Grey, Minke, Humpback, Northern Resident and Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales Dolphins and Porpoise Too!
Many photos and reports covering a larger area with whales showing up in places they haven’t been in for a long time. This could be from the search for food, or that the food sources are returning to areas as we clean up our coast. The pattern change does make for many more sightings of Grey, Fin and Minke Whales in our inside waters. Northern Resident Orca have been moving in and out of the Johnstone Strait area with Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales avoiding being in the same spot. Humpback Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Dall’s Porpoise have been around in some numbers. Harbour Porpoise are shy, and appear to have grouped up a bit in areas.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
REPORT LOCATIONS MAP 2015-034
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
We are the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society
Call 1-877-323-9776or Emailyour report.
TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
16:46 • 6 Bigg`s Orca heading West by Blinkhorn Peninsula, Johnstone Strait. ?T60s,T002B?
Jared Towers, Dept. Fisheries and Oceans
15:04 • 4 Bigg`s Orca through Baker Passage now by Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait. ?T002Cs? ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:57 • 6 Bigg`s Orca heading East from West Passage towards Cracroft Point then West in Johnstone Strait. ?T60s, T002B?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
14:40 • 4 Bigg`s Orca, Baker Passage. ?T002Cs? Elvis is with them. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:08 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North ?T002Cs?
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:57 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North on the Hernndo Island side between Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ?T002Cs?
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
12:19 • 4 Bigg`s Orca .5 mile off the West end of Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:12 • 3 Bigg`s Orca hunting,, Pearse Passage. ?T10s? Two Whale Watching boats are with them – Tuan and Lukwa. ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sun Sep 13 2015
17:49 • Bigg`s Orca heading North by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ?T101s?
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:39 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading North at Seymour Narrows. ?T10s? Looks like T10s.
Ed Sharkey, Painter’s Lodge
15:40 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading North at the mouth of Teakerne Arm in Lewis Channel.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
14:24 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading North by Refuge Cove heading into Lewis Channel. Found them again.
13:07 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading West between Mink Island and Gifford Peninsula into Desolation Sound. Difficult to keep track of in the seas. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:46 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading East by Galley Bay into Desolation Sound.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:52 • Bigg`s Orca, Okeover Inlet. ▫ On Scene
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:14 • Bigg`s Orca off the Plumper Islands in Blackfish Sound. ?T59s, T49C, Sam? Jared is with them. ▫ Radio Report
11:14 • 5 Bigg`s Orca entering Knight Inlet. ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
11:12 • 3 Bigg`s Orca at Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:38 • Bigg`s Orca by Copeland Islands Marine Park, Thulin Passage.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
??:?? • 7 Bigg`s Orca heading North just East of the White Islets towards Davis Bay, Georgia Strait. They were making there way around the back of the islet. I lost sight of them for a while but did see a group of 4-5 sea lions clear off a small reef with my binoculars.The Orca reappeared about 20 minutes later about a km west heading toward Davis Bay.
Geordie Harrower, Sechelt, BC
Fri Sep 11 2015
17:15 • Bigg`s Orca heading South by Duncan Bay.
Rhys, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:02 • 8 Bigg`s Orca heading South by Walcan, Discovery Passage.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:55 • 7 Bigg`s Orca turned, heading North out from Myrtle Rocks in Malaspina Strait. This is the pod with a coupple of young ones that pop up when they surface.They had gone South on the 9th. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jim Southern, Powell River
15:47 • Bigg`s Orca heading South-East 3.4 nautical miles off the Vancouver Island shoreline heading 1.5 miles South of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. ?T18s, T19s?
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
15:25 • 7 Bigg`s Orca breaching, heading North between Myrtle Rocks and Albion Point, Malaspina Strait. There were 2 groups, then 2 males following the first group. The second group is farther out into the strait and slowly moving North. There’s a boat driving in and out of the second pod. The two groups had been back and forth since 1:30 pm. ▫ Observed from Shore
Liz Kennedy, Powell River
14:12 • 4 Bigg`s Orca turned, heading South half way between Mitlenatch Island and Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait. Doing 7 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:00 • 2 Bigg`s Orca heading South in front of Grief Point, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River
Transient Bigg’ s Killer Whales
Fri Sep 11 2015 – 1 photos
Michelle Pennell, Powell River
13:20 • 4 Bigg`s Orca turned, heading South again Tyee Spit mid-strait Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:04 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North they’re all now in front of Tyee Spit.
12:45 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading South 2 in front of Painters Lodge and 2 at April Point, Discovery Passage. They’re travelling at 10 knots.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:40 • Bigg`s Orca heading East from Harwood Island towards the mill in Powell River, Algerine Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Heather Armstrong, Powell River
11:25 • Bigg`s Orca heading South by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:08 • 3 Bigg`s Orca hunting, by Parsons Bay in the fog Blackfish Sound. in the fog.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
07:53 • 2 Bigg`s Orca by Redonda Island heading into Desolation Sound.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
07:00 • 4 Bigg`s Orca milling, by Read Island, Burdwood Bay. They were milling around for about 30 minutes after 7 a.m. Did not note their direction on departure. 3 adults and one juvenile. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ron Bohlin, Read Island
Thu Sep 10 2015
16:50 • Bigg`s Orca by Refuge Cove, Lewis Channel. ?T49C, Sam?
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:42 • Bigg`s Orca heading South-West passing Loughborough Inlet in Cordero Channel. ?T38s with new calf?
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Transient Bigg’ s Killer Whales
Thu Sep 10 2015 – 7 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
15:32 • Bigg`s Orca moving out of Teakerne Arm into Lewis Channel. from loggers on a water taxi. ▫ Second Hand
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
12:46 • Bigg`s Orca at Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel. Sounds like Killer Whales – no other details – very broken transmission. ▫ Radio Report
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
12:34 • Bigg`s Orca going against the flood tide at Greene Point Rapids. broken radion transmission by Leif. ▫ Radio Report
11:06 • Bigg`s Orca heading East between Blinkhorn Peninsula and Weynton Passage, Johnstone Strait. ?T48As? ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
07:00 • Bigg`s Orca in Blind Channel. no direction so far.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 09 2015
20:03 • 2 Bigg`s Orca heading South by Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Nick Gregory, Powell River
19:40 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading South off Myrtle Rocks. They’re quite spread out. ▫ Observed from Shore
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River
Transient Bigg’ s Killer Whales
Wed Sep 09 2015 – 2 photos
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River
11:05 • Bigg`s Orca heading South continuing along the Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Kurt Stapes, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:36 • Bigg`s Orca at Marina Island Reef, Sutil Channel.
Ed Sharkey, Painter’s Lodge
Tue Sep 08 2015
18:33 • Bigg`s Orca Looks like they are heading to Whaletown. Very appropriate.
18:29 • Bigg`s Orca heading South just swam through Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel. ?T002Cs?
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
17:43 • Bigg`s Orca heading South slowly along the shoreline of Cortez Island by Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel. ?T002Cs?
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
14:24 • Bigg`s Orca heading North, Lewis Channel. ?T002Cs?
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:34 • 6 Bigg`s Orca heading East very slowly towards Blinkhorn Peninsula, Johnstone Strait. from Naiad Explorer who is about to leave the scene. ▫ Second Hand
09:49 • 6 Bigg`s Orca hunting, off Hidden Cove by Beaver Cove, Broughton Strait. ?T46Bs? They’re chasing birds. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
12:27 • NRKW Orca heading West headed towards Numas Island, Queen Charlotte Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sun Sep 13 2015
11:14 • NRKW Orca off Bold Head top of Blackfish Sound. In lumpy seas and strong winds. ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Sat Sep 12 2015
12:00 • NRKW Orca heading East through Weynton Passage towards Robson Bight spread out in Johnstone Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Sep 11 2015
10:08 • NRKW Orca just entering Weynton Passage from Blackfish Sound. ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Thu Sep 10 2015
15:51 • NRKW Orca foraging, still spread out in upper Johnstone Strait. ?I15s?
11:06 • NRKW Orca spread out between Sophia Islands and Robson Bight across Johnstone Strait. ?I15s?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Thu Sep 10 2015 – 1 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Wed Sep 09 2015
14:38 • NRKW Orca heading East, Weynton Passage. ?I15s?
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
15:56 • Orca heading South by Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Sep 13 2015
10:50 • 1 Orca on run from Mill Bay .5 mile out from the ferry dock in Brentwood Bay. This was one very large male with a wavy trailing edge to the dorsal and large saddle patch. He was definitely alone.
Capt. S. Allinson, BC Ferry Corp.
07:30 • 5 Orca heading West from Arbutus Island in Satellite Channel. Just out on the paddle board in Satellite Channel off of Lands End Road at 7:30 AM, and a pod of five Orcas (with a very large bull) were heading west from Arbutus Island. They were quite close to me at 48°41’58.0″N 123°27’11.9"W (48.699436,-123.453312). Beautiful way to start the day!.
Mitch Rosenberg, North Saanich
Thu Sep 10 2015
09:11 • Orca by Sechelt. No numbers, direction or location given, but we believe this may have been from the Sechelt area.
Michael O’Connell, .
Wed Sep 09 2015
16:46 • Orca just off the Cape Mudge, Discovery Passage.
16:24 • Orca now heading into Quathiaski Cove.
15:56 • Orca heading South by Orange Point.
Kurt Stapes, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:43 • Orca heading South just North of Browns Bay.
14:08 • Orca by Elk Bay. No direction given and report was that it was 1.5 hours ago. ▫ Second Hand
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Sep 08 2015
11:26 • 4 Orca heading East by Robson Bight, Johnstone Strait. Very vague report. ▫ Radio Report
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
14:57 • 8 Humpback Whale between Flower Island and Cracroft Point in Blackfish Sound.
12:27 • 5 Humpback Whale and Licka Point, Blackfish Sound.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
11:12 • 1 Humpback Whale between Centre Islet and Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:20 • 1 Humpback Whale at Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
08:23 • 3 Humpback Whale just off South Pender Island East of Poets Cove out past the Inlet.
Mike Noddin, .
Sat Sep 12 2015
20:28 • 4 Humpback Whale off West Passage, Blackfish Sound. ?Domino, Cutter, Guardian and? They were lunge and trap feeding. One breach, which I missed, all but the splash. I was told there were a number of other Humpbacks off Bold Head also.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Humpback Whales
Sat Sep 12 2015 – 3 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whale heading North by Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait. ?KC?
Kurt Stapes, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:00 • 2 Humpback Whale heading South across from Kents Beach heading towards the Sechelt Penninsula, Malaspina Strait.
Derek Parkin, Maude Bay Ranch & Retreat
12:00 • 4 Humpback Whale at Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:14 • 2 Humpback Whale by Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:30 • 1 Humpback Whale off Saltery Bay, Jervis Inlet. for the past 3 days. ▫ Second Hand
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Fri Sep 11 2015
20:30 • 3 Humpback Whale 3 humpback whales in Saanich Inlet last night from 5:00 to around 8:30. They were close to Mill Bay for a good 3 hours and last seen heading back down into the inlet as it was getting dark. Also saw one dolphin or porpoise in same area as it was getting darker – couldn’t tell what.
Shannon Wetselaar, Saanich
19:40 • 2 Humpback Whale South of Mill Bay on the West side of Saanich Inlet. I watched through binoculars. Two humpbacks (had dorsal fins; high blows) behaviour: whales were swimming S-N & mostly together – at one point they separated for about 10-15 minutes, and then got back together. They swamed along the coast (S-N, N-S), but remained within the general area of Mill Bay. – fluking (often) – occasional plopping on the surface – no `high jumps`(breaching) There were some kayakers & a few boats. Everybody had a good whale-watching behaviour – except for 1 (there is always one) I was on the shoreline, watching through my binoculars, and drooling happy-happy… ▫ Observed from Shore
Mar Martinez de Saavedra Alvarez, Sidney
13:29 • 8 Humpback Whale between Flower Island and Cracroft Point, Blackfish Sound. There are more Humpbacks at Bold Head too, I hear.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Humpback Whales
Fri Sep 11 2015 – 9 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
08:36 • 1 Humpback Whale heading North by Seymour Narrows towards Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. from fishing guide. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:00 • 1 Humpback Whale out from Saltery Bay to Earls Cove, Jervis Inlet. Just passed a Humpback Whale while travelling on the ferry. ▫ From Ferry
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River
Thu Sep 10 2015
19:30 • 1 Humpback Whale off Ahlstrom Point near Saltery Bay. Saw (and heard) at least one, perhaps several, Humpback Whale(s) Thursday, September 10 off of Ahlstrom Point near Saltery Bay. First heard them at about 6:30 p.m., saw it about 7:30 p.m. and continued to hear it periodically throughout the night. We were camped on the Sunshine Coast Trail. ▫ Observed from Shore
Linda Lutz, .
15:59 • 2 Humpback Whale heading North 6 miles off Orlebar Point, Gabriola Island.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
15:53 • 2 Humpback Whale one by Kaikash Creek, Johnstone Strait. no idea how many are left by Weynton Island.
15:50 • 2 Humpback Whale breaching, in Baronet Passage, Blackfish Sound. ?Freckles and Ridge? lunge feeding.
12:54 • 1 Humpback Whale, Blackney Passage.
12:11 • 4 Humpback Whale by Weynton Island, Johnstone Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
| Missed the breach but the splash was spectacular. |
Humpback Whales
Thu Sep 10 2015 – 3 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
07:53 • Humpback Whale between Sarah Point and Kinghorn Island at the entrance to Desolation Sound.
Jos Krijnen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Wed Sep 09 2015
18:00 • 2 Humpback Whale off Mill Bay North of Bamberton, Saanich Inlet. Watched them from 5:30-6:30. Fantastic to see!!.
Carol May, Saanich
Tue Sep 08 2015
19:30 • 1 Humpback Whale heading South by Myrtle Rocks, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Gregory, Powell River
18:32 • 2 Humpback Whale by Pat Bay in Saanich Inlet. They’ve been there for the last five days!.
Karen Gray, Saanich
18:00 • 1 Humpback Whale heading South by Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. There was some white on the tail. ▫ Observed from Shore
Dan Tatham, Powell River
11:26 • Humpback Whale foraging, by Cracroft Point and Weynton Passage, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Humpback Whales
Tue Sep 08 2015 – 3 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
MINKE WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
09:09 • 1 Minke Whale milling, by Rendezvous Islands in Whale Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
GREY WHALES
Mon Sep 14 2015
07:44 • 1 Grey Whale off the sea wall in West Vancouver, Vancouver Harbour. We watched a whale last night at sunset that was about 40 yards off the West Van sea wall near 22nd St. It was swimming in a very lazy pattern for 20 minutes or so, surfacing every 2-3 minutes. It had a small ridge on its back. No large dorsal fins. (Based on this description, we have logged it as the Grey Whale that has been between Gibsons and Davis Bay over the past month, or perhaps it’s the one that was off Stanley Park – SM).
Peter Pillman, West Vancouver
Tue Sep 08 2015
19:20 • 1 Grey Whale heading South by Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River
Grey Whale
Tue Sep 08 2015 – 2 photos
Michelle Pennell, Powell River
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Sep 14 2015
10:18 • 150 PWS Dolphins heading East at Sonora Point in Nodales Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:40 • 100 PWS Dolphins between Davis Point and East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
Sun Sep 13 2015
10:36 • 100 PWS Dolphins near Gomer Island by Frederick Arm.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Sep 11 2015
14:40 • 100 PWS Dolphins between Horn Point and Horn Bay, Dent Rapids.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:06 • 150 PWS Dolphins at Owen Point at the mouth of Frederick Arm.
Ed Sharkey, Painter’s Lodge
Wed Sep 09 2015
14:21 • 100 PWS Dolphins in Denham Island, Cordero Channel.
Kurt Stapes, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:17 • 20 PWS Dolphins by Copper Bluff, Discovery Passage.
Fabien Minfray, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:11 • 11 PWS Dolphins near Discovery Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. Reported by a private boat. ▫ Second Hand
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge
Tue Sep 08 2015
13:22 • 250 PWS Dolphins now in front of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. They keep changing direction.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:35 • 250 PWS Dolphins foraging, 2.5 miles North of Separation Head, Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. Going side to side in the passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Tue Sep 08 2015 – 5 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
09:17 • 200 PWS Dolphins foraging, at 45 Point, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
08:48 • 200 PWS Dolphins below Kanish Bay. from Way West Water Taxi. ▫ Second Hand
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
DALL’S PORPOISE
Fri Sep 11 2015
10:08 • 8 Dall`s Porpoise being hunted, just off Parsons Bay in the fog Blackfish Sound. They came, they rode the bow of the boat briefly then took off in a hurry. One of the photos shows some rake marks from an attack.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Dall’s Porpoise
Fri Sep 11 2015 – 5 photos
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Thu Sep 10 2015
12:54 • 15 Dall`s Porpoise, Blackney Passage.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
11:06 • 12 Dall`s Porpoise by Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Tue Sep 08 2015
12:15 • 8 Dall`s Porpoise at Howe Island on the way into Nodales Channel. There was a new calf.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Fri Sep 11 2015
18:45 • 2 Harbour Porpoise heading South They were swimming very close to shore as they came past our house, it seemed like they were following the line of where the shallows become deep because as they were further south they went further off shore. We live just south of the point, and we were sitting on the oceans edge having supper as we spotted them. They were swimming very slowly, we saw their two dorsal fins very clearly and every so often they would put their heads up above the water. We saw a pod of Orca’s swimming by the other day but did not note enough info to now report it. ▫ Observed from Shore
Caroline le Poer Trench,
Tue Sep 08 2015
12:15 • 12 Harbour Porpoise at Lee Islands in Nodales Channel. It was a beautiful herd of Porpoise.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Harbour Porpoise
Tue Sep 08 2015 – 2 photos
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Have you seen a whale, dolphin or porpoise?
We are the non-profit Wild Ocean Whale Society
Call 1-877-323-9776or Emailyour report.
