Mile 173 - South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach - November 17, 2008

Report Details

Observers moved from south to north on mile 173, fording Sutton Creek near the surfline just after low tide. GPS measurements indicate that the creek has shifted significantly south from its location on the map supplied by CoastWatch. The current location of Sutton Creek is just a few yards north of where mile 173 begins. The south side of the creek is near the Klahanie retaining wall. To the north, two previous outlets for Sutton Creek can be noted based on topographical features. There was significant driftwood and detritus near the bend in the creek on the north side, just before it reaches the ocean. Debris included one very large rectangular concrete block which appears to be one section of a concrete dock. Some of the driftwood had been deeply charred by fire. Along the mile, five dead crabs were observed in discrete locations. These were whole, not molted, Dungeness crabs which had been touched by avian predation. No dead birds were found on mile 173 on this day. No other dead wildlife was observed. The beach was remarkably free of litter. We forded Sutton Creek again at the end of the observation, moving south. The crossing was more challenging this time, as the tide was coming in at this point.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 2. The tracks of two horses and one human female were noted on the beach. The party moved from north to south, turning and retracing their steps just before reaching Sutton Creek. No humans or dogs were present north of Sutton Creek during our visit. Two humans and two large canines were present on the south side of Sutton Creek, near the Klahanie riprap.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

There were some jellyfish on the beach this day, but far fewer than had been observed at this site just a few days before. Osprey on the hunt were also observed in this area and father north within the mile. Five brown pelicans were seen in flight near the breakline. One skate or sunfish egg pod was found above the surf. A large group of seagulls gathered at the delta of the creek and along the beach at the waterline just north of the creek.

Driftline Content

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

cheshire

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