Mile 105 - Bullards Beach, northwest of the Campground - October 13, 2008

Report Details

Beautiful day, 10 mph northerly winds and sunshine. There were numerous piles of Bull Kelp more dense than Mile 106, probably from the early October storms. Sanderlings, Dunlins, Black Turnstones and Short-billed Dowitchers virtually eliminated the insect populations near the kelp piles. A driftwood structure was enhanced. Collected about 10 pounds of trash. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, Styrofoam and land-based debris in driftline. One dead Common Murre. Shorebirds moving in response to humans. Low human impact (4)-2 walking and 2 rockhunting. Two vehicles on allowed beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 59 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 7.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 4. Walking or running: 2.

Concerns

Litter

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Hundreds of Sanderlings, dozens of Black Turnstones and Dunlins, and a few Short-Billed Dowitchers feeding on insects in the numerous Bull kelp piles. Birds & kelp piles were more numerous than on Mile 106.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Common Murre, intact except that the breast meat had been exposed and eaten.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam.

Actions & Comments

Reported structure and trash to Robin Sears, South Coast Beach Ranger for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.