May 21, 2025

We conducted a MDMAP with 10 people and four transects. Exploring the beach we discovered several caves, one of which was quite deep. It was low tide, and we were able to make observations at several tide pools. On the beach we found a skate case, velella velella, and a large dead bird, possibly a cormorant. On the north side of the beach, we discovered an area between the rocks where the waves created a latte of sea foam and occasionally splashed high above as the water churned in the channel. Numerous people and dogs were present during our four-hour visit, and someone observed that most of the license plates in the parking lot were from out of state. Over four hours we counted four dogs and 39 people.

Report Details

We conducted a MDMAP with 10 people and four transects. Challenges included: the park host on the beach picking up trash, two people sleeping in a transect, and one transect covering a stream. We found a small amount of debris- see report for details. Exploring the beach we discovered several caves, one of which was quite deep. In one cave we found a large amount of sea foam that sparkled like gold in the sunlight. It was low tide, and we were able to make observations at several tide pools. We found an abundance of California muscles and barnacles, and many limpets, hermit crabs, sea stars and green anemone. One cluster of eggs was discovered that we identified as snail eggs. On the beach we found a skate case, velella velella, and a large dead bird, possibly a cormorant. There were several living western seagulls, a pelican, and butterflies and moths. On the north side of the beach, we discovered an area between the rocks where the waves created a latte of sea foam and occasionally splashed high above as the water churned in the channel. Many birds were present on large rocks surrounded by water. Numerous people and dogs were present during our four-hour visit, and someone observed that most of the license plates in the parking lot were from out of state. The day was sunny and almost warm, with an occasional light wind. Over four hours we counted four dogs and 39 people.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light.

Human Activities

Number of people: 39. Number of dogs: 4. Tidepooling: 10. Other Activities: Birdwatching, napping, walking, picnicing.

Notable Wildlife

Birds, moths

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1.

Driftline Content

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