Mile 171 Report
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
August 30, 2009
Heavy concentration of olive-green sea foam and plankton die-off on the beach and in the surf.
Report Details
Heavy concentration of olive-green sea foam and plankton die-off on the beach and in the surf. Observed my first "Lions' Mane" (aka Sea Blubber) jelly on the beach this year - very unusual for Heceta Beach. Lots of Cat's Eye comb jellies, and a smattering of Sea Nettle and Moon jellies mixed in. The very dead Stellar Sea Lion is halfway between the Siuslaw River North Jetty and the Driftwood Shores complex to the north, well up on the beach in the dry sand area. Wondering if this is the same critter reported ashore on Mile 172 earlier this month.As far as living mammels observed, a mother-calf pair of harbor porpoise, one harbor seal were feeding in the Siuslaw River adjacent to the North Jetty, and 16 kite-surfers were out having fun in the outer surf area south of the Siuslaw River South Jetty.
Conditions
Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: NW.
Human Activities
Number of people: 30. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 15. Playing in sand: 8. Sitting: 6. Photography: 3.
Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
A few gulls were in the surf, one pelagic cormorant flying south. Due to strong winds, the vast majority of oberved birds were in the Siuslaw River estuary tidal bays at the North Jetty area. Pelagic and double-crested cormorants, Canada geese, Sanderlings, and a large flock of juvenile gulls were present. A mother-and-calf pair of harbor dolphins and one harbor seal were feeding in the Siuslaw River bar area. The sand (aka mole) crabs were numerous and very active, rapidly darting around in the shallow wave wash and rapidly re-burying themselves as the water ran back out. Fun to watch in action and surprising just how fast those guys can move around.
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. One very dead adult Stellar sea lion, about 9' nose to tail. Medium brown fur, whitish-pink skin where the fur had been rubbed off. Appears to have been a female judging by the body profile.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
One "Lion's Mane" jelly, aka "Sea Blubber" (cyanea capillata) freshly washed ashore just south of Driftwood Shores complex - first one I've seen this year. Occasional Sea Nettle jellies (reddish brown) and pieces of Moon jellies along Mile 171. There were a lot of small "Cat's Eye" comb jellies in the high tide wash line.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Wood pieces. bundles of palm kelp, surf grass washed up in the high tide area.
All Mile 171 Reports
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
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oldMGguy
Mile 171
Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty
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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