Mile 106 - Bullards Beach, west of Fahys Lake - May 20, 2013

Report Details

I encountered no human activity during my walk on mile 106. There were tire tracks in the sand that looked to be a couple of days old, washed out in places by the tide. There was less litter and driftwood than last month. Also a good deal more sand which may be covering some of the beach debris. I picked up one bag of garbage, mostly plastic bags and packaging, and a metal tea pot in tact. There was a dead sea lion at the south end of the mile, 5-6 ft. long. It was partly decomposed and being worked on by 10 turkey vultures. There was a group of 14 whimbrels moving up and down the mile, as well as gulls and sanderlings. Wind was out of the north and moderately strong. Avery high concentration of dead baby shrimp in the driftline, as well as crab casings and small jellies.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 5.8 feet.

Human Activities

Less litter on beach than last month.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

Seal in surf, followed us for awhile. Two groups of gulls along driftline, about a dozen in each group. A group of 14 whimbrels. A small group of sanderlings.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. dead sea lion

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. krill, baby shrimp

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt). A lot of crab casings, jellyfish

Natural Changes

A great deal more seasonal sand on beach. Change from flat beach to steep grade.