Mile 157 - Oregon Dunes NRA, west of Perkins Lake - September 8, 2010

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Stunningly beautiful day on Mile 157; it started out foggy but cleared up. Little wind. As expected this time of year, we saw a fair number of dead common murres. The (presumably organic) scum on the beach was quite pronounced. Lots of clam shells and fair number of crab shells on the beach (and one live crab scuttling back to the water). We don't usually see anyone on the beach here, so were surprised to see a few people this day. Didn't expect to see evidence of the Sanak (the fishing boat that ran aground here in 1983), despite the late spring storm that had uncovered it; usually the summer sand influx buries it again, but the bow and stern were still visible. But we watched two couples walk right by without realizing what it was, apparently.

Conditions

Temperature: 63 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 8.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 4. Walking or running: 4.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Not a lot of (live) bird activity; probably 50 sanderlines seen foraging (total).

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 6. one unknown, the rest apparently murres, including at least one chick. Mostly pretty predated/decomposed.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

We found a small, very decomposed carcass we thought was a harbor seal, but marine mammal stranding coordinator thinks it's a shark (see photo). Found a couple of intact (or nearly so) good-sized amber-colored jellies.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

The usual influx of sand, but not enough to erase all evidence of the Sanak (see comments & pics).

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bzenderson

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