Wildlife Wednesday: Sea Lions at the Marina ⚓️☀️
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.
Wildlife Wednesday // June 18th, 2025
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This Week in the Wild
Welcome back to Wildlife Wednesday! This week, we're staying local with some familiar faces from Marina del Rey - the California sea lions who've turned the harbor docks into their personal lounging spots.
Over the past year, my partner and I have made Burton Chace Park our regular weekend escape. The routine never gets old: a slow walk through the park hunting for macro shots of flora, then inevitably ending up at the docks where the real entertainment begins.
After dozens of visits, I'm starting to recognize the regulars. The soundtrack is constant - barks, snorts, and the occasional argument over dock space that sounds far worse than it actually is. What amazes me is their complete mastery of relaxation. They drape themselves over every available surface in positions that defy comfort.
Keeping Our Distance
During our visits, we often spot kayakers paddling close… sometimes too close. Quick reminder from NOAA: stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from sea lions. That zoom lens exists for a reason. Getting too close stresses them out, can provoke defensive reactions, and could land you a fine.
The best shots happen when they don't even know you're there.
What's Next
These weekly visits have become even more special lately. We're moving soon to a spot where I'll wake up to their morning chorus every day. After a year of weekend trips, the thought of having them as daily neighbors feels surreal.
Life's been wild behind the scenes (more on that soon), but there's something grounding about returning to these familiar docks, watching these familiar faces do what they do best: absolutely nothing, with total commitment.
Another photo essay from recent travels is on the way. But for this Wildlife Wednesday, it felt right to celebrate these local characters who remind me that sometimes the best wildlife watching happens right in your own backyard.
Sea Lion Viewing Tips
50 yards minimum distance (that's half a football field)
Zoom lenses > getting close
If they change behavior, you're too close
Never feed or attempt to touch
Gallery
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