Mile 333 Report
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
March 7, 2010
We were the only ones walking on the beach today although there were several vehicles driving.
Report Details
We were the only ones walking on the beach today although there were several vehicles driving. There was some clam digging going on farther south of mile 333. There was quite a bit of driftwood along with the usual amount of plastic bits, nylon rope, and some glass and plastic litter. We saw no dead birds or other animals. There were fewer than normal shorebirds and one bald eagle flying overhead. The dune is slightly eroded by waves at the northern part of the mile.It is more eroded as you approach the Peter Iredale access.
Conditions
Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW.
Human Activities
Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. We were the only ones on our mile. A little to the south there were 5 or 6 people digging clams in the surf.
Concerns
Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs
Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
There were very few birds. We observed 3 gulls, several small flocks of sanderlings (less than 50 total) and 1 bald eagle.
Driftline Content
Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Wood pieces.
Natural Changes
Erosion of vegetated foredune.
Report Images
All Mile 333 Reports
Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
Came across these 2 mystery egg cases this morning.
Merce and Michael
Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
Came across a few patches of what look like Market Squid egg cases, the first we've seen on the Oregon coast.
Merce and Michael
Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
Lots of people and dogs on a bright sunny day.
Merce and Michael
Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
There was half a butchered elk rib cage in the parking area when we arrived which, quite oddly, was gone when we got back after the Mile.
Merce and Michael
Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
Mile 333 is a comparatively remote stretch of beach, bordered by Camp Rilea.
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Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
We picked up about three bags of mostly plastic debris.
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Mile 333
Columbia Beach, Camp Rilea MR
This was a first visit for us, virtually all of the driftline was composed of driftwood.
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