Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - November 10, 2009

Report Details

Recent high tides and wind have re-arranged the driftwood log collection on the beach. Lots of common loons, cormorants, and brown pelicans flying and/or feeding near the North Jetty.The beach high water line is coated with a gazillion 1/4-1/2" tiny pinkish egg casings. Anyone know what they are? A few gulls were leisurely feeding on the eggs, but most birds seemed to ignore them.

Conditions

Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW.

Human Activities

Number of people: 23. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 8. Sitting: 5.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 17.

Notable Wildlife

Common loons and cormorants were feeding in the Siuslaw River bar area. Lots of brown pelicans heading south. A couple of harbor seals were feeding either in the river or in the surf area just north of the North Jetty.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Dead seagull

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

The surf line was coated with pink-ish tiny egg casings - see photo. Anyone know what they are? Occasional bits and pieces of sea nettle jellies.

Driftline Content

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

Natural Changes

Evidence of wave overtopping. recent high tide and winds overtopped the North Jetty in places, rearranging the collection of driftwood logs.