Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - January 15, 2018

Report Details

Large flocks of Sanderlings busy feeding in the surf wash along the entire mile this morning. Surf Scoter ducks and harbor seals out in the near-shore surf. Big waves and high tide were setting up frequent "sneaker waves", necessitating the occasional dash to the high beach to avoid getting wet. Lots of huge and small driftwood logs and woody debris were rolling in the surf zone. The extensive summertime accumulation of driftwood logs and stumps at the "lagoon" next to the north jetty structure have been mostly washed away.The Portland regional office of the Army Corps of Engineers have said they will have a work detail out to the jetty "within 3-4 weeks" to remove the spray-painted graffitti on the jetty vehicle barrier rocks.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: E.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 10. Sitting: 5. Fishing: 1.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: Previously reported spray-painted graffiti on the Siuslaw River North Jetty vehicle barrier rocks has been reported to the Portland office of the Army Corps of Engineers. A work party to remove the paint is expected within 4 weeks, according to the PAO official I talked to..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 15.

Notable Wildlife

Harbor seals, Sanderlings, Surf Scoter ducks

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Winter high tides are busy re-arranging the driftwood piles along the south half of Mile 171.