October 7, 2021

Report Details

10 people on beach, including 5 birdwatchers, 2 dogs (one of which was off leash), people walking with off leash dog allowed dog to chase gulls and were pushing a flock of sandlerings down the beach in front of them. 8 dead birds (reported to COASST) mostly common murres as expected here. Snowy Plovers at the north end of the mile.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 10. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 3. Playing in surf: 2. Other Activities: birdwatching 5. 1 off leash dog chased gulls, later was walking down beach with owner and group was pushing a flock of sanderlings in front of them. I see off leash dogs on this beach almost every time I visit. The parking area (#3) for this mile currently lacks specific signage indicating that dogs are supposed to be on leash and could use the addition of this signage as the leash rule is buried in the fine print on the current signage. This mile does not have a parking area within it, parking is in mile 144 so vehicles in the parking area were not reported here.

Concerns

Apparent violations: 1 off leash dog chased gulls, later was walking down beach with owner and group was pushing a flock of sanderlings in front of them..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Notable Wildlife

Snowy plovers at northern edge of the mile (some color banded, some not).

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 8. Mile surveyed concurrently with COASST survey so all dead birds reported to COASST. Mostly common murres and a possible petrel. Number of birds within normal for this beach and time of year.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces.