Report Details

The heavy load of algae, including very large bull kelp, sea palms, eel grass, sea lettuce and small wood pieces suggest a storm, or strong current at work. One area was characterized by dead crabs that appeared to have been cooked; there were mostly legs filled with white flesh, and empty shell casings. Possibly the remains of CrabFest?Fall migrations seem to be underway as there were many small flocks of Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers. Also, 3 Whimbrels poking about in high and dry seaweed. Some of the Sandpipers were also feeding on dried seaweed. Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs. Dead birds included 2 cormorants and 4 Common Murre. Heavy human impact (4)-25 walking, 5 playing in sand and 10 sitting. 12 dogs. Litter and fire remains at easiest access areas. Dead fire mounds with broken glass and debris.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W.

Human Activities

Number of people: 40. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 25. Playing in sand: 5. Sitting: 10. The perpetual litter, and fire remains located at the easiest access area. Numerous new piles of dead fires with debris, including broken glass, plastic etc. around each mound. Plastic bags etc. in driftline.

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: driving where prohibited on beach.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 11.

Notable Wildlife

several flocks of 25-40 Western Sandpipers, and small groupings of Semipalmated Plovers moving up and down beach. Three Whimbrels poking about in dried sea weed above current driftline. Many very large bull kelp, and sea palms, also eel grass, sea lettuce, and feather boas.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 6. 2 Cormorants, 4 Common Murres. One of the latter was very deteriorated, and identity thus not certain.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Covering about 75 yards of driftline near the South Jetty was a concentration of dead crab; these appeared to have been cooked,and might be remnants of CrabFest. There were mainly empty carcasses with legs filled with white flesh.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Wood pieces.

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal. Due to vehicle use in the dunes

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All Mile 123 Reports

Showing 8 of 28 reports

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Mile 123

August 22, 2013

There were three new observations on this walk.

Sarita

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Mile 123

February 24, 2013

Beach configuration evolving with a now scallop curved shoreline.

Sarita

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Mile 123

November 10, 2012

MANY PEOPLE (36)AND DOGS (18) CAME AND WENT DURING OUR WALK.

Sarita

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Mile 123

August 11, 2012

The beach was almost completely free of litter.

Sarita

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Mile 123

May 5, 2012

The beach was swept clean, with a few scattered algae piles, and a few large logs.

Sarita

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Mile 123

December 1, 2011

Human activity was minimal on this cold windy day.

Sarita

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Mile 123

August 16, 2011

On this beautiful, warm, calm day, the beach was amazingly free of debris.

Sarita

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 123

May 18, 2011

On this lovely morning at the water's edge were: rock weed, bull kelp, piles of eel grass, about 6 feather boas, crab and clam shells.

Sarita