Killing Smut with a stoned bird

Ornithological Highlights: Over 200 Brown Pelicans have been observed at this site. These rocks support more than 6% of Oregon's breeding population of Common Murres and 27% of the state's breeding Brandt's Cormorant population. A total of 49,542 seabirds have nested here, comprised of six species. Bald Eagles routinely forage on seabirds at this colony, and significant increase in bald eagle predation has been causing widespread nesting failure at these colonies since 1994. Some abandonment of this site is occurring. Low flying aircraft, close approach of boats, and humans on the adjacent mainland can cause colony disturbance. Educational efforts are underway to alleviate these problems.