| Copalis National Wildlife Refuge is where 150,000 pelagic birds nest annually. These birds include Leach's storm petrel, fork-tailed storm petrel, rhinoceros auklet, tufted puffin, common murre, glaucous-winged gull, western gull, Brandt's cormorant, pelagic cormorant, Cassin's auklet, black oystercatcher, pigeon guillemot, and double-crested cormorant. Migrating birds sometimes swell the population to over one million. As many as 500 sea lions haul out on these islands. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons roost here in winter. There are 870 coastal rocks and reefs extending for more than 100 miles along Washington's Pacific coast from Cape Flattery to Copalis Beach. Many are rocky outcroppings exposed at low tide, while others are high pinnacles of rock with salal, salmonberry, and a few stunted conifers. These islands are protected from human disturbance, yet are close to abundant ocean food sources. They are a vital sanctuary where 14 species of seabirds nest and raise their young. During migration the total populations of seabirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds may exceed a million birds. Interpretive panels at Lake Ozette, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Ruby Beach, and Kalalock give information about the islands. Olympic National Park provides access to 50 miles of beaches with views of the islands. |
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