Approaching Darkness
The rocks at Yaquina Head are naturally black due to their volcanic history. The black oystercatcher of the west coast is fairly aptly named, as it lacks the partial white coloring of its cousin on the east coast, the American oystercatcher. It's body feathers are more brown than black though. Both oystercatchers share the almost comically bright bills and eyes, one of the endearing features of these coastal birds.