Mile 325 - Clatsop Plains, Gearhart south - January 18, 2020

Report Details

Today, I spent one hour walking mile 325 with the primary purpose of birdwatching. I observed 6 Western Snowy Plovers foraging along the low-tide line near a large group of Sanderlings. The official status of the Western Snowy Plover is listed as threatened. A Peregrine Falcon fly low over the high tide line and then out over the beach. Weather was cloudy with moderate to strong winds. Found large plastic debris near the mouth of the Necanicum River Estuary and photographed below.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 19. Number of dogs: 9. Walking or running: 17. Photography: 2. Other Activities: People were walking dogs on the beach, walking/running for fitness, and one couple was taking photographs and another was beach combing the low-tide wrack line..

Concerns

Apparent violations: None.

Notable Wildlife

Observed the following bird species on the beach: 6 Western Snowy Plovers, 80 Sanderlings, 2 Bald Eagles, 1 Peregrine Falcon, and 1 male Northern Harrier in the dunes.

Driftline Content

Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.). Wrack line consisted of crab casings, shells, woody debris, logs, and some land-based plastics (water bottles, food wrappers).

Actions & Comments

No violations observed and no actions taken.