Mile 128 - North Beach on North Spit Coos Bay 4 - September 17, 2008

Report Details

There is much beautiful driftwood on the beach, dark and gnarly. What can be seen are only the tops of much larger pieces covered over this summer as strong winds drove waves and sand to the base of the foredune. On 8/24 I was amazed by a huge brown mass covering the beach ahead--Brown Pelicans! Easily 100, possibly many more. I have never seen such a congregation of thesegraceful, prehistoric looking creatures. On myCoastWatch check of 9-17, that sight stayed in mymemory as I counted 13 dead juvenile pelicans which never had their chance to soar. But thecontinuation of life and the good health of ourOregon coast was reaffirmed by those adults, soonto migrate, and one sea lion surfing the waves. Other identifiable dead birds were 10 gulls, one cormorant and one tern. Dune beach grass which lost its hold over the winter and was covered over by sand has sprung up and seems to be thriving some 30 ft. out from the base of the foredune in many places. The SOLV beach cleanup on 9/20 will bring out many volunteers who join us CoastWatchers in being so grateful to live near this beautiful Pacific Ocean. I will be participating, along with two canine friends who will be carrying backpacks. They specialize in plastics and cans, while I go for all the rest. We're a great team! Clam shells, thousands of broken sand dollars, a few Bull Kelp, small rocks, wood pieces and ocean- and land-based debris in the driftline. Low human impact (2)-1 walking and 1 horseback riding.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 6.3 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Walking or running: 1. Other Activities: 1 horseback rider. Evidence of 3 or 4 horseback riders onbeach earlier in a.m. They no doubt hadridden down from the Wild Mare Campground to take advantage of the early low tide. They properly used thesigned horse trail over seawall for exit and egress.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: littering.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5. ATVs/OHVs parking: 4. RVs/Buses parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

One sea lion enjoying the surf.Large flock of Brown Pelicans disturbedby my approach, took off in two formations. One flock of 39, one of42. So easy to count those beauties!Crab carapaces, thousands of broken sand dollars. Clam shells. A littlebull kelp, no other types.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 29. No bands.13 young pelicans, average wingspan 22",identifiable by skull and cervical vertebrae.10 gulls.1 cormorant1 tern4 decomposed...no ID. The number ofvery young pelicans was distressing.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

9 small jellies

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. water bottles, plywood/w nails, plank w/bolts,styrofoam floats & helmet, top,fishing line,1 pallet

Man-made Modifications

none

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune. High tides up to foredune continue winter's erosion process. Much sand returned to beach over summer.

Actions & Comments

The beach was heavily littered with human trash today.The SOLV beach cleanup will take place 9/20.The volunteers should get a good haul. I removed tangled fishing line and rope on this visit. Vehicles will be needed to remove lumber; I alerted State Parks so thatany vehicles they send out can locate these nail-studdedpieces.