Mile 148 - Oregon Dunes NRA, south of Army Hill - October 11, 2009

Report Details

Lots of birds but few humans on this remote stretch of beach. Crab boat just offshore; large ship at anchor perhaps 10 miles offshore, possibly dumping ballast. There's a bird radar installation on foredune just south of Sparrow Park Road access on Mile 151.

Conditions

Temperature: 64 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Geo-Marine Inc. is setting up a bird radar station on foredune at end of Sparrow Park Road, Mile 151/152 -- see photos.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3. ATVs/OHVs parking: 1. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1.

Notable Wildlife

[See photos] Sanderlings foraging at water's edge along entire mile, also flocks huddled against the wind. Offshore: Double-crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, gulls, crows. Seal in surf.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Immature gull: 1

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. More than the usual large medusae, whole and pieces.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Small rocks.

Actions & Comments

I reached Mile 148 by beach bike, about 3 miles from the Sparrow Park Road access.