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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience sunrise on Elkhorn Slough with a photo tour packed with sea otter pups, harbor seals, and nesting birds. This essay captures the excitement of early wildlife sightings, behind-the-scenes moments, and the joy of documenting California’s coastal life.

A detour down Zzyzx Road reveals a forgotten spa, rare wildlife, and stark desert beauty. This photo essay uncovers the odd history of the Mojave’s most mysterious landmark, with encounters at Lake Tuendae and glimpses of bighorn sheep and native birds.

A visit to Roaring Spring Dam Park means quiet water views, friendly ducks, and time to slow down with family. This photo essay shares simple joys, a bit of local history, and the comfort of familiar routines in a small Pennsylvania town.