Mile 109 Report
Whisky Run, Fivemile Pt, south end Merchants Beach
July 31, 2011
Looks like recent winds have scoured sand from many spots and dumped it into low (3-foot high) sand drifts (photo).
Report Details
Looks like recent winds have scoured sand from many spots and dumped it into low (3-foot high) sand drifts (photo). Searocket and (native) Dunegrass are spreading from foredune to upper beach (photo); possibly will create a new foredune by end of summer. Generally lots of bird life, and more Harbor Seals than usual on offshore rocks. Observed a few Common Murres for the first time, in near-shore waters protected from heavy waves by offshore rocks. Many pelicans headed north. Kelp/algae and small rocks in the driftline. Moderate number of humans (16) and dogs (3) observed, although the heavy fog could have concealed many more. Camping tent on the high beach.
Conditions
Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: -1.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 16. Number of dogs: 3. Photography: 1. Other Activities: 6 clamming. First time I've seen a tent set up on Whisky Run: a lightweight 2- or 3-person camping-style, with fly, high on beach.
Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
On offshore rocks: 8 Harbor Seals (2 pups), dozens of Brandt's Cormorants, gulls, heard two Black Oystercatchers. Feeding in protected waters: maybe 8 Common Murres. Flying by: at least 5 flocks of 10-20 Brown Pelicans, 2 flocks of Brandt's Cormorants, swallows. On beach: large (50) flock of Semipalmated Plovers, various gulls. On cliff: 2 immature Turkey Vultures (photo).
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 4.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Small rocks.
Man-made Modifications
fresh gravel on short access road to sand
Report Images
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