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
Cars/trucks parking: 11.
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).
oldMGguy
CoastWatcher
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Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
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