Mile 184 - N of Ocean Beach Picnic Area, S of Squaw Creek - May 5, 2023

Report Details

It was a cloudy, rainy day on Ocean Beach. It was obvious when pulling into the parking lot, that the Forest Service has been busy preparing the area for the summer season. There were new trash cans, newly moved lawn and trimmed hedges. Additionally, most of the grafitti on the stairs and in the bathroom have been removed. I was not able to get to the far north end of the beach due to the incoming tide and bad weather. The most notable observation was a group of whimbrels running in and out of the surf. Come on summer!!!!

Conditions

Temperature: 48 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 1.3 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 5. Not many folks at Ocean Beach today.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

I noted a small group of whimbrels running in and out of the surf. First time I've seen them on this beach.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. I've filed a report with COASST.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea). Although the debris line was not continuous, I observed lots of plastic particles.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls.

Actions & Comments

I noted two slides on the bluffs. Each slide contained large rocks and roots.