Mile 198 - Beachside State Park to Reynolds Creek - January 9, 2011

Report Details

Very cloudy, intermittent rain squalls, little wind this am. Numerous bird carcasses-6 unidentified, 2 shearwaters,5 murres, 1 gull probably western or mew. None were freshly deceased, nor predated. Surfline debris was mostly razor clam shells, small woody debris, deteriorated bull kelp, about 15 shotgun shell casings, small pieces of plastic- including several bottles and short lengths of rope at surfline. About 80-100 lbs of this debris removed from beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 46 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 2.7 feet.

Human Activities

beachside campground closed

Notable Wildlife

2 Western sandpiper foraging at surfline1 killdeer flushed from upper beach

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 13. 5 unidentifiable birds, 1 large gull2 shearwater5 murreAll carcasses were quite decomposed

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Wood pieces. shotgun shell casings- probably12-15

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune. 3' slump or berm 20 ft in front of existing grassy dune

Actions & Comments

1/2 mile south of park campground, either a 3' sand slump or berm 20 feet in front of existing grassy dune. Unsure is this is ocean action or slump of existing dune- no vegetation on this berm, so suspect it is ocean based.