Visitor       Log In         Who We Are       Newsletters       Coastal Goods            Contact Us         Climate Cache         Tour of the Miles       CoastWatch Stories       Sightings       Watchful Eyes       CoastWatcher's Bookshelf       Coastwatcher's Knapsack       Filing a Mile Report:          Getting Started Online          Online Mile Report          Online Mile Dispatch          Paper Report form          Observation Checklist          Mile Reports Browser          Summaries by County       OPRD Planning Maps       Stranded Marine Mammal       CoastWatch counties:          Clatsop          Tillamook          Lincoln          Lane             Quarterlies          Douglas             Quarterlies          Coos             Quarterlies          Curry       Topics:          Estuaries          Navy Training          Port of Newport          SOLV Cleanup          Tsunami Debris         Gravel Mining Guide         The Wide, Wide Sea       Marine Reserves       Position: Marine Reserves       Position: Ocean Energy

CoastWatch Mile 97 County Coos Description Bandon SP, between Twomile Cr and Bradley Lake Boundaries N 43° 3.907', W 124° 26.24' to N 43° 2.999', W 124° 26.541' Google Maps Nearby Roads, Directions to/from, Google photos, Satellite image, Terrain overlay OPRD Map Coquille River (Face Rock) to New River (1) Vehicles • Motor vehicle travel is allowed at any time from north of China Creek (43° 04.3938', Mile 98) southerly to a point approximately one mile north of the mouth of Twomile Creek (43° 03.3288', Mile 97). • Motor vehicle travel is prohibited from a point approximately one mile north of the mouth of Twomile Creek (43° 03.3288', Mile 97) to the Coos County-Curry County line, (42° 57.2628', Mile 89). Weather Current Weather Conditions at nearby stations (may take a minute or two on a dialup connection) Tides The NOAA Tide Predictions site may be found here. Click on the station nearest to your location to see predicted tides in graphical and tabular formats. Photo Looking north from the south border of 97.   3/19/13 Beach is almost flat today. Little driftline as the wind has blown it clean! D Bilderback

70 REPORTS FOR MILE 97: D Bilderback Mar 19, 2013 1:15 PM   Sparse driftline of small rocks, a few shells and broken Sand Dollars, one clump of Bull Kelp (Nereocystis) and a few strands of Macrocystis. A small number of plastic bottles on the beach. A few Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. Wind-blown beach very flat with a slope of 2 degrees. Average wind speed of 23.9 mph. Air and ocean teperatures of 53 and 54 degrees, respectively.   MORE    Looking north from the south border of 97.    Description: Beach is almost flat today. Little driftline as the wind has blown it clean! D Bilderback Jun 17, 2012 11:30 AM   Light driftline of many Ctenophores, small rocks, a few shells and crab carapaces, one Sea Star and pieces of the flowering plant, Lasthenia maritima. A big rope tangle on the dry sand. One Caspian Tern flying north, one Whimbrel foraging on beach, three banded Snowy Plover foraging on beach, one Sanderling, one Ring-billed Gull and a Harbor Seal swimming offshore. One piece of peat in the driftline. Beach flat with slope of 2 degrees. Ripetide embayment on south end of mile. Air and ocean temperatures of 77 and 59 degrees, respectively. Wind of 12.1 mph from the NW. Sky overcast with intermittant fog. Four people walking the beach. A Snowy plover host picking up beach trash.   MORE    Ctenophores and Lasthenia maritima in the driftline.    Description: The round lumps are small Ctenophore, a small ciliated invertebrate whose common name, "cat's eye" or "sea gooseberry" gives you an idea of their size (about 1/2 inch in diameter). The flowering plant in the photo is Lasthenia maritima (Maritime Goldfields) has washed from one of the off-shore islands in the area such as Face Rock or Haystack Rock where all three species of Cormorants and Western Gulls harvest this to place in their nest areas. Location: Middle Mile 97 Close-up of Lastenia maritima in the driftline.    Description: Here you can see the small flowers of this plant. The nearest island from which this plant could have come is at least 2 1/2 miles north from here. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Rope washed ashore.    Description: Unfortunately, this rope was buried too deeply for us to remove. Location: South end of Mile 97 So many ctenophores in the driftline today!    Location: All along Mile 97 Lots of driftwood on the south part of Mile 97.    Location: South Mile 97 Snowy Plover and Sanderling foraging on the beach.    Description: The Snowy Plover is on the right and the Sanderling is on the left. Location: South Mile 97 D Bilderback Dec 30, 2011 9:00 AM   Light driftline with fresh water aquatic plants- Myriophyllum (Water Milfoil), terrestrial plant debris-stems, leaves and needles and saltwater plants, Phyllospadix (Surfgrass)and Eelgrass, Zostera. Seafoam forming the most recent driftline. Little ocean-based debris. Beach flat and wind swept. 21 Brown Pelican and large flocks of California Gulls with one Franklin Gull flying south. Flocks of Sanderlings foraging the surfline. One resting Western Grebe on the wet sand. One dead Western Grebe. Wind from the soutwest at about 15 mph. Three people walking on the beach.   MORE    Resting Western Grebe at the surfline.    Description: In these rough seas, Western Grebes often drift ashore and rest for a bit before returning to fight the waves. Location: Middle Mile 97 Looking north on an ocean-swept beach!    Description: Notice the heavy foam line today! Location: Middle Mile 97 Looking south down the heavy foam line.     Location: Middle of Mile 97 D Bilderback Sep 19, 2011 8:48 AM   The beach consisted of a high ridge of accumulated sand with a six degree slope and lagoons in the runnel. The ridge was broken by a riptide embayment and lagoon outflow. Tangles and individual Zostera (Eelgrass)leaves and kelp (Postelsia, Cystoseira, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Fucus, Egregia and Lessoniopsis) caught on the sand ridge. Four Snowy Plovers on the dry sand, three Semipalmated Plovers and flocks of Sanderlings resting on dry sand. Least Sandpipers foraging in a lagoon and resting on dry sand. A few Western Gulls. A Turkey Vulture and six Barn Swallows flying over beach. Fox tracks on the beach. Dead birds were one Northern Fulmar, one Sooty Shearwater and two Common Murre chicks. The driftline included one Sea Star (Piaster ochraceus), broken Sand Dollars (Dendraster), one Northern Kelp Crab (Pugettia) carapace, few Mole Crabs (Emerita), many Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) molts, pieces of Sea Nettle Jelly (Chrysaora), Gastropod egg cases, Centophores, Hydrozoa, Bryozoa, shells and rocks. Wind speed of 9.6 mph from the NW. The air and ocean temperatures were 56 and 56.6 degrees F, respectively.   MORE    Dave walking in the sea grass tangles.    Description: Lots of sea grass was washed up today. Location: Middle Mile 97 Sea Nettle Jelly (Chrysaora)    Description: We found many parts of Sea Nettle Jellies along the beach today. Location: All along Mile 97 Least Sandpipers    Description: The yellow legs are a good species marker for these small sandpipers. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Least Sandpiper in a large runnel.    Description: A Least Sandpiper foraging in a large runnel that has had Bull Kelp washed into it. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Sanderlings and Least Sandpipers.    Description: These birds love to rest next to dried Bull Kelp or other algae, making it a bit hard to see them. Location: Middle Mile 97 D Bilderback Jun 19, 2011 9:09 AM   The driftline consisted of discrete clumps of kelp/algae, Eelgrass and Surfgrass as well as shells, crab molt, small rocks, Ctenophores, worm tubes, broken Sand Dollars and snail egg cases. Pacific Tiger Beetle (Cicindela bellissima) on the dry sand. Nine Brown Pelican flying to the north over the ocean. Deer tracks on the beach. Large Styrofoam wharf piece on middle of mile. Ridge/runnel formation on beach. Beach was flat with a slope of 4 degrees. Air and ocean temperatures of 54 and 56 degrees, respectively. Wind of 6.2 mph from the Northwest. One person walking on the beach.   MORE    Clumps of kelp/algae in the driftline.    Location: Mile 97 Large Styrofoam wharf on middle of mile.    Location: Middle Mile 97 Ridge and runnel development on beach.    Location: South Mile 97 Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle    Description: Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle or Cicindela bellissima on the south part of Mile 97. Location: South Mile 97 D Bilderback Feb 21, 2011 11:15 AM   A few Sanderlings and 190 Least Sandpipers were on the high beach. Driftline was very limited with an occasional shell and a few small rocks. More logs,dunegrass debris and wood was at the south end of the mile. Four separate Snowy Plover habitat restoration sites ranging from about 15,000 to 40,000 square feet have been newly created by leveling the sand dunes and removing the European Dunegrass. Sand has been removed from beach by two riptide embayments. The larger embayment has created an eight foot sand cliff above a beach with a slope of 8 degrees. The established Snow Plover Habitat has been newly plowed. One auto tire was on the wet sand, and two pieces of a Styrofoam wharf were on the high beach. The beach was flat with a slope of 4 degrees. The air and ocean temperatures were 49 degrees, and the wind speed was 10.2 mph from the NW. No people were on the beach.   MORE    Floating Styrofoam dock piece on Mile 97.    Location: Middle of Mile 97 Largest riptide embayment erosion.    Description: Dave (6' 2") is standing next to the largest riptide embayment erosion on Mile 97. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Long riptide embayment erosion on Mile 97.    Description: Dave is standing at the north end of this long riptide embayment erosion. Location: Middle of Mile 97. Another piece of a floating dock.    Location: Middle of Mile 97. Least Sandpipers using the woody debris as cover.    Description: Least Sandpipers blend right in with the driftwood and it is easy to overlook them from a distance. Location: South Mile 97 New Snowy Plover Habitat area created.    Description: This is just one of four large Snowy Plover Habitat areas that have been created just to the east (foredune ploughed away) of the beach along Mile 97. This should help prevent predators such as Ravens, Crows, and other birds from finding the nest and chicks so easy as there will be many areas that they would need to check. Location: North Mile 97 beachnut Dec 31, 2010 2:00 PM   We finally got a break in the wet, windy, chilly weather--and this was a super end to the year on our lovely beach. A family of 3 was hauling SOLV bags full of rubbish and scads of fishing nets as we began. Other couples were just enjoying the day. Not many birds to report: just a few Snowy Plovers high in the dry sand and a gull or two in the wet sand. Logs were light along my mile, perhaps moved out by the crashing surf of late. Animal casings, kelp, small rocks and wood pieces in the driftline. Not much litter, probably because the family hauled it out.   MORE  D Bilderback Oct 23, 2010 10:06 AM   Light wrack of shells, feathers, mole crab carapaces, gastropod egg cases, kelp/algae and the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass) and Phyllospadix (Surfgrass). Some Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) stipes were 59 feet long even without the holdfast. Flocks of Canada Geese, Brant's Geese, Ring-billed Gulls and a Bonaparte's Gull flying south over ocean and beach. Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. One dead Northern Fulmar, dark phase, with brain, breast and internal organs eaten. Sand being removed from beach. Beach flat with a slope of 6 degrees. Logs, individual Bull Kelp (Nereocystis) and Bull Kelp knots thrust onto the foot of the foredune by high storm waves. No wind. Air and ocean temperatures of 55 and 51.6 degrees F, respectively. No people on the beach.   MORE    Driftwood Moose    Description: This driftwood moose is closer to the foredune now. Location: Middle Mile 97 D Bilderback Sep 10, 2010 9:38 AM   A light wrack of seaweeds (Fucus, Macrocarpus, Egregia and Postelsia), Eelgrass (Zostera) and Surfgrass (Phyllospadix), two Aurelia Jellies, wood pieces, a large wooden box and a small amount of ocean-based debris. Ctenophores stranded on the wet sand. Pacific Coast Tiger Beetles (Cicindela bellissima) and a few Oregon Tiger Beetles ( Cicindela oregana oregana) were found along the wrack line. Four flocks of Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. 16 Snowy Plover on dry sand. Turkey Vultures flying over beach. High ridge of sand with an 8 degree slope seaward and two separate large runnels behind. Air and ocean temperatures of 57 and 53 degrees, respectively. Wind speed of 8.5 mph. One person walking his dog on the beach.   MORE    Northern Runnel    Description: As is common during this time of the year, there are large runnels forming behind the sand that is being pushed on shore to form a ridge. This runnel was at the northern part of the mile. Location: North Mile 97 Large wooden box    Description: This may be part of a cupboard or just a wooden box. Location: Middle Mile 97 Southern Runnel    Description: This large runnel was found on the southern half of Mile 97. Location: South Mile 97 beachnut Aug 6, 2010 2:30 PM   More people (9) were on this usually deserted beach, two with unleashed large dogs. The wind from the NW was strong and chilly. Shell fragments as well as rockweed and eelgrass were scattered along the low-tide line practically the entire mile. Not much litter in evidence, and what there was mostly was behind the no-entry plover fencing. Some gulls and a couple of dozen small shorebirds, about the size of a snowy plover but darker, were near the wet sand. One snowy plover spotted just north of the habitat restoration area.   MORE    Drift line Contents    Description: Rockweed and eelgrass accumulated along the low-tide zone. Location: China Creek south to the big sign at the south end of mile 97. D Bilderback Jun 19, 2010 8:56 AM   Driftline consisted mainly of small rocks, a few isolated kelp/algae (Macrocystis, Fucus, Cystoseira, Hymenena, Postelsia, Ulva, Laminaria, Nereocystis, Porphyra, Sargassum, Analipus and Egregia), the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass), Phyllospadix (Surfgrass),and Lasthenia maritima (Maritime Goldfields)from the offshore rocks, worm tubes, a few dead Mole Crabs(Emerita),one whole and several broken Sand Dollars, a few Hydrozoa and a few shells. Four Caspian Terns and 10 Canada Geese flew north over surf. One Snowy Plover on dry sand. One dead raptorized Common Murre. One riptide embayment. One tar ball removed from the beach. Beach slope low (3 degrees). Air and ocean temperatures were 66 and 58 degrees F, respectively. No wind. Low human impact (1)-walking   MORE    Dramatic clouds but no showers!    Description: Beautiful day on the beach. Location: North Mile 97 A flattened tar ball.    Description: Dave found this flattened tar ball on the beach and removed it. It was the only tar ball that we found on this day. Location: Middle of Mile 97 beachnut Apr 18, 2010 8:00 AM   No one was out at 8 a.m. on my stretch, though on the return 5 vehicles had arrived, but no one walked my mile. It turned into a glorious, mild, nearly windless day. Seven Snowy Plovers sought food in the high line while Sanderlings and sandpipers mined the water line. Two pelicans were wave skimming, and a crow flew toward inland. Shells and small rocks in the driftline. Lots of plastic and glass bottles have accumulated, as well as other seaborne trash. The most unusual was a kitchen base cupboard. Nothing inside it apart from sand, though. Much of the rope linking the signs restricting access to plover nesting areas has been taken down by the tides.   MORE  beachnut Mar 13, 2010 11:00 AM   High surf and vicious winds of the last several days have removed most of the logs and large branches that were here on my last walk. Surf and wind also brought in lots of plastic and glass bottles, plastic fishing floats, styrofoam and other goodies. I filled two SOLV bags and could have filled at least another two. The snowy plover fencing is up from China Creek to the plover habitat restoration area. Speaking of the little birds, a couple were foraging in the wet sand, as were several sanderlings. Gulls flew overhead. Two dead seabirds lay in the high-tide line. One walker had two really big dogs, not on leashes.   MORE  D Bilderback Feb 17, 2010 8:53 AM   Few shells, small rocks, bits of European Dunegrass, sponges (Neoesperiopsis), Hydrozoa and kelp/algae (Cryptopleura and Callophyllis) in the driftline. Little ocean-based debris. Two large clumps of eggs on the beach. Two flocks of foraging Sanderlings on the wet and dry sand. Four Snowy Plover foraging at surfline. Three Western Gulls resting on beach. Beach flat with a slope of 4 degrees. Air and ocean temperatures of 49 and 53 degrees, respectively. Low human impact(0).   MORE    Possible fish eggs.    Description: We think that these eggs are fish eggs. We saw two clumps of these on this beach today. Location: South Mile 97 beachnut Jan 30, 2010 9:00 AM   Most notable today were the lines of beachgrass in the tidelines and the profusion of logs on this stretch of beach that usually doesn't have much. Logs were even thrown up into the grassy dunes. Some shells,wood pieces, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in the driftline. Wave overtopping was evident practically the whole mile, and it extended many yards into the Snowy Plover habitat restoration area. There were a dozen Snowy Plover feeding in the wet sand just south of Christian Camp trail. Also foraging were Sanderlings and possibly sandpipers. A few crows and Canada Geese were flying overhead. The only dead creature spotted was a fish of some sort, which had been eaten partially. It was about 18 inches long. No people or dogs were seen on the beach.   MORE  D Bilderback Jan 20, 2010 9:46 AM   A large amount of European Beachgrass with some Gorse, shells, wood pieces and ocean-based debris in the driftline. Drift logs on the beach. Seventeen Snowy Plovers resting on the beach. Two flocks of four and six Brown Pelicans flying south over the ocean. Seven Sanderlings foraging the wet sand. One Raven flying over the beach. High tides running up to the foredune. Beach slope of 5-8 degrees. Wind speed of 1.3 mph from the SW. Air and ocean temperature of 54 and 49 degrees, respectively. Low human impact(0)on the beach.    MORE    Resting Snowy Plovers on the beach.    Description: Today, we saw 17 Snowy Plovers on the beach. Here they are resting with European Beachgrass. Location: South mile 97 Lots of European Beachgrass on the beach today.    Description: High surf has eroded lots of European Beachgrass out of the foredunes onto the beach. Location: All along Mile 97. beachnut Dec 28, 2009 9:30 AM   This was a glorious beach-walking day (probably the last windless one of the year), and I took advantage of it. No people were out with me: just scads of shorebirds gathered up the beach on the wet sand. They were darker than sanderlings and not nearly as skittish as sandpipers. Otherwise, the surf was running way high.   MORE    shorebirds    Description: a great gathering on wet sand near the southern part of my mile Location: just south of the big sign prohibiting motor vehicles surf foam    Description: foam shows the surf incursion at the snowy plover Habitat Restoration Area, looking south toward the big sign prohibiting motor vehicles Location: HRA at mile 97 beachnut Dec 19, 2009 10:30 AM   A very mild, fine beach day that I was alone in enjoying. Too bad....Surf was running high as the tide was coming in. Lots of marine trash; I carted out a SOLV bag full and could have lugged more if there'd been help. Not many creatures were out and about, apart from 8 Snowy Plovers foraging mostly in the wet sand and a couple of crows overflying the beach. The dead numbered three birds, notably a much-diminished pelican. The others were mostly feathers and hard to identify. Lots of feathers and beachgrass collected in the tide line, and scatterings of shell fragments, Dungeness Crab molt and pieces of trees appeared as well.Tides are encroaching noticeably on the Habitat Restoration Area just north of the big sign. No other people on the beach.   MORE  D Bilderback Dec 13, 2009 8:54 AM   Light driftline with a few shells, small rocks, Sea Nettle jellies (Chrysaora fuscescens) and broken sand dollars. Two groups(3&10) of California Sea Lions swimming south and riding the waves. Nine Snowy Plovers resting in divots in the beach. Three Brown Pelican flying north over surf. A few Raven and Sanderlings on beach. Dead birds were: 1 Western Gull (juvenile),8 Northern Fulmar and 1 Western Grebe. Beach slope of 5 - 12 degrees. A few plastic bottles and an auto tire on the beach. Air and ocean temperatures were 48 and 48.5 degrees, respectively. Wind speed of 2.3 mph from the SE. Low human impact (1)-walking with a dog.   MORE    Snowy Plovers resting in divots in the sand.    Description: Resting in divots of the sand helps camouflage Snowy Plovers from raptors flying above. Location: Middle Mile 97 D Bilderback Nov 21, 2009 8:54 AM   A light driftline consisting of feathers, gastropod egg cases, infrequent kelp and algae, few shells and rocks, two logs covered with pelagic gooseneck barnacles, barnacle and sand crab castings,several species of Hydrozoa, eelgrass and seagrass. Sanderlings and Four Snowy Plover foraging on wet sand. Two northern Fulmar resting on beach. Western Gulls resting on Beach. Brown Pelican flying south over ocean. Dead birds consisted of: 1 Common Murre, 1 Rhinoceros Auklet, 7 Northern Fulmar and 2 Western Grebe. One Harbor Seal swimming in ocean. A degraded dead Harbor Seal high on beach. Beach slope of 11 degrees. Wind at 10 mph from the south. Air and ocean temperatures were 51 and 50 degrees, respectively. A bag of plastic removed from beach. Low human inpact (1)-walking.   MORE    Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles covering log.    Description: Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles (Lepas antifera) cover this log. This had just freshly washed in giving this log a Medusa-looking appearance! Location: South part of Mile 97 Closeup of Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles.    Description: Closeup of the Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles (Lepas antifera). Normally, when we come upon these logs, the barnacles have long since dried out, but today, they were still alive. Dave threw the log back in the surf but it probably came back ashore. Location: South Mile 97 Driftwood Moose    Description: This beautiful piece of driftwood has been uncovered again by the sea. It was here last fall and winter. Location: Middle Mile 97 beachnut Nov 7, 2009 8:30 AM   Even a walk at low tide was fraught with exciting moments in this period of stormy surf, but it was a fine day nonetheless. Two dead seabirds and one harbor seal were the only downers. Lots of foam and evidence of wave overtopping along nearly the whole stretch of my mile. Much driftwood, even up in the dunes, and some bull kelp were seen. Wildlife notable today were an immature sea lion resting high up the beach near the dead seal; nine Snowy Plovers foraging in the high line; a few gulls and numerous Sanderlings mining the wet sand. Low human impact (4)-3 walking and 1 metal detecting.   MORE    dead seal    Description: dead harbor seal, showing no wounds. Location: quarter mile south of christian camp trail along high-tide line. D Bilderback Oct 22, 2009 8:40 AM   High tide extended to foredune with water accumulated in runnel. Outflow channels cut across the sand ridge. A few shells, crab carapices, Hydrozoa and kelp as well as one skate egg case with more numerous Polyorchis jellies and jelly pieces and wood in the driftline. Green diatom scum also in driftline A flock of Greater White-fronted Goose flew north over beach. Six Snowy Plover resting in driftline. One dark phase Northern Fulmar resting on beach. Dead birds were 1 Eared Grebe, 1 Brandt's Cormorant, 5 Common Murre and 1 Black Scoter. One freshly dead Harbor Seal and one decomposed California Sea Lion were on the beach. Beach slope of 5 degrees. Air temperature of 55 degrees. Wind speed of 5.1 mph. Little man-made debris on beach. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Snowy Plover on the beach.    Description: I'm enjoying using my zoom lens on the Snowy Plover today because they were just resting, not running. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Northern Fulmar    Description: This dark phase Northern Fulmar was resting on the beach. This photo shows the prominent tubenose of this bird. These birds secrete salt through the tubenose allowing the bird to live at sea, far from fresh water most of its life. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Dead Harbor Seal    Description: This female Harbor Seal was reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Eared Grebe    Description: This small Eared Grebe was the first one that we have ever seen dead on the beach. Location: North Mile 97 Another view of the Eared Grebe    Location: North Mile 97 Closeup of the head of the Eared Grebe    Location: North Mile 97 Skate eggcase    Description: This is probably Raja binoculata, the Big-eyed Skate eggcase. These often get torn from the rocks or sea floor where the mother skate laid the egg during high surf. Location: North Mile 97 D Bilderback Sep 17, 2009 9:00 AM   A few shells, Hydrozoa, crab carapaces, a large dried clump of Feather-duster worms, kelp/algae and Zostera (Sea Grass) in the driftline. Flocks of Sanderlings and 12 Snowy Plovers on high beach. Five dead Common Murre and one dead California Sea Lion on the beach. Beach was flat with seaward slope of 3-6 degrees. Beach clear of man-made debris. Wind speed of 3.4 mph from Northwest. Air and ocean temperatures of 68 and 61.8 degrees,respectively. Low human impact (2)-ORPD personnel driving to Snowy Plover nesting site.   MORE    Feather-duster worm tubes.    Description: This dried clump of Feather-duster worm tubes (Family Sabellidae) is unusual to see on the beach. Each of these tubes held a worm with a beautiful plume (like a feather duster) that the worm uses to both gather food and to breathe. Location: South part of Mile 97 Four adult and two juvenile Sanderlings    Description: The two juvenile Sanderlings have the darker patterned back, while the adults are in their non-breeding plumage this time of the year. Location: South part of Mile 97 California Sea Lion    Description: This dead California Sea Lion was reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Location: South part of Mile 97 Skull of California Sea Lion    Location: South Mile 97 D Bilderback Jul 13, 2009 9:00 AM   Shells, crab casings, kelp/algae, Sea Grass, broken Sand Dollars, a few Sea Jellies, many worm casings and small rocks in driftline. Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers foraging on beach. Two Snowy Plover on the dry sand. Caspian Terns flying over surf and Brown Pelicans on ocean. Ridge and runnel formation occurring. Beach slope of 4-13 degrees. Wind speed of 6.3 mph from NW. Air and ocean temperature of 58 and 53 degrees F., respectively. Low human impact (1)-Snowy Plover predator control on ATV.   MORE  beachnut Jun 20, 2009 6:30 AM   As noted in the mile 98 report of today, the phantom atv operator came across China Creek and proceeded south until he reached the snowy plover habitat restoration area, where he turned around and backtracked. I did not see any sign of his entry/exit from the drive to the China Creek parking area and suspect it was closer to the Christian Camp private drive. It is somewhat odd that he followed the path the Fish and Wildlife staffers use to hit the wet sand.   MORE  D Bilderback Jun 19, 2009 8:45 AM   Shells, small rocks, broken sand dollars, leather Bryozoa, Hydrozoa, the vascular plants, Lasthenia and Zostera and a little kelp/algae in the driftline. Two large aggregations of crab and barnacle molt. Ridge/runnel formation with ridge slope of 6 degrees. Riptide embayment at northern end of beach. Patches of surf foam on beach. 15 Ring-billed Gulls, 3 Western Gulls, 2 Whimbrels, 1 Glaucous-winged Gull, Barn Swallows along and over over beach. Brown Pelican and Caspian Tern flying offshore. Air and ocean temperture of 60 and 56 degrees, respectively. Wind of 3.4 mph. Low human impact (3)-walking.    MORE    Crab molt on the beach.    Description: There were two locations of large washups of the Crab molt along the mile. Location: Middle and south ends of the mile Barnacle molt on the beach.    Location: Middle of Mile 97. D Bilderback May 21, 2009 8:15 AM   A few shells, animal casings and small rocks in the driftline. Beach flat with a slope of 3-5 degrees with two riptide embayments. Sanderlings foraging on beach. Flocks of Canada Geese and Whimbrels flying north over beach. Ring-billed Gulls standing on beach. One dead Pigeon Guillemot. Air and ocean temperature of 50 and 48 degrees F, respectively. Wind speed of 20.8 mph. Low human impact (0).    MORE    One of two riptide embayments on this mile.    Location: South Mile 97 beachnut May 13, 2009 8:30 AM   I watched a regular beach walker on this stretch of coast come down the Christian Camp path and go under the "DO NOT CROSS" Snowy Plover fencing to access the beach today. He is old, has bad teeth, dresses like a derelict, rides a bicycle to/from Bandon and his first name is Bob.   MORE  beachnut May 7, 2009 6:30 AM   Finally the vicious winds and lashing rains abated enough for a long walk. Many piles of bull kelp lined the high-tide line, where small shorebirds (a few Snowy Plover as well as sandpipers and Sanderlings) foraged before racing to and from the incoming tide. Pieces of sea grass were numerous, as were golden shaving brush shaped hydrozoa. Shells and animal casings in the driftline. Three pelicans fished beyond breakers. Low human impact (2)-1 walking and USDA predator control. The winds are starting to build the beach at the southern end of my mile so there is a noticeable pitch. Also, a bay appears to be forming opposite the big, permanent END OF OPEN AREA sign at low tide. I removed a grocery-bag full of ocean-borne litter--plastic bags and bottles mostly, plus half a large fuel container.   MORE  D Bilderback Apr 20, 2009 8:45 AM   Light drift of shells, broken sand dollars and small rocks. One tar glob. Flocks of Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plover, and Brant's Geese migrating north. A small flock of Marbled Godwit feeding in the surfline. One Snowy Plover. Ring-billed Gulls also seen in the surfline. Flat beach of 5 degrees. Wind speed of 13.1 mph. Air and ocean temperature of 49 degrees.   MORE    Marbled Godwit    Description: There was a small flock of Marbled Godwits feeding in the surfline. beachnut Apr 11, 2009 7:00 AM   The morning was overcast, wind from the south (though not too bad at this point), and I had it all to myself. I was surprised to see four huge flocks of Canada geese flying over, heading south. Perhaps they are really Polish geese. Coming back, Snowy Plovers and Sanderlings were scurrying in the water line at minus tide, along with a few gulls. No dead creatures observed, apart from jellies and clusters of mussels in the high wrack line.   MORE  D Bilderback Mar 21, 2009 8:30 AM   Light driftline with few invertebrates (Ctenophores, Hydrozoa, Mole Crabs, tunicate and molted appendages of barnacles), a few kelp (Cystoseira and Nereocystis), shells, small rocks, wood pieces and pieces of sea jellies. Many stems and limbs were found that had the stems cut out and bark removed by beaver. One dead Western Grebe. Flocks of foraging Sanderlings. Beach with a gentle slope of 5 degrees. Wind from SW at 10.3 mph. Air and ocean tempertaure of 50 and 50.2 degrees F, respectively. Low human impact (1)-walking with one dog.   MORE    Moose like driftwood    Description: This pretty driftwood log is new to this beach. beachnut Mar 18, 2009 9:00 AM   A heads-up for the "snowy plover police:" Someone walked the Christian Camp trail to the nesting signage and went under the ropes to get to the beach. There were no tracks yesterday when I walked my mile, and I surmise someone came after that. If it helps, the perp has big feet and takes teeny steps....   MORE  beachnut Mar 17, 2009 8:30 AM   An overcast, chilly morning brought no bad things to view. The Snowy Plover nesting signage is up from China Creek south through the nesting restoration area (and probably beyond, but I didn't go there because of threatening storm clouds moving in from the south). No dead mammals or birds or fish came in sight. Trash was mostly from out to sea, and I removed a SOLV bag full: rope, plastic bags and bottles, spray cans with oriental markings, plastic bottle tops. Kelp/algae and beach grass in driftline. A cormorant flying along the tideline. A few Canada Geese flying overhead. Sanderlings and Dunlins on the shore. Low human impact (1)- a predator control person on an allowed ATV.   MORE  beachnut Feb 13, 2009 7:30 AM   The sky was a deep, scary gray and clouds moving fast. But it was dry and a good walk. Saw a few gulls in the tideline as well as Sanderlings and Dunlins in groups there. The storm tides have overtopped a significant segment beyond the Christian Camp pathway. Otherwise the tides have come to the base of the dunes in many spots. Logs are changing position and even disappearing to other places. The predator-control ATV operator is back at work. No one else was out this morning. Scant trash from the sea; it probably came in and went right out again.   MORE  D Bilderback Jan 13, 2009 9:00 AM   Very light driftline of small rocks and some wood pieces. 26 Snowy Plovers, flocks of Sanderlings, Dunlins and Least Sandpipers foraging at surfline. Dead birds included one dead Western Grebe and one Brown Pelican. Beach slope of 5 degrees. Little beach debris. Tractor moving slowly down beach and removing sand from the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Site. A large piece of a dock washed up on beach. Wind of 6.2-9.4 mph. Air and ocean temperatures of 59 and 49.7 degrees F, respectively. Low human impact (1) walking with two small dogs.   MORE    Dock on the beach.    Description: This picture was taken on 1/11/09 after Barbara Harrison reported this dock and another large cement tank on Mile 96. Location: Northern boundry of Mile 97. Date: Jan 11, 2009 9:00 AM Another view of the dock.    Location: Northern boundry of Mile 97 Date: Jan 11, 2009 9:00 AM Dunlins in the surf.    Description: Lots of Dunlins today foraging in the surfline. Location: All along Mile 97 Closeup of the Dunlins.    Location: Southern end of Mile 97 Can you find the Snowy Plovers in the Cat tracks?    Description: When Snowy Plovers sit still in the tracks, they almost "disappear"! That's their natural way to avoid predators. There was a cat plowing the Habitat Restoration Site today. Location: Northern end of Mile 97. Now can you see the Snowy Plovers?    Description: Here's a closer look at the Snowy Plovers and it is getting easier to see them. Location: North Mile 97 Another look at the Snowy Plovers in the tracks.    Location: North Mile 97 Cat on the Beach!    Description: This caterpillar was headed down the beach to finish up the plowing to remove the European Dune grass from the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area. Location: South Mile 97 Plowing the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area    Description: Plowing this area helps remove the European Dune Grass. Snowy Plovers prefer to nest in areas that are without much vegetation so that they can see predators from a distance. Location: South Mile 97 Dead Western Grebe    Description: This is a dead Western Grebe. It is recognized by it's slim and pointed yellow bill and the lobed toes. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Western Grebe feet    Description: Even if the carcass of a dead bird is almost unrecognizable, these unique feet will identify it as a Western Grebe. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Closeup of Western Grebe lobed toes.    Description: These toes work great in the water but are not much help if the bird is trying to walk on land. Many birds rest onshore and when approached by people, try to "run/walk" and look so ungainly, the person wrongly assumes that the bird is hurt. It's best just to give them a wide berth. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Western Grebe head closeup    Description: The shape and length of Western Grebe bills can be used to determine the sex of the bird. Males have a larger straight bill and the females have a smaller bill with a straight top bill but curved lower bill. This bird appears to be a male. Location: Middle of Mile 97. beachnut Jan 3, 2009 8:30 AM   Forget quiet and fresh air on this part of the coast: the bulldozer is churning down the beach a mile and a half (very slowly, very loudly, belching obnoxious diesel fumes) to the snowy plover restoration area. I can only hope those plovers huddled in the dozer's tracks from yesterday managed to vacate safely. It's too bad the operator can't leave the thing at his destination, rather than tear up the beach coming and going. That's an Oregon State Parks call, I guess. Otherwise, nothing notable to report -- apart from the continued presence offshore of fishing pelicans. It's hard to count them because they're beyond the breakers, but I'd guess there were at least 20 out today during my walk. Animal casings, small rocks, and Styrofoam in driftline. Snowy Plovers, Sanderlings and gulls foraging on wet sand. Low human impact (1) walking with one dog.   MORE  beachnut Dec 30, 2008 8:00 AM   I was sad to see a newly dead pelican in the high tide line today; no scavengers had hit it either on my walk south or north. There had been about 3 dozen flying along the beach yesterday, mostly in groups, but one or two were flying solo. No one else was out on my mile today. It is getting harder to cross China Creek, which is flowing deep and with strong currents--even at low tide. It was amazing to find two concrete structures, which I suppose had been dock supports of some sort, on the beach. One was on mile 97 and the other visible down mile 96. Size is a guess: 6 feet by 10 feet. Imagine the force to uproot these AND move them to their current locations. Lots of trash in the high line: mostly plastic bottles (many with oriental markings), plus two plastic Japanese floats, and scatterings of small pieces of styrofoam. Shells, kelp, small rocks and wood pieces in drifline. Wave overtopping and erosion of foredune.    MORE  beachnut Dec 13, 2008 9:00 AM   The winter high tides and storm surges are already obvious along my mile. Logs, bull kelp and displaced beach grass clumps all attest to this phenomenon. Happily, I've observed no dead marine life (other than jellies) or birds of late. Pelicans and Sanderlings are still out feeding where they may. A few Snowy Plovers show up from time to time. Otherwise, it is no longer carefree beach walking. The south winds are chill; some hail accumulates in the sand; sun is mostly a stranger. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, wood pieces, plastic bags and pellets, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in driftline. Low human impact (1)-walking.   MORE  D Bilderback Dec 11, 2008 9:00 AM   A complementary report to that of Beachnut of 12/10/2008 to upload bird photos and the track of a motorcycle on a prohibited beach. 23 Snowy Plovers hiding among the kelp and in footsteps. One dead Brown Pelican, Sooty Shearwater and Common Murre on the beach. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Snowy Plovers hiding next to kelp on beach.    Location: South end of Mile 97 Semipalmated Sandpipers on the beach.    Description: Today there were many small flocks like this of Semipalmated Sandpipers. Location: South Mile 97 Another look at the resting Semipalmated Sandpipers    Location: South Mile 97 Banded Snowy Plover    Description: This bird has leg bands and so probably is a resident here. Location: South Mile 97 Unbanded Snowy Plover    Description: This bird has dark markings and is unbanded. We wonder if it is a visitor rather than a resident? Location: South Mile 97 Snowy Plover sitting in the footsteps of Dave Bilderback.    Description: Dave walked on a head and the Snowy Plovers have taken advantage of his footsteps for cover. We have seen Snowy Plovers hide in ATV tracks in the Siltcoos area and so this is a common behavior for them. Location: South Mile 97 Adult Brown Pelican    Description: You can tell that this is an adult Brown Pelican because of the pink color of the bill and the white head and neck feathers. A juvenile pelican would have a brown bill and head and neck feathers. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Sooty Shearwater    Description: Sooty Shearwater have a tubenose that enables them to spend most of their time at sea. The tube nose is used to secrete salt and so the bird does not have to come ashore to drink fresh water. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Sooty Shearwater's bill closeup.    Description: This is a closeup of the tubenose that enables the Sooty Shearwater to secrete salt. Sooty Shearwaters generally live their lives at sea. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Motorcycle track on prohibited beach.    Description: Beachnut's report of 12/10/2008 reported this track. Location: All along Mile 97 and to the south as well. beachnut Dec 9, 2008 9:00 AM   It was a perfect day on the beach; I only shared it with the birds, which were quite numerous in this hour after high tide. Many sandpipers clustered along the bull kelp in the storm line. Sanderlings were plentiful as well, but in the water line for the most part. I was surprised to see several pelicans offshore; they usually have gone south by now, if memory serves. A few small shorebirds each huddled in human footprints; I couldn't tell whether they were snowy plovers or sanderlings from a distance. Shells, crab casings, a few sea palms, piles of bull kelp, feathers, small rocks, wood pieces, broken sand dollars, jellies of various sizes and some limpets in driftline. Low human impact (0). However, motor bike tracks on a prohibited beach.   MORE  D Bilderback Oct 22, 2008 8:50 AM   A few old decaying Bull Kelp (Nereocystis)knots, clumps of Eelgrass (Zostera), a small number of Sea Palm (Postelsia)and Hymenena, a few shells, a few broken Sand Dollars, small rocks, feathers, and the jelly, Polyorchis in the driftline. 20 Snowy Plover on dry sand. A flock of Sanderlings with a Dunlin. One dead decaying male California Sea Lion that was reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Beach flat and wind-blown with a slope of 5 degrees. Air and ocean temperatures of 58 and 50.4 degrees F, respectively. Wind speed of 11.1 mph from NW. Low human impact (2) - walking with dog.    MORE    Dead California Sea Lion    Location: N43.05647 W124.44060 South end of Mile 97 Skull of California Sea Lion    Description: The large bony protrusion above the skull is the sagittal crest. Sexually mature California Sea Lions have this enlarged sagittal crest. This is one way to determine the difference between a Steller's Sea Lion and a California Sea Lion if there are no other parts left of a carcass. Location: N43.05647 W124.44060 South end of Mile 97 Teeth of a California Sea Lion    Description: The decayed teeth are one sign that this animal probably was an older animal. Location: N43.05647 W124.44060 South end of Mile 97 California Sea Lion with Cookie Cutter Shark bites    Description: This carcass has round circular scars that probably are from Cookie Cutter Sharks (Isistius species). These sharks have large lips that enable them to attach to a prey. Then the animal spins and uses its deep teeth to cut a cookie-cutter shape of tissue out of the prey. We do not know whether the sharks ate this animal before or after the death of the California Sea Lion. A good website with great pictures of the Cookie Cutter Shark is at http://www.shark-pictures.com/viewpic/cookie-cutter-shark-teeth-structure-625.html . Location: N43.05647 W124.44060 South end of Mile 97 beachnut Sep 25, 2008 12:00 AM   Bird life was notable along my mile: pelicans fishing outside the breakers; plovers, sandpipers and Sanderlings foraging along the tidelines. A dead salmon shark of about two feet long was in the high line near the southern end of my mile. Otherwise, it was mostly clear of litter -- seaborne or landborne. No one else was out on the beach. The plover nesting-warning signage has been removed from this stretch of beach for another season. Storm/high tides are coming pretty far up the beach now, nearing the dunes. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, wood pieces in the driftline.   MORE  D Bilderback Sep 16, 2008 9:00 AM   Few shells and broken sand dollars, animal casings, kelp/algae (Postelsia, Hymenena, Egregia, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Cystoseira), Eelgrass (Zostera) and small rocks in a thin and spotty wrackline. Western Sandpipers, 20 Snowy Plovers, a few Sanderlings, flocks of Western Gulls on the beach. Turkey Vultures flying over the beach. Eight dead Common Murre and 1 dead Pelagic Cormorant. One dead male Salmon Shark on the beach. Two riptide embayments at each end of the mile. Beach sloping from 13 to 3 degrees. Air and ocean temperature of 51 and 49.5 degrees F, respectively. Wind of 6.2 mph. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Riptide embayment on south end of Mile 97.    Description: This shows how the ocean is cutting into the sand with a strong riptide embayment on Mile 97. Location: South end of Mile 97. Salmon Shark overview    Location: South end of Mile 97. Salmon Shark teeth    Description: Salmon Shark teeth showing two rows of teeth, typical of sharks. Location: South end of Mile 97. Another look at the two rows of Salmon Shark teeth.    Location: South end of Mile 97. Male Salmon Shark showing clasper.    Description: This animal is a male Salmon Shark by the male claspers--the longer fins in the middle that help the animal mate with a female shark. Location: South end of Mile 97. D Bilderback Aug 20, 2008 8:30 AM   Light driftline of knotted and individual Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) and a few Postelsia (Sea Palm) and Cystoseira (Northern Bladder Chain). Beach sloping from 5 to 8 degrees. Five dead Common Murre. Live birds included one Common Murre, one Snowy Plover and Whimbrels, Western Gulls and Sanderlings on the beach. Little human debris on the beach. Air and ocean temperature of 64 degree F and 60.6 degree F, respectively. Wind speed of 8.6 mph. Low human impact (1)-walking with a dog.   MORE  beachnut Aug 1, 2008 7:30 AM   Wildlife was abundant on this lovely day at low tide: Whimbrels, Turkey Vultures, Swallows, a couple of Snowy Plovers, one Crow, Sanderlings and, of course, gulls. Greenish goo was coming in with the tide. Otherwise, the higher tideline had numerous wood pieces, baby shrimp, clusters of mussels, a starfish or two, a couple of clear jellies, some crab molts and broken sand dollars (small change, I guess). Only one other walker went south to Twomile Creek; the others must have gone north, but I only saw a couple of people in that direction.   MORE  D Bilderback Jul 25, 2008 9:30 AM   Light driftline of a few shells, mole crab, broken sand dollars and small rocks. Harbor Seals swimming in surf. Heermann's Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, Turkey Vultures, 3 Snowy Plovers observed. Flocks of Sanderlings and 27 Whimbrels foraging on beach. One dead Steller's Sea Lion and one dead immature Western Gull. The Steller's Sea Lion was reported to the Stranding Network. Ridge/runnel formation on beach. Beach Slope of 1-8 degrees. Air and ocean temperature of 55 and 52 degrees F, respectively. Wind of 9.2 mph. Low human impact (2)-walking.   MORE    Western Gulls and Heerman's Gulls    Description: Lots of Western Gulls and Heerman's Gulls were on the mile today. Location: South end of Mile 97. D Bilderback Jun 19, 2008 9:00 AM   Rocks, a few shells of clam (Macoma sp.) and Pacific Razor Clam (Siliqua patula), broken Sand Dollars (Dendraster excentricus), molts of Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) and numerous molts of the Pacific Mole (Sand) Crab (Emerita analoga) in the driftline. Many burrows of the California Beach Hopper (Megalorchestia californiana). Two Ring-billed Gulls and 2 Snowly Plovers on beach. Brown Pelicans flying offshore. Sand moving onshore forming ridges and runnels. Flat beach with a slope of two degrees. Wind of 4.5 mph, a temperture of 53 degrees F and ocean temperature of 49 degrees F. Low human impact (1)-walking with two small dogs.   MORE  D Bilderback May 14, 2008 8:45 AM   Kelp (Cystoseria, Halosaccion, Macrocarpus, Porphyra, Egregia, Nereocystis and Postelsia), crab molt, shells and one Sea Star, Hydrozoa, Phyllospadix (surf grass), Dodecaceria colony, a worm that forms a hard calcareous shell and small rocks found in the driftline. Two Sanderlings foraging on wet sand, and an Osprey flew up the shoreline. Beach flat with a slope of 4 degrees. Sand accumulating against the eroded foredune. New Snowy Plover nesting habitat rope strung the entire mile. Wind from NE at 7 mph. Air temperature of 63 degree F and ocean temperature of 50.4 degrees.   MORE  beachnut May 14, 2008 7:30 AM   State Parks crews yesterday installed signs and roped off the foredune along my entire stretch, from the Christian Camp access south to the habitat restoration area for the plovers. The tide level is receding and the beach is building up, both normal and seasonal phenomena. Rocks are now scattered along the high-tide line, including agates. Other contents include fragmented sand dollars and angel-wings, various sizes of mussels, a few dined-on dungeness crabs, lots of baby crab molts, a few sea palms. Live critters were not abundant: Sanderlings, swallows, gulls, a couple of Snowy Plovers in the high line. Low human impact (3)-counting dead birds for COASST.   MORE  D Bilderback Apr 24, 2008 1:00 PM   Kelp (Postelsia, Porphyra, Fucus, Plocamium, Polysiphonia, Macrocystis, Cystoseira and Nereocystsis), clumps of freshwater pondweed, Potamogeton and the green alga, Cladophora, crab carapaces, small rocks and wood pieces and broken sand dollars in the driftline. Beach slope of 5 degrees. Ocean temperature was 51.8 F. One riptide embayment. Flock of Sanderlings with a few Western Sandpipers foraging at surfline. Sanderlings bathing in the ocean. One Snowy Plover. A dead Pacific Herring on beach. Caspian Tern flying above the surf. Low human impact (2)-rockhunting.   MORE  beachnut Apr 10, 2008 9:00 AM   The tide levels generally are declining, meaning less overtopping and erosion of the grassy dune areas in this mile. However, the midway point still is susceptible to high tides. Small stones are now abundant in scattered areas, and some sea debris still is coming into shore. A slew of pink shrimp in the high line was very attractive to scores of gulls, as well as the occasional crow or raven. Sanderlings were feeding in the wet line, which was distant for me. Incidentally, I found a barnacle-encrusted glass float in a shape I've not seen before: kind of elliptical and similar to though larger than plastic ones I've found over the years. Low human impact (1)-rockhunting.   MORE  D Bilderback Mar 26, 2008 3:00 PM   Light driftline of rocks, a few broken sand dollars, Ctenophores and the kelp, Porphyra. A few Sanderlings foraging at surfline. One dead muskrat and one dead Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Little plastic debris on beach . Beach flat with slope of 5 degrees. Wind-blown sand accumulating against eroded sand bluff. Air temperature of 48 degrees F and ocean temperature of 50.7 degrees F. Wind from SW at 11.6 mph. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Dead Muskrat    Location: North end of Mile 97 Dead Muskrat Foot    Description: A muskrat foot has stiff hairs to help it swim. Location: North end of Mile 97 Dead Muskrat tail    Description: This is a close up showing the hairs on the flattened muskrat tail. Location: North end of Mile 97 Muskrat Foot    Description: We went back to this carcass three days and found only a skull, a foot and a bit of fur left. It looked like a raptor had eaten the carcass.This photo shows the detail of the foot. Location: North end of Mile 97 Date: Mar 29, 2008 3:00 PM Muskrat teeth    Description: This was taken three days later and this is all that remains of the head. Location: North end of Mile 97 Date: Mar 29, 2008 3:00 PM Muskrat tail overview.    Location: North end of Mile 97 Muskrat skull    Location: North end of Mile 97 Date: Mar 29, 2008 3:00 PM Muskrat underfur    Description: The underfur is very thick on this animal. Location: North end of Mile 97 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel    Location: North end of Mile 97 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Head close-up    Description: The Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel has a tubenose which secretes salt and allows this bird to remain at sea and not come ashore for fresh water. The only time this bird commonly comes ashore is during breeding. Location: North end of Mile 97 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel    Description: This shows the ventral (belly side) of the bird. Location: North end of Mile 97 beachnut Mar 12, 2008 8:30 AM   Dune erosion continues from China Creek south to New River/Two Mile. The Snowy Plover nesting signage and fencing are in place at China Creek in the usual area and also at the Plover Habitat Restoration Area. The beach inbetween is still subject to high tides so there really isn't any foredune for nesting. Fencing is also in place in the dune immediately south of the HRA but didn't run the entire dune to the river floodplain. Kelp/shells, animal casings, small rocks, wood pieces and ocean-based debris in the driftline. A few gulls and Snowy Plovers on the wet sand. One seal pup resting on beach. Visible retreat of vegetated sand dune and evidence of wave overtopping. Low human impact (0).   MORE  D Bilderback Feb 26, 2008 8:45 AM   A few Nereosystis (Bull Kelp), small rocks, wood and European Beachgrass stems in the driftline. One dead Common Murre and one dead Harbor Seal (previously reported to the Stranding Network). Beach flat with a 6 degree slope. Riptide embayment eroding the foredune. Wind speed of 3.3 mph and air temperature of 48 degrees F. Low human impact (1)-walking with 2 dogs on leash.   MORE    Dead Harbor Seal    Description: This dead Harbor Seal was found by Barbara Harrison, CW for Mile 97 and she reported it to us. We measured it on 2/20/08 and sent a report to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This picture show the silvery spotted pelt clearly of a Harbor Seal. Location: North end of Mile 97 Top side (dorsal) of dead Harbor Seal    Location: North end of Mile 97 Head of Dead Harbor Seal    Description: Seal do not have external "ears" and this is one way to tell them from a Sea Lion. Location: North end of Mile 97 Diane Standing at the erosion caused by a Rip Tide Embayment.    Description: This is the first rip tide embayment that we have seen in this mile in five years. Location: North end of Mile 97 beachnut Feb 8, 2008 9:00 AM   It was a pleasant walk from China Creek to Two-Mile/New River, but amazing in that the ocean has eaten into the dunes to the extent it has. The large sign signaling the end of vehicle access was about 6 feet tall this summer and now is at least twice that, so the beach is eroding significantly as well. Huge logs continue to accumulate in what was the foredune, and storm tides are about 20 feet into the plover restoration area. Kelp, small rocks, wood pieces, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in driftline. One dead Western Grebe. Many Western Sandpipers foraging in the storm line and wet sand. Sanderlings and a few Snowy Plovers on wet sand. Gulls resting on beach. Crows flying by. Low human impact (1)-riding on government ATV.   MORE  D Bilderback Jan 18, 2008 9:00 AM   Very light driftline of Elodea, Hymenena, Hydrozoa, a few shells and rocks. Western Gull, a few Sanderlings and a flock of Semipalmated Sandpipers on the wet sand. One dead Western Grebe and one Common Murre. Erosion of foredune by high tides. Beach slope of 7 degrees. Wind speed of 4.2 mph from NW. Air temperature of 44 degrees F and ocean temperature of 44.7 degrees F. Low human impact (0).   MORE  beachnut Jan 14, 2008 8:45 AM   Storm surges and unusually high tides have eaten away the vegetated dune along my mile, as well as south and north of it. In addition, logs continue to accumulate -- even in the dune areas. The Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration area has also been encroached upon by tidal action, particularly at the north end. There is litter from the sea, as usual, but much of it is in the storm tide line. (Incidentally, China Creek at the beach access has changed position. It no longer meanders north but takes an almost straight line out to sea. In addition, there are high sand walls along the streambed below the parking area, indicated a lot of water came through there.) Shells, small rocks, ocean-based debris, Styrofoam and several beached jellies in the driftline. Sanderlings foraging at surfline. Gulls and crow on beach. Driftwood removal by chainsaw observed slightly north of the HRA. One dead bird, possibly a Western Grebe. Low human impact (0).   MORE  D Bilderback Dec 11, 2007 9:00 AM   Little driftline but with some small rocks on the wet sand. Large flocks of Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plover and Dunlins foraging in the wet sand. 25 Snowy Plover foraging on wet sand and on the high beach. Three dead Common Murre and one dead raccoon. Beach with a 6 degree slope. Erosion of the foredune by high storm waves. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Habitat Restoration Area Overwash    Description: The recent high tides and storms have washed lots of wood high up on the Habitat Restoration area. This picture was taken looking south at the southern end of Mile 97. The sign post is the southern limit of this mile. Location: Looking south, but from the south end of Mile 97. Habitat Restoration Area Overwash    Description: Looking east back towards the man-made foredune on the Habitat Restoration Area. Lots of wood showing the overwash of this area. Location: Southern end of Mile 97. Foredune and wood.    Description: Taken at the northern edge of the Habitat Restoration Area looking north. Lots of wood on the beach from the recent high tides and storms. Location: South end of Mile 97. Dunlins    Description: Notice the Dunlin's one-legged stance when resting. They do have two legs! Location: South end of Mile 97. Dead Raccoon    Description: This is the first dead raccoon that we have ever seen on the beach. Location: Middle of Mile 97 beachnut Dec 5, 2007 12:30 PM   This is a radically changed beach since the two-day windstorm/high-tide period. Tons of wood, lots of trash from the sea, and 4 injured birds, possibly Western Grebes. Tides have gone well into the dunes so walking can be dangerous. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, wood pieces, plastic pellets, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in driftline. Erosion of vegetated foredune and evidence of wave-overtopping. High tides washed over Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration area. Low human impact (0).   MORE  D Bilderback Nov 26, 2007 9:30 AM   Very light driftline of rocks, wood, beachgrass and straw with a few sand crab and crab carapaces. Small amount of kelp (Fucus, Odonthalia and Hymenena). Wind was 2.7 mph from SW. The air and ocean temperatures were 52.9F and 50.3 F, respectively. Evidence of sand removal, leaving a 2 foot high sand cliff. Beach has a 6 degree slope. Eight Snowy Plovers and large flocks of Western Sandpipers on high beach; flocks of Brown Pelicans flying offshore. Western Gulls, Sanderlings and Dunlins on the wet sand. Raven flying down beach. Dead Harbor Porpoise calf that was reported by Barbara Harrison was measured and photographed for Marine Mammal Stranding Report. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Harbor Porpoise calf on a log.    Description: We put this Harbor Porpoise up on a log as it is hard to see on the sand. Location: Near the north end of Mile 97. Close up of the Harbor Porpoise calf head.    Description: Close up of the Harbor Porpoise calf head. Harbor Porpoise head.    Description: This is the other side of the head. Location: North end of Mile 97 Harbor Porpoise calf teeth.    Description: These teeth have barely begun to erupt and so are not like the "spatulate" teeth of an adult Harbor Porpoise. Location: North end of Mile 97 Harbor Porpoise tongue.    Description: The tongue of a Harbor Porpoise is fringed. Location: North end of Mile 97. beachnut Nov 21, 2007 8:30 AM   The body count on this stretch is higher than it has been in awhile (5 sea birds-1 gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Common Murre and 2 unidentified birds, 1 Harbor Porpoise) during my almost daily walks. Though the wind still is from the north, the beach is beginning to show its winter flatness. The wrackline is quite heavy on the wood and straw content. Large numbers of Sanderlings foraging in the driftline. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Harbor Porpoise    Description: This young Harbor Porpoise did not have any obvious sign of death. Location: North end of Mile 97 beachnut Oct 31, 2007 2:00 PM   Ocean-borne litter is less abundant than usual, mostly plastic bags of various sizes this time. As usual, there is little sign of heavy human traffic -- perhaps 3 other people today on my stretch, judging by the footprints in the sand. Sanderlings were not obvious on the tide line. Pelicans fishing offshore. Animal casings and small rocks in driftline. Northern Elephant Seal at high-tide line for two days. Low human impact (1)-walking.   MORE    Northern Elephant Seal    Description: Northern Elephant Seal on the beach. Initially, was thought to be molting but in checking with an expert, this animal probably had a skin disease as NES should not be molting at this time of year. Photo by Diane Bilderback Location: Just north of the Christian Camp Access, north end of Mile 97 Date: Nov 1, 2007 12:00 AM Northern Elephant Seal    Description: See previous photo description. Photo by Diane Bilderback. Date: Nov 1, 2007 12:00 AM D Bilderback Oct 25, 2007 9:00 AM   Very light driftline with a few rocks and crab carapaces, eelgrass, and the algae: Nereocystis, Hymenena, Cryptopleura, Mazzaella, and Odonthalia. Beach slope of 6 degrees. 1 dead Northern Fulmar and 1 dead Brandt's Cormorant. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Sanderling in Bull Kelp (Nereocystis)    Description: This Sanderling sat still for me to take it's picture. Normally, Sanderlings are seen foraging in the surf. Location: South end of Mile 97. D Bilderback Sep 18, 2007 9:00 AM   The kelps: Postelsia, Lessoniopsis, Cystoseira, Hymenena, Nereosystis and Ulva, in driftline or higher up on beach. Very light driftline with a few shells, crab carapaces, snail egg cases, and small rocks. Sanderlings foraging in the surfline, driftline and clustered as groups of 50 and 15 on the dry sand. Beach sloped 13 degrees at northern end of mile deminishing to six degrees at the south. One dead Common Murre. Low human impact (0).   MORE    Sanderlings in the surf.    Location: South end of Mile 97. D Bilderback Aug 21, 2007 9:30 AM   Kelp/algae, shells, crab carapaces (molt and dead), small rocks, large amounts of pieces of Lion's Mane Jellies, one dead gravid Mole crab and a few Velella velella in driftline. Low human impact (1)-Snowy Plover researcher. One dead Steller's Sea Lion. Foraging Ruddy Turnstones, 13 Snowy Plover and five Western Gulls on high beach. Sooty Sheawater, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Pelagic Cormorant, Glaucous-winged Gull and Western Gull dead on beach. Sand being removed from beach. Slope up to 10 degrees, topped by a two-foot sand cliff. Fire left burning on the beach at the end of the Christian Camp Trail near the north boundary of Mile 97. Fire was put out and reported to Robin Sears and Calum Stevenson.   MORE    Leach's Storm-Petrel    Location: Middle of Mile 97 Head of Leach's Storm-Petrel    Description: You can see the "tube-nose" of this Leach's Storm-Petrel. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Dead Steller's Sea Lion pup    Location: Middle of Mile 97 A Gravid Sand Crab    Description: Note the orange egg mass on this dead sand crab. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Another shot of the dead gravid Mole Crab.    Description: The orange egg mass is still visible from this angle. Location: Middle of Mile 97 Fire left burning on the beach at the end of the Christian Camp Trail    Description: We separated the burning wood and covered it with sand to stop the burning. This fire was reported to Robin Sears and Calum Stevenson. D Bilderback Mar 22, 2007 8:00 AM   Foraging Sanderlings and Dunlins in surfline. Nereocystis luetkeana, Cystoseira geminata, Cladophora columbiana, Postelsia palmaeformis, Porphyra sp., Halosaccion glandiforme, Macrocystis integrifola, Hymenena multiloba, Opuntiella californica, Callophyllis crenulata, Microcaldia borealis and Mazzaella rosea in driftline with rocks, Hydrozoa, Bryozoa, one dead shrimp, shells, crab molts and stems of dead European Beach Grass. One dead Rhinoceros Auklet and 1 dead Western Grebe. 10 live Snowy Plovers-in one group of three, one bird was chasing another bird. Snowy Plover nesting area roped off and posted. One Harbor Seal swimming in surf. Beach flat at 4 degrees. Ridge and runnel forming in sand. Low human impact (1)-1 walking dogs on leash.   MORE  GermanShep Feb 22, 2007 10:30 AM   Generally a quiet area, people often take dogs down to the beach with occasional conflicts between dogs. Small amount of kelp/alage, animal casings, small rocks, wood, styrofoam, broken glass and plastic water bottles in driftline. Low human impact (0).   MORE  D Bilderback Dec 19, 2006 10:30 AM   Eleven Snowy Plovers on dry sand and many Sanderlings foraging on wet sand. Nereocystis knots on beach. Small amount of Cryptoplura, Callophyllis and Rhodomenia in driftline with dune grass rhizomes, stems and leaves. Large logs and stumps on beach with 6 degree slope, seaward. Dead birds: 1 Rhinoceros Auklet, 2 Western Grebe, 1 Brown Pelican and 1 Common Murre. 1 dead Steller's Sea Lion pup. Bulldozer restoring Snowy Plover nesting site. Minimum amount of human debris. Low Human impact (1).    MORE  D Bilderback Sep 6, 2006 10:30 AM   Kelps (Postelsia, Nereocystis, Egregia, Lessoniopsis), sand crab molts, rocks, broken shells, broken sanddollars in driftline. 2 dead Common Murre. Beach with wide ridge of sand and very shallow runnel, sloping 10-14 degrees to the ocean. No transverse dunes. Low human impact (0). Little human debris. One automobile tire on beach.   MORE