Comox Orca Moves On, Humpbacks in Numbers, Plus …
Cover Image:
Bigg’s heading north towards the Powell River Mill
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
T073B the lone male Bigg’s Orca that had stayed in Comox Harbour for a couple of weeks has finally moved out with a bit of help by playing Orca sounds outside the harbour to coax him out. While he was there, he gave people quite the show and even hijacked an anchored sailboat, taking it for a ride. Hard to believe, but we have the video included below. We have seen this type of behaviour from other lone Orca who have moved prawn and crab traps, perhaps out of boredom, but moving a boat is a first.
Northern Resident Orca are staying at the top of Johnstone Strait still, while a few other Transient Bigg’s pods are roaming around the inlets and Georgia Strait with Pacific white Sided Dolphins, as well as both Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise working to stay clear of them.
Humpback Whales are still performing their huge leaps. Just think of the size of a bus leaping out of the water. The energy and speed needed is impressive. They are staying close to where food can be found, with a couple venturing farther afield, presumably to check for other food sources. We are still monitoring and looking for the whale that had the line through it’s mouth and possibly around other parts of his body.
There have been many near misses with boaters almost striking whales. Slow Down Please!
Keep your eyes open, report your sightings to us, and use caution on the water giving these animals plenty of room. Stop and smell the fish breath.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2018-026
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 31 2018
08:00 • est. 6 Biggs Orca near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Jul 30 2018
13:55 • Biggs Orca cutting across from Echo Bay to Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait. Heading towards Dog Bay at 3 knots.
13:53 • Biggs Orca heading south tight to shore of Twin Islands approaching Iron Point, Malaspina Strait. 5 minute dives. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
13:20 • Biggs Orca headed from Powell Islets to Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait. Mid-way traveling at 6 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:27 • Biggs Orca heading north approaching Powell Islets, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:26 • Biggs Orca heading west approaching Powell Islets.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:48 • Biggs Orca heading north past Lund, Malaspina Strait.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island, BC
10:41 • Biggs Orca heading north in front of Lund heading for Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. Main group plus female a bit further out. Gary on scene.
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
10:10 • Biggs Orca approaching Lund, Malaspina Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:55 • est. 1 Biggs Orca heading west out from Chatham Point in Johnstone Strait. Reported by Chatham Point lighthouse. Possibly more than one. ▫ Second Hand
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:16 • Biggs Orca heading north at Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:25 • 6 Biggs Orca heading north by Sliammon just north of Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Vessel Bray-Lynn has them.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
07:47 • 6 Biggs Orca heading north past Powell River towards Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About six Bigg’s heading north towards the Powell River Mill
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About six Bigg’s heading north towards the Powell River Mill
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Jul 29 2018
17:00 • est. 4 Biggs Orca tail slaps, in Buccaneer Bay then Epson Point, then towards South Thormanby Island, Malaspina Strait. Lots of breaching, spy hopping, diving for about an hour around northern end of North Thormanby Island. They then headed south along the west side of the island. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
M Wright,
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Four Bigg’s in Buccaneer Bay
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 3 items
M Wright,
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Four Bigg’s in Buccaneer Bay
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 3 items
M Wright,
16:37 • Biggs Orca inside Buccaneer Bay, Welcome Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 28 2018
15:25 • Biggs Orca near the shellfish farm in Refuge Cove. Close to shore and moving towards Teakerne Arm. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:23 • 5 Biggs Orca heading north away from Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, Lewis Channel. Thee close to shore and about 300-me off the shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
15:03 • Biggs Orca moving quickly, towards Refuge Cove.
Stuart Clark, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T073B, playing with a sailboat’s anchor in Comox Harbour
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Ara Stevenson
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T073B, playing with a sailboat’s anchor in Comox Harbour
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Ara Stevenson
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of Sliammon
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Derek Poole,
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of Sliammon
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Derek Poole,
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Jul 31 2018
13:42 • NRKW Orca off Weynton Island, Weynton Passage.
13:01 • NRKW Orca heading west off Hanson Island, Johnstone Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Jul 29 2018
13:40 • NRKW Orca heading east at Double Bay, Hanson Island, Blackfish Sound.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sun Jul 29 2018
06:01 • 6-7 Orca heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Jul 31 2018
17:30 • Humpback Whales heading north about 200-m off-shore at Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
17:20 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:56 • Humpback Whales heading east off Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:28 • 1 Humpback Whales one mile south of Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:51 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south in Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:48 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. One near the sand cliffs and the other one near the SW tip of the island.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:13 • 2 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:10 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south in front of Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.
14:10 • 2 Humpback Whales in Blackney Passage, Blackfish Sound.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
13:50 • 1 Humpback Whales between Penn Islands and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:52 • 1 Humpback Whales sleeping, between Cortez Reef, Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
12:10 • 5-6 Humpback Whales at the pinnacles south of the Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
11:48 • 1 Humpback Whales at the north end of Sentry Shoal.
11:37 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait.
11:37 • 4 Humpback Whales heading south off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:02 • 2 Humpback Whales east of Wilby Shoals pointed at Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:31 • 2 Humpback Whales east of Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait. The Humpbacks were active.
09:24 • 2 Humpback Whales 3/4 miles out from Shelter Point, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:17 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:17 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:02 • Humpback Whales fin slapping, west of Vivian Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Robyn Doucette, Powell River, BC
06:37 • Humpback Whales at Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Multiple whales. Reported by a fisherman. ▫ Second Hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon Jul 30 2018
21:10 • 2 Humpback Whales spy hopping, heading south less than 1-km from the shore at Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. One animal was resting at the surface and then taking 15 minute dives but when a boat came over to watch, it started tail slapping, pectoral fin slapping and spy hopping. After about 20 minutes of this activity another animal joined the first one. The 2 of them moved out towards the middle of the Malaspina Strait at sunset. ▫ Observed from Shore
Steve & Susan Grover, Powell River, BC
18:53 • Humpback Whales at the south end of Raza Island, Calm Channel.
Peter Murray, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:42 • 1 Humpback Whales back and forth, in front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
16:54 • 4 Humpback Whales at Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait. Very active whales.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:32 • Humpback Whales heading north close to shore of South Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:27 • 2 Humpback Whales pectoral slapping, 600 meters west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:22 • 4 Humpback Whales pectoral slapping, a mile east of pinnacles at Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
14:00 • 1 Humpback Whales just west of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. Sleeping.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
12:28 • est. 6+ Humpback Whales west side of Grant Reefs.
11:58 • 2 Humpback Whales off Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:52 • 2 Humpback Whales right on top of pinnacles south of Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait. Very active.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:15 • 2 Humpback Whales on the reef north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:42 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east two miles east of Mitlenatch Island.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:10 • 2 Humpback Whales two miles south of Mitlenatch Island.
09:10 • 3 Humpback Whales between Sentry Shoal and the pinnacles at Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
09:10 • 2 Humpback Whales blows close to Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
08:57 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Peter Murray, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:34 • Humpback Whales along the north shore of Mitlenatch Island. Lots of whales.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Sun Jul 29 2018
21:00 • 3 Humpback Whales by Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. Seen by Barry Rice. This is other than the mom and calf sighted earlier. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Three Humpbacks by Blubber Bay
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennel, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Three Humpbacks by Blubber Bay
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennel, Powell River, BC
20:58 • 2 Humpback Whales drifting 2/3 of the way to the sandbanks at Harwood Island from shore at Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Joan Treen, Powell River and Savary Island, BC
18:37 • est. 20 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south at Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
18:37 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Montgomery Bank.
18:37 • 1 Humpback Whales east side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
17:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north in front of Oliver Street in Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Shirley Randall, Powell River, BC
17:46 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, just north of Grief Point, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Liz and Ted Douglas, Powell River, BC
16:38 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Mom and larger calf.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks in front of Powell River
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 6 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks in front of Powell River
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 6 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River, BC
15:26 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0338 Geometry◦ doing circles, along the ferry line from Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. Geometry is with a friend.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:24 • 6-8 Humpback Whales at Bold Head, Swanson Island, Queen Charlotte Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:13 • 14 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Harwood Island over to Vancouver Island in Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:23 • 3 Humpback Whales in Drew Passage. One heading north and two heading south.
12:23 • 1 Humpback Whales 200 meters off the bottom end of Rendezvous Islands aiming towards Deer Passage, Calm Channel.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north just west of the mouth to Pender Harbour, Malaspina Strait. Diving deep every 5 minutes or so. Presently mid way to Texada Island. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
M Wright,
Humpback Whales
Two Humpbacks heading north just west of Pender Harbour
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 2 items
M Wright,
Humpback Whales
Two Humpbacks heading north just west of Pender Harbour
Sun, 29 Jul 2018 – 2 items
M Wright,
11:46 • 3 Humpback Whales near Baker Passage.
11:46 • 2 Humpback Whales near Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
11:46 • 3 Humpback Whales abeam Manson Passage, Malaspina Strait.
11:46 • 2 Humpback Whales at the pinnacles at Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
11:46 • 2 Humpback Whales on Vancouver Island side of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:21 • 2 Humpback Whales half mile southeast of buoy at Sentry Shoal.
09:43 • 3 Humpback Whales off east side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:00 • 3 Humpback Whales by sand cliffs at Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
06:50 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Penticton Street in Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Shirley Randall, Powell River, BC
Sat Jul 28 2018
20:35 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south just south-east of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:43 • 1-2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north off Powell River Ferry Terminal in the middle of Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks in front of Powell River
Sat, 28 Jul 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks in front of Powell River
Sat, 28 Jul 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:28 • 2 Humpback Whales half a mile south east of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:09 • 4 Humpback Whales doing circles, along the shore of Cortes Island about 2 miles north of Teakerne Arm, Lewis Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:04 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:00 • est. 10 Humpback Whales between Grant Reefs and Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback just south of Donegal Head on Malcolm Island
Sun, 22 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Gillian Threadgold
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback just south of Donegal Head on Malcolm Island
Sun, 22 Jul 2018 – 1 items
Gillian Threadgold
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback near Powell River
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 3 items
Steven Grover
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback near Powell River
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 – 3 items
Steven Grover
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Jul 31 2018
17:32 • PWS Dolphins in Kanish Bay. Swirling in the eddie.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:28 • PWS Dolphins milling, in front of Okisollo Channel, Discovery Passage.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • PWS Dolphins heading south spread out off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:10 • PWS Dolphins milling, around Helmcken Island, Johnstone Strait. Small group.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
12:57 • PWS Dolphins off Ripple Point mid-channel of Johnstone Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:50 • PWS Dolphins milling, by Bear Point, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:50 • PWS Dolphins off Knox Bay heading towards Mayne Passage, Johnstone Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:29 • est. 100+ PWS Dolphins milling, between Ripple Point and Bear Bight, Johnstone Strait.
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
09:20 • est. 100+ PWS Dolphins off Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
Mon Jul 30 2018
15:59 • PWS Dolphins milling, in Horn Bay, Dent Rapids.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:24 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading east off Gomer Island towards Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:06 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:19 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay, Dent Rapids. Per our fishing guide. They’re very active. ▫ Second Hand
Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort
Sat Jul 28 2018
16:10 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins milling, between Young Passage and Howe Island, Nodales Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:30 • PWS Dolphins in Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait. Large group of dolphins.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
DALLS PORPOISE
Sat Jul 28 2018
14:35 • 4 Dalls Porpoise 2 miles west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Sun Jul 29 2018
19:30 • 1 Harbour Porpoise heading north between Rebecca Rocks and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
SEA OTTERS
Sun Jul 29 2018
09:27 • 1 Sea Otters being seen regularly by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:20 • 1 Sea Otters at the spoil grounds south of Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
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