Mile 161 - Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River - June 25, 2009

Report Details

The Western Snowy Plovers are nesting this time of year (March 15 thru Sept 15). Areas are roped off, but people have been ignoring ropes and walking through areas, putting nests and chicks at risk (eggs can be stepped on, parents will abandon nests or chicks if scared too much). We saw one male plover with four chicks (fathers raise the chicks). We saw one female plover sitting on a clutch of eggs on a log (unfortunately, very near the ropes). We saw a few plovers feeding near the shore.

Human Activities

Number of people: 15. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 2. Other Activities: 3 Clamming; 5 Plover monitoring; 6 ATVers. ATV and Truck outside of allowed areas were plover monitors/USFS. ATVers were fairly obnoxious in terms of how they were riding/noise level, etc. We were very concerned to see tracks up against the plover ropes (people should stay below high tide line during plover nesting season) and dog prints leading up to and just inside of ropes. We saw the perpetrator, but he was already past the restricted area so there was no way to know for sure it was him.

Concerns

People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas

Apparent violations: Dog footprints leading up to and near closure. Obviously off leash in leash required plover area..

Disturbances: Disturbance of nesting seabirds, Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 5. Cars/trucks on beach, prohibited: 1. ATVs/OHVs on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

5 Turkey vultures on beach near dead seal remains (plover personnel removed the dead carcass to try and prevent corvids from being attracted since they are a main predator of the snowy plover); 4 Osprey; several gulls; seals in water; 5 mature snowy plovers; 4 plover chicks.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Large shipping container lids-USFS personnel lodged into large driftwood to keep from moving. Tires hung on driftwood (not USFS)