get a few photos of them jumping in the air, but then a pod of Orca arrived on the scene and the Dolphins all ran for cover in and around H’Kusam Bay. We hung around for a while and managed to get a few reasonable shots without getting too close to the whales. When I looked at the pics I realized that there were 2 young Orca in the pod, you can see them on the last photo although unfortunately it’s not too sharp.
Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward.
Sept 13:
5:46 pm: Orca at Rock Bay in Discovery Passage, Patrick is on the scene.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Sept 13:
6:30 pm. 2 Orca spotted in Whalen Road area traveling towards Grief Point, Powell River.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River
September 13:
6:55 pm Transient Bigg’s Orca South Discovery Passage at McMullen Point. Very fast and deep dives.
7:31 pm 5 Orca North of Brown’s Bay Southbound including 1 big fin and 2 very young ones.
John Lapp, Discovery Marine Safaris
September 13:
7:40 pm 5 Transient Bigg’s Orca; male, a female with a very small (possibly even brand new) calf and a juvenile. Was too dark for any good photos. On scene at 1940 along the Vancouver Island shoreline very close to the wall where everyone fishes. There was some action I photographed in the dying light of the male swimming past the reef outside of Browns Bay, then circling back at a fast pace to the pack who had slowed down and were making some hunting motions but was super quick. Then they continued south past Browns Bay where I watched one more surfacing. Left them under the power lines at Seymour Narrows @ 2015. There was a pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins reported ahead of them…..they had been ahead all afternoon apparently. I think Lags (short for their Latin name) may have ducked into Menzies Bay @ 1930. As I said the calf looked new, orangy/reddish on the white. Quite small and along side the larger female.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
September 13:
7:40 pm Approx. three Killer Whales just passed Texada St., Powell River, heading north for Westview. Just saw them twice.
Joanne Brough, Powell River
September 12:
9:53 am Just a quick note to say I just saw 3 Orca heading south through Davis Bay. They should be thrilling the wharf rats hanging out on our newly refurbished Davis Bay Pier right now! Looked like two adults and a smaller one but they only were seen once as they blew and headed towards Chapman Creek. What a joy to see!
Linda Moseley, Sechelt
Sept 12:
4:45 pm: Orca northbound near Cape Mudge village on Quadra Island.
5:59 pm: Leaving 4 Orca at Willow Point, near Campbell River, northbound. There is one big fin, two females and a calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 12:
5:30 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca westing at Willow Point, south of Campbell River. They are the T137’s.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 12:
6:20 pm: 4 Transient Bigg’s Orca heading north off Willow Point, 3 cables off the beach On scene waiting for Jos. (Note: One Cable is about 185 metres or one tenth of a nautical mile.)
7:11 pm: "Eagle 45" turning the scene, off the Discovery Marina fishing pier, over to Jos and Brad.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris, "Eagle 45".
September 11:
8:15 am 2 Transient Bigg’s Orca spotted just off from the Powell River ferry terminal towards Texada. They seemed to be feeding on something.
Ted Douglas, Powell River
Sept 11:
9:50 am: Transient Bigg’s Orca in Pryce Channel, just above Desolation Sound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 11:
12:20 pm: Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales in Pendrell Sound, in Desolation Sound now.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Sept 11:
4:30 pm:Transient Bigg’s Orca milling in between Sarah Point and the Copeland Islands, just above and out from Lund.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
September 11:
Day: 5 Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales were at the entrance to Imperial Sound, out from Ucluelet on the West coast of Vancouver Island. There was at least one big male.
Don McBain, North Vancouver
Sept 10:
9:45 am: The "North Island Princess" BC Ferries vessel reports Killer whales heading north from Texada Island towards Harwood Island.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 10:
3:15 pm: Orca in Toba Inlet. Leif is on scene. They are reportedly at the head of Toba Inlet, this impression gained from Leif’s crackly radio reply to my question.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 10:
4:00 pm: The Transient Bigg’s Orca T101’s and T102’s and T90’s are at the head of Toba Inlet, between Channel Island and Double Island, they started westing out when we departed. Tenacious 3 and Eagle 45 on scene.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 9:
10:00 am: Orca at Raza Island, Bradden on scene.(Raza Island is one of the Rendzvous Islands in the Calm Chanel, and is part of the Discovery Islands).
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Transient Bigg’s killer Whales by Petersen Island
September 13, 2014 – 3 photos
Paul Hibbert, Sayward
Sept 9:
10:53 am: Transient Bigg’s Orca at Raza Passage heading towards Calm Channel. They have now turned south at Raza Point.
Bradden Kiley. Painter’s Lodge.
Sept 9:
2:30 pm: Left the Transient Bigg’s Orca known as the T101’s and T102 and T090’s heading NE into Pryce Channel, at Elizabeth Island.
The calf of the T090’s was super frisky and was chasing the Common Murres around my boat! Pretty sure he/she ate one as one didn’t show back up. At one point the duck came towards us to hide and T090C ripped alongside me at 15 knots and rocked the boat! Was super cool.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Sept 9:
4:00 pm Left Orca heading north into Toba Inlet, west of Brettel Point in the Strait of Georgia.
John Lapp, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 9:
5:30 p.m. After rounding Albion Pt, Powell River, milling about chasing seals, two Orca, one large male and one much smaller, headed right across Donkersley Beach about 300 yards, before heading south east down the strait.
Laura Johnson, Powell River
Sept 9:
8:22 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca headed happily in to Toba inlet, a couple of nautical miles past Brem Bay. Spotted another blow by Connis Point on way back but couldn’t hang around too long so didn’t see what it was.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Sept 8:
10:30 am: Large group of Transient Bigg’s Killer whales reported heading west out of Okisollo Channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Sept 8:
10:40 am: Orca coming out of Okisollo Channel, heading towards Discovery Passage.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 8:
12:33 pm: Orca southbound slow mid channel Discovery Passage north of Deepwater Bay.
John Lapp, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 8:
3:25 pm: Left Bigg’s Orca at the Red Can Buoy pointed towards Mitlenatch Island, Strait of Georgia.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 8:
4:00 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca now northbound across Wilby Shoals, at the bottom of Quadra Island.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
Sept 8:
4:30 pm: Leaving Orca .5 miles north of the Green Can Buoy, pointed at Marina Island off the south west shore of Cortes Island.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 8:
5:54 pm: Leaving the Transient Bigg’s Orca heading towards Whaletown, on Cortes Island, between Francisco and Marina Island, south tip.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Sept 7:
1:30 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca just out from Wastell Islets, near the entrance to Bauza Cove, possibly the T55’s again.
Wayne Garton, Stubb’s Island Whale Watching.
September 7:
1:30 pm spotted several Orca travelling west across front of Lang Bay, just south of Powell River. There were 2 groups, a mile or so out. Then 2 single Orca went by a couple hundred yards from shore, also headed west.
Rob Maitland, Lang Bay
Sept 7:
2:15 pm….Orca heading north, two close in to Donkersly Beach, Powell River, one male and one female. Another group ‘cavorting’ further out off Albion Point, I am guessing three or four, with one small one who was playing. I could hear the blow before I spotted them, such a quiet day looking out to the water.
Laura Johnson, Powell River
September 7:
3 pm A pod of Orca passed by travelling towards Grief Point, Powell River. There were about 7-8 possibly more in the group, two males, one very large. They were spread out in small groups across the Strait. Another exciting day. The Orca were about an hour behind a group of approx. 20 Dolphins in the Whalen Road area south of town. Moving very slowly towards Black Point, circling around, feeding behaviour. Watched them for about half an hour.Liz Kennedy, Powell River
Transient Bigg’s Orca with very young Calf
Photo texted from computer screen
September 13, 2014
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Sept 7:
4:15 pm: Two Orca heading northbound towards the Powell River Mill. Liz heard the blows. Only saw one for a while then two appeared.
4:30 pm: Apparently the Orca off Powell River have turned towards Blubber Bay, the Ferry Terminal Bay on Texada.
Judy Brant, Powell River.
September 7:
We had more visits Sunday Sept 07/14 at Blind Bay… we had an Orca in the Bay and a Humpback whale between Nocturne and Nelson… just passing through, it appeared to head southeast.
Becky and Kerry Williams-Freeman, Nelson Island
Sept. 5:
Afternoon We saw a pod of Orca Friday, near Whalen Road south of town, Powell River, moving towards Black Point. There were approximately 7-8 in the group. Again they were moving slowly, circling around and spy-hopping.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
 |
| Open Mouth Breaching Calf – possibly A103 ‘Albion’ |
 |
| Spy Hop Competition |
NRKWs A30’s and A42’s frolicking calves
September 9, 2014 – 2 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 13:
10:00 am: The NRKW’s are by Lizard Point, at the north east extremity of Malcolm Island in Queen Charlotte Strait, easting slowly towards Blackfish Sound.
(from radio)
Sept 13:
The NRKW’s known as the A30’s are easting close to Donegal Head, the east end of Malcolm Island in Blackfish Sound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 11:
9:50 am: The NRKW’s known as A30’s and A42’s off White Cliff Islets heading over to Bold Head, top of Blackfish Sound and then on to Fife Sound. We had the Orca travelling on the one side of us and Humpbacks on the other side of us, and then 200 or so Pacific White Sided Dolphins to add to the mix zipping through.
Susan MacKay and Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 10:
8:44 am: Orca reported off the mouth of Knight Inlet, between Swanson and Wedge Islands.
(from radio)
Sept 9:
11:24 am: Northern Resident Killer Whales the A30’s and A42’s were in Blackfish Sound, slowly westing by Bold Head on Swanson Island.They seemed to be enjoying their outing, there were two calves fooling around and we were treated to a great show of tail lobs, spy hops, breaches from the adults, and lots of spy hops and sideways and upside down swimming from the calves. At the same time there were Humpback whales all over the place, and we watched as a group of Dall’s Porpoise raced in at great speed to play with the Humpbacks.
Susan MacKay and Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 8:
NRKWs A42’s top of Blackfish Sound
September 11, 2014
Susan MacKay, SG Images
9:36 am: Some Orca at Critical Point in Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. No direction.
(from radio)
Sept 8:
1:15 pm: The NRKW’s known as the A30’s and A42’s are at Cracroft Point, at the very western tip of West Cracroft Island.
1:20 pm: The NRKW’s are spread out in the tide rip between Cracroft Point and the shore of Hanson Island.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Sept 7:
12:25 pm: Orca, uncertain if they are Transient Bigg’s or Northern Resident Killer Whale at this time. They are by Blinkhorn, easting towards Cracroft Point. (determined to be NRKWs later)
(from radio)
Sept 7:
1:15 pm: NRKW’s A30’s and A42’s at Cracroft Point, top of Johnstone Strait.
1:20 pm: The NRKW’s are spread out in the tide rip between Cracroft Point and the Hanson Island shore.Getting some vocals.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Sept 7:
2:27 pm: One male Orca passing the Sophia Islands, top of Johnstone Strait, mid strait heading east.
2:49 pm: The A42’s and A30’s are easting on the Cracroft shoreline towards the Sophia Islands.
2:55 pm: Now they have turned west.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
HUMPBACK WHALES
Humpback Whale ‘Freckles’ BCY0727 Tail Lob
September 10, 2014
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 13:
4:11 pm: Two Humpback whales heading from Grant’s Reef towards Mitlenatch Island, Strait of Georgia.
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures.
September 13:
6:45 pm Today we saw a Humpback Whale just off of Courtenay. Straight off of Bates beach (north of Courtenay) at about 1845 hrs about 1/3 mile off shore. It surfaced 3-4 times while we were watching it. It looked like there may have been a baby with it, but we can’t be sure. The people in the boat near us were sure there was a baby.Kathy & Brian Fentiman, Comox
September 12:
We had 2 Humpback Whales rockin’ and rollin’ just off the west end of the Trail Islands. They were quite far out but putting on another great show. Probably the same two we saw Monday in Davis Bay. (These were originally reported as Grey Whales, but after further communication and clarification, we agree that they are Humpback Whales – SM)
Judy Marusiak, Sechelt
Sept 11:
Today we saw about eight different Humpback Whales in the Bold Head area, up at the top of Blackfish Sound. Of these, the only confirmed ones were ‘Ripple’ and her calf, ‘Freckles’, and ‘Slash/Humpless’. The whales were spread around all over the area, foraging.
Susan MacKay and Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 10:
During the course of the day we saw 12 Humpback Whales in Blackfish Sound, mostly in between Bold Head and Donegal Head on Malcolm Island. Confirmed sightings of ‘Ripple’ and her calf, ‘Freckles’, ‘Argonaut’, ‘Jigger’, ‘Slash/Humpless’ and possibly ‘Inukshuk’. ‘Freckles’ treated us to a series of huge tail lobs, about 16 in a row. ‘Ripple’s’ small calf was having fun playing in the kelp bed, rolling around, flapping flippers and attempting a few tail lobs. It was wonderful to watch. At the same time we were seeing Dall’s Porpoise speeding in to play with the Humpbacks for a little while before they took off at full tilt again.
Susan MacKay and Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 10:
8:42 am: Sharkey has called in with the morning’s first report of a Humpback at Francisco Point in the shallows moving slowly north towards Dogfish Bay (small bay along Quadra Island SE shoreline.)
8:50 am: Second report of 2 Humpbacks now in the same position 700 meters off the Quadra Island shoreline. He said one is noticeably smaller – (maybe the Mom and calf Jared I.D’d near Comox 3 days ago?) They are just foraging, no travel.
10:47 am: We have the Humpback whale"Stripe" and his/her companion in front of Campbell River. Haven’t had a good enough look at the other one to confirm anything. It’s tail is all black, though. We are southbound along the back eddy of the ebb tide, tight to the Quadra Island shoreline, just between the village and Cape Mudge.
11:20 am: Humpback Number Two is my namesake whale – "Nick."
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
 |
| Lunging through the center of the bubbles |
Humpback Whale Bubble Net Feeding
September 12, 2014 – 2 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 10:
9:29 am: Two Humpback whales on Wilby Shoals, Cape Mudge angling up to the red can buoy.
1:40 pm: The two Humpback whales are at the green can buoy.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 10:
12:55 pm:Two Humpbacks at the red can buoy headed east.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
September 10:
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm watched a lone Humpback Whale off Albion (Black) Point, Powell River, milling at first about 1/3 mile off shore, then breaching several times, obviously feeding. It spend the next hour milling about again but further away, sounding sometimes, it then headed SE until out of our vision.
Bob and Laura Johnson, Powell River
Sept 10:
5:55 pm Left the two Humpbacks at Francisco Point, Quadra Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 9:
9:00 am: Humpback whale by We Wai Kai Village on Quadra Island, milling in the back eddy.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 9:
10:30 am Humpback mid channel Discovery Passage, across from the Walcan building.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Sept 9:
5:00 pm: Humpback whale at Cape Mudge pointed north, bucking the tide and doing deep dives.
5:20 pm: Humpback whale 400 meters off the south end of Quadra Island, headed south.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 9:
7:12 pm: Humpback whale heading north at the Cape Mudge Light on Quadra island.
John Lapp, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 9:
2:30 pm Four Humpbacks, including Freckles, plus 3-4 Dall’s Porpoise at Bold Head. Orca are also headed our way up Blackfish Sound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 9:
4:23 pm: My niece said that there were three Humpbacks playing around the dock at Davis Bay today (Sunshine Coast)
Randy Hodge. Vancouver
September 8:
9 am to 2:19 pm 2 or 3 Humpback Whales have been around all day off Davis Bay, Sechelt. There were some boats a bit close but glad to see they backed off.
Caller did not leave a name
Sept 8:
9:35 am: Humpback whale at Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage heading north.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 8:
12:33 pm:Humpback whale in Seymour Narrows.
John Lapp, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 8:
4:06 pm: Left Humpback 1.5 miles south of Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, doing circles.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 8:
4:45 pm: Humpback whale 3 miles off the Cape Mudge Lighthouse in the tide rip.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 8:
Heading south after a swing up to the southern tip of the Trail Islands off Sechelt, we came across a Mum and baby Humpback – (my inexpert deduction based partly on dorsal and pectoral fins)
Nancy Fabbro, Sechelt.
 |
| Kelp is fun and feels good! |
 |
| On side pectoral flipper and half of tail showing |
 |
| Tail Lob Practice |
Humpback Whale ‘Ripple’ BCX1063 and her calf
Calf playing in the kelp
September 10, 2014 – 4 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
September 8:
Two Humpback Whales spent most of the day today cruising from Davis Bay to the Trail Islands, out from in front of Sechelt. They came back to Davis Bay this evening and by dark were heading down coast.
Geordie Harrower, Roberts Creek
September 8:
From 2pm till 4:30pm we watched 2 Humpback Whales surfacing and deep diving showing huge tail flukes. One was very large the other medium in size. They have been in this area for a couple of weeks now so everyone here on the sunshine coast is on the lookout for them. It’s was great to see them. (These were originally reported as Grey Whales, but after further communication and clarification, we agree that they are Humpback Whales – SM)
Judy Marusiak, Sechelt
September 7:
At about 8:40 this morning spotted 1 or 2 Humpback whales headed east off Lang Bay, south of Powell River, about 1 mile from shore.
Rob Maitland, Lang Bay
Sept 7:
11:45 am: There is a Humpback Whale at Earl’s Ledge, on the south shore of Hardwicke Island, heading north.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 7:
12:15 pm: Humpback Whale at St. Vincent’s Bight, Johnstone Strait.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
September 7:
We had more visits Sunday Sept 07/14 at Blind Bay… we had an Orca in the Bay and a Humpback whale between Nocturne and Nelson… just passing through, it appeared to head southeast.
Becky and Kerry Williams-Freeman, Nelson Island
MINKE WHALES
Sept 13:
9:00 am: Minke off Alert Bay.
(from radio)
Sept 13:
10:00 am: Minke whale that has been hanging around near Alert Bay headed up through Pearse Passage to avoid the 4 Transient Bigg’s Orca, T137’s that showed up.
Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching
Sept 13:
2:17 pm: Minke Whale at the bottom of Weynton Passage, at the junction of Johnstone and Broughton Straits. Presumably the Minke has gone all the way around the Pearse Islands to ensure avoiding the Transient Bigg’s Orca. It was angled towards Alert Bay.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 11:
8:45 am: Minke whale in Broughton Strait between Alert Bay and Alder Bay.
Jim Borrowman, Orcella Expeditions.
Sept 9:
9:15 am Minke whale off Alert Bay.
(from radio)
GREY WHALES
September 9 & 10:
Each Day: The Grey whales were a long distance out from Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Both Tuesday and Wednesday we had to travel a couple of hours out past Cape Beale to Pachena Bay to see about 6 Grey Whales.
Don McBain, North Vancouver
UNCONFIRMED CETACEAN
Sept 8:
Small unknown species whale reported by Sharpe’s Bay dock, above Lund. Was reportedly a tawny colour, not very big, it gave one blow and was not seen again. (Caller initially reported as a Pigmy Whale then as a Dwarf Sperm Whale based on appearance. No photos provided.)
Dave Houghton, Squamish.
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
September 11, 2014
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 13:
1:42 pm: Encounterd a large group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
2:27 pm: A very large group – a hundred or more – Pacific White Sided Dolphins were chased into H’kusam Bay, near Kelsey Bay in Johnstone Strait, – by two pods of Transient Bigg’s Orca. The Dolphins managed to evade capture and took off at speed to the south.
Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward.
Sept 13:
1:39 pm: Large group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Nodales Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 13:
3:55 pm: 20 Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling just south of Barnes Bay, in Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 11:
11:25 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Frederick Arm.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Sept 11:
12:50 pm: About 200 Pacific White Sided Dolphins were heading steadily towards Knight inlet, but something changed and they turned very suddenly and booted back the way that they came, not foraging and continued to Penfold Islet in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 11:
1:55 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Frederick Arm, still doing circles.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 11:
3:30 pm: Some Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Frederick Arm, also 6 Dall’s at Horn Bay
6:28 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Nodales Channel, heading in.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Sept 11:
6:12 pm: Couple of hundred Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling around at Little Dent Island.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
Sept 10:
8:44 am: Couple of hundred Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait.
(from radio)
Sept 10:
8:50 am: 50-60 Pacific White Sided Dolphins travelling south by the Cinque Islands, mid channel of Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Sept 9:
12:47 pm: 6 Pacific White Sided Dolphins raced in to join the NRKW Orca show up at the top of Blackfish Sound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 8:
4:00 pm: 75 Pacific White Sided Dolphins southbound, feeding this way and that, with an escort of gulls. Near the Cinque Islands at the entrance to Johnstone Strait.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge.
Pacific White Sided Dolphins ignoring a Humpback Whale
September 11, 2014
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 7:
9:15 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait. (via Ed Sharkey)
9:36 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins leaving Frederick Arm from fisherman Herb Bresch.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Lodge
Sept 7:
9:55 am: 30-ish Pacific White Sided Dolphins easting near the eastern half of the West Cracroft southern shoreline. Beautiful!
10:46 am: 15-ish Pacific White Sided Dolphins easting past us at the Naka Creek shoreline.
1:40 pm: 20-ish Pacific White Sided Dolphins westing mid strait (boy they’re FAST!) by Naka Creek.
Tara Bladon, Campbell River.
September 7:
Approximately 2:00 p.m. group of approx. 20 Dolphins in the Whalen Road area south of town (Powell River). Moving very slowly towards Black Point, circling around,feeding behaviour. Watched them for about half an hour. Another exciting day. About an hour later a pod of Orca passed by travelling towards Grief Point. There were about 7-8 possibly more in the group, two males, one very large. They were spread out in small groups across the Strait.
Liz Kennedy Powell River
Sept 7:
6:00 pm: Left a group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins westing between Davis and the fish farm by Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painter’s Lodge.
DALL’S PORPOISE
Dall’s Porpoise
September 9, 2014
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Sept 13:
9:30 am: 10 Dall’s Porpoise behind Turn Island, off the south extremity of East Thurlow Island in Johnstone Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge.
Sept 13:
10:40 am: There were either Dall’s Porpoise or Pacific white Sided Dolphins – about twenty of them – by the Okis Islands in Discovery Passage, and a big Steller’s Sea Lion high up on the Island near Gypsy Shoal.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 11:
2:30 pm 3-4 Dall’s Porpoise in Bold Head area, in Blackfish Sound. There were four Humpback whales in the immediate area, and the Dall’s were clearly having fun playing with them.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sept 11:
2:45 pm: 4 Dall’s Porpoise by Clipper Point in Bute Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whales and Grizzly Bear Tours.
Sept 11:
3:30 pm: 6 Dall’s at Horn Bay, also some Pacific White Sided Dolphins in the same part of Frederick Arm.
Aaron Nagler, Sonora Resort.
Dall’s Porpoise harassing a Humpback Whale
September 9, 2014 – 2 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
LINKS
Some news stories this week include the birth of a brand new baby Orca to the Southern Residents L-pod, a Humpback Whale being killed by a ship strike in Alaska, and a worrying trend towards the resumption of commercial whaling.
Good news! New baby orca. But we know it’s little life is so precarious. http://news.yahoo.com/baby-orca-spotted-washington-waters-173227535.html
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
Every sighting report is valuable!
We are the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society
