Mile 21 - Pistol River SP south - March 7, 2014 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

We came upon the widened mouth of the Pistol River after many days of rain, and saw the area strangely absent of bathing gulls. Three Ravens were hawking, and a Peregrine dive bombed them then landed on a driftwood stump. We soon discovered why Ms. Peregrine stayed in the area: She and her mate had just made a Kill of a large Herring gull. We stood back several feet, and soon both landed to finish plucking their kill. I clicked my camera, daring not to get much closer, as Ms. Peregrine wanted to take the kill up into the air (and surely she'd lose it in the drink of the river). Her mate flew across the river and watched me from afar (as did the three hungry Ravens). After an hour walk to the end of mile 21 and back again, the pair of Peregrines were still defending some of the remains of the Herring Gull.

Conditions

Temperature: 75 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 1.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 1. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 1. Photography: 1. Other Activities: Peregrines Kills Herring Gull. We came upon the widened mouth of the Pistol River after many days of rain, and saw the area strangely absent of bathing gulls. Three Ravens were hawking, and a Peregrine dive bombed them then landed on a driftwood stump. We soon discovered why Ms. Peregrine stayed in the area: She and her mate had just made a Kill of a large Herring gull. We stood back several feet, and soon both landed to finish plucking their kill. I clicked my camera, daring not to get much closer, as Ms. Peregrine wanted to take the kill up into the air (and surely she'd lose it in the drink of the river). Her mate flew across the river and watched me from afar (as did the three hungry Ravens). After an hour walk to the end of mile 21 and back again, the pair of Peregrines were still defending some of the remains of the Herring Gull.

Notable Wildlife

Peregrines, Ravens

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Adult, unmarked, killed by falcon pair

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. pieces of fiberglass hull from a cream colored boat (sm. craft?)

Actions & Comments

Beach was wonderfully clear except for two places where fiberglass pieces of a small craft had washed ashore.We did not see harbor seals this visit. Gulls were only active at the end of mile 21, near Crooks Point.