Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - August 30, 2009

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

Cars/trucks parking: 14.

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.