I argued with myself as I drove through a downpour on my way to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – should I just turn around and concede the day to the weather? My stubborn streak won out and I’m so glad it did since the day turned out just lovely!

I last visited here in 2006 on a very foggy, windy day so it was a nice contrast to have a sunny and only lightly breezy day. I started the morning watching Peregrine Falcon parents feed breakfast to their two fledglings. Next up was a tour of the historic lighthouse (activated in 1874).

Nesting season was in full swing: cormorants gathered nest material, sparrows grabbed bugs to feed their offspring, Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots sat on eggs, and several species banded together to chase off their mutual enemy; an immature Bald Eagle.

Low tide at Cobble Beach provided plenty of other sights: colorful flowers, a mated pair of Harlequin Ducks, Harbor Seals resting, bright Purple Sea Urchins, and an unexpected bit of art. All in all, an outstanding day!

Peregrine Falcon (mom with food)

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Tour Guide in Period Dress

Oil Butts (their name, not mine)

Inside the Fresnel Lens

Spiral Staircase

Brandt’s Cormorant with nesting material

White-crowned Sparrow

Common Murre Eggshell

Chasing a Bald Eagle

View South

View North

White-crowned Sparrow with Bugs

White-crowned Sparrow with Bug

Summer on Yaquina Head

Twirly Vine Tendril

Dewy Flower

Fresh Spruce Cones

Yellow Monkeyflower

Storm Clouds

Cobble Beach

Harbor Seals Chillaxin’

Cormorant Photobomb

Purple Sea Urchin

Wavy Ocean Art

Harlequin Duck, F & M

Sketch on Drift Log