Mile 109 - Whisky Run, Fivemile Pt, south end Merchants Beach - June 14, 2007

Report Details

We went to Five Mile Point to take pictures of algae and intertidal animals on this wonderful low tide. The main algal biomass covering the rocky intertidal area was Egregia, Alaria, and Laminaria. We found sea cucumbers in a crevice, lined chitons, Katie Chitons, tube worms and nudibranchs. There were lots of green anemones, sea stars and mussels. There was a wide variety of sponges, colonial tunicates and bryozoans. On the sand, we found one ctenophore. There was evidence of people harvesting mussels. While we were there, Black Oystercatchers defended their rock from invading Black Oystercatchers leading us to suspect that there is a nest site near by. On our walk home, we found a Red Rock Crab tumbling in the surf, but it was still alive and so was returned to the surf. Shells, animal casing, kelp/algae and small rocks in driftline. Live Osprey, Blue Heron, Western Gulls and Harbor Seals. Low human impact (6)-6 digging clams. Six street legal vehicles on allowed beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: -2.3 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Other Activities: digging clams.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 6.

Notable Wildlife

Black Oystercatchers, Osprey, Blue Heron, Western Gulls, Harbor Seals. Seaweed, please see pictures. Red Rock Crab

Driftline Content

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