November 2020 king tides brought great conditions to find marine invertebrates here in California. Read about my newest nudibranch lifers found amongst the rocks and algae along California’s central coast.
Author: Chloe Van Loon
An aspiring naturalist who loves exploring, photographing all types of organisms, and learning about the natural world from different resources and fellow nature nerds.
The Micro-Architect Worm Ft. The California Sandcastle Worm
If the term ‘microarchitecture’ excites you, you’ll want to read all about these marine worms. Yup worms. Lavender colored worms. Enough said.
Dock Fouling Fun! An adventure with bird poop & nudibranchs
Dock fouling is a great activity that an naturalist should try! This past weekend I found many great creatures, and this is a little write up about some of the critters I saw.
Cutest slug that you ever did see! Ft. The Northwest Onchidella
I found the CUTEST little slug while tidepooling, but was clueless to what it was at first! Read along to find out what interesting characteristics it has!
Best Gall Hunting Spots in the South Bay Area
Galls are incredible structures in nature formed by an interesting relationship between an insect and it’s plant host. If you are interested in trying to find these beauties in the South Bay Area, read on!
I caught a cougar, a grizzly, and friends. . . on a wildlife camera.
A small project to capture all the wildlife around me was successful! I even managed to get a cougar on the cameras! As well as many other great insights into the critters of SW BC.
I love Dog Vomit
Dog Vomit Slime Mold is just a fantastic slime mold. It’s vibrant yellow coloration is always a great surprise to observe. It’s not only beautiful, its smart too!
Who is this bizarre creature? Ft. The Colorful Dirona
Colorful Dirona (Dirona picta) Where: California Coastline: Pillar Point Harbor, Pescadero, & Monterey When: Nov 2019 iNaturalist post Nudibranchs themselves come in sooo many varieties, shapes, and colors. When I’ve introduced a nudibranch to someone who’s never seen one, they don’t believe it’s real! Bizarre little creatures they are indeed! I’ve loved nudibranchs since high…
A Fluffy Flying Fairy-like Insect
What are those white fluffy things on alder trees? Unfortunately they aren’t fairies, but these aphids are just as adorable.
Backyard Grizzly Bears
When grizzly bears showed up in essentially my backyard, I was elated! After observing them over period of weeks I had some recurring questions that I investigated.
Backyard River Otters
Living right next to a creek means lots of creatures come through, including North American River Otters! I explore their behavior and try and decipher what I see on the wildlife cameras I set upon their “activity center.”
Who is this bizarre creature? Ft. The Candelabrum.
When dock fouling in Monterey, CA I stumbled upon one of the weirdest creatures, and even had trouble placing it into a phylum!
Who is this bizarre creature? Ft. The Caecilian.
Took a deeper look into the caecilian, a unique amphibian who stumbled into me while bird watching in Ecuador in early 2020.
Who are you? Ft. The Daggerpod.
Thriving in a wind, cool, and dry climate the Daggerpod is an incredible plant. It was a joy to stumble upon while backpacking near Carson Pass.
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 