Mile 186 - Tenmile Cr, Searose Beach N of Stonefield Beach Wayside - August 20, 2018

Report Details

Survey done on August 20, 2018 starting at 1500 hours.It was a foggy day with smoke from wildland fires intermixed.58 degrees F.Winds moderate to strong on beach but light on Hwy 101.9 humans and 4 dogs seen on beach just walking.3 cars in parking lot on south side of Tenmile Creek.Driftwood stacked into a pile on the north side of Tenmile Creek where the creek reaches the beach. (see pic 54)Small windbreak made with driftwood stuck into the sand in the middle of the mile near Sea Perch RV Resort. (see pic 33 & 34)Driftline was clear of debris which is different from survey's in the last year.12-18 dead crabs found. Noticed seagull eating crab (pic 28). Talked with residents in the area and they stated that there have been a lot of crabs on the beach recently and that seagulls have been eating them.Two flights of 10-12 California Brown Pelicans were observed flying north above the beach. (see pic 10 & 11)

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 9. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 9. Cars parked in lot 86.

Concerns

Apparent violations: Observed a large amount of driftwood that was placed in a large pile alongside and on the north side of Tenmile Creek (see pic 54)..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Larger number (50-60) of seagulls located in the middle of the mile and slightly north. Usually see the seagulls further to the south concentrated near Tenmile Creek and the rocks nearby. Two flights of 10-12 California Brown Pelicans were observed flying north above the beach. (see pic 10 & 11)

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Observed multiple (12-18) dead crabs along shore. See picture of crab being eaten by a seagull (pic 28).

Driftline Content

Driftline was clean. This is a very big change from previous visits in the last year where there has been a large amount of small pieces plastics and Styrofoam.

New Development

None observed

Man-made Modifications

Small windbreak made with driftwood stuck into the sand in the middle of the mile near Sea Perch RV Resort. (see pic 33 & 34)

Natural Changes

None observed

Actions & Comments

Foggy day with the smell of smoke in the air from the wildland fires occurring throughout the northwest. Smoke was not as concentrated as it was in Florence to the south.