Mile 139 - Oregon Dunes NRA, N of Tenmile Creek - August 14, 2010

Report Details

Another typical day in paradise. Light winds, moderate temperatures with a light overcast (clearing). This two mile section north of Tenmile Creek had only one other visitor with 2 dogs (put on leashes as we passed). The only negative was the amount of plastic and glass bottles washed ashore (the most we have ever seen) and large number of 12-14 inch commercial floats that had washed ashore. Shells, casings, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in the driftine. Three dead Pigeon Guillemont. Unusual visit by four Turkey vultures, resting on beach at the north end of the (expanded) Snowy Plover nesting area.

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N.

Human Activities

Number of people: 1. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 1. Very little human activity on this remote section of beach, located about 2 miles west of Hwy 101 across open sand dunes with no road access.

Notable Wildlife

Noted very few shore birds- unusual during our visits. Cause might have been the 4 Turkey vultures on the beach at the north end of the Snowy Plover nesting area?

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. Pigeon Guillemont: 'gull sized' black bodied with white feathers on the topside of the wings and bright orange webbed feet.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam. Unusually large number of large floats from commercial fishing/crabbing vessels.