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In a good number of English dialects [w] and [hw] have collapsed together.

Yep, to the point of /hw/ being considered comical by many speakers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonological_history_of_wh#Wine...

Edit: I just want to point out that despite what the map in the linked article says, the merger is complete in most of the urban areas in the Southeast as well. You'll usually only hear /hw/ in rural areas.

For me, it's the same consonant, but the vowel sound is very slightly longer in "whirred".

OTOH, that "wh" is pronounced /hw/ only reinforces his main argument.