Mile 109 - Whisky Run, Fivemile Pt, south end Merchants Beach - July 31, 2011

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

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

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