Mile 148 Report

June 27, 2008
by Foggy

Location:
Douglas
Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Army Hill
Conditions:
Friday 3:05 PM
Sunny
64° F
Wind:
Strong from the N
Tide Level:
3.5 ft
Humans / Pets:
People:
0
Dogs:
0
Activities:
Concerns:
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Activity Comments:
Tracks of five ATVs (which are legal here)
Notable Wildlife:
Dead Birds:
Stranded:
Fish & Invertebrates:
Many more Mole crab and Dungeness crab carcasses (not just molts) and parts than expected.
Driftline:
Kelp or Algae·Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Shells
Lots of foam from algae bloom
New Development:
Modifications:
Natural Changes:
Erosion of vegetated foredune
Comments:
Water was very brown/green from algae bloom (see photo).
Summary:
Brown water of diatom bloom, many crab carcasses. ATV tracks. No humans or dogs.
  • Very dark brown (but not cloudy) water, presumably from diatom bloom. This is a frequent occurance in Summer, when strong north winds cause upwelling.
    Very dark brown (but not cloudy) water, presumably from diatom bloom. This is a frequent occurance in Summer, when strong north winds cause upwelling.
    June 29, 2008
  • Much more than the normal number of Dungeness and Mole crab carcasses and parts all the way along the mile. Note also the greenish foam, presumably the result of upwelling and possibly a cause of the crab die-off.
    Much more than the normal number of Dungeness and Mole crab carcasses and parts all the way along the mile. Note also the greenish foam, presumably the result of upwelling and possibly a cause of the crab die-off.
    June 29, 2008
  • Pacific mole crab - Emerita analoga. Head is to right. Total length about 5 cm.
    Pacific mole crab - Emerita analoga. Head is to right. Total length about 5 cm.
    June 29, 2008
  • Mole crab, bottom. Bright orange is eggs, so this is a female. Note tail, and "flipper" appendages for burrowing in the sand.
    Mole crab, bottom. Bright orange is eggs, so this is a female. Note tail, and "flipper" appendages for burrowing in the sand.
    June 29, 2008
  • Closeup of three scavenging isopods (prob Cirolana harfordi) 0.5 - 1.0 cm long burrowing under carcass of a bay shrimp (about 3 cm long).
    Closeup of three scavenging isopods (prob Cirolana harfordi) 0.5 - 1.0 cm long burrowing under carcass of a bay shrimp (about 3 cm long).
    June 29, 2008
  • 2-wheel and 4-wheel ATV tracks, lots of driftwood, foredune with both American and European beachgrass, shells in driftline.
    2-wheel and 4-wheel ATV tracks, lots of driftwood, foredune with both American and European beachgrass, shells in driftline.
    June 29, 2008
Other Mile 148 Reports (2)

2009

October 11, 2009 - Foggy
Lots of birds but few humans on this remote stretch of beach. Crab boat just offshore; large ship at anchor perhaps 10 miles offshore, possibly dumping ballast. There's a bird radar installation on...
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  • Geo-Marine Inc. is setting up a bird radar station, probably to count birds after dark, when we humans can't see.
  • 3 immature and one adult Double-crested Cormorant
  • Brown Pelicans headed out to sea, showing how they tail-gate in flight.
  • Brown Pelicans headed north. Note black, gray and white on wings and body.
  • View of Sanderlings in dense group, showing how they're all on one leg, and eyes closed.
  • Some sort of bee taking advantage of Summer's last blossoms on European Searocket, <em>Cakile maritima</em>.
  • Crab boat Delma Ann tending a trap just outside the surf

2008

December 5, 2008 - Scotty
A beautiful day, strong off shore wind as we (two folks) started from Sparrow Park Rd access walking south to the jetty. Day warmed rapidly and wind died down. Typical winter windswept beach. Along...
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  • Photo shot at Sparrow Park Rd access