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 Haystack Rock Awareness Program

Protecting, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock.

News

Wrapping up the 2024 season: another incredible year.

CANNON BEACH, OR –  As the tides change and the seasons shift, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) wraps up another incredible year on the beach.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2024—whether you explored the tidepools, marveled at the bird life, or connected with our Rocky Shore Interpreters, your presence made this season unforgettable. Together, we’ve continued our mission to protect and celebrate the unique intertidal and bird ecology of Haystack Rock.

This year, we celebrated 39 years of education and stewardship, welcoming thousands of visitors and sharing the wonders of the Marine Garden. Your curiosity, support, and passion inspire us to keep this vital work going.

Though the beach season has come to a close, our commitment to Haystack Rock remains strong. Stay connected with us throughout the winter as we prepare for an exciting season, beginning February of 2025.

Until then, thank you for being part of the HRAP community. We can’t wait to see you at low tide next year!

King Tides Are Back!

King tides, a non-scientific term for exceptionally high tides, have returned! When combined with strong storms, they create breathtaking natural displays.

These tidal events occur during perigean spring tides, which happen when:

  • The moon’s orbit comes closest to Earth (perigee).

  • Earth’s orbit is nearest to the sun (perihelion).

  • The sun, moon, and Earth align during a full or new moon.

The combined gravitational pull of the sun and moon produces higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides.

We urge caution: the ocean can be extremely dangerous, especially during King Tides. Always view from a safe distance and never attempt to enter the water. In fact, staying away from the beach altogether during these events is often the safest option.

To safely observe King Tides:

  • Choose elevated viewing areas such as the Seaside Promenade, Cape Meares, or the parking lot at Indian Beach.

  • Stay vigilant for sneaker waves, large and unpredictable waves that surge unexpectedly.

  • Be cautious of flooding, including potential road closures.

If you missed the most recent King Tides, mark your calendar:

  • December 13–15, 2024 for the next series

  • January 11–13, 2025 for the final series.

2024 Tufted puffin population estimate announced

CANNON BEACH, OR – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) estimates that 102 individual puffins came to Haystack Rock this nesting season, down slightly from 2023’s count of 106. Despite this decline, the number of observed occupied burrows increased from 87 to 92. This year’s estimate also reflects a significant increase from the record-low count of 74 puffins in 2022, the lowest since surveys began in 2010.

Haystack Rock is home to Oregon’s second largest tufted puffin colony. Its proximity to the shore allows for the monitoring and recording of data from land-based stations, minimizing disturbance to puffins and their habitat.

Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) inhabit the upper latitudes of the North Pacific Ocean and have an extensive breeding range stretching from California to Alaska, and from Siberia to Japan. Over the past two decades, their populations have significantly declined in the southern portion of their range. Contributing factors include climate change, habitat loss, predation pressures, and food scarcity.

Despite this decline, tufted puffins were not listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. A 2020 Species Status Assessment by USFWS concluded that while climate change will likely reduce populations in their southern range, resilient colonies are expected to persist throughout much of their northern habitat. Researchers are investigating whether tufted puffins along the California Current are genetically distinct from those in Alaska, a key question for future conservation efforts.

The Haystack Rock Awareness Program is proud to partner with the USFWS on this project. Our program recognizes the importance that this data will play in the management and protection of tufted puffins.

Today’s Tides

 *It’s best to visit during low tide. Find our full schedule here.

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To stay up to date with the latest information, news, and interesting facts, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Puffinology 101
We are puffin’ with joy 🎉 we’ve spotted the first tufted puffins of the season! This morning, our Director and Education and Volunteer Coordinator hit the beach to try and spot the first arrivals 🔎 While none were seen lingering outsi
We are puffin’ with joy 🎉 we’ve spotted the first tufted puffins of the season! This morning, our Director and Education and Volunteer Coordinator hit the beach to try and spot the first arrivals 🔎 While none were seen lingering outside of their burrows, they did observe three tufted puffins intermingling with a raft of common murres beyond the waves! Needless to say, we will be keeping our 👀 eyes glued to the Rock for the rest of the week! At Haystack Rock, the tufted puffin burrows can be spotted in the grassy meadow on the north and western face 🪨 Do 🫵🏼you🫵🏼 want to learn more about these amazing seabird? Be sure to join us at our Puffin Welcome Celebration at Haystack Rock on April 13th from 8 - 12! 📸: Barb and Larry Hauser 📸: Mylasia Miklas | HRAP #Haystackrockawarenessprogram #Cannonbeach #Haystackrock #Oregoncoast #PNW #tidepooling #puffins #tuftedpuffins
Common murres (Uria aalge) have been spotted at the rock 🪨 over the past few weeks, which means nesting season 🪺is right around the corner! Historically, they arrive in March to scope out the nesting grounds before settling in April. Many visitor
Common murres (Uria aalge) have been spotted at the rock 🪨 over the past few weeks, which means nesting season 🪺is right around the corner! Historically, they arrive in March to scope out the nesting grounds before settling in April. Many visitors mistake these seabirds for tufted puffins. While they are similar in size, common murres have a white underbelly and black upper body, whereas the tufted puffins are entirely black! #Haystackrockawarenessprogram #Cannonbeach #Haystackrock #Oregoncoast #PNW #commonmurre #seabird #puffins #tuftedpuffins
🌊The rocky intertidal is a beautiful, yet fragile, ecosystem. Before heading out to the pools, be sure to be familiar with tidepool etiquette. Following these guidelines keeps both our marine life and 🫵🏼 YOU 🫵🏼 safe! 💡Know before you go: Many
🌊The rocky intertidal is a beautiful, yet fragile, ecosystem. Before heading out to the pools, be sure to be familiar with tidepool etiquette. Following these guidelines keeps both our marine life and 🫵🏼 YOU 🫵🏼 safe! 💡Know before you go: Many rocky intertidal areas, like Haystack Rock, are protected! Be sure to know the rules and regulations governing the area you intend to explore before heading out 🚶🏻‍♀️Walk on Sand: Anemones, barnacles, mussels, snails, sea stars, and so much more call these rocks their home. Let’s be good ‘house guests’ by not stepping on them. 🔎Explore carefully: There is so much life in the rocky intertidal to discover. Take it slow - you’re likely to see more and avoid accidental injury. When exploring, look with your eyes and gently with your hands. Avoid poking, prying, kicking, or crushing animals. Only turn over rocks that are the size of your hand. Be sure to place the rock exactly how you found it to keep these spaces hospitable. 🪶Give Wildlife Space: During low tide, many shore birds take the opportunity to forage among the rocks. Be considerate of their needs by giving them ample space. 🐚Avoid Collecting: Everything within the tidepools has a purpose. Empty shells are used by different animals, like hermit crabs. 🚮Pack it in, Pack it out: Refrain from littering and make an effort to pick up debris whenever possible. #Haystackrockawarenessprogram #Cannonbeach #Haystackrock #Oregoncoast #PNW #tidepooling #tidepooletiquette #stewardship
Even on the beach, there are signs of spring 🌸 Native to coastal areas of western North America, Hooker’s willow (Salix hookeriana), also known as coastal willow or dune willow, can be found in coastal habitats like beaches, marshes, and bluff
Even on the beach, there are signs of spring 🌸 Native to coastal areas of western North America, Hooker’s willow (Salix hookeriana), also known as coastal willow or dune willow, can be found in coastal habitats like beaches, marshes, and bluffs. 🌱 In early spring, specialized flowering structures, known as catkins emerge, often acting as one of the first signs of #spring. #Haystackrockawarenessprogram #Cannonbeach #Haystackrock #Oregoncoast #PNW
It's hard to believe it's already been a month since we returned to the rock 🪨 So far, we have braved the wild Oregon coast weather, marveled at amazing tidepool/wildlife sightings, and have engaged with over 3,000 visitors! We can’t wait to &
It's hard to believe it's already been a month since we returned to the rock 🪨 So far, we have braved the wild Oregon coast weather, marveled at amazing tidepool/wildlife sightings, and have engaged with over 3,000 visitors! We can’t wait to ‘sea’ what the rest of the season will bring 🌊! Be sure to stop by and explore with us ❤️ You can find our beach and event schedule on our website 🔗 link in bio (P.S. Don't forget! Our annual Puffin Welcome Celebration 🎉 is on April 13th from 8:00 to 12:00 at Haystack Rock!) 1) 📸: Mylasia Miklas | HRAP 2) 📸: Kelli Ennis | HRAP 3) 📸: Jane | HRAP 4) 📸: Jane | HRAP 5) 📸: Michelle | HRAP
Puffinology 101
We are puffin’ with joy 🎉 we’ve spotted the first tufted puffins of the season! This morning, our Director and Education and Volunteer Coordinator hit the beach to try and spot the first arrivals 🔎 While none were seen lingering outsi Common murres (Uria aalge) have been spotted at the rock 🪨 over the past few weeks, which means nesting season 🪺is right around the corner! Historically, they arrive in March to scope out the nesting grounds before settling in April. Many visitor 🌊The rocky intertidal is a beautiful, yet fragile, ecosystem. Before heading out to the pools, be sure to be familiar with tidepool etiquette. Following these guidelines keeps both our marine life and 🫵🏼 YOU 🫵🏼 safe! 💡Know before you go: Many Even on the beach, there are signs of spring 🌸 Native to coastal areas of western North America, Hooker’s willow (Salix hookeriana), also known as coastal willow or dune willow, can be found in coastal habitats like beaches, marshes, and bluff It's hard to believe it's already been a month since we returned to the rock 🪨 So far, we have braved the wild Oregon coast weather, marveled at amazing tidepool/wildlife sightings, and have engaged with over 3,000 visitors! We can’t wait to &