Transient Biggs Orca Everywhere
Cover Image:
Orca breaching and tail slapping
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Not quite a Super Pod of Transient Biggs Orca joined together in front of Powell River on their way farther south. A super pod of Orca is generally a gathering of 50 or more whales. Orca travel in family pods so to avoid interbreeding, the families come together to mix up the gene pool. On occasion a lone male will leave the family to find a mate from another pod, but when many families get together, there’s a fair bit of socializing and play, as well as mating. The Orca families then split up into their family groups and carried on into both the upper and lower Georgia Strait, with a few even going into Vancouver harbour.
Humpback Whales have also started to make more of a comeback into their frequent foraging locations around Mitlenatch and various inlets in the upper straits. Humpback KC BCY0291 is usually one of the first to show up heading into Discovery Channel, and he did as expected. A few others have also been showing up as well. The Humpback numbers tend to increase as the weather improves even though a few over-winter in some of our local inlets. Keep your eyes open for tall blows and their iconic tail flukes.
PLEASE NOTE: Our links currently show as broken, but they DO work. We apologize for any confusion as we continue to wait for a fix.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400m away from all killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2024.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept.
A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines
WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2024-006
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sun Apr 28 2024
09:22 • 2 Biggs Orca heading south just past Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
10:50 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. This group included 1 small orca.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait
Sun, 28 Apr 2024 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait
Sun, 28 Apr 2024 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Apr 30 2024
18:00 • est. 5 Biggs Orca circling prey, heading south-east near Kye Bay, Comox, Georgia Strait. Fast moving. ▫ Observed from Shore
EB & LH, Comox, BC
Wed May 01 2024
08:16 • 5 Biggs Orca heading south-east off Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
10:38 • 2 Biggs Orca heading east betweeen Grant Reefs and Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait.
11:22 • 5 Biggs Orca spread out, heading south-east 1-NM north of Harwood Island towards Sliammon / Tla’amin Nation, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:52 • Biggs Orca off the Harwood Island Spit mid Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:03 • Biggs Orca spread out, heading south 1-NM south of the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Travelling at 5 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:33 • est. 3 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading east of Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, Georgia Strait. Calf and 2 adults. Following sealions. ▫ Observed from Shore
KP, West Vancouver, BC
Fri May 03 2024
08:00 • 22 Biggs Orca ◦T018 Esperanza,T019C Spouter,T063 Chainsaw,T065,T086As,T101s,T124As,T124Ds◦ breaching, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
08:50 • est. 7 Biggs Orca heading north from Powell River. These Orca split off from the bigger group observed earlier in the morning.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
09:00 • est. 15 Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ heading south off Myrtle Point mid Malaspina Strait. These Orca seperated from the bigger group observed earlier in the morning that were all in front of Powell River.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018 Esperanza, T019C Spouter, T063 Chainsaw, T065, T086As, T101s, T124As, T124Ds – breaching, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait
Fri, 3 May 2024 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018 Esperanza, T019C Spouter, T063 Chainsaw, T065, T086As, T101s, T124As, T124Ds – breaching, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait
Fri, 3 May 2024 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:20 • est. 12 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south-east between Black (Albion) Point and Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Moving slowly. Females close together. I watched for some time before a group of large males surfaced, at least 3. ▫ Observed from Shore
Elizabeth Kennedy, Powell River, BC
18:30 • 1 Biggs Orca heading west out from the Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Sat May 04 2024
12:02 • Biggs Orca doing circles, north of Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait. Small group.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales doing circles, north of Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait
Sat, 4 May 2024 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales doing circles, north of Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait
Sat, 4 May 2024 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:30 • est. 4 Biggs Orca travelling, heading north off Canadian Forces Base Comox, Georgia Strait. 1 large male, 2 females,1 juvenile. Diving 5 to 10 minutes at times. ▫ Observed from Shore
CW, Comox, BC
12:48 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca ◦T023Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south in front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
13:40 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca ◦T023Cs◦ off Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T023Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south at Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun May 05 2024
11:50 • 4 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north, Thurlow Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:55 • Biggs Orca between Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and Langdale Ferry Terminal, Collingwood Channel. Surface a couple of times.
Johan Axen, New Westminster, BC
12:04 • Biggs Orca heading north-east off Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading east, Hall Point, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south at Horn Point, Dent Rapids. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:30 • Biggs Orca off Egmont, Sechelt Inlet. Blowing and surfacing in the distance.
Johan Axen, New Westminster, BC
Mon May 06 2024
16:00 • est. 8-10 Biggs Orca playing, off Earls Cove Ferry Terminal, Agamemnon Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
IK, Halfmoon Bay, BC
Tue May 07 2024
10:00 • Biggs Orca heading north out from Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
15:00 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north hugging the Quadra shore Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed May 08 2024
15:00 • Biggs Orca, Lewis Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu May 09 2024
11:25 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:43 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north just north of Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri May 10 2024
15:30 • Biggs Orca hunting, between Sarah Point, Desolation Sound.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:45 • Biggs Orca hunting, outside Galley Bay, Desolation Sound. Pursuing a Sea Lion. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat May 11 2024
13:30 • 5 Biggs Orca heading south, Desolation Sound.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:30 • Biggs Orca milling, off Iron Point on Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:35 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south by Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:21 • est. 7-9 Biggs Orca heading north past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
19:48 • Biggs Orca heading north from Myrtle Point, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun May 12 2024
09:10 • est. 10-12 Biggs Orca heading north heading towards Rebecca Spit along the shore by Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:22 • 5 Biggs Orca ◦T023Cs◦ off Mink Island east past Galley Bay, Desolation Sound. They were observed having small dorsal fins.
12:29 • Biggs Orca ◦T023Cs◦ hunting, at Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait. They were observed eating the last of their catch.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:22 • 2 Biggs Orca heading north off Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
17:15 • 6 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ off Lund, Malaspina Strait. A very young calf was sighted with the pod. ▫ Observed from Shore
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
Mon May 13 2024
08:30 • Biggs Orca heading north in front of Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ From Ferry
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:10 • Biggs Orca heading south past Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. including 1 large male. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north just above No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:07 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south south of Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sun, 12 May 2024 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sun, 12 May 2024 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed May 01 2024
14:45 • est. 4 Orca moving slowly, heading south-west near Beecher Bay, East Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca. 2 adults and 2 babies. Viewed from East Sooke Trail . ▫ Observed from Shore
CC, Sooke, BC
Thu May 09 2024
13:00 • Orca close to the entrance to Ramsay Arm, Pryce Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed May 01 2024
14:59 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0523 Graze,BCY0865 Fern◦ heading south off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0523 Graze, BCY0865 Fern – heading south off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 1 May 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0523 Graze, BCY0865 Fern – heading south off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 1 May 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:41 • 2 Humpback Whales heading towards Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Thu May 02 2024
12:00 • 2 Humpback Whales South Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:58 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0523 Graze,BCY0865 Fern◦ heading north between Powell River Viewpoint and Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:40 • est. 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0523 Graze,BCY0865 Fern◦ moving slowly, heading south-east off Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Swimming very close together and close to shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Elizabeth Kennedy, Powell River, BC
Sun May 05 2024
11:22 • 2 Humpback Whales Sonora Point, Nodales Channel.
12:30 • 4 Humpback Whales heading west, Jackson Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:45 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading west by Thurlow Point, Nodales Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon May 06 2024
12:41 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off McMullen Point, Discovery Passage.
12:53 • 2 Humpback Whales south of McMullen Point. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:22 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading south at Wilfred Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed May 08 2024
11:54 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ milling, Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:50 • Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu May 09 2024
16:00 • 2 Humpback Whales Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri May 10 2024
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ milling, heading west off Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
Sat May 11 2024
09:10 • est. 1 Humpback Whales between Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal and Discovery Harbour Marina, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:25 • est. 1 Humpback Whales off Orange Point, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
16:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south at Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
18:15 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north-west off the west side of Bowen Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Maggie Heron, Cortes Island, BC
Mon May 13 2024
08:29 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north past Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ From Ferry
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue May 14 2024
06:30 • 1 Humpback Whales south of Point Cowan, Bowen Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0291 KC – surfacing
Wed, 8 May 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY0291 KC – surfacing
Wed, 8 May 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed May 01 2024
06:15 • 15 PWS Dolphins off the Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
Mon May 06 2024
08:45 • 15 PWS Dolphins off Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
14:00 • 15 PWS Dolphins milling, at Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:00 • est. 40-50 PWS Dolphins Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:00 • est. 15-20 PWS Dolphins foraging, heading south-west off Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
LG and WG, Powell River, BC
15:26 • PWS Dolphins foraging, in front of Willingdon Beach, Powell River.
Rick Thaddeus, Savary Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging, in front of Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 6 May 2024 – 1 items
Rick Thaddeus, Savary Island, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging, in front of Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 6 May 2024 – 1 items
Rick Thaddeus, Savary Island, BC
Fri May 10 2024
11:40 • PWS Dolphins By Hall Point off Sonora Island, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:12 • 12 PWS Dolphins milling, off Johnstone Bluff, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun May 12 2024
12:00 • 12+ PWS Dolphins in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
DALLS PORPOISE
Mon May 06 2024
09:35 • 6 Dalls Porpoise off Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat May 11 2024
11:00 • 4+ Dalls Porpoise foraging, around Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Apr 30 2024
16:00 • 2 Harbour Porpoise moving slowly, off the fish market in Sidney, Sidney Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
WG, Sidney, BC
Sun May 05 2024
13:00 • 2+ Harbour Porpoise Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES UNSURE
Wed May 01 2024
17:25 • est. 1-2 Species Unsure heading south-east betweeen Black (Albion) Point and Pocahontas Bay, Malaspina Strait. Two blows separated by less than a minute directly south of Black Point. A 3rd blow was observed about 5 minutes later at an indeterminate distance apparently SSE. [Possibley Humpback whales. -IN]. ▫ Observed from Shore
ST, Powell River, BC
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