Mile 173 - South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach - September 3, 2009

Report Details

Since our last visit, Sutton Creek has shifted dramatically. The creek has retreated from the riprap, curving north in a crescent and forming a small lake-like area before turning back toward the south and joining the sea. The creek depth near the ocean was only 5-6 inches today, making it easy to cross without special equipment or preparation. Unfortunately, this means that the area is now more accessible to casual beachcombers, and more apt to be sullied by their presence. Six humans and two dogs were observed on the beach. In spite of this, the section of the beach north of Sutton Creek on mile 173 remains remarkably free of litter and debris, especially when compared to the beach just south.Numerous seabirds were observed, including one dead cormorant. Horse tracks were also present—two horses traveling from north to south had been on the beach earlier in the morning.

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: -1.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 6. Since the creek has moved and become easier to ford, the number of people on this formerly empty stretch of beach has increased markedly.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

seagulls, 2 birds that looked like greater yellow legs (wrong time of year?), one small clump of bull kelp

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. cormorant, no bands or tags

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

some crab legs/pieces (Dungeness)

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Small rocks. one plastic gunny sack, otherwise no debris

Natural Changes

major shift in position of Sutton Creek

cheshire

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