Flat Iron Rock

Located approximately 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) northwest of Trinidad Head, Flat Iron Rock is one of the more important seabird nesting areas on the north coast. Six species of birds are known to breed here, Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus, black oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani, Western gull, Larus occidentalis, common murre, Uria aalge, pigeon guillemot, Cepphus columba, and tufted puffin, Lunda cirrhata. The murre is the most common, with up to 2,500 pairs breeding.

The rock is also used as a hauling ground for California and Steller sea lions, Zalophus californianus and Eumetopias jubata.

Of Franciscan formation material, the rock is almost divided into two sections by a surge channel. Though much of the rock is relatively flat and at least 10 meters (30 feet) above the water level, there is a ridge which rises to 22 meters (72 feet).

A variety of vegetation grows on the rock, including salt grass, Distichlis spicata, Dudleya sp., Spergularia sp., various grasses, Bromus sp. and Poa sp.

Integrity: Virtually undisturbed.

Use: Research, educational, observational during non-breeding season.

July 1976