Mile 101 - Face Rock, Bandon Beach, Coquille Point - June 29, 2012

Report Details

About 19 pe0ple were primarily walking the beach on a cloudy Friday morning. Only two of seven dogs were leashed, however, these dogs with adults walked through a flock of gulls, disturbing them while they were getting fresh water from a creek running to the ocean. Summer is here, and numerous driftwood structures have been built on this mile (example shown). Eight dead birds were noted (Common Murre - 4; Western Gull - 3; Pelagic Cormorant - 1; Sooty Shearwater -1; reported to COASST). Seven harbor seals were hauled out at Coquille Point. Two Tufted Puffins were sighted on Elephant Rock at Coquille Point. Shells, casings, kelp/algae, small rocks and wood pieces were in the driftline.

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 19. Number of dogs: 7. Walking or running: 17. Playing in sand: 2. People were generally walking on a cloudy day. Adults with 2 leashed dogs walked through a flock of gulls getting fresh water from a creek flowing to the ocean. Remaining 5 dogs were unleashed but no disturbances were noted.

Concerns

Apparent violations: Only 2 of 7 dogs were leashed..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 12.

Notable Wildlife

Harbor Seals were hauled out on the rocks in front of Elephant Rock at Coquille Point. Two Tufted Puffins were seen near burrows below the top of Elephant Rock.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 9. Common Murre - 4; Western Gull - 3; Pelagic Cormorant - 1; Sooty Shearwater -1

Driftline Content

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