Many Groups of Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales and More Humpback Whales Arriving
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales have been all around in the Georgia Strait and Desolation Sound, while the Northern Resident pods still appear to be foraging up in Alaska. Humpback Whales also are being spotted more frequently in our inside waters now and we have a returning Humpback off Powell River again. The Pacific White Sided Dolphins are still in smaller groups with at least some of them in their favourite Nodales Channel. We are, however, missing reports of Porpoise.
Susan MacKay & Lynne Cracknell, Whales and Dolphins BC
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TRANSIENT BIGG’S ORCA
Transient Bigg’s Orca off Texada Island
July 1, 2015 – 2 photos
Jay Feaver, Tofino
July 3:
7 am: At least 4 Orca Southbound mid Discovery Passage by Race Point. There one or two big fins.
8:04 am: The Orca are now by Orange Point still Southbound mid-channel.
Fabien, Campbell River Whale Watching
July 3:
8:03 am: The Orca are Southbound by Steep Island. Looks like the T101’s and T102 plus.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 3:
10:48 am: I am departing the Orca who are bucking the tide at Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage. Nick is on scene.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 2:
12:01 pm: Found Orca by Curme Island in Desolation Sound. Looks like four Orca, one bull, the rest small fins. By Mink Island.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Transient Bigg’s Orca
July 2, 2015 – 3 photos
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 2:
1:30 pm: Garry sent me a picture for ID purposes. I have ID’d the whales he is with as the Transient Bigg’s Orca T137s. The photo is of Transient Bigg’s T137A.
2:28 pm: 9-10 Orca including Transient Bigg’s Orca T101’s and T102 plus a bunch of calves and juveniles. Angling from Wilby Shoals to Cape Mudge on Quadra Island proper.
5:42 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca still lazy by Wilby Shoals, still pointed north towards Cape Mudge on Quadra Island
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
July 2:
2:05 pm: Orca on Wilby Shoals heading towards the red can buoy near Cape Mudge on Quadra Island. There are 6 – 8 Orca in total.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 2:
2:16 pm: Leaving Orca milling around west of Zephine Head in Desolation Sound.
Jerry. Eagle Eye Adventures.
July 2:
6:57 pm: Orca are at Cape Mudge village Northbound mid channel.
Fabien, Campbell River Whale Watching
July 2:
9:15 pm: We just spotted at least 2 Orca and possibly a smaller one heading south from bottom of Penticton St in Westview.
Kerry Jones, Powell River
July 2:
9:28 pm: We are seeing quite a few large splashes in the middle of the channel between Texada and Harwood. Don’t know the direction as it is very rough. Looks like at least 3 whales.
Shirley Randall, Powell River
July 1:
12:10 pm: Just got a report that yesterday there were Orca out in front of Salmon Point, Campbell River.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
July 1:
12:10 pm: There were 2 or 3 Orca with one big male, not sure how many, off Donkersley Beach heading north. Thank you Orca for making my July 1st!
Laura Johnson, Powell River.
July 1:
1:20 pm: 4 – 5 Orca northbound in Malaspina Strait off Myrtle Rocks, Powell River.
Bill Taylor, Powell River
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales
July 1, 2015 – 4 photos
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 1:
1:56 pm: There are 6 Orca just between Blubber Bay and Vananda, on Texada Island. At least two big males.
2:59 pm: They were killing a seal off Vananda when we left 15 minutes ago.
Eric Green, Powell River
July 1:
3:37 pm: Found the Orca just north of VanAnda, Texada Island, there are at least 9 of them.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 1:
4:15 pm: We have Transient Bigg’s Orca T101’s and T102,T046, T046D, T046E, T122, and a young one. And there is a Humpback whale following a parallel course to the Orca, not more than 500 meters away, heading southwest between Harwood and Rebecca Rock.
4:50 pm: Leaving the scene. The Transient Bigg’s Orca are zig zagging off of Vivian Island, last zag had them heading towards the Vancouver Island shoreline.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
July 1:
7:00 pm: Orca heading towards Cape Lazo near Comox, coming from the direction of Sentry Shoal, moving at 6 – 7 knots.
Ed Sharkey, Painter’s Lodge.
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales
July 1, 2015 – 4 photos
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
July 1:
7:40 pm: I have just spotted several Orca going NW slowly but steadily. They are passing Dinner Rock and going towards Lund at this time. They are spread out and come to the surface in groups of two. There seem to be three groups, with two large males. After I sent the email to you it seemed that there could have been 6 – 8 or as high as 12 or so Orca. They traveled steadily surfacing every 5 minutes or so.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island.
July 1: (rec’d July 2)
8:30 pm: This picture is from my friend Carla. These Orca passed Viner Point, on the southern extremity of Read Island, there were four Killer whales, one large male. (The one in the picture.)
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales
July 1, 2015 – 2 photos
Carla Duffey
July 1:
9 pm: Orca moving at a pretty good clip in Thulin Passage, just above Lund. They were porpoising at the surface.
10:15 pm: Orca headed slowly north east from Sarah Point, at the NW extremity of Malaspina Peninsula. They were about 2 miles North-East of the point. We saw a couple of tail slaps.
Jay Feaver, CCG Powell River.
June 29:
10:40 am: Just received a report of Orca (possibly Transients) heading west off South Pender Island, Gowlland Point/Brook’s Point area. They are approximately 300 meters from shore. 6 animals in total, 2 males and 3 females/sub adults.
Josh McInnes, Victoria.
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales
July 1, 2015 – 4 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
June 29:
3:20 pm: Orca in Georgia Strait just out a bit from Rebecca Rocks, Powell River. There are at least 4. I am keeping an eye out.
6:27 pm: Comox just announced the whale watch guidelines on 16 warning boaters to keep their distance. I figure they are closer to the Vancouver Island side.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
June 29:
6:40 pm: 6 Transient Bigg’s Orca in Sansum Narrows, which leads into Stuart Channel, just north of the power lines in the Gulf Islands.
Josh McInnes, Victoria.
June 28:
2:30 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca T077’s westbound in President’s Channel, Puget Sound.
Josh McInnes, Victoria.
June 28:
5:46 pm: So Transient Bigg’s Orca T125’s and others (ID’s to follow) are moving lazily south along the southern tip of Twin Island. They have not decided whether they will take Baker Passage or head over to you in Powell River, Susan.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
June 27:
6:30 am: At least 3 Orca between Harwood Island, and Sliammon, nearer to Powell River, northbound.
Rick Steen, Powell River.
June 26:
6:30 am: 8 – 10 Orca resting between Viner Point, at the south end of Read Island, and Hill Island. Make that 12 plus Orca – 4 or 5 tall fins.
7:47 am:They are heading towards the Penn Islands from Viner Point, slowly heading towards Quartz Bay on Cortes Island.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching.
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales
July 1, 2015 – 4 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
June 26:
6:30 am: Whales (Orca) off mill heading north, Powell River.
Dave Carbery, Powell River.
June 26:
7:28 am: Orca northbound in Whale Passage, between the Penn Islands and Read Island, at least 8 of them. Reported by a friend.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
June 26:
8:49 am: "Pacific Yellowfin" is with Orca at the Penn Islands. There are five of them plus a baby. They are moving towards Bullock Point. Stand by. They have sounded. There is a second group closer to the Rendezvous Islands.
9:08 am: They are moving fast toward Deer Passage.
9:19 am: Two groups of Orca closing up at the entrance to Deer Passage. Moving fast.
9:24 am: Leaving now. "Eagle Eye" on scene.
Colin Griffinson, "Pacific Yellowfin."
June 26:
10:52 am: Orca really close to shore at Raza Island, northbound.
12:57 pm: 4 Orca at Bute Inlet, heading for the Aran Rapids.
1:08 pm: I just found another group of Orca northbound at Bartlett Island.
1:16 pm: 7 Orca heading for Bute Inlet, one small one and the rest are all small fins.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
Transient Bigg’s Orca
July 2, 2015 – 3 photos
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
June 26:
12:04 pm: Sounds to me like "Ladyhawk" is with the Transient Bigg’s Orca T125’s, the rare Alaska Transients that have been in southern waters for a few weeks now. The T125s were traveling with the Transient Bigg’s T065As and Transient Bigg’s T137s when they were down south the past while.
4:10 pm: Transient Bigg’s Orca T125’s at Sarah Point, southbound. Someone else here too – looks like 7 or 8 animals, the Transient Bigg’s T137s are the second gang here.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
June 26:
1:06 pm: Looks like Orca are heading up Bute Inlet.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching.
June 26:
1:09 pm: The group I am with are heading south down Lewis Channel at 2 knots, there’s six or seven of them.
1:28 pm: Leaving this group about 2 miles down Lewis Channel on the Cortes Island side, still slowly southbound.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
June 26:
5:10 pm: Left 4 Transient Bigg’s Orca at Moh Creek in Bute Inlet heading in at 6 knots.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
June 26:
9:12 pm: Orca southbound in the Strait of Georgia by Savary Island – 5 – 8 animals.
John Treen, Savary Island.
Orca in Bute Inlet
June 26, 2015 – 2 photos
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
June 30:
12:54 pm: Northern resident Killer Whales are in Frederick Sound, southeast Alaska.
Josh McInnes, Victoria.
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
June 29:
10:38 am: Southern Resident Killer Whales K-pod are currently off the Victoria waterfront.
Josh McInnes, Victoria.
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
June 30:
7:35 pm: Someone said they saw two Orca in the Nass today, in Northern BC above Prince Rupert. He said one was so close to shore it surfaced with kelp around it’s dorsal. (With the Northern Residents up in the Alaska area, it is possible that these may be some of them. SM)
Randy Hodge
June 26:
3:00 pm: Here is a shot I took from the ferry on June 25th, not sure how useful it will be for you but noticed the tiny fin behind the adult one. This was near the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal, just leaving the dock on board the 3:00 pm ferry. (I believe these may have been some of the Southern Resident Killer Whales that have been around that area, but not sure at this point. SM)
Lyndell Weldon, Campbell River.
HUMPBACK WHALES
Humpback Whale BCX0380 ‘Z’
June 27, 2015
Susan MacKay, SG Images
July 3:
9:42 am: A very large Humpback Whale is just off Albion Point heading slowly North.
Bill Taylor, Powell River
July 3:
9:48 am: One Humpback Whale northbound off Myrtle Rocks. It is a large animal.
Nina Falls, Powell River
July 1:
4:15 pm:. There is a Humpback whale heading southwest between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rock, near Texada Island. It is following a parallel course to a group of Transient Bigg’s Orca, not more than 500 meters away We have Transient Bigg’s Orca T101’s and T102,T046, T046D, T046E, T122, and a young one.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
July 1:
4:16 pm: Humpback whale near Rebecca Rock, just off Texada Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 1:
6:33 pm: Humpback whale off Coho Point now at the tip of Texada Island, tight to shore.
(from call)
July 1:
9:45 pm: A Humpback whale out mid channel in front of Penticton Street, Powell River.
Shirley Randall, Powell River.
June 30:
12:40 pm: "Coast Wild" has some blows, not sure what kind yet – off the green can buoy by Cape Mudge on Quadra Island.
June 30:
12:59 pm: Humpback whale off the green can buoy – somewhere!
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
June 30:
7:37 pm: One Humpback whale southbound across from Myrtle Rocks, closer to Texada Island.
Jim Southern, Powell River.
June 29:
3:00 pm: Report of a huge whale (I am guessing Humpback) in front of Powell River, no comeback when asked for details.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 29:
We were on the Pacific Ocean tonight outside of Powell River, and saw a very large whale, at least 30 feet long, later identified from photographs as a Humpback.
Marc Butula, Powell River
Humpback Whale Powell River
June 29, 2015 – 2 photos
Marc Butula, Powell River
June 28:
3:00 pm: We saw what we believe was a single Humpback whale between Keats and Gambier Islands around 3:00 pm Sunday afternoon. We saw him half a dozen times over a period of about 80 minutes. We saw him breach only once in that time but failed to get a picture. We were wondering if there was anyone else who reported seeing him in the area.
Linda and Perry Harding.
June 28:
7:30 pm: Lone Humpback whale southbound on the east side of Harwood Island.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
June 28:
9:00 pm: This (from report above) is the Humpback whale BCX0380, known as "Z." Stayed with her till after 9:00 pm and she angled over between Harwood Island and Texada Island. This is a returning Humpback Whale to the Powell River area. She (assumed) was here throughout SeaFair last year then was seen in Desolation Sound in August, 2014.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
June 28:
9:33 pm: Humpback whale heading north, off the Powell River viewpoint, perhaps 300 meters out.
Janet Southcott, Powell River.
Humpback Whale – Tofino
June 22, 2015 – 4 photos
Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward
June 27:
8:00 am: Small Humpback whale off Harwood Island.
Rick Steen, Fishing Guide.
June 25:
10:42 am: Humpback at Camp Point in Johnstone Strait, between Helmcken and West Thurlow Islands, reported by my brother on Tug boat.
Janeen Templeman,Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
June 25:
12:36 pm: Humpback at the top end of Lewis Channel, heading into Calm Channel, relayed by Kurt.
12:43 pm: Humpback whale northbound at Bullock Bluff, second Humpback off Rendezvous Islands.
1:48 pm: Both Humpbacks are at the bottom of the Rendezvous islands. Correction: One is a Minke Whale at the top end of Lewis Channel, the Humpback is at South Rendezvous.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 25:
1:50 pm: Humpback whale heading north towards Rendezvous Islands, on the Read Island side.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
June 25:
7:35 pm: With a Humpback whale in Whiterock Passage, across from Rendezvous Islands. And last night a second Humpback rounded Pacific Yellowfin in Whiterock Pass.
Colin Griffinson, "Pacific Yellowfin".
Humpback Whale BCX0380 ‘Z’
June 27, 2015 – 3 photos
Susan MacKay, SG Images
MINKE WHALES
June 25:
1:48 pm: Minke Whale at top end of Lewis Channel, a Humpback nearby at the bottom of Rendezvous Islands.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 25: That solves an argument on "Pacific Yellowfin" among the crew! Some thought that the Humpback that rounded us last night at anchor was a Minke Whale.
Colin Griffinson, "Pacific Yellowfin".
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
July 1:
10:00 am: Sounded like there were Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling around in the Chatham Point area just a bit ago.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
July 1:
10:02 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Chatham Point and Greensea Bay, just north of the Cinque Islands.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching.
June 30:
10:38 am: Group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins around Denham Bay, across from Sonora Island.
(from radio)
June 30:
11:34 am: A few, maybe 4 – 8 Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Moh Creek in Bute Inlet.
Jerry. Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 30:
12:27 pm: Sounds like there are Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Chatham Point, from the Light watchman.
3:00 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins still off Kanish Bay, mid Discovery Passage, milling about.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching.
June 30:
1:25 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins off Kanish Bay on Quadra Island, southbound. There are 50 or so of them.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris.
June 30:
2:51 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins by McMullen Point, on the Vancouver Island side of Johnstone Strait, across from the northern end of Quadra island..
(from radio.)
June 30:
4:45 pm: Left small pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging at Kanish Bay on Quadra Island.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions.
June 29:
9:28 am: About 20 – 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins between Hall Point and Davis Point in Nodales Channel. They are close to the Sonora Island shore and not really moving in any particular direction.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours.
June 29:
10:47 am: Relay from Mario, there are Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Harding Island in Nodales Channel, heading north.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge.
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
June 29, 2015 – 3 photos
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
June 29:
11:34 am: 30 or so Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling around at the junction of Nodales Channel and Discovery Passage.
Jerry. Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 29:
3:11 pm: Leaving about 50 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Rock Bay, near Chatham Point, milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
June 28:
2:23 pm: 50 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Cinque Islands, milling.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
June 28:
2:58 pm: 20 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading north, just off the east side of Harwood Island.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris.
June 28:
4:00 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Frederick’s Arm, near to Gomer Island.
(from radio)
June 27:
8:00 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Grant’s Reef, in Shearwater Passage, Powell River.
Rick Steen, Fishing Guide.
June 27:
1:23 pm: 40 Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Chatham Point, heading into Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours.
June 27:
4:00 pm: Around 8 – 10 Pacific White Sided Dolphins close to the wharf at Kelsey Bay. They appeared to be chasing fish and went off following the rip.
Angie Hibbert, Sayward.
June 26:
10:58 am: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Davis Point. Orca really close to shore at Raza Island, northbound.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
June 25:
3:05 pm: Lots of Pacific White Sided Dolphins spread out in Nodales Channel in the Davis Point area.
(from radio)
June 25:
3:59 pm: Pacific White Sided Dolphins at Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures.
DALL’S PORPOISE & HARBOUR PORPOISE
With all the other whale reports, the Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise reports aren’t coming in. These smaller cetaceans are a food source for the Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales, as are the Pacific White Sided Dolphins, so please remember to report them. SM
LINKS
The D.F.O are called to rescue an entangled Whale for the third time in one week off the B.C. Coast:
And entanglement in discarded fishing gear isn’t just a B.C problem, it’s worldwide:
A friendly Humpback Whale encounter:
Interesting question from one of our readers, Joan Mercier – "Why are you calling Orcas "Killer Whales."
Hi Joan – the correct name for them is Killer Whale. We have been adopting the shorter version of their Latin name, "Orcinius Orca." The name Killer Whale was given to them many many years ago since they were observed taking all types of prey and thought to be killers of everything. Since then we have categorized them into various groups. There are actually more than 6 different subspecies of Orca, but on the Pacific West Coast we have : Northern Resident Killer Whales, Southern Resident Killer Whales, and Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales. The Bigg’s was only recently added to honour Michael Bigg’s, a researcher. I hope this answers your question! I’m sure others have wondered also.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
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