Mile 161 - Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River - December 7, 2006

Report Details

Driftline with much kelp and wood. Kelp is starting to break down and disperse. Large masses of kelp deposited on beach during November’s big storms. Siltcoos River is still far to the south of the foredune of mile 161, with a vast, quiet flat beach between the river and the foredune. Five seals were in the river. Two dead, decomposing seals on the sand.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate.

Human Activities

Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. Fishing: 3. Other Activities: 1 walking with dog. Tracks only. No ATV on beach while I was there. One track for a short distance beyond allowed area.

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 9. Decomposing, some in parts only, including Gull, Grebes (probably Western) also Auklets one common Murre.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Octopus, decomposing but with tentacles still attached.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Wood pieces.

Actions & Comments

3 surf fishermen came at 6:45 to dig sand crab, now fishing successfully. Each had about 6 fish. One had his small poodle dog (in sweater) with him. Very happy to talk to me about techniques, condition etc., for surf perch fishing. It was a pleasure to see this recreational use of the beach, obviously important to mental/emotional and physical health of those gentlemen.