In the early hours of August 2nd, the A23s continued their eastbound movement into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, but shortly thereafter reversed direction. Their familiar calls were heard again on our remote hydrophone at Cracroft Point. Not long after, they turned eastward again, with vocalizations picked up at Strider Rubbing Beach by 3:30am. A brief rubbing event occurred at Strider Rubbing Beach between 5:56am and 6:01am, after which the family resumed their eastbound travel, exiting the range of our remote hydrophone network by 6:23am.
While the A54s were present in Johnstone Strait, our remote hydrophone in Blackfish Sound detected the characteristic calls of the A30s (A54 matriline) at 5:22am. These vocalizations continued through the early dawn hours until 8:07am and acoustically illuminated the thick morning fog in front of the Lab. At 8:44am, there were additional sightings in Blackfish Sound.
After several hours of relative quiet—what, in retrospect, felt like the calm before the storm—we received an exciting report from Alexandra Morton at 11:26am that at least 20 orcas had been observed entering Weynton Passage, including members of the A4s (A64s). This was later confirmed by an ID photo of A78. Even more excitingly, a photograph confirmed the presence of I104 from the I35s. By 11:52am, our remote hydrophones picked up the first distant A4 calls on the remote Strider Rubbing Beach hydrophone after the whales had emerged from Weynton Pass and entered Johnstone Strait. Around the same time, the A23s re-entered the area from the east and engaged in a brief rubbing session between 12:06pm and 12:23pm. Meanwhile, Jared Tower reported sightings of the I33s among the group exiting Weynton Passage – just before we began hearing the distinctive ping-like calls of the I31 pod. The Lab was abuzz with excitement. The A54s, I33s, I35s were being led by the A64s into Johnstone Strait and we soon heard a chorus of A1, A4, and I31 calls echoing throughout the western end of Johnstone Strait. The A64s reached Strider Rubbing Beach first, pausing for a short rubbing session between 2:37pm and 2:44pm before continuing eastward toward Main Rubbing Beach and then out of range.
In the meantime, Paul, Helena, and two assistants went out to assess the condition of our remote station at Cracroft Point (CP). The 25 year old shelter had not fared well over the last year or so and was showing the effect of age and weather. The persistent wet conditions over the winter had deteriorated the wood, unfortunately making it very questionable for anyone to use the shelter this summer. While standing on the platform at “CP”, the crew was able to observe the orcas passing to the east. The I33s were closest and Freddy got a fairly decent picture of I45’s tall distinctive fin. Most of the whales were on the far Vancouver Island side followed by the flotilla of whale watch boats.
At a quarter to 4, the A54s and I31s reached Critical Point, and through our remote camera, we observed them porpoising and breaching as they entered Strider Rubbing Beach. At 3:58pm, the A23s began rubbing there as well, before heading offshore to make room for the I31s and A54s. The groups remained spread out along the shoreline between Strider and Main Rubbing Beach, moving back and forth using both beaches. Their excited calls and audible “chuffs” – the sound of their bodies rubbing over smooth pebbles until they resumed their eastward travel at 5:17pm. Though the water is quite murky from the summer heat it was possible to see many whales on the remote underwater camera.
By 6:47pm, the A23s were observed at Critical Point heading west, while A54 vocalizations were also detected at Main Rubbing Beach, likewise traveling westbound. At 7:28pm, Scotty reported sightings of the I31s and A23s offshore opposite Robson Bight resting and socializing. Twenty minutes later, the calls of the A54s were also picked up.
After their rest, the I31s returned to Strider Rubbing Beach for another rubbing session in the soft light of the evening, beginning at 8:02pm and continuing until 8:27pm, before leaving our remote hydrophone network while traveling east.
At 9:15pm, the A54s returned from the east, beginning another rubbing session at Strider Rubbing Beach. Approximately 30 minutes later, their calls were joined by those of the I31s, who were also returning from the east.
Something we are following are the recent reports and images of A75 (Cedar) and her young. There is doubt that her newest 2025 baby has survived and that A127 (Wolf) is looking thin. Cedar herself is thin and lethargic. Their situation is being monitored closely.
By 10:09pm, we heard distant vocalizations again from the A23s as they re-entered the area from the east. The evening progressed relatively quietly and slowly with only occasional A23 calls and intermittent I31 “pings” reminding us of the whales’ presence in the eastern part of Johnstone Strait. By that time, even though there was a slow trend to the west from the A54s, I33s, I35s, I68s and A23s, the A64s had not yet returned to within our remote hydrophone network.
Another busy day at the Lab came to an end, marked by the arrival of new groups, abundant whale activity, and both encouraging and concerning news.
Words by Freddy
