Orca Galore!
Cover Image:
One of the oldest Bigg’s male, T087, heading north near Black Creek
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Over the past two weeks, Orca have appeared as far south as the Sunshine Coast near Gibsons and as far north as Phillips Arm. Some of them were identified as Transient Orca and a few sightings were of Southern Resident Orca. Both Transient and Resident Orca were in Georgia Strait on March 10th between Comox and Campbell River but it is unclear whether they came close to each other and crossed paths. With so many Orca in the area, it delighted many viewers whether from land or from boats.
While on the topic of Orca, a group of international scientists have reported that they potentially have discovered a new specie of Orca off the southern tip of Chile. These Orca differ in the shape of their head, the size of their eyepatch, and the shape of their dorsal fin. If you want to find out more about this exciting new discovery, go down to our Magazine section and read the article to learn more about this specie of Orca.
One Grey whale made an appearance inside Gibsons harbour on March 3rd delighting people on the docks. Grey whales are not very common in Georgia Strait, especially at this time of year. However, Grey whales do appear once in a while in the Strait and in other inland waters. They can be recognized by their grey coloured splotchy skin, a lack of a dorsal fin, and a knobby back near the tail.
Rounding our report are sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoise, and many pods of Harbour porpoise. Unusual to have no reports of Humpback whales – where could they have gone? Each day and each week is different so perhaps the Humpbacks will reappear just as quickly as it seems like they have disappeared.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
Presentation: Making a Splash Thursday, March 28. 2:30 pm
Presented by: Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
At Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, North Vancouver, BC
Whales, dolphins, and sea lions, oh my! Discover who's swimming in the waters around Vancouver. There will also be an optional marine wildlife field-trip associated with this presentation. Saturday, March 30. 10 am to 12 pm at Whytecliff Park.
At Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, North Vancouver, BC
Whales, dolphins, and sea lions, oh my! Discover who's swimming in the waters around Vancouver. There will also be an optional marine wildlife field-trip associated with this presentation. Saturday, March 30. 10 am to 12 pm at Whytecliff Park.
World of Whales Dinner Event at Dwight Hall, Powell River April 27
Complete Information and online ticket purchasing is available through our website at our World of Whales Dinner pages, or Stores: Hindle's Gifts, Mandeville Financial, Capone's Cellar, or at our information tables at Town Centre Mall: March 21 & 28 and Quality Foods: April 4, 11 & 18.
Whales and Dolphins BC Website:
Teaching Resources: A number of lesson activities and resources are now available on our website for download as needed for your classes.
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Cetacean Web Camera YouTube Channel is live. We appreciate your patience with the intermittent bouncy images from the Beach Gardens Marina camera. Our backup live stream mounted in Powell River appears when the Beach Gardens camera is down.
Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Not listed in our job postings is our immediate need for IT support. Please contact Susan@…org for details.
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Not listed in our job postings is our immediate need for IT support. Please contact Susan@…org for details.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-006
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed Feb 27 2019
14:30 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T087◦ moving quickly, heading north off Chaster Park west of Gibsons, Georgia Strait. The pod was traveling fast and staying under water for long distances as they went by. ▫ Observed from Shore
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Three Bigg’s moving quickly off of Chaster Park
Wed, 27 Feb 2019 – 3 items
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Three Bigg’s moving quickly off of Chaster Park
Wed, 27 Feb 2019 – 3 items
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
Fri Mar 01 2019
10:15 • est. 5-7 Biggs Orca breaching, heading south by Tyee Point, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. Playing with some sea birds.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
11:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading east by Bear Bight mid Johnstone Strait.
15:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002C2 Tumbo,T002Cs◦ along the mainland shore abeam Cordero Lodge heading towards Phillips Arm, Cordero Channel. Tumbo 1.5 miles behind.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sat Mar 02 2019
14:20 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca ◦T087◦ angling towards Mitlenatch Island just west of Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
16:33 • Biggs Orca by Cape Mudge turning into Discovery Passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
16:41 • Biggs Orca heading north off Campbell River, Discovery Passage. Observed from top of Hilchey Road. ▫ Observed from Shore
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
17:40 • Biggs Orca heading north heading towards Walcan Seafood Quadra Island along the shore of Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
Sun Mar 03 2019
11:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north in Blind Channel.
14:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ hunting in Phillips Arm. Hunting porpoises.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu Mar 07 2019
12:00 • 7 Biggs Orca heading north in Lambert Channel. 2 males and 1 calf. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Nik Coutinho, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
12:17 • Biggs Orca off Ford Cove on Hornby Island, Lambert Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Sun Mar 10 2019
13:18 • Biggs Orca ◦T087,T124A2,T124A2A,T124A2B◦ off Little River, Comox, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
13:38 • Biggs Orca ◦T087,T124A2,T124A2A,T124A2B◦ heading north off Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait.
14:09 • Biggs Orca ◦T087,T124A2,T124A2A,T124A2B◦ heading north just south of Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait. Close to shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002Cs, foraging for seals
Fri, 1 Mar 2019 – 4 items
Nick Templeman,Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002Cs, foraging for seals
Fri, 1 Mar 2019 – 4 items
Nick Templeman,Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sun Mar 10 2019
11:47 • SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ off Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
17:45 • 6 SRKW Orca ◦J17 Princess Angeline,J35 Tahlequah,L87 Onyx◦ zig zagging, heading north off Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. Moving up along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Thu Feb 28 2019
13:28 • 2 Orca to the north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:30 • est. 4+ Orca at Tucker Point, West Thurlow Island, Chancellor Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu Mar 07 2019
16:27 • Orca by Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Mar 08 2019
16:10 • Orca heading south and crossed from Savary Island to Iron Mines, Malaspina Strait.
Rick Thaddeus, Savary Island, BC
17:00 • est. 6 Orca moving quickly, heading south-west inside of Mystery Reef to Atrevida Reef, Malaspina Strait. The pod of five adult Orca and a baby was seen travelling towards Powell River. They were very close and we saw the baby through binoculars. The mom and two others were inside close to shore and there also was two other larger whales closer to Mystery Reef. ▫ Observed from Shore
CA, Powell River, BC
17:16 • est. 4 Orca moving quickly, heading north close to the shore south of Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
17:28 • Orca just passing Blubber Bay, Texada Island.
17:48 • Orca by Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Likely the ones seen south of Lund earlier.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Mar 09 2019
15:47 • Orca by Buckley Bay, VI Ferry Terminal, Baynes Sound. Large pod.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:30 • 4 Orca ◦T100s,T102◦ moving slowly, heading north first at Chrome Island, then onto Comox, Baynes Sound. Headed from Buckley Bay to Comox, into Comox Bay, to Royston Wrecks and then headed south again towards Union Bay. ▫ Observed from Shore
Nicky Smiley, Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings
16:47 • est. 7-8 Orca heading north above Buckley Bay, VI Ferry Terminal, Baynes Sound. After putting on a nice show.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Mar 10 2019
08:00 • est. 5 Orca heading south near Tyee Spit, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. At least one big fin and a couple of young ones.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River, BC
09:45 • Orca heading south mid channel off Campbell River, Georgia Strait. Half way between light house and red can.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:02 • Orca moving slowly, heading south off Willow Point, Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
10:25 • Orca heading south between Willow Point and Ocean Grove, Georgia Strait. Sighted just past the Hump and following the shoreline
southbound.
southbound.
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
Mon Mar 11 2019
18:03 • 4 Orca heading south from Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River, BC
18:30 • est. 5-6 Orca moving quickly, heading east off Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Georgia Strait. First saw three large males, then what looked like 2-3 three females. Watched for a good 20 minutes from Henderson Beach. Last saw them from Roberts Creek picnic park. ▫ Observed from Shore
Geordie Harrower, Sechelt, BC
Tue Mar 12 2019
14:03 • Orca foraging, heading south below Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Seeing blows and fins.
Michael Stewart, Powell River, BC
15:42 • Orca just south of Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:30 • est. 7 Orca heading east between Earls Cove Ferry Terminal and Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal, Jervis Inlet. Travelling in 2 groups, one close to shore and the other further out approximately half way between Earl’s Cove and Saltery Bay. ▫ From Ferry
JC, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whale spyhopping along the coast
Wed, 13 Mar 2019 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whale spyhopping along the coast
Wed, 13 Mar 2019 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
GREY WHALES
Sun Mar 03 2019
–:– • 1 Grey Whales at Gibsons, Collingwood Channel. A young grey was spotted Sunday afternoon cruising thru Gibsons Marina between C and D docks. ▫ Second Hand
Geordie Harrower, Sechelt, BC
Grey Whales
Juvenile Grey Whale off of Gibsons
Sun, 3 Mar 2019 – 1 items
Geordie Harrower, Sechelt, BC
Grey Whales
Juvenile Grey Whale off of Gibsons
Sun, 3 Mar 2019 – 1 items
Geordie Harrower, Sechelt, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Mar 04 2019
10:00 • PWS Dolphins heading south between Texada Island and Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait. A super pod. ▫ Second Hand
Robyn Doucette, Powell River, BC
11:50 • est. 6-10 PWS Dolphins travelling, heading south off Westview in Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Taking 2 min dives. ▫ Observed from Shore
BA, Vancouver, BC
Thu Mar 07 2019
14:06 • PWS Dolphins at east entrance to Hole in the Wall.
Bill Coltart, Big Animal Encounters
Fri Mar 08 2019
17:56 • PWS Dolphins heading south between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Dolphins fleeing something.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Mar 09 2019
15:44 • 12 PWS Dolphins milling, mid-channel between Wilby Shoals and Shelter Point, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
DALLS PORPOISE
Thu Feb 28 2019
16:05 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise playing, at Thurlow Point, East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Mar 01 2019
–:– • Dalls Porpoise at the head of Loughborough Inlet. All day there were lots of them.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Fri Mar 01 2019
–:– • Harbour Porpoise at the head of Loughborough Inlet. All day there were lots of them.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
13:15 • est. 4 Harbour Porpoise heading south at Granite Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River, BC
15:15 • est. 10+ Harbour Porpoise near Cordero Lodge NE of Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Mar 04 2019
12:12 • Harbour Porpoise in Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:00 • est. 5-10 Harbour Porpoise moving slowly, heading south between Atrevida Reef and Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait. There was 2 or 3 groups of 2-4 animals each. They were very small. Not moving too fast. Going back and forth but making their way down the coast line. Some were about 500m off shore and some were about 50 meters from shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
CA, Powell River, BC
SPECIES UNSURE
Sat Mar 09 2019
16:15 • est. 5-6 Species Unsure doing circles, on the north-east side of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. May be Dalls Porpoise. Illusive little things. Observed from Powell River.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
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The Magazine
REGIONAL
CBC
Fish-eating orcas may offer dolphins protection from their dolphin-eating cousins. Killer whales are the only predators that regularly kill and devour Pacific white-sided dolphins off the B.C. and Washington coasts. So researchers were surprised when drone footage showed such dolphins playing within a few fin-spans of killer whales’ toothy jaws. “The dolphins are right in front of the killer whales, right in front of their mouths,” said Lance Barrett-Lennard, senior scientist and director of the marine mammal research program at the Coastal Ocean Research Institute. “This kind of association between one species and its apparent predator is unusual.”…
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WEST COAST + NATIONAL
Mother Nature Network
The rare video above captures the moments just after a humpback whale gave birth off the coast of Maui. This is the closest researcher Lars Bejder has been to a live birth of a humpback whale in 25 years. He’s the director of the University of Hawai’i at MÄnoa’s Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP). “This is quite extraordinary – within I would say 20 minutes of the humpback female giving birth to her calf,” Bejder said in a press release. “We arrive up to the animals and there is still blood in the water and the calf very uncoordinated, but pretty much as close as we could get to a live birth.”…
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INTERNATIONAL
Mother Nature Network
It’s a moment neither whale nor human are likely to forget. Photographer and dive operator Rainer Schimpf was recently documenting a sardine run off the coast of South Africa when he almost became part of the food chain. “I was trying to get a shot of a shark going through the bait ball,” Schimpf recalled in a video, “… the next moment, it got dark and I felt some pressure on my hip.”…
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CTV
A B.C. researcher is part of a team that believes it may have discovered a new species of orca. Jared Towers, a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada who works out of Nanaimo and Alert Bay, is part of an international team that set out in January to search for the elusive whales off Cape Horn, Chile. Dubbed the Type D killer whale, the species previously existed only in tourist photographs and fishing stories dating back 60 years, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which spearheaded the expedition….
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