Mile 144 - West of central Umpqua Lighthouse SP - September 14, 2021

Report Details

A couple fresh dead common murres being fed on by turkey vultures. People with off leash dogs on the beach, some of which disturbed gulls and peep sp.. Snowy plovers on the upper beach. Most beach visitors walking or sitting.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 3.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 8. Walking or running: 10. Playing in surf: 1. Playing in sand: 1. Sitting: 4. Other Activities: birdwatching 1.

Concerns

Apparent violations: 4 of 8 dogs off leash entire time on beach or let off leash once near the water. Signs in parking areas indicate that dogs should be leashed. Dog feces not picked up by owner..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 11. ATVs/OHVs parking: 7. RVs/Buses parking: 6.

Notable Wildlife

4 turkey vultures feeding on dead common murre carcasses near surf line

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. 2 common murre(fresh), 1 unknown larus species gull (very tattered/old)

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt). very little wrack, shells from mussels and clams (most well worn fragments + a few fresh mussels), a couple large crab shells, a fair number of scattered clear jellyfish about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.