Mile 100 - Johnson Creek, Bandon Beach - June 6, 2009 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

On June 6, a large dead California Sea Lion just a short distance from the stairs at Face Rock dominated the beach; however, a dead baby sea lion was nearby. A Turkey Vulture was feeding on it. Further south down the beach a quarter-mile was another skin which was the same color, shape and size as the baby sea lion, but lack of head or body parts made absolute identification uncertain. It too was being fed on by a TV. I also found 4 of what I believe were dead and mostly eaten Common Murres, although again there was so little left of them that absolute identification was impossible. A turkey vulture was feeding on one of them. I found many small crabs and adult-sized crabs in the high tide line as well. Shells, kelp/algae, small rocks and wood pieces also in driftline. Overall, death and its followers--the turkey vultures--ruled Mile 100 today. Moderate human impact (13).

Human Activities

Number of people: 13. Number of dogs: 2.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 7.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 4. Common Murre, I think. Black & White with gray legs. No head or neck. 2 with no body, just feathers and legs.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Two, maybe Three, California Sea Lions: 1 adult, 1 baby, & possibly a 2nd baby or part of an adult, but only a bit of skin was left. Turkey Vultures had been eating it.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

A lot of dead, small (quarter-sized) crabs

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces.