Mile 21 - Pistol River SP south - April 5, 2014 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

The migratory eagles we observed over the Pistol River did appear to bother gulls that typically bath in the Pistol river estuary. We saw three to four harbor seals in the river confluence with the ocean, offshore. There was a great deal of small rock wash up and quite a few whole endoskeletons of sand dollars. At the 1/2 mi area we spied a blown out 24 inch truck tire near the low tide mark and a crab trap that had been carried to near the high tide water mark. Just an 1/8 mi further we rediscovered the broken fiberglass hull of a boat. It had no markings to indicate its origin. At the end of our mi another eagle perched near a dead raven as we approached. He (she) remained near its carrion even though we'd disturbed the vulture party. Mr. Eagle finally flew off, greatly disturbing a pair of black oystercatchers and several herring gulls that have begun setting up nests off the crook point rocks. Much kelp (bull whip) had washed ashore. The sand levels at the end of mi 21 seemed much lower than last visit, perhaps reamed out by the previous storm. There was evidence of deeper tide pools. We observed many mussels, barnacles, chiton, anemones and starfish, and some very shy blennies (I think) in the tide pools. I searched for isopods, but they've not yet returned. We examined two snail shells (one with an occupant). Plant life seemed much more lush, with some blooming shore lupine, ice plants, wild strawberries. The storms and warmer whether have brought on the spring and bird nesting.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.4 feet.

Human Activities

A couple was leaving when we arrived and a small family coming when we left.

Concerns

Apparent violations: none.

Disturbances: Disturbance of nesting seabirds

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Of note, 2 golden eagles in flight up the Pistol River. These eagles caused seagulls to complain and scatter.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. As we walked toward the end of our mile, we observed another eagle a raven and two turkey vultures picking at the remains of a dead raven. Cause of death unknown.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks. We found various washed up debris from the previous storms.

Man-made Modifications

Stream modification. The pistol river inlet had subsided, but has now cut through to join an inlet seep, broadening the flows of the pistol estuary.

Actions & Comments

Aside from our two separate eagle sightings at start of mi 21 and end of mi 21, we saw large debris near the tide line. 1. a 24 inch blown tire 2. a stainless steel crab trap in good working order. 3. we collected a photo of a fiberglass hull piece discovered some 10 days earlier. Dungenesss shells, numerous Echinoderm endoskeletons, much small rock wash.