Mile 178 - Cape Cove, Sea Lion Point, Sea Lion Caves - May 31, 2009

Report Details

I was treated to another beautiful late Spring afternoon on the Oregon Coast. Two months after the Beach Clean-up, the beach was still pretty clean. Some crabbing gear washed up and I brought it home. Most unusual wildlife sighting today was a group of turkey vultures circling overhead and some on the rocks at the Northern end of Sea Lion Point. As I proceded I was almost certain that it meant that I would be stumbling upon a dead sea lion or something. However, I didn't see, or even smell one. I wonder what it was that the vultures were so interested in. Maybe it was just the weather or the majestic view, I don't know, but it was definitely out of the ordinary.

Conditions

Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.

Human Activities

Most all the human activity on this shoreline takes place in Sea Lion Caves, where people can observe wild sea lions from the safety of the enclosed facility.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

Most notable of today's visit was a great presence of turkey vultures on or above the beach.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Crabs and crab body parts in the driftline, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Styrofoam.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls.

Actions & Comments

I again have taken pictures of two landslide areas that I have been keeping an eye on all year so far. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was no more advanced damage from a major wind event two weeks ago.