Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Encyclopedia
Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge is half a mile offshore from Crescent City
in northern California. This coastal rock covers approximately 14 acres (56,656 m²), and rises steeply 335 feet (102.1 m) above sea level. The refuge provides an important sanctuary for Aleutian Canada geese and nesting seabird
s.
It is, in fact, known as the second largest nesting seabird colony south of Alaska
(after the Farallon Islands
). The estimated number of seabirds using Castle Rock has been as high as 150,000. It also has the largest breeding population of common murres in California; the latest estimate for common murres was 98,000 in 1986.
Over 21,000 Aleutian Canada geese roost on the island, flying off at dawn to feed in adjacent agricultural lands, returning in the evening. This growing population appears to be impacting the habitat suitability for seabird nesting.
Castle Rock Refuge also serves as a resting place for four species of pinniped
s; harbor seal
s, northern elephant seal
s, California sea lion
s, and Stellar's sea lions.
Castle Rock Refuge is managed as a component of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Complex from its headquarters in Loleta, California
(located south of Eureka
).
Crescent City, California
Crescent City is the county seat and only incorporated city in Del Norte County, California. Named for the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city, Crescent City had a total population of 7,643 in the 2010 census, up from 4,006 in the 2000 census...
in northern California. This coastal rock covers approximately 14 acres (56,656 m²), and rises steeply 335 feet (102.1 m) above sea level. The refuge provides an important sanctuary for Aleutian Canada geese and nesting seabird
Seabird
Seabirds are birds that have adapted to life within the marine environment. While seabirds vary greatly in lifestyle, behaviour and physiology, they often exhibit striking convergent evolution, as the same environmental problems and feeding niches have resulted in similar adaptations...
s.
It is, in fact, known as the second largest nesting seabird colony south of Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
(after the Farallon Islands
Farallon Islands
The Farallon Islands, or Farallones , are a group of islands and sea stacks in the Gulf of the Farallones, off the coast of San Francisco, California, USA. They lie outside the Golden Gate and south of Point Reyes, and are visible from the mainland on clear days...
). The estimated number of seabirds using Castle Rock has been as high as 150,000. It also has the largest breeding population of common murres in California; the latest estimate for common murres was 98,000 in 1986.
Over 21,000 Aleutian Canada geese roost on the island, flying off at dawn to feed in adjacent agricultural lands, returning in the evening. This growing population appears to be impacting the habitat suitability for seabird nesting.
Castle Rock Refuge also serves as a resting place for four species of pinniped
Pinniped
Pinnipeds or fin-footed mammals are a widely distributed and diverse group of semiaquatic marine mammals comprising the families Odobenidae , Otariidae , and Phocidae .-Overview: Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped...
s; harbor seal
Harbor Seal
The harbor seal , also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere...
s, northern elephant seal
Northern Elephant Seal
The northern elephant seal is one of two species of elephant seal . It is a member of the family Phocidae . Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male's large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating...
s, California sea lion
California Sea Lion
The California sea lion is a coastal sea lion of western North America. Their numbers are abundant , and the population continues to expand about 5% annually. They are quite intelligent and can adapt to man-made environments...
s, and Stellar's sea lions.
Castle Rock Refuge is managed as a component of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located on Humboldt Bay, on the California North Coast near the cities of Eureka and Arcata. The refuge exists primarily to protect and enhance wetland habitats for migratory water birds using the bay area, including tens of thousands of shorebirds, ducks,...
Complex from its headquarters in Loleta, California
Loleta, California
Loleta is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Fields Landing, at an elevation of 46 feet . The population was 783 at the 2010 census....
(located south of Eureka
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
).