Orca Nation » Audio

3 Brothers, Cracroft disappearance

orcanation — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:04:57 +0000

This is a post dedicated to the legendary 3 brothers known as the A36′s. They are a small group of northern resident orcas (killer whales) who frequent the north of Vancouver Island during the summer season. This season they returned but have not since been sighted with brother A32 aka Cracroft. It’s possible as pointed out by Orca Lab that he is deceased. With this news, I wanted to celebrate this small and special brotherhood here. Every year that I have traveled north (since 2005) they have been a major part of my experience. Weather seen from Mackay Whale Watching, Stubbs Island Whale Watching, Seasmoke Whale Watching or the shores of Malcolm Island, they have always been there. Last year in particular was very special when I saw them passing Malcolm Island and making brilliant vocals on the (Friends of the Wild Side / Bere Point Research Camp) hydrophone. During that time period, we also saw them traveling with A12 since her son (Nimpkish) A33 had not returned with her the previous year (presumed dead). It was heart warming to see the group together. Please enjoy the photos and video below.

Here is the excerpt taken from the Orca Live website stating the sighting;

“CetaceaLab reports that a large group of northern resident whales were nearby yesterday (June 15). The group included the A5s, A24s, A34s, Cs and Ds. The A36s were also there along with A12. This is the second sighting of the A36s with A12. Sadly, it looks as if A32 (Cracroft) is now gone as he was not seen during either encounter. He will be missed very much. On another track, Paul is off to the IWC. The meeting is being held in Agadir, Morocco this year. We have set up a blog on www.orcalab.org (link at the top right) so that he will be able to post summaries and comments during the meeting. It is a crucial year for the IWC and for whales. The threat to resume commercial whaling is a very real possibility.
Helena
16 Jun 2010 08:27:59 PDT”

Also, check out this great video from last summer of the 3 Brothers produced by Rachael Griffin

Northern Residents

orcanation — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:06:45 +0000

As things in the south become more tense and condensed with people and politics, I have been more and more inclined to escape to the north where the vibe is so completely different. I do love the south very much however I do end up needing breaks from it. Up here, it’s possible to watch whales without being around people and that is a nice bonus. To be situated on the shoreline in the wilderness… It’s a different experience and it’s very sacred to me. I have been going up north since 2003 (since Luna – he is the one who got me into all this) and have been returning every year. This year I managed to get up there 3 times to my secret spot that I love so much. Above you can see some of the media from those trips.

On the last trip I managed to witness something really incredible. Firstly, I heard the A36 brothers call all alone in the Queen Charlotte Strait. There was not a boat that day in the strait and the calls echoed incredibly. They were calling out, as if to be responded to, I am assuming they were looking for A12. A12 (an elder) lost her son this past year (A33 Nimpkish) and has been traveling solo sometimes when she is not with the 3 big boys who have seemed to adopted her as their step mom. The day after the calls, we saw the A36′s traveling in the strait with A12. They were not calling at that point. It’s an amazing observation to have, to share this understanding that orcas are like people, need friends and family and ultimately love and companionship in their lives… It is my dream to move up there in the future. Where I can access those days, standing alone on the shoreline, just me and an orca… Yes it is possible.

RIP Michael Jackson

orcanation — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:14:05 +0000

I can’t think of a better way to remember this musical legend then by featuring a video our orca friends; Keiko and the southern resident killer whales. From the movie Free Willy, this song was written by Michael and is a story of Keiko’s journey to freedom. Ironically both stars in this video are in the galaxy now hopefully together enjoying the mystery beyond our realm. Our entire world has been unified by the death of a man who touched all our lives through music, what an incredible impact he has made. Thank you.

Will you be there…

Looking Back & Ahead

orcanation — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:10:29 +0000

This is a video slide show of some of my photos of killer whales from 2003 to 2007. I selected some of my favorites out of approximately 5000 photos shot during that time. I have seen some interesting times, seen some of the orcas come and go, but as the song says; lucky time never stops … we go on and in the near future I will be encountering more orcas, taking new photos and new videos to later look back on… Cheers to new experiences and those that have past. I have been fortunate to capture it. This has been a life altering journey.

I have witnessed the story of the orcas hit epic heights. I remember my first whale watching trip back in 1997, no one was around and we were hanging out with a group of whales which are partially now deceased, it was actually Luna’s matriline before he was born.. Interesting no?. Little I would realize later in time, that I would be witnessing one of the planet’s most dramatic stories of life. I felt the power but at the time didn’t realize to what proportion was unfolding although i’d seen it in my dreams. I left Ryerson immediately upon graduating with the hopes of following this dream of orcas and here we are. It’s not always been easy and at points it’s left me devastatingly heart broken but has it been worth it? Yes. I am grateful to the entire Orca community who have allowed me to stand and take my position to cover my own story, of magic. The whale watching industry, the scientific community, non profit, government and the general public. All have been necessary for me to accomplish this unique mix of perspectives. Gracias todo.

Orcagirl Photos from Chantelle Tucker on Vimeo.

Jpod on Lime Kiln

orcanation — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:14:04 +0000

Recorded from Orca Sound tonight! Jpod was live on the hydrophone talking for hours! It was very exciting to hear them. Please enjoy this audio clip. To know more about where you can hear them please visit http://www.orcasound.net

Jpod blablablabla from Chantelle Tucker on Vimeo.

Sonar recorded on Orca Sound

orcanation — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:47:43 +0000

Early morning of April 8, 2009 I heard sonar for several hours on the Orca Sound hydrophones which are located in the southern resident feeding habitat in Haro Strait. Although I realize military exercises are common and important, and that military care about marine life (yes I have friends and family involved in military), I am voicing a concern for the mammals that could be harmed by exercises like these. In the process of keeping our species safe, it is disturbing to think that we are hurting other life who are innocent to our human dramas. I am all about safety but let’s keep all safe.

As a hazardous waste management student at UVic (Environmental and Occupational Health), I feel compelled to comment. I suppose my argument is that our human security issues are our issues and we should be careful not to impose the impacts onto other life (as we already do in so many ways). I am troubled at times by the human ego and it’s perception of our placement in life being above and beyond others.

Do you believe in karma? Do you understand how manifestation works? All of our behaviors ripple across life (the universe) weather we know it or not, like it or not. On the internet, I see one sided comments on this issue. I see whale advocates basically being called “retards”, so be it then I am a retard.

For a comprehensive view of this sonar event please see the Beam Reach Blog

Please see this link for those audio clips I recorded and a link to the blog post I had made; http://www.orcanation.com/sonar/.

And if we have not forgotten, a recent article outlining new protection under the law for these animals, in these places.

“The government issued an order under the Species at Risk Act this week that legally protects the areas where northeast Pacific northern and southern resident populations of killer whales live. It also enhances the government’s ability conduct inspections and investigations and fine parties who damage those areas, although it does not include specifics about what would constitute damage.

According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans resident killer whale recovery team, the animals are threatened by declining salmon stocks, increased boat traffic, toxic contamination, and loud underwater noises from dredging. Recent counts show 85 individuals remain in the southern population and around 245 in the northern population.”

Feds boost protection for killer whales after being sued

Active Sonar from Chantelle Tucker on Vimeo.