Mile 101 - Face Rock, Bandon Beach, Coquille Point - August 8, 2009

Report Details

Sunny Saturday, moderate wind, thirty people including kids, 6 dogs (4 unleashed). Dead bird population was high (6 immature gulls and 11 immature Common Murres, 3 adult Common Murres, 7 immature Pelagic Cormorants). Numerous driftwood structures were built. Mussel clusters and brown seaweed were notable in the driftline of shells and small rocks. Wind caused dune formation at Grave Point as is usual in the summer. One dead Harbor Seal pup about 34 inches long. Numerous (perhaps 100) immature gulls on shoreline at Coquille Point.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 30. Number of dogs: 6. Walking or running: 21. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 5. Other Activities: 2 - flying kite. Several log/driftwood structures built. Four unleashed dogs.

Concerns

Apparent violations: 4 unleashed dogs.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8.

Notable Wildlife

Numerous (perhaps 100) immature gulls on the shoreline at Coquille Point.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 27. No bands. Gulls ( 6 immature); Common Muerre (3 adult, 11 immature); Cormorants (7 adult) - concentrated at two locations: Grave Point & Coquille Point.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Harbor Seal pup, dead, N43.112431, W124.434498. About 34 inches long, feeding on carcass had just started.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Small rocks.

Natural Changes

Wind generated sand dune at Grave Point formed (usual for summer)