A December morning at Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove - wandering quiet paths beneath golden eucalyptus, searching for clusters of monarchs high in the canopy. Fewer butterflies than expected, but still a reminder of how much these groves matter. Field notes, practical tips, and a little hope for more monarchs next winter.

Bird Rock in Monterey comes alive with California sea lions, nesting cormorants, western gulls, and a pair of sea otters offshore. This Wildlife Wednesday captures the real-time coexistence of coastal wildlife through field notes and unfiltered photography.

Mornings at Moss Landing mean waking up to the chaos and color of Brandt’s cormorant nesting season. From a boat just after sunrise, I watched dozens of cormorants fuss over nests, steal the best seaweed, and (if you caught the timing right) flash that electric blue throat patch that only appears during breeding season. Not every bird shows the blue: it’s most vivid in adult males, subtler in females, and completely absent in juveniles. This week’s Wildlife Wednesday is all about those small moments and honest details - real-time field notes from the heart of a coastal colony.

This week's Wildlife Wednesday stays local with the California sea lions of Marina del Rey. After a year of weekend visits to Burton Chace Park, I'm starting to recognize the regulars. Plus: important NOAA guidelines for keeping your distance.

After losing one too many hand-drawn maps to secret wildlife spots, I built a Notion travel system that actually works. Not my usual content, but friends kept asking for copies. Now available.

I spotted this shore crab deep in a crevice, completely covered in foam. Initially, I expected it to stay hidden. Instead, it emerged from the rocks and positioned itself in the open sunlight. When exposed during low tide, these crabs blow bubbles through their gill chambers to maintain moisture - tiny saltwater humidifiers built into their faces.

We tend to think wildlife means rare or hard to find. But sometimes the most interesting animals are the ones judging you from three feet away. This week's Wildlife Wednesday features squirrels doing what they do best: pancake impressions, judging tourists, and reminding us why sharing snacks is a terrible idea.

We followed 17 Mile Drive through Monterey’s coast - spotting sea otters, walking tidepools, and letting the road lead somewhere better than planned.

Harbor seals were everywhere - resting and watching. Pupping season at Elkhorn Slough is officially on the list for a return trip.

Massive and almost silent, this blue whale surfaced off Long Beach and left a boat full of people speechless.

Caught mid-snack with a crab claw in one paw, this Elkhorn Slough otter wasn’t in the mood to share. A crunchy little moment from the coast.

From sea otters floating in kelp to elephant seals sparring on the beach, this Central California coastal trip had it all - ending with a quiet moment beneath a canopy of monarch butterflies. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Tide pools, sea caves, and scenic drives—Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu has become my go-to coastal escape. Whether I’m grabbing clam chowder at Malibu Seafood or exploring the rocks at low tide, there’s a rhythm here I never get tired of. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

What’s at the end of Zzyzx Road? I finally took the turn to find out. From a 1940s spa scam to a surprising wildlife habitat, this Mojave detour is full of strange history, ecological importance, and a little desert magic.

Some visits are simple, quiet, and perfect. I spent the afternoon with my family at Roaring Spring Dam Park, a small pond best known for its ducks, paper mill history, and calm, reflective moments. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Back home in Pennsylvania, I spent the day hiking with my partner and mom at Trough Creek State Park. From a swaying footbridge to a boulder that seems to float, this local favorite offers forested trails, waterfalls, and small-town nostalgia.

What starts as a sunny afternoon on the water turns unforgettable when we spot blue and fin whales off the coast of Long Beach, California. Dramamine? Forgot it. Regrets? None. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

I almost skipped Arizona’s Petrified Forest, but I’m glad I didn’t. From rainbow-hued fossilized trees to wide-open desert views, this quiet national park turned out to be a hidden gem. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Trading summer storms for desert heat, I found myself standing at the edge of California’s Kelso Dunes. No hikes, no crowds - just stillness, silence, and a little history at the old Kelso Depot. Read the full story and explore the gallery.

Feeling boxed in during the pandemic, I hit the road to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. From towering trees to canyon views, this spontaneous trip was a much-needed reset. Explore the story, tips, and photo gallery.