September 1st, after a quiet night, started with the A23s and A25s returning from the east, coming into range in Johnstone Strait by 3:34am. They had been reported south of Chatham Point at 4pm the previous afternoon, With their sojourn into the Salish Sea completed they made their way slowly west up from the lower Johnstone Strait through the previous evening and night. While their calls stayed fairly distant for a while, a humpback whale was quite vocal on our remote hydrophone on Cracraft Island – a true sign of finally moving into the fall.
By 5:15am, the A23s stopped for a quick 2-minute fly-by rub on Strider Rubbing Beach, while the A25s stayed more offshore, before they all continued their westbound travel. By 6:13am, they had moved into the range of the remote Kaizumi Rubbing Beach system, where they stopped for another quick rubbing session by 7:26am before continuing west. Reaching the western end of Johnstone Strait, by 9:24am, these last calls aligned with a report of 9 orcas off Telegraph Cove heading towards Weynton Passage. Another report, this time on the PWWA also reported 9 orcas off Lizard Point on Malcolm Island, making us wonder if the A50s or A34s had returned once again and in time to greet the A5s coming from Weynton Pass. Groups of whales were seen off Bold Head by 1:07pm, slowly moving into range of the remote hydrophone in Blackney Pass. About half an hour later, we picked up distant A1 calls and echolocation confirming our guess of which matrilines were now approaching.
Meanwhile, life on the island was on the move. Fiona, Lea and Laura were wrapping up their time here, ready to go home with bags full of memories. But having to wait for the fog to clear it was decided to gather on the rocks to have the last of the leftover pizza. A sharp “orca shout” rapidly interrupted the party. Running to the deck, we soon witnessed one of the most beautiful and closest passes of the summer so far. With the A23s and A25s in lead, the A50s and finally A34s (minus the A62s) trailing slightly behind, the whales passed close to the Lab. We all felt like their close passing – but also the fog, which had kept delaying the planned boat trip – was a very special gift.
Half an hour later the whales had cleared towards Johnstone Strait, and so had the fog. Having no more excuses to keep Fiona, Lea and Laura here longer, it was time to get Sonic loaded up, soon followed by a teary goodbye. This island truly draws very special people, creates friendships and connections, so much more beyond “just” watching whales. Fiona, the best cook of the summer, gave us more than delicious meals – she brought warmth and comfort. Lea amazed us with her joyful craziness that filled every day with laughter. And Laura’s passionate Spanish outbursts will be missed as a unique part of the summer.
While Sonic headed out, the orcas in Johnstone Strait decided to circle Hanson Island, travelling west after milling and being non-directional for a while. Travelling through Weynton Passage by 5:30pm, Jackie spotted them off Donegal Head heading towards Queen Charlotte Strait half an hour later. They were now travelling in their respective matrilines. By 7:30pm, their calls faded away as they continued through Queen Charlotte Strait towards the west.
Even though we had to say goodbye today, we also welcomed Morgane to the island. Reminding us that each day has its ins and out of whales and people alike.
