Blog
Documenting the places where people and wildlife meet.
From my studio at Channel Islands Harbor, I document the places where people and wildlife meet through field notes, photo essays, and lifestyle stories. Whether you’re here for ethical travel ideas or deep-dives into local ecosystems, these are the stories I’m proud to tell from the tide's edge.
Looking for something specific? Click here to browse by location.
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Looking for something specific? Click here to browse by location. ☀︎
Golden Hour at the Rookery: Elephant Seal Sparring & Sunset Light
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.
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.
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.
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.
Harbor Seal Highlights
A spring visit to Elkhorn Slough reveals a shoreline full of harbor seals - sleepy adults, playful pups, and peaceful scenes during pupping season. This photo essay shares the quiet magic of watching a natural seal nursery unfold along the Central California coast.
A Crab Claw and No Intention of Sharing
This week’s Wildlife Wednesday features a hungry sea otter in Elkhorn Slough, caught mid-snack with a crab claw and zero interest in sharing. A candid look at otter feeding habits - sometimes silly, sometimes serious, always entertaining.
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.
- 17 Mile Drive 1
- Allen's Hummingbird 1
- Animal Pups 2
- Audubon’s Warbler 1
- Bat Star 1
- Beach 13
- Belted Kingfisher 1
- Birding 20
- Black Oystercatcher 1
- Black Turnstone 1
- Black-crowned Night Heron 2
- Blue Whale 2
- Brandt's cormorant 2
- Brandt’s Cormorant 1
- Brown Pelican 2
- California 15
- California Coast 3
- California Sea Lion 2
- California Sister Butterfly 1
- Carpinteria 1
- Central California 8
- Central Coast 3
- Channel Islands 7
- Channel Islands Harbor 2
- Channel Islands National Park 1
- Conservation 6
- Crab 2
- Curlew 1
- Dark-eyed Junco 1
- Double-crested Cormorant 1
- East Coast 1
- Elephant Seal 2
- Elkhorn Slough 3
- Estuary 1
- Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
- Field Notes 4
- Forest 3
- Golden Hour 1
- Great Blue Heron 2
- Grebe 1
- Harbor Life 13
- Harbor Seal 5
- Harbor Seals 3
- Hiking 1
- House Finch 3
- Insects 2
- Island Adventure 1
- Kelso Dunes 1
- King Tides 2
- Kings Canyon 1