Mile 171 Report
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
April 5, 2018
Numerous smallish Steller sea lions (yearlings?
Report Details
Numerous smallish Steller sea lions (yearlings?) observed swimming upriver in the Siuslaw or heading south along Mile 171 in the near-shore surf. About a half dozen harbor seals feeding in the surf. Mallard ducks, double-crested cormorants, and western grebes in the river on the south side of the jetty. Large flocks of sanderlings and a half dozen "Ruddy Turnstones" feeding in the wave outwash. This is the first time I've spotted the turnstones, although several field guide references say they are common winter visitors along sandy shorelines. There has been a recent stranding of Velella velellas (By-the-Wind Sailors) along the entire mile. Sizes range from 1/2" to 4" in length, although the vast majority are less than 1".
Conditions
Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S.
Human Activities
Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 10. Sitting: 3.
Concerns
Fire
Apparent violations: Campfire in driftwood logs at the "lagoon" area (south end of Mile 171)..Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
Numerous Steller sea lions in surf or swimming upriver in the Siuslaw River.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration. Recent stranding of Velella velella on Heceta Beach. Sizes from 1/2" to 4" in length, most small.
Driftline Content
Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).
All Mile 171 Reports
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Nice morning to exercise the dog on Heceta Beach.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Stunningly beautiful sunny morning for a beach stroll.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Huge stranding of brownish-red "Pacific Sea Nettle" (Chrysaora fuscescens) and Moon (Aurelia labiata) jellies all along Mile 171 and Mile 172 today.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Nice sunny afternoon for a stroll on Heceta Beach.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Whimbrels and sanderlings were feeding in the surf wash zone.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
A nice morning walk today in the sunshine to practice my social distancing skills.
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
Another nice Saturday afternoon for a stroll on Heceta Beach!
oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
A nice quiet wind-free afternoon to stroll Heceta Beach after the summer crowds have dispersed.
oldMGguy