Hi -
I visited Yaquina Head at 8 AM this morning. At last 140 Brown Pelicans were
roosting on the rocks south of the lighthouse parking area. All were within 10'
of the water level, on the low rocks and (42) on the cobble beach. According to
my car the temperature was 35 degrees C. I have noticed that on warmer mornings
the pelicans are roosting on top of high rocks, principally the one called
"Lions Head" which is the tall stack just W of Cobble Beach, and on the south
point. Lions Head is 60'+ and the south point reaches over 70' above sea level.
Apparently the pelicans are choosing (or adjusting) their night roosts
according to the temperature, as the air around the lower rocks would be warmed
a bit by the +- 50 degree water on the colder nights.
Wayne
