An Iconic Gathering at Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, Oregon, has always held a special place in my heart. My wife and I honeymooned here the year before, so returning to Haystack Rock felt like revisiting an old friend. That afternoon, while she relaxed on the sand, I photographed the nesting seabirds that call the rock home. Suddenly, I noticed wave after wave of Brown Pelicans flying low across the surf—sometimes right toward me—before disappearing farther up the shoreline.
Curious about where they were going, I walked nearly a mile up the beach, following squadron after squadron. Then I found it: the spot where a small creek met the Pacific Ocean. To my amazement, hundreds of pelicans had gathered there, bathing in the fresh water and filling the air with splashes and calls.
Capturing the Moment
Positioning myself with the light at my back, I began photographing the scene. Soon, another flock swooped in, landing closer to the ocean surf. They congregated on the beach in greater numbers, and I knew I had the chance to capture something remarkable.
I carefully returned toward Haystack Rock, positioning myself low at eye level with the pelicans so I could frame both the flock and the iconic landmark in a single shot. Then it happened—another bird flew in to join the group, wings spread against the backdrop of the Oregon coast. I pressed the shutter, my hands shaking with excitement.
A Coastal Story Worth Sharing
The Brown Pelicans continued to shift along the beach, but that single frame stood out. It captured the awe of the moment: an iconic coastal species set against one of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous landmarks. To me, it was more than just a photograph—it was a reminder of the stories wildlife tells us every day, and why it’s vital we continue to share the shore with them.
