Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - May 18, 2020

Report Details

Whimbrels and sanderlings were feeding in the surf wash zone. A recently deceased harbour porpoise, about 1/3 mile north of the Siuslaw River North Jetty, appears to have washed ashore with today's high tide (photos). Little scavanger damage indicates this creature recently died.I was out on Heceta Beach several times this weekend, There were a lot of people out enjoying the nice weather, but everyone (including family groups) was doing a good job with the recommended social distancing.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 3.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

Half dozen Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) feeding in the surf wash zone.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Deceased Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) about 1/3 mile north of the Siuslaw River North Jetty. Limited scavenger damage indicates this mammal just recently washed ashore with the recent high tide. About 5 feet long, no signs of injury other than scavenger damage.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).