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Authentic Wildlife Stories, Coastal Adventures & Nature-Inspired Art | Marketing Consulting for Mission-Driven Brands
From my home base at Channel Islands Harbor, I document how people and wildlife coexist through field notes, photo essays and lifestyle stories. Expect real animals, real places, ethical travel ideas and small moments that make coastal life feel a little closer, wherever you are.
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Whiskers in the Wild: Surfing Sea Lions, Human Disturbance, and Harbor Dredging
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.
A Windy Day in Morro Bay: Sea Otters, Storms & Local Life
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Post-Storm Visitors & Harbor Life
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: From Surf to Siesta - A Day in the Life of Silver Strand’s Sea Lions
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Sea Lion Colony in Motion at Silver Strand Beach
Experience the sea lion colony at Silver Strand Beach like never before with this immersive video update from Whiskers in the Wild.
Whiskers in the Wild: Portraits, Personalities, and Painted Skies
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.
A Day Trip to Central Santa Cruz Island: Preparedness, Wildlife Encounters, and Painted Cave Wonders
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Week Three - Shifting Shores & Labor Day Lessons
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Week Two - Heat, Hierarchies & Harbor Landmarks
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Week One with the Harbor Colony
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.
Whiskers in the Wild: Sea Lion Stories from Channel Islands Harbor
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 Wildlife Hike at Carpinteria Seal Rookery
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.
On the Rocks: The Secret Life of Crabs at Channel Islands Harbor
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.
Channel Islands Harbor: New Beginnings, Harbor Wildlife
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.
Monarch Magic at Pismo Grove
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’s Coastal Community
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.
Brandt’s Cormorants Nesting at Moss Landing
A sunrise visit to Moss Landing reveals the drama of Brandt’s cormorant nesting season - flashes of blue throat patches, nest building, and plenty of neighborly squabbles. This photo essay offers a close look at breeding behaviors and tips for ethical birdwatching.
Sea Lions at the Marina
Wildlife Wednesday goes local with the sea lions of Marina del Rey - regulars on the docks, true masters of relaxation, and endlessly entertaining. This photo essay highlights their personalities, shares safe viewing tips, and celebrates simple wildlife moments close to home.
The Notion Travel Template I Made for Myself (You Can Buy It)
Discover the ultimate Notion travel template - 185+ destinations, bucket lists, packing guides, and memory logs. Built for real adventures by Salt + Noelle. Organize every trip and never lose your best travel tips again.
Bubbling Shore Crabs and the Art of Hiding in Plain Sight
A close encounter with lined shore crabs reveals clever bubble-blowing, camouflage, and unexpected behaviors along the California coast. This Wildlife Wednesday essay highlights how patient observation turns even common tidepool creatures into fascinating subjects.