Mile 89 Report

January 17, 2009
by [email protected]

Location:
Coos
West of New River, Morton. Curry/Coos county line
Conditions:
Saturday 12:45 PM
Sunny
60° F
Wind:
Calm/Light from the NW
Tide Level:
2.0 ft
Humans / Pets:
People:
0
Dogs:
0
Activities:
Concerns:
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Cars/Trucks parking:
0
Activity Comments:
Duck hunter on River 1/2- 3/4 mile S of Storm Ranch. Fired 10 shots in two burst of 5 shots as we approached in kayaks then left in their small engine motor boat as we passed going south. It was 10:30am - so I think we had waited a reasonable amount of time for them to get their early morning hunting in. If any of you hunt perhaps you could give me some guidance on the proper etiquette for hunter kayaker interaction.
Notable Wildlife:
Northern Harrier hunting old breach site.Western Sandpipers, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, gulls. Fox tracks (adult with young).
Dead Birds:
Total:
0
Stranded:
Total:
0
Fish & Invertebrates:
Driftline:
Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Land-based debris (picnics, etc.)·Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.)·Shells·Wood pieces
3-4 very large light bulbs
New Development:
Modifications:
Natural Changes:
Evidence of wave overtopping
Comments:
Overtopping in old breach sites apparently occurred (just barely) at previous high tide (+7.4 Coquille River/Bandon).Good bit of large woody debris deposited in old breach sites during winter overtopping events.
Summary:
Kayaked in from Storm Ranch then traveled 4 miles S to middle of mile 89. Walked N and S from there. Kayakers should be aware of duck hunting along the river this time of year. River is breached near outlet of Floras Creek. No significant activity - beach was pretty clean. White foam - mostly just small wood pieces and a few shells in tideline. Northern Harrier, hunting over beach. Other birds seen were: Western Sandpipers, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers and gulls. Tracks of an adult fox with young on beach. 3-4 very large light bulbs washed up on beach. Low human impact (0).
  • NR breach created in 2005. This is old lagoon left behind when it sanded shut.
    NR breach created in 2005. This is old lagoon left behind when it sanded shut.
    N 42.57202 W 124.28810
    January 17, 2009
  • These are red fox tracks - some of them are small suggesting sub adult.
    These are red fox tracks - some of them are small suggesting sub adult.
    N 42.57268 W 124.28825
    January 17, 2009
  • Looking S from near end of mile 89 toward Blacklock Pt.
    Looking S from near end of mile 89 toward Blacklock Pt.
    N 42.56572 W 124.29140
    January 17, 2009
  • These two were moving over the beach. Notice the dart shape and rectangular head shape.
    These two were moving over the beach. Notice the dart shape and rectangular head shape.
    N 42.57202 W 124.28810
    January 17, 2009
  • Red Fox track showing heal and toe calluses which are characteristic of these tracks.
    Red Fox track showing heal and toe calluses which are characteristic of these tracks.
    N 42.57282 W 124.28838
    January 17, 2009
  • The debris was very light and mostly small wood pieces. a clam shell here and there.
    The debris was very light and mostly small wood pieces. a clam shell here and there.
    N 42.56572 W 124.29140
    January 17, 2009
Other Mile 89 Reports (1)

2008

March 12, 2008 - [email protected]
Kayaked from Storm Ranch to old breach near end of Mile 90 and walked to S. end of Mile 89. New River breach closed. Bull Kelp knots, shells, woodpieces, plastic pellets, Land- and ocean-based...
read more
  • This is looking S from N end of mile 89 onto the wide area scoured by the river and wave overtopping.
  • This is 13.5 foot steep wall left by river and wave erosion. That is my 46" walking stick at the bottom.