Mile 130 - Horsfall Beach, south end of Or Dunes Nat Rec Area - December 18, 2009

Report Details

My first sighting of the shipwreck of the Helen E, probably on mile 128 or 127. This was a WW II submarine chaser, that was converted to a fishing boat (I think), that was grounded and burned in 1951. These ships were referred to as the "splinter fleet" as they were constructed of wood. The wreck is in resonable shape. Also observed a dead Humboldt Squid,a dead sea lion, a dead seal and several (6)dead birds, gulls and terns. Took one live gull to Free Flight in Bandon. Problem appears to be algae, that causes the freathers to lose their water shedding ability. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, plastic (Purex bottles) land- and ocean-based debris(Rope and floats) and Styrofoam in the driftline. Last pelicans seen on/about Christmas day. Seems very late to go south. One dead small fish and several dead dungeness female crab. Low human impact (2)-walking with 2 dogs. I go out several times a week, so this report is over several days and miles. In general this beach is in its normal winter state, always some interesting "finds" after each storm.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 1.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Last Pelicans seen on/about Christmas day. Seems very late to go south.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 6. Gulls and Terns?

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 2. Dead on mile 128

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

1 small fish and several dead Dungeness female crab.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Crabbing rope, floats, Purex bottles,