Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - November 30, 2016

Report Details

Sea foam day at the beach! The NW winds were blowing the thick surf sea foam along the beach, covering just about all of the entire mile. A very dead Steller sea lion has washed up on the high sand about midway between Driftwood Shores Resort and the Siuslaw North Jetty. Appears to be about 6' long, no observed tags, entanglement, or shark bites. Western Grebes were feeding in the near-shore surf - first observation this season.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Large flock of Sanderlings feeding in the outwash. Several Western Grebes feeding in the near-shore surf.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. One dead female (?) Steller Sea Lion up on the high sand halfway between Driftwood Shores Resort and the Siuslaw North Jetty. It's been dead for some time as scavengers have removed all the soft tissue from the skull area, most of the light brown fur is gone. No observed tags, tattoos, entanglement, or shark damage. About 6 feet long.

Driftline Content

Shells, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Winter high tides/storm waves are eroding away the summer accumulation of high beach sand.