The day started with faint calls on Strider Rubbing Beach, with a mix of A25 and A34 calls starting just past 2am. However, by around 4am, the A25’s calls were fading, leaving the A34s to take over. They started out their solo career with some particularly funk calls and plenty of what Momoko said sounded like imitations of R calls. It’s suspected that the A62s were among them too, identified through their buzzy calls. As morning approached the family became increasingly vocal across Strider and Main Rubbing Beach.
Then, just before 6am, the A34s made a visit to Strider Rubbing Beach! For about 10 minutes the soundscape was filled with close calls, echolocation and plenty of chuffs before the rub ended around 6:09am. Excited calls continued afterwards as the 34s moved west, their calls gradually shifting towards Critical Point and Kaizumi.
Mid-morning, the family had made their way through Weynton and into Blackfish Sound. The A62s split off around Bold Head while the rest of the A34s remained closer to Weynton. A55 had initially carried on west past Stephenson Island while the others stalled near the passage, but they eventually rested together while A55 caught up.
The morning soon found everyone spreading into Blackfish Sound again. The A62s were foraging closer to Swanson Island while the rest of the A34s crossed over in small groups. Plenty of calls and echolocation were heard on Flower Island, too. We also received a report that the A42s were down in Nodales Channel!
The A34s remained around Blackfish Sound for much of the afternoon, eventually grouping up and crossing towards the Hanson Island side. From there, they meandered a bit…west past Spout island, east again, then west once more. Seems they had a bit of trouble agreeing on a single direction. However, by 5:16pm they had emerged from Plumper Passage and continued west out of view towards Weynton.
Farther east, the A25s were reported at the top of Clio Channel and later heading into Knight Inlet, with possibly even more residents farther south. Back at the Lab, a humpback let out a bubble net feeding call and a few vocals on Flower Island around 7:30pm. It may be time to start our wagers on what time the humpbacks will start vocalising in the night again. Back at the Lab, a humpback let out a bubble-net feeding call followed by a few of its vocals on Flower Island around 7:30pm, bringing the day to a close. At this point, it may be time to start placing our daily wagers on what time the humpbacks will begin their nightly serenade.
All in all, another busy day for the orcas, from an early morning rub to an afternoon spent weaving their way around. We look forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!
