Mile 138 Report
Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
September 12, 2009
This vehicle prohibited mile was without tire tracks, and the only sign of humans was four sets of footprints, three barefoot, at the far north end of the mile.
Report Details
This vehicle prohibited mile was without tire tracks, and the only sign of humans was four sets of footprints, three barefoot, at the far north end of the mile. The tracks did not enter the protected breeding area for snowy plovers. Two harbor seals were cruising the breakers. A flock of 200+ gulls passed by, an unusually large group for a non-stormy day. A pelican was gliding over the breakers, and one snowy plover was located. There were six bird carcasses evident, including a Black-footed Albatross, a Northern Fulmar, two Common Murres and two immature gulls.The driftline contained hundreds of dungeness crab casings, some mole crab, sand dollar, purple mussel, and snail shells. A few pieces of driftwood held fresh goosenecked barnacles. Add in some "leafy" kelps, stir in great quantities of diatoms and other micro algae washing up on the tide, and we had the ingredients for a great "beach stew"!The signed and roped breeding area for snowy plovers showed no signs of human violation.
Conditions
Temperature: 66 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 7.5 feet.
Human Activities
There were four sets of fresh human tracks near the mouth of Tenmile Creek. The tracks followed the roped off area for Snowy Plovers, and did not violate the closed area.
Concerns
Apparent violations: none.
Notable Wildlife
Two seals patrolled the surfline. Lots of snowy plover tracks were visible and one live specimen retreated from our presence. A flock of around 225 gulls flew past headed south. Hundreds of dungeness crab casings were on the beach along with mole crabs, sand dollars and clam shells. A few purple mussel shells and one or two snails were found. Two crab pot floats were "captured" for future renovation.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 6. Six bird carcasses were found: One Black-footed Albatross, one Northern Fulmar, two large immature gulls, and two Common Murres.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
A large number of molted dungeness crab casings were present.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.
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Mile 138
Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
One lone hiker/beachcomber present.
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Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
Mile 138 was clean and mostly lacking notable wrack of a small number of shells, animal casings, kelp/algae wood pieces and Styrofoam.
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Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
This vehicle prohibited mile was without tire tracks, and the only sign of humans was four sets of footprints, three barefoot, at the far north end of the mile.
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Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
What a great day for a beach walk.
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Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
The beach was pretty much as expected for winter storm activity.
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Mile 138
Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
The BLM had a caterpillar grade the Snowy Plover nesting area behind the beach.
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Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Tenmile Creek
A sunny day with small breeze.
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