Large groups of Transient Biggs Orca!
Cover Image:
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Powell River
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Many pods of Transient Orca were seen over the past reporting period. Normally, pods of Transient Orca include 4 or 5 individuals but there have been some larger pods of Transient Orca observed numbering between 10 to 20 individuals. This observation continues a trend of larger pods reported since early April. Many photos have been included in this publication of the Transient Orca. Adult male Orca can be identified by their tall dorsal fins (up to 2-meters) which stand out more than the dorsal fins of adult females (1-meter tall) and juveniles. Rounding our report are some sightings of Humpback whales and Pacific White-Sided dolphins. Let us know what you see when you are out near the water!
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay at least 400 m away from all killer whales in southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. This is in effect year-round until May 31, 2023. If killer whales approach any vessel, boaters should place their engine in neutral and wait for the animals to pass.”
WOWs works throughout 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
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2022-008
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Apr 26 2022
11:00 • 5 Biggs Orca taking long dives, heading south between Harwood Island and Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait. Teaching young. ▫ Observed from Shore
CC, Powell River, BC
Wed Apr 27 2022
17:24 • 7 Biggs Orca heading south at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Thu Apr 28 2022
13:32 • Biggs Orca off Cape Lazo in Comox, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:11 • Biggs Orca heading south at Otter Cove, Discovery Passage.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
17:25 • est. 8+ Biggs Orca ◦T087,T090s,T124A1,T124As◦ by Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:20 • Biggs Orca heading south, just south of Copper Bluffs in Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Quadra Island
Thu, 28 Apr 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Quadra Island
Thu, 28 Apr 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
19:00 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading south at the Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
19:00 • est. 2 Biggs Orca foraging, heading south-east at Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. 2 killers just having a time. ▫ Observed from Shore
Kevin McAllister, Campbell River, BC
Fri Apr 29 2022
08:24 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca heading south from Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Small group.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:37 • est. 4 Biggs Orca heading north by Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Apr 30 2022
11:20 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca between Viner Point and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:20 • 5 Biggs Orca milling, near Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
12:28 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca milling, just south of Hoskyn Rock, Sutil Channel. Small fins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Sutil Channel
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Sutil Channel
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:30 • Biggs Orca heading north abeam Conville Bay, Hoskyn Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:35 • Biggs Orca ◦T099s◦ heading south at Conville Point, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
20:15 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. At least one big fin.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Powell River
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Powell River
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun May 01 2022
07:30 • Biggs Orca breaching, near Quadra Island Scallop Farm off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
07:41 • est. 9-10 Biggs Orca playing, heading north near Quadra Island Scallop Farm, south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel. There was another pod about 1 mile away, close to Viner Point. They were all moving slowly.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon May 02 2022
19:00 • est. 20 Biggs Orca north of Denman Island, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
19:45 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca travelling, heading north-west off Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. They were swimming in two groups. ▫ Observed from Shore
Liz Kennedy, Powell River, BC
Tue May 03 2022
12:20 • est. 20 Biggs Orca heading south spread out between Mitlenatch Island and Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:22 • est. 15-20 Biggs Orca milling, near Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. They were swimming in several groups.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Georgia Strait
Tue, 3 May 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Georgia Strait
Tue, 3 May 2022 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:30 • Biggs Orca heading east in Kanish Bay.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:15 • est. 15-20 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south, southwest of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:36 • est. 15-20 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading east, southwest of Sentry Shoal heading towards Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Tristan Ray-Wilks, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu May 05 2022
11:45 • Biggs Orca heading north off Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
17:00 • 5 Biggs Orca at Chatham Point in front of Otter Cove, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri May 06 2022
09:35 • est. 1-2 Biggs Orca heading north-west off Lund towards Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:44 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T124C◦ moving slowly, heading south a bit below the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ entering Teakerne Arm.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Teakerne Arm
Fri, 6 May 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Teakerne Arm
Fri, 6 May 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ in Teakerne Arm. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:00 • Biggs Orca just north of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:30 • Biggs Orca heading north off Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Campbell River, BC
20:46 • 3 Biggs Orca south of Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Sat May 07 2022
10:00 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north-west off Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:00 • 1 Biggs Orca heading north, out from Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:21 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ hunting in Okisollo Channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
10:24 • est. 5+ Biggs Orca just south of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
10:24 • 3 Biggs Orca over by Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
10:46 • Biggs Orca heading south, close to Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales at Grief Point
Sat, 7 May 2022 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales at Grief Point
Sat, 7 May 2022 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:26 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading west off Bjerre Rock heading out of Okisollo Channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
12:02 • 5 Biggs Orca heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:02 • 6 Biggs Orca ◦T018s,T019B Galiano,T023◦ at Fluery Road just above Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Also possibly T023Cs or T023Ds. Included was a young calf spyhopping.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:34 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading west out of Okisollo Channel into Discovery Passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Sun May 08 2022
16:52 • Biggs Orca at the entrance to Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading north-west, just east of the spoil grounds off Wilby Shoals, heading towards Sutil Channel, Georgia Strait. 3 knots.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Wilby Shoals
Sun, 8 May 2022 – 4 items
Wild Waterways Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales near Wilby Shoals
Sun, 8 May 2022 – 4 items
Wild Waterways Adventures
17:10 • Biggs Orca just below Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue May 10 2022
11:30 • est. 14+ Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south mid Sutil Channel. They split into two groups.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
12:54 • est. 14+ Biggs Orca heading south approaching Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. They were travelling at 6 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales at Francisco Point
Tue, 10 May 2022 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales at Francisco Point
Tue, 10 May 2022 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:00 • est. 14+ Biggs Orca heading south, east of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:47 • est. 14+ Biggs Orca south of Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:08 • Biggs Orca heading north at Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. They were in a large pod.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:20 • Biggs Orca heading north past Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sun May 01 2022
12:06 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west of Metcalf Islands, Okisollo Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:10 • Humpback Whales in Okisollo Channel. Seen from Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue May 03 2022
16:30 • Humpback Whales off Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri May 06 2022
16:55 • Humpback Whales breaching, at Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sun May 08 2022
06:20 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:00 • Humpback Whales off Big Rock, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Elvis Chikite, Campbell River, BC
13:20 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, just north of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
13:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north near No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
15:50 • 2 Humpback Whales near Howe Island, Nodales Channel.
Stan Novotny, Stan Novotny Productions
Mon May 09 2022
09:00 • Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Campbell River, BC
10:15 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, off the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
14:00 • Humpback Whales below Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Apr 25 2022
13:06 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins milling at the east entrance of Arran Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Apr 27 2022
08:36 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins milling, between Penn Islands and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:25 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins heading north at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
18:29 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins heading north at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Esther Hollink, Brown’s Bay Resort
Wed May 04 2022
10:30 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins east side of rapids in Hole in the Wall.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu May 05 2022
07:05 • PWS Dolphins heading north approaching Orange Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore, second hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:45 • est. 15 PWS Dolphins heading north at Race Point, Discovery Passage.
08:35 • PWS Dolphins at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Mon May 09 2022
13:34 • PWS Dolphins heading north, north of Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
CTV News
For the first time in more than a century, there are two whales in the waters off Montreal.
A second whale was spotted at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the St. Lawrence River near the Maisonneuve neighbourhood. It has joined another minke whale (pronounced “mink-ee”), which has been swimming in the waters outside Montreal since Monday….
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Times Colonist
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Just in time for Mother’s Day, Big Mama the humpback is back in the Salish Sea.
And the prolific female has a healthy new calf in her wake. It’s the seventh calf for Big Mama, also known as BCY0324, who is considered a favourite among naturalists and whale watchers….
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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Natural History Museum (UK)
Whales are some of the most extreme mammals alive on the planet. But how they evolved from furry, four-legged critters to giants of the ocean has not been fully understood.
Now, with the help of the most comprehensive set of whale skulls scans ever produced which spans their entire 50 million years of evolution, researchers have been able to pinpoint the key moments of their life on Earth….
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