Old fur lifts off in patches, curling at the edges like dried Elmer's glue. Every May the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas shed their coats and the top layer of their skin, and it is nowhere near as dire as it looks.

A day with the Sea Lion colony at Channel Islands Harbor. Featuring nursing pups, surf play, and a long-overdue life update.

Millions watched Punch the monkey cling to a stuffed toy. The zoo's traffic surged. A toy sold out worldwide. But the organizations actually keeping animals alive? They're still at 30% funded.

The Coastal Café is live - a 24/7 livestream from our dockside balcony at Channel Islands Harbor. Watch the working marina come to life: birds at feeders, harbor seals swimming through, kayakers launching, boats cruising the channel. Plus: why building it meant learning an entire technical skillset from scratch.

This week's observation cards are lighter than usual. I've been heads-down on projects: rebuilding the website, overhauling my LinkedIn profile, applying for grants, and traveling to Moss Landing for my Sea Otter Savvy CAWS certification meeting.

The industrial hum of the harbor is finally fading as the dredging equipment clears out. With the peak of whale watching season kicking off, the energy is shifting back to the wildlife. Explore this week's observation cards, from harbor seal sightings to the Eurasian Collared Dove.

A new chapter begins at Salt + Noelle. Alexis Noelle’s Founder’s Notes is now live, sharing personal reflections, creative milestones, and the first set of iNaturalist Observation Cards from January’s end.

Twice this month, the role of observer was set aside for a more active role in stewardship. From assisting an oiled grebe to witnessing the immense pressure on our local rescue teams, this update explores how we can better support our coastal neighbors by bridging the "triage gap" at Channel Islands Harbor.

Join me for a golden hour detour to Piedras Blancas, where the juvenile elephant seals are sparring in the surf. This photo essay covers the quiet chaos of the fall haul-out, unique thermoregulation behaviors like "sand sunscreen," and a first look at our new Admire from Afar branding.

Sea lions, dredging and human behavior all collide at Channel Islands Harbor. In this Whiskers in the Wild update, I share 4K surfing sea lion footage from Silver Strand, a new photo gallery, two entanglement reports and field notes on how wildlife is adapting to a noisy, working harbor.

Join me on an unforgettable day in Morro Bay, where calm mornings watching sea otters gave way to fierce winds and crashing waves. Explore the local flavors, shops, and wild coastal moments that make this Central Coast town so special.

After the first big rain in months, Channel Islands Harbor completely transformed. The storm drew sea lions, a harbor seal, shorebirds, and more - right to my doorstep.

This Whiskers in the Wild update features a CIMWI rescue at Silver Strand, sea lion portraits, and the debut of our “Admire from Afar” ethical photography philosophy.

Experience the sea lion colony at Silver Strand Beach like never before with this immersive video update from Whiskers in the Wild.

Spending nearly every day with the sea lion colony means no two visits are ever the same. This week’s update dives into portraits, personalities, and the small moments that make harbor life unforgettable.

From thoughtful packing and a boat ride across the channel to dolphins leaping at the bow and harbor seals basking on sunlit rocks, my day trip to central Santa Cruz Island with Island Packers was full of surprises. Painted Cave was the highlight, but the real magic was in the moments I didn’t plan for.

Labor Day week was a swirl of crowded beaches and shifting sea lion routines. From the surprise of empty harbors to sea lions surfing right alongside people, I found myself savoring everything - from my new favorite pecan crunch oatmilk latte to dreams of boats and coastal road trips. This week’s story is about adapting to change and finding comfort in both the chaos and the calm.

A heat wave brings new rhythms to Channel Islands Harbor - sea lions jockey for space, hierarchies shift, and the harbor’s daily drama plays out under changing light. Highlights include rare wildlife visitors, teachable moments with the public, and reminders of why careful observation and action matter.

Settling into harbor life means evening walks, chowder by the water, and watching the sea lion colony’s antics as summer winds down. Playful chases, shifting routines, and the rhythms of the harbor become part of daily life - reminding us to watch, respect, and enjoy from a distance.

Channel Islands Harbor is alive with the sounds and antics of California sea lions. From morning coffee runs to unexpected encounters, these stories highlight the joys and challenges of living alongside a wild colony - and the importance of caring for our coastal neighbors.

A hike along Carpinteria Bluffs brings ocean views, wildflowers, and the search for harbor seals at a sensitive rookery. Even on quiet days, there’s plenty to discover - lizards, birds, and reminders of why protecting these wild places matters.

Settling into a new home at Channel Islands Harbor means discovering the secret lives of crabs, mussels, limpets, and more along the rocks below. With a telephoto lens and plenty of patience, each glance reveals a bustling ecosystem right outside the window.

A move to Channel Islands Harbor brings new wildlife encounters, peaceful harbor views, and a sense of community. Enjoy stories of sea lions, ducks, and daily discoveries - all seen from a new home base just steps from the water.

A December morning at Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove reveals clusters of monarchs perched high in eucalyptus trees, golden sunlight filtering through the canopy. This photo essay captures the peaceful magic of the grove and the importance of protecting these fragile gatherings.

Bird Rock in Monterey is alive with sea lions, nesting cormorants, gulls, and sea otters - all sharing the same rocky outcrop. This photo essay captures the noisy, ever-changing energy of a true coastal community and the importance of respectful wildlife viewing.