Mile 186 - Tenmile Cr, Searose Beach N of Stonefield Beach Wayside - September 25, 2021

Report Details

Foggy, Temp 53 degrees F, Wind 5 mph from the NWLow tide at 0840 listed as 2.46' and High tide at 1442 listed as 6.46'31 people and 3 dogs observed doing a variety of activities. This included kite flying which is the first time we have observed this.Fat tire bicycle tracks were observed in the sand1 dead Common Murre was found and reported to COASSTBuried tire in sand just south of Agate Creek. (pic 26) This had been a step for the beach access stairs leading up to 95648 Hwy 101Old set of stairs coming down from 95500 Hwy 101 that were damaged during the winter storms has been repaired with a new large base installed at the bottom. (pic 32 with a comparison photo taken on 4/17/2021 (pic32)). Previously the steps sat on rocks and sand. Earlier photos availableThere was an increased amount of sand observed on the beach. (pic 35 with a 2019 comparison of the area (closeup picture))Tenmile Creek outflow was going straight into the ocean which is a change from its normal serpentine route. (pic 38 with a 2019 comparison of the area (pic 85))

Conditions

Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 31. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 21. Playing in surf: 1. Playing in sand: 4. Other Activities: 3-kite flying. Fat tire bicycle tracks seen on the beach west of 95442 and 95454 Hwy 101

Concerns

Apparent violations: none observed.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

Notable Wildlife

A lot of primarily sea gulls on the rocks to the west of 95416 Hwy 101. I have not seen this number of birds in this location on previous visits to this beach. (pic 24). The last three surveys had very few seagulls in the area.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. 1-Common Murre, COASST tag #2

Stranded Marine Mammals

n/a

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

none observed

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.). Very little debris including driftwood on beach. There was a large concentration of driftwood on the north side of Tenmile Creek just before it got to the creek. (pic 39) We did find a tire with cement in the middle of it partially buried in the beach south of Agate Creek. This had been a step going up the bluff to 95648 Hwy 101. (pic 26)

New Development

Steps down bluff. Old set of stairs that were damaged during the winter storms has been repaired with a large base installed at the bottom. (pic 32 with a comparison photo taken on 4/17/2021). Previously the steps sat on rocks and sand.

Man-made Modifications

none observed

Natural Changes

Increased amount of sand on the beach which covered up rocks and driftwood. (pic 35 with a comparison photo from 2019 included) Tenmile Creek was outflow was dumping straight into the ocean. For the last several years it has been following a serpentine route through the beach due to a bank of rocks being deposited by the ocean activity along the north side of the creek. (pic 38 with a 2019 comparison photo of the area

Actions & Comments

The dead Common Murre was reported to COASST.Had several long discussion with visitors to the beach. One discussion was with a property owner with beach front access. He commented about the lack of plastic pellets on the beach this summer which we have also noted. He also stated that Agate Creek has a small amount of outflow in comparison to most other years.