September 2, 2009

The heavy load of algae, including very large bull kelp, sea palms, eel grass, sea lettuce and small wood pieces suggest a storm, or strong current at work.

Report Details

The heavy load of algae, including very large bull kelp, sea palms, eel grass, sea lettuce and small wood pieces suggest a storm, or strong current at work. One area was characterized by dead crabs that appeared to have been cooked; there were mostly legs filled with white flesh, and empty shell casings. Possibly the remains of CrabFest?Fall migrations seem to be underway as there were many small flocks of Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers. Also, 3 Whimbrels poking about in high and dry seaweed. Some of the Sandpipers were also feeding on dried seaweed. Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs. Dead birds included 2 cormorants and 4 Common Murre. Heavy human impact (4)-25 walking, 5 playing in sand and 10 sitting. 12 dogs. Litter and fire remains at easiest access areas. Dead fire mounds with broken glass and debris.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W.

Human Activities

Number of people: 40. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 25. Playing in sand: 5. Sitting: 10. The perpetual litter, and fire remains located at the easiest access area. Numerous new piles of dead fires with debris, including broken glass, plastic etc. around each mound. Plastic bags etc. in driftline.

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: driving where prohibited on beach.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 11.

Notable Wildlife

several flocks of 25-40 Western Sandpipers, and small groupings of Semipalmated Plovers moving up and down beach. Three Whimbrels poking about in dried sea weed above current driftline. Many very large bull kelp, and sea palms, also eel grass, sea lettuce, and feather boas.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 6. 2 Cormorants, 4 Common Murres. One of the latter was very deteriorated, and identity thus not certain.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Covering about 75 yards of driftline near the South Jetty was a concentration of dead crab; these appeared to have been cooked,and might be remnants of CrabFest. There were mainly empty carcasses with legs filled with white flesh.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Wood pieces.

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal. Due to vehicle use in the dunes

Actions & Comments

No.