Mile 178 - Cape Cove, Sea Lion Point, Sea Lion Caves - February 28, 2009

Report Details

I had all kinds of weather on this visit. Shoreline wildlife was scarce. I had to travel as far South as Sea Lion Point to encounter any sea lions; they used to be so thick on Cape Cove Beach that I couldn't do my normal rounds because they would be in my way. There was however, a long-necked black sea bird, looked out of place just standing on the beach, usually they frequent the tops of the off-shore rocks. It was not in good physical condition, (see photo). I was able to approach close enough touch but I didn't. Wish I could have done something for it; I need to learn the proper protocol for such situations. Litter was one thing that was not scarce today. The beach is getting an accumulation of garbage of all sorts. I picked up some crab pot floats, rope, and a cast aluminum trawler-ball fishing float. The rest of the garbage I will get no later than the up-coming spring beach clean up in about four weeks.

Conditions

Temperature: 47 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 2.5 feet.

Human Activities

This beach, being largely untouched by humans, has its share of litter, but most all of it is garbage that was littered elsewhere, and washed in via ocean and wind currents. It already looks like I'll be filling a number of bags for the state-wide beach clean-up in four weeks.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

I noticed what looked to be a black cormorant just standing on the beach, an atypical sight. I layed down on the rocks to take it's picture and crawled closer and closer to it until I was close enough to touch it (I didn't though).The poor thing seemed to have an injured foot and a blind right eye.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Feathers, bone, and blood from unidentified bird found on upper level rocks. It was obviously a meal for a local bird of prey.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Numerous dead invertebrates washed up on beach, in the form of large moon jellies

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling.

Actions & Comments

There have been some dramatic physical changes to the bluff in the past months. Taking photos during every visit has been a great way to illustrate these physical changes in a time-lapse fashion.