On 14 May a young Brydes (pronounced “Broo dus”) Whale washed ashore near Port McNeill. This species of whale typically inhabits waters further south and this was the first positive occurrence in British Columbia. The Marine Education and Research Society, based in Port McNeill, was contacted and they immediately informed the ‘Namgis First Nation who then soon performed a blessing ceremony in honour of `ancestral ties. A necropsy was then performed to determine cause of death. It will be months before there are any results. The “Namgis graciously permitted the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove to begin the process of securing the skeleton for eventual display. The Whale Interpretive Centre, known affectionally as the “WIC”, on 1 January had tragically burned down and all the mounted whale and other species skeletons, including that of an adult Fin Whale, were lost forever. Now this unexpected gift! Although it will be a long while before the Brydes Whale will be ready, the resilient WIC plans to open again this summer under a tent with a few skeletons which had been fortunately elsewhere at the time of the fire.
In the meantime, the Northern Resident families began to return to British Columbia’s north coast, dropping “down” from southeast Alaskan waters following the migration of salmon back to their natal waters. Pretty soon, in about a month, this parade to these waters will begin and our summer will truly get underway. It is gratifying to witness these recurring rhythms. Stay tuned for new stories about Holly, Bend, Fife and Simoom!
In the absence of Northern Residents, Bigg’s orcas travelled in and out of the area comfortably on several occasions. Right at month’s start they made their presence known with a few calls during the night. On 12 May the T099s passed Alert Bay and made a wide tour of the area. On 15 May we made a three hour long recording as Bigg’s orcas moved in and out of Blackfish Sound. We had only a brief look at one individual who ventured into our sights before returning to Blackfish Sound. Three days later, 18 May, a small group travelled north crossing paths with the Humpback Whale, Argonaut, going the opposite direction. After a bit of splashing, each went on their way. There have been only a few humpback vocals, nothing very sustained – that will come later in the year. On 24 May there was yet another Bigg’s sighting in Blackfish. Then on 26 and 27 May an adult male, who was thought to be T011A, travelled around on his own. Adult Bigg’s orcas are known to separate from family from time to time.
Making May even more interesting were the growing number of Dall’s Porpoise, indications of Pacific White-sided dolphins and the return of Minke Whales.
Much of May was taken up with the task of getting ready for summer. Spring cleaning and getting those systems put to bed for winter, back up and running. Thanks to Quin and Jeff, power was restored to the rubbing beach systems so that once again we, in addition to listening, will be able to observe this very special place that will soon be full of incredible activity once again as the Northern Residents engage with each other.
