Over the past few weeks, some of the Northern Resident Orca (fish-eating) ventured further south than they normally do, appearing on a few occasions in Sutil Channel and upper Georgia Strait. Transient Orca (marine mammal eating) were also sighted on many occasions during the same time frame. Some of the Orca sighted were not confirmed as either Resident Orca or Transient Orca so they are grouped as unidentified Orca.
Humpback whales are still in the area but not in great numbers as in the summer time. On at least two occasions, Humpback whales were sighted in close proximity to large groups of sea lions, perhaps feeding on the same prey. One sighting reported Humpback whales surrounded by Dall’s porpoises. Many other pods of Dall’s porpoises were observed and it appears that many of the Dall’s porpoises prefer the waters in Toba Inlet and Bute Inlet. Rounding our report are sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins and one sighting of Harbour Porpoises.
On behalf of the Wild Ocean Whale Society, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2020! Happy Holidays!
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.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-050
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Nov 26 2019
08:25 • 1 Biggs Orca heading south at Fittleton Point, Chancellor Channel.
One lone bull orca.
12:40 • Biggs Orca heading south at Salmon River, Johnstone Strait.
Thu Nov 28 2019
09:32 • 3+ Biggs Orca spread out between Powell River and Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
At least three male Orca plus number of females and juveniles.
10:00 • est. 10-12 Biggs Orca
spread out; tail slaps, heading north-west off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Orca were spread out halfway across the Malaspina Strait with some being close to the northern end of Texada Island. Not sure what type of Orca they were. Some tail slapping going on maybe for communications between animals. ▫ Observed from Shore
Steve & Susan Grover, Powell River, BC
10:09 • Biggs Orca bunching up now just south of Rebecca Rocks maybe heading to Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 29 2019
14:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north in Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel.
Sun Dec 01 2019
07:10 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca in Race Passage, Johnstone Strait.
Mon Dec 02 2019
08:45 • Biggs Orca heading north approaching Steep Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Fri Dec 06 2019
14:00 • 5 Biggs Orca
hunting, heading north-east between Hopkins Landing and Grace Islands, Collingwood Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
DN, Gibsons, BC
Tue Dec 10 2019
09:00 • 2 Biggs Orca off Screen Island, Queen Charlotte Strait.
Hunting sea lions at the entrance to Fife Sound.
Sat Dec 14 2019
11:25 • Biggs Orca heading south about 1-mile off of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
13:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T046Bs◦ heading south-east from Mitlenatch Island towards Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
15:47 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca ◦T046Bs◦ off Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Close to shore. I can see the blows from home. ▫ Observed from Shore
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Mon Nov 25 2019
08:50 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading south, Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Resting in a line.
12:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ off Read Island, Drew Passage.
Tight on Read Island shore heading towards Whiterock pass. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, off of Read Island
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, off of Read Island
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Wed Nov 27 2019
08:40 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s,A66 Surf◦ bottom of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Mon Dec 02 2019
07:45 • est. 5-6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading south passing Campbell River Ferry Terminal, Sutil Channel.
At 7:57, the Orca switched directions and were northbound.
10:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north off Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
A large pod heading towards Plunger Passage.
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, heading north off of Marina Island
Mon, 2 Dec 2019 – 7 items
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, heading north off of Marina Island
Mon, 2 Dec 2019 – 7 items
Fri Dec 13 2019
10:38 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north in front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
10:54 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ making a beeline to the mill pond past Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
12:38 • 6 NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north from Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Northern Resident Killer Whales
North Resident Killer Whales, A42s, heading north from Harwood Island
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Northern Resident Killer Whales
North Resident Killer Whales, A42s, heading north from Harwood Island
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ bottom of Bute Inlet.
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, at the bottom of Bute Inlet
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 – 2 items
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales, A42s, at the bottom of Bute Inlet
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 – 2 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
North Resident Killer Whale, A61 Surge, in Johnstone Strait in the summer
Thu, 1 Aug 2019 – 1 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
North Resident Killer Whale, A61 Surge, in Johnstone Strait in the summer
Thu, 1 Aug 2019 – 1 items
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Thu Nov 28 2019
08:15 • est. 10+ Orca
travelling, heading north-west midway between Black (Albion) Point and Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Spread out from near shore to mid-channel. One small mid-channel group breaching and tail lobbing. At 8:30 observed 2 more animals trailing the main group. ▫ Observed from Shore
08:30 • est. 2 Orca
travelling, heading north-west midway between Black (Albion) Point and Myrtle Rocks.
These Orca were trailing the main group observed earlier at 8:15. ▫ Observed from Shore
Liz Kennedy, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 29 2019
09:40 • est. 5+ Orca between Salmon Point and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
10:51 • Orca between Francisco Point and Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Orca pointed at Quadra Island Scallop Farm.
12:35 • est. 4 Orca heading south mid channel between Texada Island and Comox, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
12:55 • est. 5+ Orca heading south near Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Fri Dec 06 2019
08:50 • Orca heading north in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales heading north in front of Powell River
Fri, 6 Dec 2019 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales heading north in front of Powell River
Fri, 6 Dec 2019 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:05 • 2 Orca, Frederick Arm.
Both Orca were observed having big fins.
Wed Dec 11 2019
11:21 • est. 3 Orca heading north from Texada Tower, seen from Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
One observed with a big fin.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Thu Dec 12 2019
12:15 • 4 Orca heading south past Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
13:30 • 1 Orca at Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
This was observed to be a bull.
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Nov 26 2019
09:40 • est. 3 Humpback Whales
back and forth, between Harwood Island and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Maybe sealions in the mix.
11:30 • Humpback Whales heading north from Donkersley Beach south of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Reported on Facebook. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:20 • 1+ Humpback Whales
travelling, heading north-west between Black (Albion) Point and Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Very close to shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Liz Kennedy, Powell River, BC
13:17 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north tight into Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
16:37 • 1 Humpback Whales
moving quickly, heading south past Myrtle Point.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Wed Nov 27 2019
08:15 • Humpback Whales off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
09:00 • 1 Humpback Whales, Homfray Channel.
Thu Nov 28 2019
07:40 • Humpback Whales heading north mid Strait off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
08:30 • 2 Humpback Whales scattered between Marina Island and Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
09:23 • Humpback Whales heading north mid channel off Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
10:15 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south off Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage.
13:39 • Humpback Whales
moving slowly, heading south at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
13:45 • Humpback Whales off the light at Maude Island, Georgia Strait.
14:45 • 2 Humpback Whales off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
16:14 • Humpback Whales heading north off Turn Island, Johnstone Strait.
Fri Nov 29 2019
09:40 • Humpback Whales towards Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
A few blows observed. ▫ Observed from Shore
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales close to Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
12:25 • 1 Humpback Whales off Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.
12:30 • 1 Humpback Whales at Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
12:40 • 1 Humpback Whales, Kanish Bay.
13:38 • 1 Humpback Whales, Von Donop Inlet.
15:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Heading towards Sutil Channel.
Sat Nov 30 2019
13:42 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed / Zorro◦ off Point Holmes south of Comox Bar, Baynes Sound. ▫ Observed from Shore
14:24 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north mid channel between Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
Sun Dec 01 2019
15:28 • 7 Humpback Whales between Coho (Kiddie) Point and Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Mon Dec 02 2019
08:40 • Humpback Whales southside of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Tue Dec 03 2019
09:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north near Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage.
10:00 • 1 Humpback Whales off Lions Bay, Howe Sound.
14:42 • 1 Humpback Whales just north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Dec 04 2019
09:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west between Grace Islands and Keats Island, Collingwood Channel.
10:45 • est. 2 Humpback Whales left of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:04 • Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Thu Dec 05 2019
10:01 • est. 1+ Humpback Whales heading north, south of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Pec slaps were observed. Looks to be sealions with it.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:12 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0338 Geometry◦ about a mile and a half out from Crescent Bay, Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Probably 100 sea lions in the vicinity.
11:48 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west about a mile out from Crescent Bay, Texada Island.
13:20 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales
back and forth, between Coho (Kiddie) Point and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales
moving quickly, heading south towards Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Dec 06 2019
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales off Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Sun Dec 08 2019
09:41 • Humpback Whales close to Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:57 • 3 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
11:17 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Texada Island and Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Saw two blows.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:36 • 2 Humpback Whales
breaching, off Grilse Point near Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
12:15 • est. 1 Humpback Whales
hunting, heading north, Boyle Point at the south end of Denman Island, Baynes Sound.
Dorsel fin with large dark flukes observed from high ground. ▫ Observed from Shore
BM, Courtenay, BC
Mon Dec 09 2019
10:29 • 2+ Humpback Whales
tail lobs, off the southwest part of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west at Stimpson Reef west of Port Neville, Johnstone Strait.
Surrounded by Dalls Porpoises.
Thu Dec 12 2019
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales
moving slowly, heading north, close to shore at Trail Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barbara Lee Fraser, Sechelt
11:35 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south, Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Fri Dec 13 2019
08:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north at Bullock Bluff, Calm Channel.
14:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
15:48 • 4 Humpback Whales, Arran Rapids.
Whales were observed in the morning. ▫ Second Hand
16:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south, Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Sat Dec 14 2019
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales
foraging, in Mouat Bay, Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
We’ve seen them here three days in a row, showing up about 10am and leaving around 11:30am. They seem to be feeding.
10:44 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Sandy McCormick, Texada Island, BC
Sun Dec 15 2019
13:04 • 1 Humpback Whales
resting, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Just the odd blow.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Thu Nov 21 2019
11:30 • est. 50+ PWS Dolphins
moving quickly, heading north-west along the shoreline from Shelter Point to Gillies Bay, Georgia Strait.
Short dives and travelling. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jim Johnson, Texada Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About 50 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading northwest along the shoreline from Shelter Point
Thu, 21 Nov 2019 – 3 items
Jim Johnson, Texada Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About 50 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading northwest along the shoreline from Shelter Point
Thu, 21 Nov 2019 – 3 items
Jim Johnson, Texada Island, BC
Mon Nov 25 2019
12:10 • PWS Dolphins off Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
A large pod.
Fri Nov 29 2019
12:50 • PWS Dolphins between Comox and Powell River, Georgia Strait.
Large group was observed, a bit closer to Comox than Powell River. ▫ From Ferry
Tue Dec 03 2019
14:42 • PWS Dolphins heading south-east just southwest of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Spotted quite a few. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Dec 04 2019
15:04 • PWS Dolphins between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri Dec 06 2019
08:50 • PWS Dolphins heading north in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Dec 14 2019
09:10 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south at Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins in the summer
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 – 4 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins in the summer
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 – 4 items
DALLS PORPOISE
Wed Nov 27 2019
10:00 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise Mitts Creek, Toba Inlet.
Fri Nov 29 2019
13:30 • est. 15 Dalls Porpoise
playing near the head of Toba Inlet.
Dalls Porpoise
Dalls Porpoise near the head of Toba Inlet
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Dalls Porpoise
Dalls Porpoise near the head of Toba Inlet
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 – 1 items
Tue Dec 03 2019
12:30 • est. 15 Dalls Porpoise, Bute Inlet.
Seen at the head of the inlet.
Fri Dec 06 2019
13:15 • est. 6+ Dalls Porpoise off Gomer Island, Frederick Arm.
Sat Dec 07 2019
10:30 • est. 6+ Dalls Porpoise in Pulton Bay at the north end of Quadra Island, Okisollo Channel.
Sun Dec 08 2019
12:00 • 15 Dalls Porpoise Mitts Creek, Toba Inlet.
Mon Dec 09 2019
10:00 • est. 15-20 Dalls Porpoise off Racine Creek, Toba Inlet.
Playful. ▫ Second Hand
10:20 • 6 Dalls Porpoise
milling, off Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
11:30 • est. 15 Dalls Porpoise at Purcell Point, Bute Inlet.
12:00 • 20+ Dalls Porpoise at the head of Bute Inlet.
13:15 • Dalls Porpoise heading west off Stimpson Reef west of Port Neville, Johnstone Strait.
Surrounding a couple of Humpback whales.
Wed Dec 11 2019
09:30 • est. 15 Dalls Porpoise Mitts Creek, Toba Inlet.
Fri Dec 13 2019
10:00 • est. 20 Dalls Porpoise near head of Toba Inlet.
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Mon Dec 02 2019
10:20 • Harbour Porpoise off Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
SPECIES UNSURE
Sun Nov 24 2019
11:00 • 2 Species Unsure
moving slowly, heading south-east near Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Two small whales (I am thinking Minke whales). They did not show themselves very much, just looked like black lines on the water. Twice, they showed their tails. ▫ Observed from Shore
DN, Mansons Landing, BC
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