Three Fall Spectacles in California
November 06, 2025
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By Land, Air, and Water: Three Fall Spectacles in California
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Sandhill cranes at sunset
Every fall, California offers three standout wildlife events that are worth watching—and photographing. In the forests, black-tailed deer enter their rutting season, with bucks competing for mates. In the Central Valley, sand...
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A supermoon for the beavers
November 04, 2025
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Tonight is the November Beaver Supermoon. It will rise on the eastern horizon between 4:35 and 4:55 PM depending on your time zone. It is the closest, brightest, and largest full moon of 2025, and the last one of the year. It’s called the Beaver Moon because it coincides with the time beavers prepare their lodges for winter. Whether you are photogr...
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Through My Lens: Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz in Wild Detail
October 31, 2025
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Through My Lens: Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz in Wild Detail
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Water Canyon Beach, Santa Rosa Island
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I’m on a mission to visit every national park in the United States. I recently checked off number 38—Channel Islands National Park—and I’m excited to share the exp...
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Autumn’s Feast: Bears on the Creek
October 28, 2025
Each October, Taylor Creek becomes a point of focus for one of Lake Tahoe’s most exciting wildlife stories: the kokanee salmon run. As these bright red fish return to spawn, black bears emerge to feast before their winter hibernation. The salmon’s journey is brief but serves as a critical food source, for not only the bears but the entire riparian...
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California's Fox Quartet
October 23, 2025
California’s Fox Quartet: Wild Faces of the Golden State
Text and photos by Heather Cline
California’s wild landscapes are home to four distinct fox species, each uniquely adapted to its environment. From coastal cliffs to desert valleys, these foxes reflect the state’s ecological diversity and resilience. In this post, I’ll introduce you to the...
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Dwarfed by Nā Pali
October 21, 2025
This boat beneath the towering cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast is nearly lost in the scale of the landscape. This dramatic coastline, located on the north shore of Kaua‘i, is known for its razor-sharp ridges, hidden valleys, and sea caves—accessible only by boat, kayak, or helicopter. It’s no wonder filmmakers chose this wild terrain as a backdrop for...
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The Fall Texture Challenge
October 16, 2025
The Fall Texture Challenge: Seeing the Season Differently
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Autumn is officially here, and nature has started quiet a transformation. Leaves are starting to curl and crisp, bark deepens with moisture, and seed pods crack open to create the next generation of plants. Although fall is defined by the changing colors, t...
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Zen and the Art of Squirrel Stretching
October 14, 2025
This fox squirrel struck a pose that looked straight out of a yoga class—one paw stretched, body balanced, and total focus on the moment. Whether it was a stretch, a scratch, or just a mid-morning pause, the result was pure charm. Squirrels are known for their agility and quick reflexes, but every now and then, they surprise us with a moment of cal...
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15 Reasons Nature Is Ridiculously Cute
October 09, 2025
15 Reasons Nature Is Ridiculously Cute
Text and photos by Heather Cline
From fuzzy faces to playful poses, these wild creatures—young and grown—prove that cuteness knows no age.
Bison Calf – Born with reddish fur that darkens over time. Fun fact: They can run within hours of birth!
Black Bear Cub – Tiny at birth but full of energy. Fun fa...
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The Cool Side of Sunset Science
October 07, 2025
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Sunsets appear colorful because of how sunlight interacts with Earth’s atmosphere. As the sun lowers, its light travels through more air, scattering shorter wavelengths like blue and violet. On most days, these colors scatter out of view, leaving reds and oranges behind. But when the air is especially clear or contains fine particles like water vap...
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Fall color travel destinations 2025
October 02, 2025
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Fall Color 2025: Where To Go For Fall Foliage
Text and photography by Heather Cline
Autumn is here, ushering in crisp air, migrating wildlife, and a spectacular display of seasonal color. Across the landscape, leaves are shifting from summer greens to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red—offering photographers and nature lovers alike a fle...
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Morning catch
September 30, 2025
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I spend a lot of mornings with a snowy egret along the American River. This bird hunts for fish and crawdads near the shore and is always active and entertaining to watch. Most of the time, it uses its long legs to stir up prey in the shallows. But when something catches its eye, it’ll suddenly dart forward—and it usually catches what it’s after. I...
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Wildlife Speed Shifts
September 25, 2025
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Speed Shifts: 5 Species That Move Differently by Land, Water, or Air
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Nature doesn’t play by human rules. Some animals are built for speed—but only in the right environment. In this post, we’ll explore five fascinating species whose movement defies expectations. Whether gliding through water or sprinting across lan...
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First Signs of Fall at Silver Lake
September 24, 2025
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Autumn is here, and the Eastern Sierra is the go-to spot for leaf peepers and photographers chasing fall color. Silver Lake, tucked into the heart of the June Lake Loop at 7,200 feet, starts turning earlier than lower elevations—making it a great option if you're eager to get out and catch the season’s first golden hues. This alpine lake, surrounde...
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Egretfully Yours
September 18, 2025
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Egretfully Yours: A Photographer’s Take on Three Iconic Species
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Great Egret hunting at sunset in a coastal lagoon
Egrets are among the most graceful and photogenic birds found in wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats across the globe. With their striking white plumage and elegant movements, they often st...
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