Mile 148 Report

October 11, 2009
by Foggy

Location:
Douglas
Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Army Hill
Conditions:
Sunday 1:05 PM
Sunny
64° F
Wind:
Moderate from the NW
Tide Level:
4.0 ft
Humans / Pets:
People:
0
Activities:
Concerns:
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Cars/Trucks parking:
3
ATVs/OHVs parking:
1
Cars/Trucks on beach, allowed:
1
Activity Comments:
Geo-Marine Inc. is setting up a bird radar station on foredune at end of Sparrow Park Road, Mile 151/152 -- see photos.
Notable Wildlife:
[See photos] Sanderlings foraging at water's edge along entire mile, also flocks huddled against the wind. Offshore: Double-crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, gulls, crows. Seal in surf.
Dead Birds:
Total:
1
Species/names:
Immature gull: 1
Stranded:
Fish & Invertebrates:
More than the usual large medusae, whole and pieces.
Driftline:
Kelp or Algae·Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Shells·Small rocks
New Development:
Modifications:
Natural Changes:
Comments:
I reached Mile 148 by beach bike, about 3 miles from the Sparrow Park Road access.
Summary:
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 foredune just south of Sparrow Park Road access on Mile 151.
  • Geo-Marine Inc. is setting up a bird radar station, probably to count birds after dark, when we humans can't see.
    Geo-Marine Inc. is setting up a bird radar station, probably to count birds after dark, when we humans can't see.
    Top of foredune just south of end of Sparrow Park Road, Mile 151/152
    October 11, 2009
  • 3 immature and one adult Double-crested Cormorant
    3 immature and one adult Double-crested Cormorant
    October 11, 2009
  • Brown Pelicans headed out to sea, showing how they tail-gate in flight.
    Brown Pelicans headed out to sea, showing how they tail-gate in flight.
    October 11, 2009
  • Brown Pelicans headed north. Note black, gray and white on wings and body.
    Brown Pelicans headed north. Note black, gray and white on wings and body.
    October 11, 2009
  • View of Sanderlings in dense group, showing how they're all on one leg, and eyes closed.
    View of Sanderlings in dense group, showing how they're all on one leg, and eyes closed.
    October 11, 2009
  • October 11, 2009
  • Some sort of bee taking advantage of Summer's last blossoms on European Searocket, <em>Cakile maritima</em>.
    Some sort of bee taking advantage of Summer's last blossoms on European Searocket, Cakile maritima.
    October 11, 2009
  • Crab boat Delma Ann tending a trap just outside the surf
    Crab boat Delma Ann tending a trap just outside the surf
    October 11, 2009
Other Mile 148 Reports (2)

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
June 27, 2008 - Foggy
Brown water of diatom bloom, many crab carcasses. ATV tracks. No humans or dogs.
read more
  • Very dark brown (but not cloudy) water, presumably from diatom bloom. This is a frequent occurance in Summer, when strong north winds cause upwelling.
  • 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.
  • Pacific mole crab - Emerita analoga. Head is to right. Total length about 5 cm.
  • Mole crab, bottom. Bright orange is eggs, so this is a female. Note tail, and "flipper" appendages for burrowing in the sand.
  • 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).
  • 2-wheel and 4-wheel ATV tracks, lots of driftwood, foredune with both American and European beachgrass, shells in driftline.