Mile 127 - North Beach on North Spit Coos Bay 3 - January 1, 2023

Report Details

Beach dune has notable amount of grass roots showing. Much more dune erosion than in past months. Notable lack of animal crab casings today. Lots of wave foam. Very few birds flying in area. People were on beach today in larger groups than ths time of year, likely because it is a holiday. Some had dogs on and off leashes. No dog waste noted on beach anywhere. Some ORV driving up and down in beach. There was NO park host present at site, bathrooms in very poor maintenance- lack of toilet paper, toilets unclean etc. All vehicles in parking space had passes. One person packing up a tent that appears to have been camping.

Conditions

Temperature: 41 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 32. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 20. Other Activities: People in ORV driving on beach. People walking on beach, throwing catch to dogs. Some ORV driving on beach

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8. ATVs/OHVs parking: 5. RVs/Buses parking: 2. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 5.

Notable Wildlife

Small group of 8 Sanderling birds on beach. Few Seagulls

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

1 small dead fish, looked as though perhaps something tried to bite it. Picture will be included.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam. minimal amount of beach trash noted, half a bag was collected. Included plastic, foam and drywall pieces. Some board planks were also seen, but too big to collect and carry off the beach. Extremely small amount of crab shell casings.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff.