Whales over the Winter
Cover Image:
Bigg’s, T101B, with Mount Vander in the backdrop
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Whales adapt to the seasons with some species migrating to tropical waters during the winter, such as Humpback whales and Grey whales. Orca, porpoises, and Pacific White-Sided dolphins can be viewed during the Winter months around British Columbia but not as frequently as during the summer. The weather conditions in the Winter makes it more challenging for many to be out on the water in their boats, and if you happen to be on the water, the choppy waves may make it even more difficult to spot Cetaceans, especially Harbour porpoises who spend very little time at the surface.
During the past two weeks, Northern Resident Orca (fish-eating) made a few forays into Sutil Channel and Malaspina Strait going as far south as the north end of Texada Island. However, the majority of Orca sightings were of Transient Orca (mammal-eating). On a number of occasions, Humpback whales were observed interacting with sea lions that were close to them. Of note is one sea otter that was reported by Loughborough Inlet.
Boaters, please use caution on the water. Federal laws require boats to remain at least 400-m away when viewing Southern Resident Orca and for other Cetaceans, laws require boats to remain at least 100-m from the whales/dolphins. If you come across some Orca and you are uncertain if they are Southern Resident Orca, it is best to still maintain your distance of 400-m. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
We acknowledge that our sightings map and archive map are not fully functional at this time, and we are working to resolve the issue.
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
Events:
We will be at the 27th Annual UBC Marine Mammal Symposium on November 23rd. Hope to see you there! You can also join us via the live stream at: BC Marine Mammal Symposium Live Stream Nov. 23rd.
Whales and Dolphins BC Website:
Teaching Resources: We continue to update lessons, activities and resources on our website. Teachers can download information as needed for classes.
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Cetacean Web Camera YouTube Channel is live. Our Beach Gardens Marina camera has been down for a while but we are live streaming our Powell River camera.
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 Volunteer job postings: Assistant Coordinator, Powell River (see Carreerlink Powell River) and for the Online Coordinator, please contact Susan@…org for details.
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Not listed in our Volunteer job postings: Assistant Coordinator, Powell River (see Carreerlink Powell River) and for the Online Coordinator, please contact Susan@…org for details.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-048
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed Oct 30 2019
10:45 • Biggs Orca heading north off Steep Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
14:15 • Biggs Orca off Browns Bay that had earlier passed Campbell River, Discovery Passage. VHF report. ▫ Second Hand
16:00 • Biggs Orca heading north in Blind Channel. Going towards Cordero Channel. ▫ Second Hand
17:15 • Biggs Orca heading south passing Blind Channel going towards Mayne Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
18:02 • 6 Biggs Orca heading south, south of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 01 2019
11:17 • est. 6+ Biggs Orca heading south on the Vancouver side of Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Included a couple of big fins. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Tue Nov 05 2019
08:15 • Biggs Orca at the bottom of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Big pod.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
A big pod of Biggs at the bottom of the Penn Islands
Tue, 5 Nov 2019 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
A big pod of Biggs at the bottom of the Penn Islands
Tue, 5 Nov 2019 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:15 • Biggs Orca heading south just south of Blind Channel in Mayne Passage. Seen in distance. ▫ Observed from Shore
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
12:00 • 5 Biggs Orca at the south end of Deer Passage. Orca just left Lewis Channel.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
12:22 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Heard over VHF. ▫ Second Hand
12:55 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north along mid Rendezvous Islands towards North Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage. One big fin.
13:00 • 4 Biggs Orca mid Rendezvous Islands heading to North Rendezvous Island. Four small fins – this group trailing a group of 3 Orca ahead of them.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
20:07 • Biggs Orca breaching & tail slaps, at Shell Point, East Thurlow Island, Blind Channel.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
Wed Nov 06 2019
15:25 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading south at Bates Beach, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Nov 07 2019
14:46 • Biggs Orca heading south at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
21:30 • Biggs Orca heading south, Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids. A pod of Orca passed right by the dock at Sonora lodge – too dark to see numbers.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
Fri Nov 08 2019
09:48 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south-east, Hickey Point, Johnstone Strait. With calf.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Wed Oct 30 2019
09:00 • est. 8 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading south at Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whale, A42s, heading south off of Sarah Point
Wed, 30 Oct 2019 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whale, A42s, heading south off of Sarah Point
Wed, 30 Oct 2019 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Nov 02 2019
15:20 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north on the east side of Hernando Island, Baker Passage. Reported on Facebook. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
15:33 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading east between Twin Islands and Cortes Island, Baker Passage. Crossing Manson’s Passage to see if we can catch them. ▫ Second Hand
16:19 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ off Cortes Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Sun Nov 03 2019
16:45 • est. 5-7 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading south by Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. A male in the lead close to Coho Point.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Nov 10 2019
16:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north off Rebecca Spit heading into Hoskyn Channel, Sutil Channel. Information from Nick T. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Fri Nov 01 2019
14:45 • est. 3-4 Orca to the east of Sarah Point heading into Desolation Sound, Malaspina Strait. Observed 3 or 4 small fins.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Nov 06 2019
10:00 • 5 Orca moving slowly, heading south between Atrevida Reef and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Hanging around Hardwood Island, looked like a family. ▫ Observed from Shore
CC, Powell River, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed Oct 30 2019
10:30 • Humpback Whales heading south at Double Island, Pryce Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Two Humpbacks heading south off of Refuge Cove
Wed, 30 Oct 2019 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Two Humpbacks heading south off of Refuge Cove
Wed, 30 Oct 2019 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
12:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:01 • Humpback Whales by the mill pond at Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. From Michele Moir. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, Lewis Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
15:50 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, about five km east of the Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. Off the starboard side of the ferry heading to Powell River. ▫ From Ferry
Myrt Brewster, Powell River, BC
Thu Oct 31 2019
10:28 • est. 4 Humpback Whales heading north between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
10:29 • 4 Humpback Whales foraging, close to Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
15:15 • 2 Humpback Whales top of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Looks like a mom and calf. At 3:25pm, they were angling southward towards Quartz Bay.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback off of the top of the Penn Islands
Thu, 31 Oct 2019 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback off of the top of the Penn Islands
Thu, 31 Oct 2019 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:07 • 4 Humpback Whales heading south off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
16:07 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
16:07 • 2 Humpback Whales west of Rebecca Rocks closer to Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 01 2019
11:17 • 2 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
14:17 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, Raza Passage. Mid channel where it joins Calm Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
14:30 • Humpback Whales off Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. Whales heard singing through hydrophone.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
14:52 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, Thulin Passage, Malaspina Strait. Near Sharps Bay.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Nov 02 2019
–:– • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Pony,BCX0545 Europa / Bounty,BCY Dalmatian◦ north-west of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Europa and Pony are a mother & calf pair. The calf was temporarily entangled and adult HBs broke the buoy off. Susan MacKay picked up the buoy after making sure no lines on whales.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
11:37 • 2 Humpback Whales inside Grant Reefs heading towards Savary Island, Georgia Strait. Playing with sea lions.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
11:58 • 2 Humpback Whales between Blubber Bay and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
13:34 • 2 Humpback Whales between Vivian Island and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
13:34 • 2 Humpback Whales by the southwest end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:12 • 1 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
16:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east between Rebecca Rocks and Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
17:15 • est. 3 Humpback Whales travelling, heading north-west off Gossip Island, Georgia Strait. Moving slowly in extremely calm waters. ▫ Observed from Shore
SS, Gossip Island, BC
Sun Nov 03 2019
10:59 • 2 Humpback Whales at Crescent Bay, northwest side of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
11:47 • Humpback Whales heading south-east, west of Texada Island, Georgia Strait. Playing with sea lions.
15:45 • 3 Humpback Whales west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Mon Nov 04 2019
07:46 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south close to shore just south of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
08:16 • 3 Humpback Whales blowing off Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Pam Futer, Powell River, BC
10:30 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel. Looks to be a calf breaching repeatedly so suspect its a mom and her calf.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:23 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north close to shore in front of Oliver Street, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Shirley Randall, Powell River, BC
13:05 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north by Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Three Humpbacks, including BCX2018#10 Sergeant, heading north by Powell River Viewpoint
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Three Humpbacks, including BCX2018#10 Sergeant, heading north by Powell River Viewpoint
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south tight into Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. Mother and calf.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
11:23 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales heading south on the Vancouver Island side of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:25 • Humpback Whales resting, between Grant Reefs and Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
14:46 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY Apollo,BCY0057 Niagara◦ heading south off Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
16:30 • est. 6-8 Humpback Whales off Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Blows backlit by the setting sun. Seen from SV Blue Parrot in Duck Bay, Savary Island. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Wed Nov 06 2019
09:00 • Humpback Whales at the south end of Waddington Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:34 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed / Zorro◦ heading north-east between the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and the Spoil Grounds, Georgia Strait. Zorro with a friend and a calf.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:45 • 1 Humpback Whales near Pinnacles southeast of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Singing Humpback. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
15:00 • 3 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Nov 07 2019
11:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north to the right of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:00 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, between Hernando Island and Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
13:17 • est. 5+ Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Seeing more Humpbacks there now. Must be food in the area.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback including, BCYUK2013#13 Slits,BCX1258 Crescent, and BCYUK2017#5 Solar, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island
Thu, 7 Nov 2019 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback including, BCYUK2013#13 Slits,BCX1258 Crescent, and BCYUK2017#5 Solar, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island
Thu, 7 Nov 2019 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 08 2019
07:34 • Humpback Whales east of Vansittart Point, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
15:10 • Humpback Whales heading south in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Nov 09 2019
08:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales heading south between the Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal and the Campbell River Ferry Terminal, Discovery Passage. From a Facebook post – observer on Ferry. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:50 • est. 3 Humpback Whales foraging, between West Vancouver and Point Grey, Burrard Inlet. Seen from West Vancouver sea walk. They were heading towards UBC; seemed to be feeding. ▫ Observed from Shore
LM, West Vancouver, BC
Sun Nov 10 2019
06:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north past Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids. Information from Ryan S. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:57 • Humpback Whales heading east between Sliammon and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Close to the shore off Sliammon.
Heather Armstrong, Powell River, BC
11:08 • Humpback Whales heading north at Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Information from Jason Didcott. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:15 • Humpback Whales off Williams Beach, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales off Blubber Bay at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
15:55 • Humpback Whales heading north passing Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Mon Nov 11 2019
13:31 • 4 Humpback Whales foraging, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. 2 groups of 2 humpbacks seen from Powell River. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Tue Nov 12 2019
09:15 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:58 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south near Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Spotted from Powell River. Whales just dove. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Oct 30 2019
09:30 • PWS Dolphins at Wilson Creek heading for Davis Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:35 • PWS Dolphins heading north in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel. Small group.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
Sun Nov 03 2019
11:40 • 10 PWS Dolphins milling, off Big Rock, Georgia Strait.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
15:04 • 12 PWS Dolphins between Maple Bay and Crescent Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Mon Nov 04 2019
14:15 • PWS Dolphins heading north off Singing Sands at Little River, Comox, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins passing by
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins passing by
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
DALLS PORPOISE
Thu Oct 31 2019
14:00 • est. 8 Dalls Porpoise at Mitts Creek, Toba Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Nov 01 2019
09:30 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise off Brem Bay, Toba Inlet.
14:00 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise near Racine Creek, Toba Inlet. By Racine Falls.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Tue Nov 05 2019
15:45 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise off Jimmy Judd Island, Dent Rapids.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Nov 06 2019
09:30 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise at the head of Toba Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Mon Nov 11 2019
12:30 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise, Toba Inlet. Below the Chief-Tiss face.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Thu Oct 31 2019
17:00 • 2 Harbour Porpoise between Twin Islands and Little Rock, Malaspina Strait.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Thu Nov 07 2019
12:00 • est. 6+ Harbour Porpoise foraging, at the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Sat Nov 09 2019
09:45 • est. 3-4 Harbour Porpoise on the mainland side of Manson Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SEA OTTERS
Tue Nov 05 2019
12:09 • 1 Sea Otters at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
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The Magazine
REGIONAL
Victoria News
Paul Pudwell, the owner of Sooke Whale Watching, doesn’t expect to see large numbers of whales gathering in the region’s waters this late in the season, but Monday morning (November 4th) all that changed.
"I was just east of the Race Rocks lighthouse at around 11 a.m when I spotted them," Pudwell said….
read on
CTV News
Brand new drone footage coming out of the University of British Columbia is providing a rare glimpse into the underwater behaviours of resident killer whales off B.C.’s coast.
The footage, released Monday (November 4th), was gathered in partnership with the Hakai Intitute and shows whales and their calves swimming and hunting together….
read on
WEST COAST + NATIONAL
NOAA Fisheries
New genetic research has identified fin whales in the northern Pacific Ocean as a separate subspecies, reflecting a revolution in marine mammal taxonomy as scientists unravel the genetics of enormous animals otherwise too large to fit into laboratories.
"The increasing study of cetacean genetics is revealing new diversity among the world’s whales and dolphins that has not been previously recognized," said Eric Archer, a geneticist at NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in La Jolla, California. Archer is the lead author of the identification of the new subspecies of fin whale….
read on