Haystack Rock Awareness Program Nature Blog

As summer comes to an end, we at HRAP are reflecting on a busy summer and its challenges and rewards. One of the biggest rewards was seeing the resident Black Oystercatcher pair successfully raise a chick for the first time in six years! After losing their first nest in late May, they tried again with one egg. The chick hatched in late June, and it was a joy to watch the pair raise the chick in the nesting area until mid-August, when the chick fledged and started to forage around Haystack Rock under the watchful eyes of its parents. We are still seeing the trio foraging together on the boulders on the north and south sides, as well as along the north wall. The chick will stay with its parents until next spring, when it will head off into the world to try to find a mate. The Black Oystercatcher chick left the nest area with its parents around August 12. Here they are foraging on the north side (parents top and bottom, chick in the middle). Photo by Tia Prudholm The black oyster...

This week, there has been a series of morning minus tides at Haystack Rock. This opens up for exploration areas that are full of fascinating intertidal life, especially in the intertidal boulders to the south of Haystack Rock. At the same time, it exposes seabird nesting areas to increased human foot traffic. Human presence, especially where it isn't usually possible, can make birds nervous and they often leave their nests for a period as a result. If the eggs are left uncovered for too long or too often, they can get cold, causing the chicks inside to die. Areas are closed to protect nesting seabirds. Photo by Margaret Minnick This time of year is critical to nesting seabirds, most of which are seeing population declines. Disruption of their nesting habits can cause nest failure. That's why Haystack Rock Awareness Program staff and volunteers have been closing off areas around the rock during these morning low tides. Please be understanding of these closures when you v...