Report Details

I have been following the behaviors along the rocks at ebb tides this month, as large mussels have appeared onshore and in the grasses. Many of the mussels were still alive. My findings show that large seagulls have been dislodging the mussels from the tops of the rocky outcroppings. They do this by snipping the tough strings by which the mussels attach themselves to the rocks. Curious behavior among these large gulls is that they do not seem to mind whether anyone else collects the deposited mussels. I have been watching for a possible reason for this un-gullishly generous act, but can discern neither familial nor fillial relationships. The large gulls simply detatch the mussels, grip them by the strings, fly toward shore, drop each mussel and then fly back for more. From time to time, these gulls open an ensconsed mussel and dine while atop the rock.

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 10. Playing in surf: 2. Playing in sand: 1. Tidepooling: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Seals can be heard most times of the day, calling from just offshore. Usually they call at the cusp of the day, either dawn or dusk. The beach has been surprisingly clean of seaweed or small shell remains for this time of year.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

An unusually small amount has shown up on mile 243.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Picked up a shopping bag of holiday debris since the third.

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All Mile 243 Reports

Showing 8 of 66 reports

Mile 243

January 16, 2024

Balmy 40 degree quiet day after a week of freezing rain and significant ice with temps in the low 30's.

Garretta Garetta

Mile 243

December 8, 2023

For the first time, no dead birds or mammals seen, but many dead fish at the wrack line today.

Patty Gardner

Mile 243

December 6, 2023

Again, short walk today but unusual concentration of dead fish, maybe 20-30 from NW 32nd to NW 26th Streets, Wecoma Beach.

Garretta

Mile 243

November 7, 2023

Bright sunny day after a few of heavy rain and winds.

garretta

Mile 243

September 29, 2023

Four dead birds, one dead seal (reported to Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network).

PattyG

Mile 243

September 5, 2023

The Morning After Labor Day weekend is a lovely time on the Oregon Coast.

garretta

Mile 243

July 10, 2023

Active midweek day in July.

garretta

Mile 243

June 19, 2023

Deceased marine mammal, small Guadalupe fur seal by Surf Tide Resort.

PattyG