Mile 109 - Whisky Run, Fivemile Pt, south end Merchants Beach - October 30, 2009

Report Details

Fog came in just as I began, reduced visibility to about 200 feet. Very light (3) human use for this Saturday afternoon(2 walking and 1 windsurfing). Very high numbers (several hundred) gulls collecting in two dense strips just up from the waterline. Dozens of Brown Pelicans perched on offshore rocks. One small group of Sanderlings on beach. Two dead decomposed birds and one dead sea lion on the beach. Kelp/algae and small rocks in the driftline.

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 1.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. Other Activities: 1 windsurfer.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

See photos: Dozens of Brown Pelicans perched on small rocks just offshore, and a couple flocks flying south. Hundreds of gulls huddling on beach. One small group of Sanderlings.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. Black with some white; too far gone to ID; probably murre.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 2. 1 young sea lion, N43 13.067, W124 23.765, missing head and tail, dead for a week or two.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Small rocks.

Actions & Comments

I will send Marine Mammal Stranding email to Jim Rice.