28 May 2008, Orcanetwork report:
We heard J pod on orcasound at Lime Kiln at 9:43 AM.
Susan and Howard, Orca Network
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Beam Reach was with orcas (likely J pod) today, beginning west of Iceberg Pt, S. Lopez Island (Latitude:48.5302 Longitude:-123.1706) at 1515, moving W/NW. Their last report was north of Lime Kiln, west San Juan Island at 1642 (Latitude 48.5302 Longitude:-123.1706 ).
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J pod, Lime Kiln, 22 members of J pod milling entered the study area heading north at 1516, leaving the study area at 1605. These whales were accompanied by two boats in the study area, one a CG cutter, 755 yds. out at 1601. There were 10 boats accompanying them just outside the study area. 9 tailslaps and 6 cartwheels recorded. Considerable vocalization.
Bob Otis
*
J pod - Pender Island, between 7:30pm and 8:45pm, we observed members of J-Pod pass Thieves Bay on Pender Island. We were on shore and counted 19-20 orcas in total. They were well spread out, heading north and with J26 leading the way. A female and calf followed quite close behind him (J16 and J42?). A little ways behind these three were another female and, what appeared to be, another calf. The first whales were travelling quite quickly, but as more swam by their behaviours varied: some obvious foraging, several pec and tail slaps, a couple of breaches and one spy hop. Most of the pod were a fair distance offshore so identification was difficult. J1 was seen 1000 metres offshore close to the back of the group. J34 was the only other male that we were able to specifically ID, but at least one other was present. There wasn't a single power or sailboat in sight, well there was one whale watching boat near Oaks Bluff, but it left before J-Pod reached Thieves Bay.
Richard Philpot, Pender Island
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J pod - Pender Island 2025 . We just had three whales off our property on Mouat Point, North Pender Island. The male has a definite Port side bend to the dorsal fin, the other two appeared to be smaller, with smaller dorsal fins; females or juveniles? They were feeding and there was one huge leap before they continued Northwestward up Swanson Channel. Oops, just caught the sounds and brief sight of 3 or 4 more, following the first group. no id of any.
Marti Tilley
woensdag 28 mei 2008
dinsdag 27 mei 2008
27 May 2008, Orcanetwork Reports:
It's 0030 as I write this but I'm not hearing anything on the hydrophones.
A few minutes later: Just as I sent that previous email through I began to hear J pod calls on the Orca Sound hydrophone! It's 12:39am Tues 27th May and I can just hear them over the cargo ship going by.
Tim Hunt Orca Spirit Naturalist/former Beam Reach student
*
We headed straight for Point Roberts in hopes of meeting J-Pod who was at the coal docks and traveling south towards the Rosario Strait. We got positive ID's on J-1, J-2, J-16, J-42, J-26, and J-11. J-26, aka Mike, also breached over five times right in front of us! They were spy hopping, pec slapping, tail lobbing, breaching, and cartwheeling about.
Megan Young, naturalist (San Juan Safaris)
*
We started our trip today with the news that J-pod was up at Sandy Point (near Vancouver BC) and heading north. Eventually Ivan said it looks good and off we went to Point Roberts. As we all eagerly searched for dorsal fins alas there was J1. It was almost as if he wanted to make sure we saw him. He logged on the surface for 2 minutes; you could not miss him. He did this a few times before joining up with J26 & J27 for some male bonding.
Alison Engle, Naturalist, Western Prince Cruises, Friday Harbor, WA
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Capt. Jim Maya called to report J pod 1 mile off the east tip of Pt. Roberts at 3:30 pm, heading south down Rosario, maybe toward Boundary Pass.
It's 0030 as I write this but I'm not hearing anything on the hydrophones.
A few minutes later: Just as I sent that previous email through I began to hear J pod calls on the Orca Sound hydrophone! It's 12:39am Tues 27th May and I can just hear them over the cargo ship going by.
Tim Hunt Orca Spirit Naturalist/former Beam Reach student
*
We headed straight for Point Roberts in hopes of meeting J-Pod who was at the coal docks and traveling south towards the Rosario Strait. We got positive ID's on J-1, J-2, J-16, J-42, J-26, and J-11. J-26, aka Mike, also breached over five times right in front of us! They were spy hopping, pec slapping, tail lobbing, breaching, and cartwheeling about.
Megan Young, naturalist (San Juan Safaris)
*
We started our trip today with the news that J-pod was up at Sandy Point (near Vancouver BC) and heading north. Eventually Ivan said it looks good and off we went to Point Roberts. As we all eagerly searched for dorsal fins alas there was J1. It was almost as if he wanted to make sure we saw him. He logged on the surface for 2 minutes; you could not miss him. He did this a few times before joining up with J26 & J27 for some male bonding.
Alison Engle, Naturalist, Western Prince Cruises, Friday Harbor, WA
*
Capt. Jim Maya called to report J pod 1 mile off the east tip of Pt. Roberts at 3:30 pm, heading south down Rosario, maybe toward Boundary Pass.
maandag 26 mei 2008
26 May 2008, Orcanetwork Report:
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research relayed a report of J pod off Sheringham Pt. (So. Vancouver Island), heading west out of the Strait of Juan de Fuca at about 1:30 pm.
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J Pod heading back in! They made it to Sheringham Pt. before turning around. Should be near San Juan late tonight! (Later) Hearing vocals of J's at 11:30 PM!!! YIPPEEE!
John Boyd (JB) Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
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Just letting you know that we left J pod at 1940 , and they were about 5 miles south of the entrance to Victoria Harbor, heading east. They were all within a 1/2 mile of each other, travelling slowly east. Seems as though they turned around at about 1400 and headed back east along the coast of southern Vancouver Island. Perhaps we'll see them back around San Juan in the morning.
Tim Hunt Orca Spirit Naturalist/former Beam Reach student
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Jpod coming back East at 1730 off Sooke.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research relayed a report of J pod off Sheringham Pt. (So. Vancouver Island), heading west out of the Strait of Juan de Fuca at about 1:30 pm.
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J Pod heading back in! They made it to Sheringham Pt. before turning around. Should be near San Juan late tonight! (Later) Hearing vocals of J's at 11:30 PM!!! YIPPEEE!
John Boyd (JB) Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
*
Just letting you know that we left J pod at 1940 , and they were about 5 miles south of the entrance to Victoria Harbor, heading east. They were all within a 1/2 mile of each other, travelling slowly east. Seems as though they turned around at about 1400 and headed back east along the coast of southern Vancouver Island. Perhaps we'll see them back around San Juan in the morning.
Tim Hunt Orca Spirit Naturalist/former Beam Reach student
*
Jpod coming back East at 1730 off Sooke.
Ron Bates, MMRG, Victoria B.C.
zondag 25 mei 2008
25 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
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Beam Reach was with orcas (likely J pod) today, beginning west of Iceberg Pt, S. Lopez Island (Latitude:48.4212 Longitude:-122.9184) at 1515, moving W/NW.
Their last report was north of Lime Kiln, west San Juan Island at 1748 (Latitude:48.5278 Longitude:-123.178).
Lime Kiln, 16:56 - J pod milling/north - 9 members of J pod passed through the study area beginning at 1656 heading north. Three powerboats accompanied them. Left the study area at 1732. 17:52 - J pod turned around north of the study area and reentered the study area heading south at 1752. At least 22 members of J pod were seen, at least 7 of whom passed by close to the kelp. 5 powerboats accompanied these whales, with one approaching within 50 yards of the whales about 1834. 1850 was the reported time the last whale left the study area heading south. At 1855, 4 more whales, including J30, passed by just outside the kelp, heading south.
Bob Otis, Lime Kiln, west San Juan Island
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*
Beam Reach was with orcas (likely J pod) today, beginning west of Iceberg Pt, S. Lopez Island (Latitude:48.4212 Longitude:-122.9184) at 1515, moving W/NW.
Their last report was north of Lime Kiln, west San Juan Island at 1748 (Latitude:48.5278 Longitude:-123.178).
Lime Kiln, 16:56 - J pod milling/north - 9 members of J pod passed through the study area beginning at 1656 heading north. Three powerboats accompanied them. Left the study area at 1732. 17:52 - J pod turned around north of the study area and reentered the study area heading south at 1752. At least 22 members of J pod were seen, at least 7 of whom passed by close to the kelp. 5 powerboats accompanied these whales, with one approaching within 50 yards of the whales about 1834. 1850 was the reported time the last whale left the study area heading south. At 1855, 4 more whales, including J30, passed by just outside the kelp, heading south.
Bob Otis, Lime Kiln, west San Juan Island
*
zaterdag 24 mei 2008
24 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
We had an incredible day with J Pod today! The afternoon was spent off South Beach watching five whales as they headed south and toward Salmon Bank Buoy. They did a lot of traveling south, then foraging and heading out into Haro Strait, only to turn and work back toward the beach. These were all J Pod females and youngsters.
On our evening trip we found J Pod, grouped up and traveling around the south eastern tip of Lopez Island. The question was, will they go across Rosario and toward Deception Pass? Or up Rosario Strait? The whales got really active as they rounded the tip of Lopez. Then they split a little into sub groups, and yes! They headed up Rosario Strait! The evening light was outstanding, the water was calm, and the puffing breaths of these amazing animals very clear. There were many tail slaps, a few breaches, some spy hopping, then more speedy travel. Ruffles had quite a crowd around him as he majestically came to the surface, and then slowly disappeared - going down, down, down. Another sub group with Polaris, J-28 was on the flank. On this surprisingly warm afternoon - evening it was such a pleasure to watch the whole family head north with good energy. It was easy to spot J-26, J-30, J-19, J-41, as well as J-16 and J-42.
We left the J's at Bird Rocks in Rosario Strait at 6:35 p.m. and headed back to the west to Friday Harbor.
~Nan Simpson Naturalist - Western Prince Cruises
*
Beautiful flat day on the water. Extraordinary ballet of J Pod today off Salmon Bank . J-Pod reported north bound near Cyprus Island, seen off the ferry around 7:00p.m. this evening. Report called in by Mary Masters on her return home ferry trip, after winter. She works for Monterey Aquarium, is a volunteer for the MRC also works for Orcas Island Eclipse Charters as a naturalist.
Denise Wilk, Orcas Island
We had an incredible day with J Pod today! The afternoon was spent off South Beach watching five whales as they headed south and toward Salmon Bank Buoy. They did a lot of traveling south, then foraging and heading out into Haro Strait, only to turn and work back toward the beach. These were all J Pod females and youngsters.
On our evening trip we found J Pod, grouped up and traveling around the south eastern tip of Lopez Island. The question was, will they go across Rosario and toward Deception Pass? Or up Rosario Strait? The whales got really active as they rounded the tip of Lopez. Then they split a little into sub groups, and yes! They headed up Rosario Strait! The evening light was outstanding, the water was calm, and the puffing breaths of these amazing animals very clear. There were many tail slaps, a few breaches, some spy hopping, then more speedy travel. Ruffles had quite a crowd around him as he majestically came to the surface, and then slowly disappeared - going down, down, down. Another sub group with Polaris, J-28 was on the flank. On this surprisingly warm afternoon - evening it was such a pleasure to watch the whole family head north with good energy. It was easy to spot J-26, J-30, J-19, J-41, as well as J-16 and J-42.
We left the J's at Bird Rocks in Rosario Strait at 6:35 p.m. and headed back to the west to Friday Harbor.
~Nan Simpson Naturalist - Western Prince Cruises
*
Beautiful flat day on the water. Extraordinary ballet of J Pod today off Salmon Bank . J-Pod reported north bound near Cyprus Island, seen off the ferry around 7:00p.m. this evening. Report called in by Mary Masters on her return home ferry trip, after winter. She works for Monterey Aquarium, is a volunteer for the MRC also works for Orcas Island Eclipse Charters as a naturalist.
Denise Wilk, Orcas Island
24 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
J-Pod was foraging on the southwest side (near salmon bank) and we got an incredible show. The sun was shining, the air was warm, the sea was calm, and J-Pod was active! It was orca paradise out there on the water and our Memorial weekend guests had a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Sea Lion began our encounter watching three females, but then turned closer to shore to be with the Kittiwake and a group of orcas they were observing. J-28, J-26, J-14, and J-42 were all confirmed in this group and just as we were approaching the Kittiwake an orca exploded out of the water in one of the closest breaches we've had yet! The whale conveniently jumped about 115 yards off the port side of the Kittiwake and about 150 yards in front of the Sea Lion!!! We believe it was J-26 who breached, but it happened so suddenly that we didn't get the greatest look at who it was. J-Pod has been good to us lately and we send them many thanks for such a great show!
Megan Young, Naturalist with San Juan Safaris
J-Pod was foraging on the southwest side (near salmon bank) and we got an incredible show. The sun was shining, the air was warm, the sea was calm, and J-Pod was active! It was orca paradise out there on the water and our Memorial weekend guests had a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Sea Lion began our encounter watching three females, but then turned closer to shore to be with the Kittiwake and a group of orcas they were observing. J-28, J-26, J-14, and J-42 were all confirmed in this group and just as we were approaching the Kittiwake an orca exploded out of the water in one of the closest breaches we've had yet! The whale conveniently jumped about 115 yards off the port side of the Kittiwake and about 150 yards in front of the Sea Lion!!! We believe it was J-26 who breached, but it happened so suddenly that we didn't get the greatest look at who it was. J-Pod has been good to us lately and we send them many thanks for such a great show!
Megan Young, Naturalist with San Juan Safaris
vrijdag 23 mei 2008
May 23 Orca Network reports:
Lime Kiln - 7 members of J pod passed through the study area milling, beginning at 1137 heading north. Turned around at 1210, headed south in the study area. 4 kayaks and two powerboats accompanied them.
Bob Otis
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On May 23th at 2155 PDT I've hear J pod calling on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone. At 22:00there was some echo location. The calls, mostly S1, continues until 22.43 PDT.
Jan van Twillert Netherlands
http://www.orcinusorca.nl
Lime Kiln - 7 members of J pod passed through the study area milling, beginning at 1137 heading north. Turned around at 1210, headed south in the study area. 4 kayaks and two powerboats accompanied them.
Bob Otis
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On May 23th at 2155 PDT I've hear J pod calling on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone. At 22:00there was some echo location. The calls, mostly S1, continues until 22.43 PDT.
Jan van Twillert Netherlands
http://www.orcinusorca.nl
dinsdag 20 mei 2008
maandag 19 mei 2008
19 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
1100 - J pod was heading east off Iceberg.
Peter Hamilton
Lifewatch Boater Awareness Program
Life Whale and Dolphin Hotline
We saw just part of J pod off Iceberg Point, Lopez Island yesterday at about noon - I know we saw J26, J27, J30 (whose fin has really sprouted!), J16 with calf J42. Not sure who else was with this group, we did not see J1. A wonderful quiet day with them as they were moving slowly, spent a lot of time at the surface and were making their way south/southwest when we left them.
Darcie Larson
Naturalist on Clipper III
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We had a report of a small group of orcas (appx. 6-7) near Iceberg (Lopez Island). It was part of J-Pod! We had J14, J26, J27, J30, J40 and 2 others just rolling around on top of one another, pushing each other around, rolling in kelp, logging on the surface, sticking their noses out of the water, tail lobbing, and a couple of large surface percussives. Our afternoon trip we had J16, J26, and J42 about 8 miles south of the morning location (the rest of J-Pod was spread out over a 5-7 mile radius) and again it was so neat to see a family grouping just milling about somewhat aimlessly in the glassy waters. J42 gave us quite the treat as he breached 6 times!
John Boyd (JB)
Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
1100 - J pod was heading east off Iceberg.
Peter Hamilton
Lifewatch Boater Awareness Program
Life Whale and Dolphin Hotline
We saw just part of J pod off Iceberg Point, Lopez Island yesterday at about noon - I know we saw J26, J27, J30 (whose fin has really sprouted!), J16 with calf J42. Not sure who else was with this group, we did not see J1. A wonderful quiet day with them as they were moving slowly, spent a lot of time at the surface and were making their way south/southwest when we left them.
Darcie Larson
Naturalist on Clipper III
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We had a report of a small group of orcas (appx. 6-7) near Iceberg (Lopez Island). It was part of J-Pod! We had J14, J26, J27, J30, J40 and 2 others just rolling around on top of one another, pushing each other around, rolling in kelp, logging on the surface, sticking their noses out of the water, tail lobbing, and a couple of large surface percussives. Our afternoon trip we had J16, J26, and J42 about 8 miles south of the morning location (the rest of J-Pod was spread out over a 5-7 mile radius) and again it was so neat to see a family grouping just milling about somewhat aimlessly in the glassy waters. J42 gave us quite the treat as he breached 6 times!
John Boyd (JB)
Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
zondag 18 mei 2008
18 May Orca Network reports
At 5AM a report came into our Hotline about orcas Heading North off Point Roberts. At 0645 I saw the end of some orcas moving fast Heading South off the Point. So did I miss Js? No. At 0845 a large number of orcas were also Heading South. This time some breaches 100 feet off shore. While Whale Watch Companies first found Js at Alden Bank at 1145 I was miles north of them with other Js. They all went into Rosario and I left them spread out in calm waters just East of Java Rocks at 1645.
Peter Hamilton
*
1:30-2:30 ish p.m. - J pod off Lummi Island - very very spread out and heading south towards Rosario Strait and Lummi Rocks - couple of good size sprouter boys out there - wow!
Penny Stone
Lummi Island
At 5AM a report came into our Hotline about orcas Heading North off Point Roberts. At 0645 I saw the end of some orcas moving fast Heading South off the Point. So did I miss Js? No. At 0845 a large number of orcas were also Heading South. This time some breaches 100 feet off shore. While Whale Watch Companies first found Js at Alden Bank at 1145 I was miles north of them with other Js. They all went into Rosario and I left them spread out in calm waters just East of Java Rocks at 1645.
Peter Hamilton
*
1:30-2:30 ish p.m. - J pod off Lummi Island - very very spread out and heading south towards Rosario Strait and Lummi Rocks - couple of good size sprouter boys out there - wow!
Penny Stone
Lummi Island
zaterdag 17 mei 2008
17 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
J pod was here. The pod traveled up west San Juan Island in the morning, turned around at Lime Kiln and made wonderfully close passes along the beach. Many calf spyhops, almost as many adult spyhops, lots of the spyhops? where they come way out of the water and fall backwards, tail lobs, tail slaps, and rolling over and rolling over each other. J27 (Blackberry) was doing many angled dives seemingly right on top of other whales. As they went south in the afternoon fighting the flood tide, they swam in place in some of the rip currents for up to half an hour or more. It seemed they were exhibiting lots of the behaviors you see in superpods.
Sharon Grace, San Juan Island
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J POD passing by Andrews Bay at 8:30 PM heading north very slowly. I was on my way out around 7:30 but the water got pretty rough, but by the time I saw them at 8:30, the water was flat calm again. Last saw them passing Kellett Bluff still going north!
John Boyd (JB), Chore-Bound Naturalist
J pod was here. The pod traveled up west San Juan Island in the morning, turned around at Lime Kiln and made wonderfully close passes along the beach. Many calf spyhops, almost as many adult spyhops, lots of the spyhops? where they come way out of the water and fall backwards, tail lobs, tail slaps, and rolling over and rolling over each other. J27 (Blackberry) was doing many angled dives seemingly right on top of other whales. As they went south in the afternoon fighting the flood tide, they swam in place in some of the rip currents for up to half an hour or more. It seemed they were exhibiting lots of the behaviors you see in superpods.
Sharon Grace, San Juan Island
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J POD passing by Andrews Bay at 8:30 PM heading north very slowly. I was on my way out around 7:30 but the water got pretty rough, but by the time I saw them at 8:30, the water was flat calm again. Last saw them passing Kellett Bluff still going north!
John Boyd (JB), Chore-Bound Naturalist
vrijdag 16 mei 2008
16 May 2008, Orca network reports:
At about 1240, while surveying for marbled murrelets from R/V Rosi, I came across J pod passing by Iceberg Point heading towards San Juan Island. They were moving at about 5kts in classic "groups spread out" formation, probably occupying at least one square mile of water. I was able to see J19, J41, J16, J36, and J42 together with J26 a bit farther out, followed by the J11's, then the J22's and J17's together, while what I'm assuming were all of the J14's passed by about .5 miles away (I could only confirm J30 but he was with two other female-sized and a juvenile, which would make sense). Other animals were passing by well outside of binocular range. We left them as they were passing Long Island and approaching Middle Channel.
-Adam Ü USFS/CWR
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Thanks to Jim's email, we tuned into OrcaSound and heard orca calls from 8:51-8:56 am, then a large ship passed by & the calls stopped.
Susan & Howard, Orca Network
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We are seeing J Pod right out in front of my house, just south of Henry Island, headed north.Summer is here for a couple of days. 0836 hrs.
Capt. Jim Maya, San Juan Island
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We watched J pod foraging and playing a few miles off Saturna heading eastward towards Point Roberts. We got great looks at J-1 and J-26 as well as a group of unidentified J-Pod females. They seemed to be in high spirits and breached and spy hopped multiple times. We even got looks at a dozen Steller Sea Lions hauled out on Boiling Reef as well as Harbor Seals hauled out nearby.
Megan Young, naturalist (San Juan Safaris)
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Js past East Point at approx. 2PM Heading towards Point Roberts.
Peter hamilton
At about 1240, while surveying for marbled murrelets from R/V Rosi, I came across J pod passing by Iceberg Point heading towards San Juan Island. They were moving at about 5kts in classic "groups spread out" formation, probably occupying at least one square mile of water. I was able to see J19, J41, J16, J36, and J42 together with J26 a bit farther out, followed by the J11's, then the J22's and J17's together, while what I'm assuming were all of the J14's passed by about .5 miles away (I could only confirm J30 but he was with two other female-sized and a juvenile, which would make sense). Other animals were passing by well outside of binocular range. We left them as they were passing Long Island and approaching Middle Channel.
-Adam Ü USFS/CWR
*
Thanks to Jim's email, we tuned into OrcaSound and heard orca calls from 8:51-8:56 am, then a large ship passed by & the calls stopped.
Susan & Howard, Orca Network
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We are seeing J Pod right out in front of my house, just south of Henry Island, headed north.Summer is here for a couple of days. 0836 hrs.
Capt. Jim Maya, San Juan Island
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We watched J pod foraging and playing a few miles off Saturna heading eastward towards Point Roberts. We got great looks at J-1 and J-26 as well as a group of unidentified J-Pod females. They seemed to be in high spirits and breached and spy hopped multiple times. We even got looks at a dozen Steller Sea Lions hauled out on Boiling Reef as well as Harbor Seals hauled out nearby.
Megan Young, naturalist (San Juan Safaris)
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Js past East Point at approx. 2PM Heading towards Point Roberts.
Peter hamilton
donderdag 15 mei 2008
Js traveling south west of San Juan Island
15 May 2008,Orcanetwork report
Bill Applegate called Orca Network to report at least 2 orcas, observed from Joseph Whidbey State Park from 10-10:15 am. They were between NW Whidbey and Lopez Island, way out in the channel, heading SW toward Smith Island. There was one adult male and one female. The timing is right that this could have been some of the J's coming down from up north before swinging up the west side of SJI - Sb
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2:20 pm: I just talked to Captain Pete on the Odyssey and they are with J Pod (2:00pm) about ½ mile south of the Lime Kiln lighthouse on the Westside of San Juan Island.
Erin Ancich, San Juan Excursions
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Update at 3:25 pm: We have confirmation. We saw J19, J41, J16, J36 and J42 ½ mile south of the lighthouse on the West Side of San Juan Island.
Captain Pete, Odyssey,
Erin Ancich, San Juan Excursions
Bill Applegate called Orca Network to report at least 2 orcas, observed from Joseph Whidbey State Park from 10-10:15 am. They were between NW Whidbey and Lopez Island, way out in the channel, heading SW toward Smith Island. There was one adult male and one female. The timing is right that this could have been some of the J's coming down from up north before swinging up the west side of SJI - Sb
*
2:20 pm: I just talked to Captain Pete on the Odyssey and they are with J Pod (2:00pm) about ½ mile south of the Lime Kiln lighthouse on the Westside of San Juan Island.
Erin Ancich, San Juan Excursions
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Update at 3:25 pm: We have confirmation. We saw J19, J41, J16, J36 and J42 ½ mile south of the lighthouse on the West Side of San Juan Island.
Captain Pete, Odyssey,
Erin Ancich, San Juan Excursions
woensdag 14 mei 2008
Js in Enterprise Channel
14 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
J's are apparently in Enterprise Channel heading north at 1225.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
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I've heard we had transients out today, and J-Pod was heading back north up Swanson, and through Active Pass.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Friday Harbor
*
We found J-Pod coming through Active Pass at 1:15 p.m. We had heard that they were near Enterprise Reef up at the top of Swanson's Channel, so our route today took us to the east entrance of Active Pass in the Strait of Georgia. We decided to wait in Miner Bay and as soon as we settled in, we sighted a huge breach as the lead whale came "around the bend" in Active Pass. Most of the whales stuck close to the north side of the pass, with a few stops for foraging off the ferry landing. We floated along in the current, watching as what must have been the entire family, picked up speed and moved on, out into the Strait of Georgia. Ruffles and Granny went way up to the north, an outer escort of two? The rest of J-Pod moved along in smaller sub pod groups, stopping to tail slap, pec slap, do a few belly rolls, and then continue on across toward the Fraser River. As we left, about 2:15 p.m., I noticed J-26, Mike, as he stopped to do a fast turn around, some foraging behavior, and then onward toward the river.
~Nan Simpson, Western Prince
*
J's are apparently in Enterprise Channel heading north at 1225.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
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I've heard we had transients out today, and J-Pod was heading back north up Swanson, and through Active Pass.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Friday Harbor
*
We found J-Pod coming through Active Pass at 1:15 p.m. We had heard that they were near Enterprise Reef up at the top of Swanson's Channel, so our route today took us to the east entrance of Active Pass in the Strait of Georgia. We decided to wait in Miner Bay and as soon as we settled in, we sighted a huge breach as the lead whale came "around the bend" in Active Pass. Most of the whales stuck close to the north side of the pass, with a few stops for foraging off the ferry landing. We floated along in the current, watching as what must have been the entire family, picked up speed and moved on, out into the Strait of Georgia. Ruffles and Granny went way up to the north, an outer escort of two? The rest of J-Pod moved along in smaller sub pod groups, stopping to tail slap, pec slap, do a few belly rolls, and then continue on across toward the Fraser River. As we left, about 2:15 p.m., I noticed J-26, Mike, as he stopped to do a fast turn around, some foraging behavior, and then onward toward the river.
~Nan Simpson, Western Prince
*
dinsdag 13 mei 2008
Beam Reach students observed J pod
13 May 2008, Orca Network report:
J pod were found near the bottom of Rosario Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director
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The Beam Reach students/staff with Marla Holt aboard are with J pod as of 2:19 pm viewing breaches and tail lobs, but hearing no vocalizations. The pod is traveling around S. Lopez Island heading NW.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach
*
We saw J-Pod in Rosario Channel in three distinct groups slowly heading south. In the lead group was the very recognizable and distinctive ruffled dorsal fin of J-1 Ruffles, who was surrounded by 10-12 of his family clan, including his mom J-2 Granny. We watched them for awhile as they made slow, lazy surfacings with an occasional tailslap. Then we moved to watch the back group of whales which included J-22 Oreo, her two youngsters (Double Stuff and Cookie), as well as J27 Blackberry. This group was a bit more boisterous, with Blackberry pushing Doublestuff around on the surface a couple of times. Then J27 gave us a nice viewing of his belly as he swam upside down for a bit. The whales were spread out probably over 1 mile as they slowly made their way down the Strait.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
*
Beam Reach met up with J-pod about a nautical mile south of Bird Rocks in Rosario Strait between 2:00 and 2:30pm. We followed them south as they hugged the shore of Lopez Island in a rather spread out fashion. We observed lots of exciting surface behaviors such as pectoral slapping, tail slapping, breaches, half breaches and spy hopping. We had deployed a hydrophone array off the stern of our vessel, the Gato Verde, consisting of three hydrophones as well as a high frequency hydrophone, also off our stern. The whales were not vocalizing for at least 45 minutes when we first got to them, luckily, however, the pod became very acoustically active for a short period of time, emitting a large amount of echo location clicks, S1, S3, and S4 calls, and surprisingly, an unusual amount of whistles. They soon fell silent again and intermittently made echo location clicks and S1 calls. As the whale watching fleet slowly left the vicinity, the whales became more and more spread out and we left them at 5:30pm near the Salmon Bank buoy. They seemed to be milling non- directionally, though we got a message from Orca Spirit stating that they were slowly moving west when they left the scene at around 7:00pm.
Dominique, writing for Beam Reach
J pod were found near the bottom of Rosario Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director
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The Beam Reach students/staff with Marla Holt aboard are with J pod as of 2:19 pm viewing breaches and tail lobs, but hearing no vocalizations. The pod is traveling around S. Lopez Island heading NW.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach
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We saw J-Pod in Rosario Channel in three distinct groups slowly heading south. In the lead group was the very recognizable and distinctive ruffled dorsal fin of J-1 Ruffles, who was surrounded by 10-12 of his family clan, including his mom J-2 Granny. We watched them for awhile as they made slow, lazy surfacings with an occasional tailslap. Then we moved to watch the back group of whales which included J-22 Oreo, her two youngsters (Double Stuff and Cookie), as well as J27 Blackberry. This group was a bit more boisterous, with Blackberry pushing Doublestuff around on the surface a couple of times. Then J27 gave us a nice viewing of his belly as he swam upside down for a bit. The whales were spread out probably over 1 mile as they slowly made their way down the Strait.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Western Prince
*
Beam Reach met up with J-pod about a nautical mile south of Bird Rocks in Rosario Strait between 2:00 and 2:30pm. We followed them south as they hugged the shore of Lopez Island in a rather spread out fashion. We observed lots of exciting surface behaviors such as pectoral slapping, tail slapping, breaches, half breaches and spy hopping. We had deployed a hydrophone array off the stern of our vessel, the Gato Verde, consisting of three hydrophones as well as a high frequency hydrophone, also off our stern. The whales were not vocalizing for at least 45 minutes when we first got to them, luckily, however, the pod became very acoustically active for a short period of time, emitting a large amount of echo location clicks, S1, S3, and S4 calls, and surprisingly, an unusual amount of whistles. They soon fell silent again and intermittently made echo location clicks and S1 calls. As the whale watching fleet slowly left the vicinity, the whales became more and more spread out and we left them at 5:30pm near the Salmon Bank buoy. They seemed to be milling non- directionally, though we got a message from Orca Spirit stating that they were slowly moving west when they left the scene at around 7:00pm.
Dominique, writing for Beam Reach
maandag 12 mei 2008
J pod in Georgia Straight
12 May 2008, Orca Network reports:
Lifeforce received a report to our Whale and Dolphin Hotline that approx. 20 orcas were in Georgia Straight heading south off the Fraser River, BC. We confirmed that it was J pod when they passed Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, WA at dusk. J's spent nearly 3 peaceful days in BC waters. Off the park they were moving fast and did two great breaches.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director
*
We had a few reports of killer whales in the Strait of Georgia last week: 12-15 killer whales seen from the Duke Point to Tsawwassen ferry on several trips during the evening (probably J pod?)
Alana Phillips, B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network
*
Lifeforce received a report to our Whale and Dolphin Hotline that approx. 20 orcas were in Georgia Straight heading south off the Fraser River, BC. We confirmed that it was J pod when they passed Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, WA at dusk. J's spent nearly 3 peaceful days in BC waters. Off the park they were moving fast and did two great breaches.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director
*
We had a few reports of killer whales in the Strait of Georgia last week: 12-15 killer whales seen from the Duke Point to Tsawwassen ferry on several trips during the evening (probably J pod?)
Alana Phillips, B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network
*
zaterdag 10 mei 2008
J Pod offshore of the Fraser River
Orca Network reports:
J Pod off Fraser River, Strait of Georgia. We located J Pod at approximately 11:30 AM, offshore of the Fraser River. They were headed south at the time, and very spread out. They did a few directional changes in the time that boats were with them, and were last seen on our second outing at approximately 3:30 PM, heading Northwest from Point Grey, Vancouver. We observed several foraging lunges, and lots of pursuit behaviour, so hopefully they were finding lots to eat.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch
J Pod off Fraser River, Strait of Georgia. We located J Pod at approximately 11:30 AM, offshore of the Fraser River. They were headed south at the time, and very spread out. They did a few directional changes in the time that boats were with them, and were last seen on our second outing at approximately 3:30 PM, heading Northwest from Point Grey, Vancouver. We observed several foraging lunges, and lots of pursuit behaviour, so hopefully they were finding lots to eat.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch
vrijdag 9 mei 2008
J pod seen off Lime Kiln
Orca Network reports:
Just talked to Capt Mike on our boat and they are with the whales (J pod) right now - 2:13 pm - off lime kiln.
Colleen, San Juan Safaris
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I'm very pleased to hear a few calls on the hydrophone again (started at 14:38 and continuing now - 14:52 @ Lime Kiln). Val passed on this sighting report from Shann of the Western Prince: J pod heading north at Eagle Point this morning at 11am. I'll upload some recordings to OrcaSound shortly. Update: Scott called in at 3:40 pm reporting J pod calls on the OrcaSound hydropone, the calls began at 3:29 pm.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School
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Yes, J's are back and all present except J43 (as noted in an earlier report - unfortunately this new J pod calf was last seen and photographed Nov. 24th off Whidbey Island - sb). They looked fat and healthy yesterday, but were very spread out.
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
Just talked to Capt Mike on our boat and they are with the whales (J pod) right now - 2:13 pm - off lime kiln.
Colleen, San Juan Safaris
*
I'm very pleased to hear a few calls on the hydrophone again (started at 14:38 and continuing now - 14:52 @ Lime Kiln). Val passed on this sighting report from Shann of the Western Prince: J pod heading north at Eagle Point this morning at 11am. I'll upload some recordings to OrcaSound shortly. Update: Scott called in at 3:40 pm reporting J pod calls on the OrcaSound hydropone, the calls began at 3:29 pm.
Scott Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School
*
Yes, J's are back and all present except J43 (as noted in an earlier report - unfortunately this new J pod calf was last seen and photographed Nov. 24th off Whidbey Island - sb). They looked fat and healthy yesterday, but were very spread out.
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
J pod passes San Juan Island very spread out
The Center for Whale Research reports:
May 9, 2008
J pod
Begin Encounter: 12:12 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 49.61 N
Start Long: 123° 13.02 W
End Encounter: 3:56 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 55.21 N
End Long: 123° 18.11 W
Observers: Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit.
J pod spread out at mid-day heading north in Haro Strait. All accounted for, except J43 who has been missing all of this year and is presumed dead. In a routine vessel avoidance maneuver, J 26 dives in front of a cruise ship in transit that did not see him. The following day the pod was off the Fraser River entrance, and almost to Lion's Gate Bridge in Vancouver by nightfall.
May 9, 2008
J pod
Begin Encounter: 12:12 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 49.61 N
Start Long: 123° 13.02 W
End Encounter: 3:56 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 55.21 N
End Long: 123° 18.11 W
Observers: Ken Balcomb and Dave Ellifrit.
J pod spread out at mid-day heading north in Haro Strait. All accounted for, except J43 who has been missing all of this year and is presumed dead. In a routine vessel avoidance maneuver, J 26 dives in front of a cruise ship in transit that did not see him. The following day the pod was off the Fraser River entrance, and almost to Lion's Gate Bridge in Vancouver by nightfall.
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