Mile 100 - Johnson Creek, Bandon Beach - September 9, 2020 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

Smoke clouded the skies today, but by the time I did my beach clean-up, the wind had changed direction and the temperature had cooled to 62 degrees. Some fog seen out along the ocean. Today, crews were manning 2 front loaders digging a burial site for a juvenile Sei whale that washed up on shore 2 days ago. When I arrived, the whale was already buried in the sand at 15-20 feet in depth according to Rangers. Rangers reported whale weighed around 20,000 pounds. Crews were placing sand over the burial site when I was there around 12noon.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 3.2 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 16. Number of dogs: 7. Walking or running: 12. Other Activities: Park Rangers there to supervise the burial of the juvenile Sei whale. 2 front loaders there also digging up the area to bury the whale..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

A juvenile Sei whale washed up on the shore 2 days ago. Today, crews were out to dig a hole in the sand and move the whale into it's burial site. 2 Vultures were guarding a large piece of what looked to be of the whale. I had seen this particular piece the day before. Rangers shoveled the piece and placed it back into the ocean.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. 1 Seagull

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea).