July 6, 2022

Temperature: 64 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 1.1 feet.

Walking or running: 10. Other Activities: Woman pushing a stroller. Vehicle tracks in places but could be South Beach Park personnel vehicle tracks.

Fascinating to watch swarms of small shorebirds swooping up/down, resting temporarily on the sand before taking off. Haven't seen that before. Usually just feeding in the water. Estimated 80 birds in this swarm. A type of sandpiper.

Total dead birds: 1. Douldn't tell since body not complete. About a foot in length and white underbelly plumage A shorebird?

Total stranded mammals: 1. beheaded sea lion body in good shape except for missing head. Notified South Beach State Park personnel. It was near Henderson Creek.

there was one area with lots of small crab bodies.

Shells, Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea). Green algae in many areas south of Henderson Creek. Haven't seen that before. One needs to bring a strainer to pick up the many tiny pieces of plastic up by the dunes.

Steps down bluff. Probably forgot to mention in last report that a better access to the beach has been made with sand/concrete. Had been dangerous before in climbing over/stepping on rocks.

Beachgrass planting or removal. Perhaps beachgrass has been planted although might be natural.

Erosion looks the same. Good to see all the healthy vegetation on the "bluffs'.