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Join us for wildlife stories, field notes, and plenty of coastal surprises - from sea lions at the marina to hidden tide pools and a shop full of nature-inspired art.
I started Salt + Noelle to share the wild, everyday moments I find along California’s coast - and sometimes beyond. Raised far from the ocean, I built a life around music and tech, but always kept a camera close and the coast in mind.
Now based at Channel Islands Harbor, I document the places where people and wildlife meet. This blog is where I share honest field notes, photo essays, and the stories behind the images. If you’ve ever loved the ocean from afar or wondered what it’s really like to witness wildlife up close, you’re in the right place.
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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.
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.
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.
Squirrels! Burrowed In, Fluffed Out, and Watching You Snack
This week’s Wildlife Wednesday spotlights California ground squirrels - flattened on sand, darting between rocks, and always eyeing your snacks. Discover their curious routines, the risks of feeding wildlife, and a surprise fox squirrel cameo in the gallery.
From Cannery Row to Bird Rock: A Monterey Day Trip Worth Remembering
Explore a Monterey day trip from Cannery Row to Bird Rock - tide pools, sea otters, scenic drives, and wildlife encounters along 17 Mile Drive. This photo essay highlights hidden gems, honest moments, and the beauty of California’s central coast.
A Blue Whale Off Long Beach
A whale watching trip off Long Beach turns unforgettable with a rare blue whale sighting. This photo essay shares the quiet awe and fleeting magic of seeing the world’s largest animal in the wild - one of the rarest wildlife moments I’ve experienced.
Sea Lion Saturdays: Photo Walks, Coastal Drives, and Marine Life in Marina del Rey & Beyond
A spring Saturday in Marina del Rey starts with a slow breakfast, then leads to playful sea lions at Burton Chace Park and foggy coastal drives. This photo essay captures candid wildlife moments, shifting beach weather, and the laid-back rhythm of life by the ocean.
Morro Bay Adventure: Sea Otters, Elephant Seals & Monarch Butterflies Along California’s Coast
A coastal adventure from Morro Bay to Pismo Beach brings close encounters with sea otters, elephant seals, and monarch butterflies. This photo essay highlights the best spots for wildlife viewing and the magic of California’s central coast.
Leo Carrillo Beach Is My Favorite Coastal Escape: Tide Pools, Scenic Drives & Malibu Seafood
Leo Carrillo State Beach offers space to unwind, explore tide pools, and enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. From weekend drives and sea cave adventures to the ritual of Malibu Seafood chowder, this post captures the rhythm and magic of a favorite coastal escape.