Haystack Flock
It all began with a walk at Cannon Beach on April 17th, 2026.
After a long winter, an inland resident like me likes to get out into the world. On a whim and a prayer, I decided to head out with my son to Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach Oregon. I had heard the puffins had arrived and were nesting.
I had only seen puffins in captivity before, and I was excited about an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat without any limits. So early in the morning I loaded my 2007 old Toyota and headed on the winding, pothole road that leads to the coast here in Oregon.
In the car my son and I speculated on seeing puffins and the ocean. I must admit the winter, personally, had been hard so the idea of seeing something outside of the day to day was exciting.
Being cooped up can be heavy at times.
We chatted about video games and books we hoped to read. Exchange stories on politics and speculate on our relationships. The road turned. I saw road repairs and new developments. Caught some airtime to time.
Then we made it to town. It was early, nothing was open except the public restroom. Because of the early hours the parking was easy. The air was crisp and cool but no longer freezing. I left my jacket in the car.
We walked through the empty streets to the beach. Where there were other people walking toward the Haystack Rock. There were runners and travelers with fancy cameras.
The parks department had set up a perimeter and there were rangers educating anyone who would listen about the wildlife and how to be careful with the environment.
I found out that to the Puffins who only nest on Islands that Haystack Rock is an Island. They nest on the seaside of giant mass. To see, a puffin is normally in flight. They don’t normally land on the side where humans tread. In flight next to the Rock, they look like squashed footballs with tiny bat like wings flapping quickly. A couple of tourists let me see their photos done with high distance resolution and fast speed.
While we there I found out about Oystercatchers. They are a rare bird in Oregon I think the number the ranger said was around 130. There was a nesting pair wading through the tidal pools in front of the Rock. Seagulls were everywhere.
At the shoreline these small birds would cluster of groups of 5 to 15 flying in parallel rhythm to the waves. Those were Sandpipers. There were Cormorants flying around the Rock along with the puffins. An eagle perched at the highest point of the Rock. There were a lot of birds moving.
On our way back for breakfast after doing a 14-mile walk of the whole beach we say 20 to 30 Pelicans hanging out near the sentiment and away from the rock.
This lead the creation of this painting: Haystack Flock
Though I did not add the Eagle this painting reminds me of the day and captures for me the feeling of the water and birds swirling everywhere when I walk the beach.
It has inspired me to start a series of paintings based on my experiences at my favorite places and the birds I saw in those areas.
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