Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - November 13, 2010

Report Details

Only one fresh Northern Fulmar carcass observed today. Lots of Cat's Eye comb jellies along the mile, with a few Sea Nettle jellies mixed in. A very dead sea lion (Steller female ??) has just washed ashore about half way on Mile 171. The carcass looks like it's been floating at sea for awhile.Lots of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl feeding in the Siuslaw River entrance area.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S.

Human Activities

Number of people: 26. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 10.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 9.

Notable Wildlife

Pelicans, black turnstones, double-crested and pelagic cormorants, and common loon feeding in the Siulsaw River outlet. Several harbor seals feeding in the near surf.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. One Northern Fulmar recently washed ashore, one dead common murre at the high tide line, one unknown.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. One dead sea lion, about 8' long, recently washed ashore on this tide, near the mid-point on Mile 171. The body has lost most of its fur, and the outer skin covered with algae splotches, so it's probably been floating off-shore for a while.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Large numbers of fresh Cat's Eye comb jellies (Pleurobrachia bachei) in the high tide line. Only a few fresh Pacific Sea Nettle jellies (Chrysaora fuscescens) this time, compared to a gazillion of them washed up 5 days ago.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.