Orca Behavior Institute
@orcabehaviorinstitute.org
A non-profit based on San Juan Island, Washington with the mission of inspiring conservation of wild killer whales through non-invasive research, bold advocacy, and science-based education.
www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org
www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org
The latest episode of @afterthebreach.bsky.social podcast is part 1 of a new series:
The Southern Resident orcas have now been endangered for 20 years. How did we get here, what have we done to help, and why aren't they recovering?
Listen in to the start of this important conversation.
#whalesky
The Southern Resident orcas have now been endangered for 20 years. How did we get here, what have we done to help, and why aren't they recovering?
Listen in to the start of this important conversation.
#whalesky
Episode 48 - Southern Resident Killer Whales: 20 Years Endangered - Part 1 | After the Breach Podcast
Part 1: How We Got Here
In this first episode of our multi-part series on Southern Resident killer whales, we step back to look at the full historical arc — from the pre-capture population, through th...
www.afterthebreachpodcast.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:47 PM
The latest episode of @afterthebreach.bsky.social podcast is part 1 of a new series:
The Southern Resident orcas have now been endangered for 20 years. How did we get here, what have we done to help, and why aren't they recovering?
Listen in to the start of this important conversation.
#whalesky
The Southern Resident orcas have now been endangered for 20 years. How did we get here, what have we done to help, and why aren't they recovering?
Listen in to the start of this important conversation.
#whalesky
We'll have an overall summary of 2025 to share soon, but for now here is our final monthly sightings map of the year summarizing killer whale sightings in the Salish Sea in December.
Read the full description for this map on our website here:
tinyurl.com/obidec2025
#orcas #whalesky
Read the full description for this map on our website here:
tinyurl.com/obidec2025
#orcas #whalesky
January 14, 2026 at 1:11 AM
We'll have an overall summary of 2025 to share soon, but for now here is our final monthly sightings map of the year summarizing killer whale sightings in the Salish Sea in December.
Read the full description for this map on our website here:
tinyurl.com/obidec2025
#orcas #whalesky
Read the full description for this map on our website here:
tinyurl.com/obidec2025
#orcas #whalesky
The world is a lot right now, but we can still take actions on the local level. In this BOLD action guide we've outlined a quick way Washington State residents can take action on a suite of bills that will impact the health of the Salish Sea. Each will just take a moment!
tinyurl.com/jan26bills1
tinyurl.com/jan26bills1
January 13, 2026 at 12:29 AM
The world is a lot right now, but we can still take actions on the local level. In this BOLD action guide we've outlined a quick way Washington State residents can take action on a suite of bills that will impact the health of the Salish Sea. Each will just take a moment!
tinyurl.com/jan26bills1
tinyurl.com/jan26bills1
Last week, we shared a post about our first orca encounter of the year on January 2nd, where we came across the T77s in Sidney Channel, BC.
Today, we are excited to share a highlight clip from that day, filmed and edited by Jason! We hope you enjoy it!
⭐️ Link to the 4K video in the comments!
Today, we are excited to share a highlight clip from that day, filmed and edited by Jason! We hope you enjoy it!
⭐️ Link to the 4K video in the comments!
January 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Last week, we shared a post about our first orca encounter of the year on January 2nd, where we came across the T77s in Sidney Channel, BC.
Today, we are excited to share a highlight clip from that day, filmed and edited by Jason! We hope you enjoy it!
⭐️ Link to the 4K video in the comments!
Today, we are excited to share a highlight clip from that day, filmed and edited by Jason! We hope you enjoy it!
⭐️ Link to the 4K video in the comments!
Today was another incredible day on the water: we caught up with the T19s who successfully took a Steller sea lion in western Haro Strait! The winter lighting was reminiscent of the photos you see of foraging killer whales in Norway.
#orcas #killerwhales #whalesky
#orcas #killerwhales #whalesky
January 11, 2026 at 1:39 AM
Today was another incredible day on the water: we caught up with the T19s who successfully took a Steller sea lion in western Haro Strait! The winter lighting was reminiscent of the photos you see of foraging killer whales in Norway.
#orcas #killerwhales #whalesky
#orcas #killerwhales #whalesky
Js and Ks have exited Puget Sound and could be visible and/or audible in Haro Strait later today 🤞🏻
#orcas #southernresidents #srkw #wssjis #whalesky
#orcas #southernresidents #srkw #wssjis #whalesky
January 8, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Js and Ks have exited Puget Sound and could be visible and/or audible in Haro Strait later today 🤞🏻
#orcas #southernresidents #srkw #wssjis #whalesky
#orcas #southernresidents #srkw #wssjis #whalesky
We have another BOLD action available to help guide you through three upcoming public comment periods that have the potential to impact the endangered Southern Resident killer whales and other coastal marine life:
tinyurl.com/janboldaction
Please join us in taking action on behalf of the orcas!
tinyurl.com/janboldaction
Please join us in taking action on behalf of the orcas!
January 8, 2026 at 6:14 PM
We have another BOLD action available to help guide you through three upcoming public comment periods that have the potential to impact the endangered Southern Resident killer whales and other coastal marine life:
tinyurl.com/janboldaction
Please join us in taking action on behalf of the orcas!
tinyurl.com/janboldaction
Please join us in taking action on behalf of the orcas!
This graph comparing Southern Resident killer whale monthly presence in the Salish Sea from 2015 to 2025 is a snapshot in time, but illustrates the longer-term trend of the whales no longer being here from May through August, the time period that used to be their peak.
#orcas #whalesky
#orcas #whalesky
January 7, 2026 at 6:44 PM
The last episode of our three-part Q&A with Monika from OBI and Michael from CWR is already up on our YouTube channel!
Make sure to check out the full video, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
ℹ️ You can find the link to the third episode in the comments below.
#whalesky #orca
Make sure to check out the full video, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
ℹ️ You can find the link to the third episode in the comments below.
#whalesky #orca
January 7, 2026 at 4:12 AM
As we wrap up logistics for 2025, we've taken some time to reflect on what OBI has accomplished over the last year.
2025 was fantastic, in large part thanks to our ever-growing community, and we are continually grateful for all of it!
Here are a few highlights "by the numbers".
2025 was fantastic, in large part thanks to our ever-growing community, and we are continually grateful for all of it!
Here are a few highlights "by the numbers".
January 5, 2026 at 12:48 AM
As we wrap up logistics for 2025, we've taken some time to reflect on what OBI has accomplished over the last year.
2025 was fantastic, in large part thanks to our ever-growing community, and we are continually grateful for all of it!
Here are a few highlights "by the numbers".
2025 was fantastic, in large part thanks to our ever-growing community, and we are continually grateful for all of it!
Here are a few highlights "by the numbers".
We only had to wait 2 days for our first orcas of 2026! We found the T77s near Sidney, BC and while on scene with them they met up with T73A2.
I only saw the T77s once in 2025, so certainly didn't expect them to be my first Bigg's killer whales of 2026!
#whalesky #salishsea
I only saw the T77s once in 2025, so certainly didn't expect them to be my first Bigg's killer whales of 2026!
#whalesky #salishsea
January 4, 2026 at 12:12 AM
We only had to wait 2 days for our first orcas of 2026! We found the T77s near Sidney, BC and while on scene with them they met up with T73A2.
I only saw the T77s once in 2025, so certainly didn't expect them to be my first Bigg's killer whales of 2026!
#whalesky #salishsea
I only saw the T77s once in 2025, so certainly didn't expect them to be my first Bigg's killer whales of 2026!
#whalesky #salishsea
1/2/26 at 17:19 - Bigg's killer whales audible on the Andrew's Bay hydrophone in Haro Strait off the west side of San Juan Island
live.orcasound.net/listen/andre...
#orcas #whalesky #wssjis
live.orcasound.net/listen/andre...
#orcas #whalesky #wssjis
January 3, 2026 at 1:20 AM
1/2/26 at 17:19 - Bigg's killer whales audible on the Andrew's Bay hydrophone in Haro Strait off the west side of San Juan Island
live.orcasound.net/listen/andre...
#orcas #whalesky #wssjis
live.orcasound.net/listen/andre...
#orcas #whalesky #wssjis
🎉 We are very excited to announce the winners of our Patreon Giveaway!
Congratulations to Margot K, who won a 6-month free membership at the Jack's Summer Camp tier, and to Rachel L, who won a 6-month free upgrade!
Thank you so much to our Patreon supporters and welcome to the new members!
Congratulations to Margot K, who won a 6-month free membership at the Jack's Summer Camp tier, and to Rachel L, who won a 6-month free upgrade!
Thank you so much to our Patreon supporters and welcome to the new members!
January 2, 2026 at 11:09 PM
🎉 We are very excited to announce the winners of our Patreon Giveaway!
Congratulations to Margot K, who won a 6-month free membership at the Jack's Summer Camp tier, and to Rachel L, who won a 6-month free upgrade!
Thank you so much to our Patreon supporters and welcome to the new members!
Congratulations to Margot K, who won a 6-month free membership at the Jack's Summer Camp tier, and to Rachel L, who won a 6-month free upgrade!
Thank you so much to our Patreon supporters and welcome to the new members!
Our final orca encounter of 2025 was an acoustic one on the evening of 12/29, as we heard Southern Resident calls for over 2 hours on the North San Juan Channel hydrophone!
You can listen to the recording of this bout here courtesy of @orcasound.bsky.social:
tinyurl.com/dec29bout
#whalesky
You can listen to the recording of this bout here courtesy of @orcasound.bsky.social:
tinyurl.com/dec29bout
#whalesky
December 31, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Our final orca encounter of 2025 was an acoustic one on the evening of 12/29, as we heard Southern Resident calls for over 2 hours on the North San Juan Channel hydrophone!
You can listen to the recording of this bout here courtesy of @orcasound.bsky.social:
tinyurl.com/dec29bout
#whalesky
You can listen to the recording of this bout here courtesy of @orcasound.bsky.social:
tinyurl.com/dec29bout
#whalesky
Join OBI's monthly giving community at patreon.com/orcabehavior as a free or paid member by 12/31 for a chance to win a 6 month subscription or tier upgrade!
We've also just released a freebie collection of content available to all so you can check out what we offer at different tiers.
#giveaway
We've also just released a freebie collection of content available to all so you can check out what we offer at different tiers.
#giveaway
December 29, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Join OBI's monthly giving community at patreon.com/orcabehavior as a free or paid member by 12/31 for a chance to win a 6 month subscription or tier upgrade!
We've also just released a freebie collection of content available to all so you can check out what we offer at different tiers.
#giveaway
We've also just released a freebie collection of content available to all so you can check out what we offer at different tiers.
#giveaway
Watch Monika try our whale edition of the Say the Word on the Beat challenge here, then give it a try yourself via the link below! Let us know how you do in the comments 😎
youtu.be/LPAbHARxd_Y
youtu.be/LPAbHARxd_Y
December 26, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Watch Monika try our whale edition of the Say the Word on the Beat challenge here, then give it a try yourself via the link below! Let us know how you do in the comments 😎
youtu.be/LPAbHARxd_Y
youtu.be/LPAbHARxd_Y
We have a whale-themed edition of the viral Say the Word on Beat game for you to try!
Look at the words on the screen for the first part of the song, then say them out loud in time with the red squares appearing. How long can you keep up with this tongue twister?
#saytheword #reindeergames
Look at the words on the screen for the first part of the song, then say them out loud in time with the red squares appearing. How long can you keep up with this tongue twister?
#saytheword #reindeergames
Say The Word On The Beat - Whale Edition
YouTube video by Orca Behavior Institute
youtu.be
December 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
We have a whale-themed edition of the viral Say the Word on Beat game for you to try!
Look at the words on the screen for the first part of the song, then say them out loud in time with the red squares appearing. How long can you keep up with this tongue twister?
#saytheword #reindeergames
Look at the words on the screen for the first part of the song, then say them out loud in time with the red squares appearing. How long can you keep up with this tongue twister?
#saytheword #reindeergames
⏰ REMINDER: Today is the last day to send your comments! A big thank you to all of you who have already sent yours!
📣 Important action alert: your comments are needed by December 22nd to help protect the Endangered Species Act!
Our BOLD Action guide helps guide you through the process:
tinyurl.com/boldactionesa
Comments can be brief but it's important many people register their opposition to these changes!
Our BOLD Action guide helps guide you through the process:
tinyurl.com/boldactionesa
Comments can be brief but it's important many people register their opposition to these changes!
December 22, 2025 at 7:41 PM
⏰ REMINDER: Today is the last day to send your comments! A big thank you to all of you who have already sent yours!
We’re excited to share that Part 2 of our three-part Q&A with Monika from OBI and Michael from the Center for Whale Research is up on our YouTube channel!
This is just a sneak peek, make sure to check out the full video!
ℹ️ You can find the link to the second episode in comments.
This is just a sneak peek, make sure to check out the full video!
ℹ️ You can find the link to the second episode in comments.
December 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
We’re excited to share that Part 2 of our three-part Q&A with Monika from OBI and Michael from the Center for Whale Research is up on our YouTube channel!
This is just a sneak peek, make sure to check out the full video!
ℹ️ You can find the link to the second episode in comments.
This is just a sneak peek, make sure to check out the full video!
ℹ️ You can find the link to the second episode in comments.
Faint Biggs killer whale calls heard on N San Juan Channel hydrophone from 8:30-8:45ish. Listen live here:
live.orcasound.net/listen/north...
#wssjis #orcas #whalesky
live.orcasound.net/listen/north...
#wssjis #orcas #whalesky
Orcasound - North San Juan Channel
live.orcasound.net
December 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Faint Biggs killer whale calls heard on N San Juan Channel hydrophone from 8:30-8:45ish. Listen live here:
live.orcasound.net/listen/north...
#wssjis #orcas #whalesky
live.orcasound.net/listen/north...
#wssjis #orcas #whalesky
T34 Grace, a 50+ year old Bigg's killer whale great-grandmother, is sporting a bit of a different look! We saw her and her family as part of a T-Party last weekend, and the notch on the trailing edge of her dorsal fin has gotten larger. We can only speculate what she's been up to!
#whalesky #orcas
#whalesky #orcas
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Lately, the bad weather has kept us from getting out to look for whales, so we’ve been looking back at some of our favorite summer encounters.
One encounter that really stands out for us was on July 1, 2023.
Here’s a short highlight clip from the longer video available on our YouTube channel!
One encounter that really stands out for us was on July 1, 2023.
Here’s a short highlight clip from the longer video available on our YouTube channel!
December 19, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Lately, the bad weather has kept us from getting out to look for whales, so we’ve been looking back at some of our favorite summer encounters.
One encounter that really stands out for us was on July 1, 2023.
Here’s a short highlight clip from the longer video available on our YouTube channel!
One encounter that really stands out for us was on July 1, 2023.
Here’s a short highlight clip from the longer video available on our YouTube channel!