Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - November 16, 2010

Report Details

Dead-critters-on-the-beach day today at Heceta Beach, Mile 171. Two deceased male California sea lions, with their distinctive domed foreheads, on the beach - one near the Siuslaw River North Jetty, the other about mid-point on Mile 171 (previously reported). Two barely alive Northern Fulmars freshly beached at the north end of the mile, with another 7 Fulmar carcasses spread southward along the mile, along with two Common Murre carcasses. Numerous Cat's Eye comb jellies littered the high tide zone. One URK - a large dog-sized collection of skin, bones, and tan fur with brown-black spots, near the North Jetty.Lots of surf grass on the beach today, along with several large balls of bull kelp, and numerous single strands of bull kelp scattered along the mile.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N.

Human Activities

Number of people: 13. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 5. Photography: 2.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 9.

Notable Wildlife

Two Northern Fulmars freshly beached.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 9. 7 Northern Fulmars, 2 Common Murres

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 2. Two dead male California Sea Lions, one mid-point, the other at the south end of Mile 171. There is also one URK - a large dog-sized partial carcass of skin, bone, and some tannish with brown-black spots fur. Species unknown.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Numerous Cat's Eye comb jellies in the high tide area

Driftline Content

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