Mile 184 - N of Ocean Beach Picnic Area, S of Squaw Creek - July 9, 2016

Report Details

It was a very windy day with lots of sand blowing across beach. Unusual to have such a strong south wind this time of year. But have had rain for past 2 days. More due today.Only 2 people and a dog on beach while was there.Sand Crab exoskeletons on beach.The most exciting thing seen was the nesting Pigeon Gillemots. One was seen going into a rock crevice with food. The nesting site is the south end of beach on high bluff facing north. Walk down steps and turn left until reach bluff. Look up high for a narrow slit in rocks.Also saw 3 other Guillemots on rock in the water.There were Surf Scoters in waves and Pelagic and Brant Coromonts flying by.

Conditions

Temperature: 63 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.1 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Not much litter, but a large fishing net at north end of beach. It was about 12 feet long and 2 feet wide. It was very heavy and I could not carry it. Worry about birds and sea mammals being tangled in it.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

lots of exoskeletons of Sand Crabs on beach. Medium size to small. Pigeon Guillemots nesting at south end of beach in crivice in rocks- high up. Saw one carring food in beak into crice to feed young. Exciting! They nested there last year. Surf Scotors and Brant and Pelagic Coromonts flying

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 4. Seemed to be Immature Gulls

Driftline Content

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

Natural Changes

lots of sand covering large logs on high part of beach. Drifting sand dunes in places. COMMENTS