The Western Gull is the most common bird along the coast. These birds are unmistakable, especially when posed in their highly recognizable position with wings outstretched to dry after diving for fish. On the south-facing cliffs of Haystack Rock, the lanky, greenish-black Pelagic Cormorant builds seaweed nests on precarious narrow ledges high above the surf. This grassy area is where the puffins burrow tunnels into the soil to protect nests, eggs, and chicks from predators. Look for them on the grassy north slope of Haystack Rock. They are squat, black birds with large, bright orange bills, white facial features, and tufts of yellow feathers above the eyes. Puffins nest on the rock from April through July and are best viewed throughout June and July. The Tufted Puffin is one of the most popular and colorful birds to see. Haystack Rock is home to several bird species that nest there during the summer. Always practice beach safety when exploring the intertidal zone, be aware of waves, and never turn your back on the ocean. Planning your visit to Haystack Rock an hour or more before low tide is best. Visitors are encouraged to responsibly explore this exceptional natural area, walking only on sand and bare rock to avoid destroying the sea life that can take years to recover and preserve this unique natural area for all to enjoy. Its protected status requires that no animal or material be removed from within 300 yards of Haystack Rock, and climbing above the barnacle line is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing marine life and nesting birds. The most colorful and visible creatures are the sea stars exposed at low tide and the giant green anemones just below the water's surface. Haystack Rock's tidepools are home to many intertidal animals, including sea stars, anemones, crabs, chitons, limpets, and nudibranchs. Above the high tide line, Haystack Rock is protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, providing habitat and viewing of a wide range of seabirds, including the most accessible colony of Tufted Puffins in the Northwest. Its intertidal area is one of Oregon's seven Marine Gardens, indicating its status as a protected area. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's most recognizable and popular attractions. Haystack Rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a State protected marine environment. In addition, it’s part of the Oregon Coast’s geological history, formed millions of years ago by lava flows that created many of the dramatic capes and headlands on the Oregon Coast. Wide other varieties of birds can also be seen, making it a terrific bird-watching location year-round. Puffins can be observed on Haystack Rock from early spring to mid-summer, offering the most accessible viewing of Tufted Puffins in the Northwest. At low tide, you can walk right up to it and find colorful sea stars and other fascinating tidepool creatures in its intertidal area. It has been featured in countless novels, television programs, and movies such as The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. This basalt sea stack rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, home to colorful tidepools and diverse birdlife.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |