iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 3h

Here is a link to our website where you can find different ways to make a donation. Thank you very much! 🙏 www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/donate

orcabehaviorinstitute.org

Donate | Orca Behavior Institute

Donate today and see how donations from people like you help our conservation and research efforts.

010

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 04/10/2026

Got to meet the newest member of the T36A1s today! This little one, who has received the designation T36A1B from Bay Cetology, was first documented on September 26th and appears to be a few weeks old. #orcas #killerwhales #whalesky #salishsea

A trio of Bigg's killer whales surfaces together in the central Salish Sea. The middle one is a young calf just a few weeks old.

318330

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 02/10/2026

TGIF! Here's hoping your weekend brings you moments like this one 🤩 This photo was taken last Sunday as T19C Spouter and T65A3 Amir rounded the north end of Henry Island. With some awesome early autumn weather in the forecast, we can't wait to see what this weekend has in store! #whalesky #orcas

Two bull Bigg's killer whales surface side by side, their breaths backlit against a dark island. The silhouette of a person is also visible on the shoreline behind them.

0282

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 29/09/2026

HR 9621 would allow for additional exemptions under the MMPA broadening how pinnipeds could be killed in the name of protecting listed salmon stocks. Christopher Dunagan's latest article goes into the issue in depth. A long read, but well worth it to learn about this controversial topic.

eopugetsound.org

Congress debates lethal removal of seals and sea lions in Puget Sound | Encyclopedia of Puget Sound

A proposed amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act has renewed a debate over the merits of killing seals and sea lions to protect salmon. Proponents say it will help some endangered salmon popul...

147

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 29/09/2026

Two bulls on Saturday (T49A2 and T49C), and two different bulls on Sunday! We were lucky enough to catch up to the T19s with T65A3 Amir. The group was split into pairs and 19 year-old T65A3 traveling in close association with 25 year-old T19C Spouter for the duration of our encounter. #whalesky

Two male Bigg's killer whales surfacing side by side in calm blue waters with a forested island in the background

0395

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 27/09/2026

LAST CALL on our fundraising auction! Bidding ends tonight at 10 PM. Get in on the bidding wars for some of our hottest items, snag one of the remaining deals, or donate directly to support our work. Help us reach our goal via the link below: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

OBI Auction Hot List with a collage of items that are still available before bidding ends tonight including the rare Behavioral Biology of Killer Whales book, a vintage orca fleece, lucky orca mugs, the T123s painted on driftwood; and a mosaic fin of J19 Shachi. Bidding ends tonight at 10 PM!

161

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 27/09/2026

My favorite dynamic duo - T49A2 Jude and his uncle T49C Neilson - were on an absolute rampage this afternoon off Orcas Island. At a minimum, we think they took 4 seals over the course of 50 minutes! 😳 #orcas #salishsea #whalesky

Two bull Bigg's killer whales surfacing side by side close to a rocky shoreline

0214

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 26/09/2026

With a wide array of gift cards, gift certificates, and gift baskets, our online auction is a great opportunity to support our work while making a purchase you might make anyway for a restaurant, hotel stay, massage, wine-tasting....the list goes on and on! www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

A collage of photographs highlighting items in OBI's online fundraising auction which ends on Sunday. Available items include gift certificates, gift cards, or gift baskets from Hama Hama Oysters, Captain Whidbey Inn, Chukar Cherries, Seabear Smokehouse, San Juan Vineyard, Swinomish Lodge, Gorjana Jewelry, and Pagliacci Pizza.

042

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 25/09/2026

Support our ongoing work while also snagging yourself the opportunity to get on the water to enjoy the wildlife and beauty of the Salish Sea! Gift certificates are available from four different departure locations and are valid through 2027. Browse and bid here: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

Text over a Salish Sea map that reads "Salish Sea Whale-Watch Experiences. Friday Harbor, Anacortes, Seattle, Victoria. Available in the OBI Auction 9/23 to 9/27".

062

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 24/09/2026

Our auction is off to a roaring start, reaching 60% of our goal in the first 24 hours! 🎊 Today we want to highlight some quintessential Seattle experiences available via tickets and gift certificates in our auction. Browse all of these listings and more here: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

Seattle experiences available via the OBI auction which runs from September 23rd to 27th. A photo collage highlights the Seattle Aquarium, PWHL Seattle Torrent hockey, Burke Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, and Ivar's Seafood.

081

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 23/09/2026

Our auction is now LIVE and open for bidding! 🎊 Included are rare opportunities to snag merch from our previous limited edition fundraisers: ✽ J-Pod Boy Band tees ✽ Salish Sea Tour crew necks ✽ Indy-pendent hat Browse it all and get your early bids in here: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

A graphic with the text "OBI Auction 9/23 - 9/27. From the Vault. Bidding Now Open!" Three photos show available merchandise including a Salish Sea Tour tan crew neck sweatshirt, a dark blue J-Pod Boy Band T-shirt with a white graphic featuring J49, J45, J38, J44, and J47, and a blue and white Indy-pendent trucker hat showing T65A5 Indy carrying a crab pot buoy.

131

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 23/09/2026

The T19s are changing their status from San Juan Spring whales to San Juan September whales! 🍂 We've had several encounters with them this month, including this evening right outside Friday Harbor where T19B Galiano did a spyhop next to his brother T19C Spouter. #orcas #whalesky #salishsea

T19B Galiano, an adult male Bigg's killer whale, spyhops alongside his brother T19C Spouter. The water looks silvery and both their blows are backlit against a dark forested background.

2399

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 22/09/2026

Bidding opens in less than 24 hours! Our online auction features dozen of items, including these unique experiences: ★ 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘀 ★ 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗱𝗲-𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ★ 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗼𝗻-𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗸𝗮 Browse all listings here: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

An info graphic with the text "Available in OBI's online auction. Bidding opens 9/23-9/27. Choose your own adventure..."

Overlaid on a purple hand-drawn, fantasy style map in the background are three mystical cards with drawings and the text "Birding with Amanda", "Tidepooling with Brooke", and "Zoom call with Monika".

030

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 21/09/2026

Our online auction features original Southern Resident killer whale artwork inspired by our Orca Action Month project last June! Browse the link to see all listings, including these custom pieces of L25, J19, J36, J40 and J63, and J46. Bidding opens Weds! www.32auctions.com/OBI2026 #whalesky

A collage of artwork featured exclusively in OBI's online auction, including:

🔹 Life sized stone mosaic of J19 Shachi - measures 36" x 41", created by Carly Marshiano
🔹 L25 Ocean Sun painting - measures 38" x 48", created by Annalisa Miller
🔹 J36 Alki painting - measures 30" x 40", created by Val Unger
🔹 Miniature fused glass fin of J46 Star - measures 14" tall, created by Sarah Plane
🔹 Watercolor print of J40 Suttles with J63 Ts’ele7álhse - measures 11" x 14", created by Sara Shimazu

060

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 21/09/2026

In the presence of three more legends this evening 🤩 T19 Nootka, estimated to be over 60 years old, flanked by her sons T19B Galiano and T19C Spouter off the west side of San Juan Island. #orcas #killerwhales #salishsea #whalesky #wssjis

A trio of Bigg's killer whales silhouetted in the setting sun as they surface in Haro Strait off San Juan Island, Washington

210420

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 20/09/2026

OBI's online auction is open for browsing, with bidding open from Wed 9/23 to Sun 9/27. We've curated dozens of unique items including some that hearken back to the 90s: Beanie Babies, Lisa Frank, Free Willy, and more! Create an account to start marking your faves: www.32auctions.com/OBI2026

A graphic in the style of a 90s doodle sheet on lined paper with the text "What's the 411 on OBI's Auction?" Includes a collage of images showing Free Willy memorabilia, Beanie Babies, a Lisa Frank stationary set, and vintage orca clothing. A handwriting font directs the viewer to 32 auctions dot com slash OBI2026.

0105

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 20/09/2026

Always an honor to be in the presence of these two legends: T65 Whidbey and her son T63 Chaninsaw, this afternoon in Boundary pass. #orcas #whalesky #salishsea

An adult male Bigg's killer whale known as T63 Chainsaw surfaces alongside his mother, T65 Whidbey. The to whales are surfacing in the calm blue seas of Boundary Pass north of the San Juan Islands, Washington, with the Canadian Gulf Islands visible in the background.

147660

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 19/09/2026

In a lovely moment from J-Pod's visit to the west side of San Juan Island on September 14th, J56 Tofino and J57 Phoenix were swimming in tandem, at times physically in contact with one another. Perhaps allo-kelping? #orcas #southernresidentkillerwhales #salishsea #whalesky

Two juvenile Southern Resident killer whales surfacing side by side in Haro Strait in the San Juan Islands, Washington.

022534

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 15/09/2026

On September 6, Samish Indian Nation held a naming ceremony for J63, the youngest member of J-Pod. She will be known as “Ts’ele7álhse”, meaning “heart of the Salish Sea”. Read the article at the link below for additional information about the ceremony. www.goskagit.com/anacortes/th...

goskagit.com

'They have always been our relatives': Samish Indian Nation names baby orca

The Samish Indian Nation held a naming ceremony Sunday, Sept. 6, for the region’s latest baby Southern Resident orca whale.

2498

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 15/09/2026

We're back with our third and final staff ID challenge, and it's a doozy as we pit Sara against Monika in an SRKW flashcard showdown. Who do you think prevailed? Take a watch and find out! #orcas #whalesky #salishsea

070

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 13/09/2026

The T60 brothers have been cruising close to shore off the west side of San Juan Island several times this week, including stopping for a seal hunt off County Park this morning. This beautiful spyhop is from T60E Lynx. They went on to circle Henry Island 4 times and counting this afternoon! #orcas

Bigg's killer whale T60E Lynx spyhopping off San Juan Island, Washington next to his brother T60D Onca

330740

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 11/09/2026

Here is another look at our August orca sightings stats throughout the Salish Sea: - T36/T36Bs were seen every single day in August. - SRKW returned (13 sightings) after being absent entirely in August 2025. - The largest group of Bigg's killer whales (24) was spotted near Race Rocks on 8/22.

An infographic summarizing some stats from the Orca Behavior Institute's August 2026 tracking of killer whale sightings throughout the Salish Sea

0131

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 10/09/2026

August is in the books and what a month it was for orca sightings in the Salish Sea! Read how the month played out compared to our predictions here: www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/sightings-ma...

Orca Behavior Institute's August 2026 killer whale sightings map with different colored dots indicating different unique sightings

0193

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 09/09/2026

Here's a short video clip highlighting J-Pod's pass in Haro Strait on the morning of September 8th, 2026 🥰 They were in two tight groups moving quickly south. They continued offshore towards the banks and slowly westbound, but we hope they'll be back soon! #orcas #srkw #salishsea #whalesky

0216

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 08/09/2026

Watching orcas in the Salish Sea is often a study in contrasts, as it was this morning with J-Pod heading south in Haro Strait while a cargo ship went north. The underwater soundscape is dominated by ferries and shipping traffic, but this time of year a voluntary slow-down effort helps reduce noise

A tight group of endangered Southern Resident killer whales heads south in Haro Strait. Towering over them is the M/V Swift Arrow, a cargo ship heading north to Richmond, BC

0182

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 08/09/2026

On September 4th, J-Pod exited Admiralty Inlet and started their trek north to the Strait of Georgia. They passed the west side of San Juan Island at dusk, giving us just a glimpse of them before it got too dark to see. Here is a serene video highlight compilation of the encounter. #orcas #whalesky

youtu.be

J-Pod at Dusk

YouTube video by Orca Behavior Institute

0296

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 07/09/2026

A unique quartet of whales made their way down San Juan Channel this morning: T63 Chainsaw T65 Whidbey T65A3 Amir T137A Jack We find these type of social associations - whether or brief like today or longer term - endlessly fascinating. #whalesky #orcas #salishsea #wssjis

From left to right T65A3, T137A, and T65

Jack and Chainsaw surface side by side in Cattle Pass

1222

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 05/09/2026

It has been a lovely start to September in the Salish Sea with all 3 Southern Resident pods already paying a visit. Yesterday, Js came north out of Admiralty and reached San Juan just before it was too dark to see. Here's J62 - already almost 2 years old! - zipping her way up the west side at dusk.

Southern Resident killer whale J62 heading north up the west side of San Juan Island on the evening of September 4

1377

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 04/09/2026

9:45 at least one killer whale eastbound from Eagle Point #wssjis

180

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 04/09/2026

17:30 presumed SRKW visible well offshore of Salmon Bank heading generally up island #wssjis

051

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 03/09/2026

Mark your calendars for Sep 23-27 for OBI's online fundraising auction! We have curated a spectacular array of unique items and experiences for you to bid on, including whale watch trips, artwork, gift certificates, and more. We will let you know when the full list is ready to be browsed.

A save the date memo showing September 2026 with the dates 9/23-9/27 highlighted for OBI's online auction. A collage of photographs tease some of the items including whale-watching trips, orca artwork, Pacific Northwest food and beverages, and other experiences.

041

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 02/09/2026

T137A Jack has been getting a lot of attention thanks to his recent spree of breach fests! He's been traveling mostly with T36 and the T36Bs: his grandmother, aunt, and cousins. The rest of the T137s have been MIA since early June. Will there be a calf with them when they return? 👀 #whalesky

T137A Jack, a 24 year-old adult male Bigg's killer whale. This photograph was taken off the west side of San Juan Island on August 31.

0417

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 02/09/2026

9:10 second group southbound off Point George #wssjis

020

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 02/09/2026

8:40 killer whales westbound from Pear Point into Griffin Bay #wssjis

140

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 01/09/2026

AI is an emerging and unavoidable key issue, and we feel it's important to be transparent about how OBI will make decisions around AI usage. Learn more about each of these points and our guiding principles on our newly launched website page here: www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/what-we-stan...

Text in front of a watercolor painted mountain background that reads:
"Orca Behavior Insistute's AI Policy:
1. We commit to supporting real artists
2. We discourage the use of AI in our educational classes
3. We support HITL (human-in-the-loop) analysis
4. We will be mindful of the balance between AI and environmental sustainability"

091

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 31/08/2026

15:00 T49A2 and T65A3 have split off but the others are heading up island from False Bay #wssjis

030

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 31/08/2026

14:00 group of Bigg's offshore of Eagle Point heading towards the San Juan shoreline: T36s plus T49A2, T65A3, and T137A! 🤩 #wssjis #orcas #whalesky

140

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 31/08/2026

It's back to school season, so we thought we would add a little levity to your Monday by checking in with our Bigg's killer whale class of 2026.... Do you agree with these senior superlatives? Which other ones might you add? 😜 #orcas #whalesky #salishsea

A yearbook page featuring 12 Bigg's killer whales and their "senior superlatives" such as most likely to succeed, biggest nerd, and always late to class

1130

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 31/08/2026

The T60s are one of the families we've seen the most in our 4 visits to Telegraph Cove. This map shows where and who we've seen them with! As if on cue, they showed in the San Juans as we were preparing this post. The photo is from 8/29 right outside Friday Harbor! #orcas #whalesky

The approximate locations of our 2023-2026 encounters with members of the T60 matriline of Bigg's killer whales while operating out of Telegraph Cove. The color indicates which year the sightings occurred, and the text indicates which whales were present.

A photo of the core four T60s outside Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands on August 29, 2026

0153

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 30/08/2026

A peaceful interlude for your weekend with some clips of the recent visit from Js and Ks 🥰 #southernresidentkillerwhales #orcas #salishsea

1245

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 29/08/2026

Js and Ks went up the Strait of Georgia on 8/26 but came right back down on 8/27. Today, 8/28, they were heading back west, continuing a streak of very short visits to the Salish Sea this summer. Here's a short clip with some incredible vocals from the SIMRES hydro in Boundary Pass on 8/27 #orcas

soundcloud.com

Js and Ks on August 27, 2026

A clip of loud, clear vocals from Js and Ks off the SIMRES.ca hydrophones in Boundary Pass, BC

13210

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 27/08/2026

Having missed their two prior short visits, this was my first day with Southern Residents all summer! J-Pod and K-Pod came in and westside shuffled off San Juan Island today. Ultimately the 42 killer whales went north towards the Strait of Georgia. -MWS #whalesky #orcas #salishsea

K12 Sequim and her classic wisp of a saddle patch

0237

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 26/08/2026

9:45 large group of orcas eastbound crossing Haro, likely SRKW #wssjis

070

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 25/08/2026

Please enjoy four minutes of nature and wildlife highlights from our two weeks spent in and around Telegraph Cove off Northern Vancouver Island, BC 🥰 Orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, baby Dall's porpoise, black bears, and much more - it's all here 🐋🦦🦭🐻🦅 #whalesky #britishcolumbia

youtu.be

North Vancouver Island (Telegraph Cove) Wildlife Highlights 2026

YouTube video by Orca Behavior Institute

0121

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 23/08/2026

A cool moment from yesterday morning of T37A2 Inky passing the Washington State Ferries Samish vessel that was parked at the Orcas Island ferry terminal. Imagine being in your car getting ready to unload and having no idea there's a bull orca that close behind you! 😅 #whalesky #salishsea

A male Bigg's killer whale surfaces just behind a parked Washington State Ferry vessel in the San Juan Islands

1276

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 22/08/2026

Overheard on the marine radio last night as T137A Jack got some *serious* air in the Strait of Juan de Fuca south of Victoria! 👀 Photo by the talented Alex McIntire! #orcas #killerwhales #salishsea #whalesky

A water-clearing breach from an adult male Bigg's killer whale with the text "Jack just made the ending of Free Willy way more believable"

06017

Orca Behavior Institute @orcabehaviorinstitute.org · 21/08/2026

Our fall Marine Mammals 101 class is open for registration! This six-week introductory class covers the basics for those new to learning about the orcas, whales, small cetaceans & pinnipeds we commonly see in the Salish Sea. Learn more, sign up, or apply for a scholarship: tinyurl.com/whaleumm101

Whale University's Marine Mammals 101: An introduction to cetaceans and pinnipeds of the Salish Sea. Registration is now open, cost $120. Includes photos of 4 different marine mammal species

0123