Mile 214 - South Beach SP, South Jetty Yaquina River - April 21, 2016

Report Details

Our first report as CoastWatch volunteers. We have been watching the plover on our mile since January, 8 snowy plover and 1 mountain plover. As of this date, we think they have all moved on, our last sighting of two snowys April 15th. There is a lot of wood washed up, large trees, etc. Spring Breakers had fun building forts and shelters along the mile. The Day Use area of South Beach State Park usually has 8-12 cars in it when we pass through. The beach is pretty clean of human debris, the occasional beer can or water bottle. Most interesting is the number of Mr. Coffee plastic filter baskets and laundry baskets that show up on the beach, washed in from ?? This day, there were millions of Velella velella at the tide line, most tiny, with scattered larger, blue ones.

Human Activities

Number of people: 28. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 2. Playing in sand: 17. Sitting: 1. Surfing: 2. Other Activities: 2 people on horseback. One group of 15 young folks were playing games in the sand near South Beach State Park access, supervised by 2 adults.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 9.

Notable Wildlife

Our last sighting of the Snowy Plover on our mile was April 15. We've watched 8 snowys and 1 mountain plover since January, and now we see none.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Millions of Velella washed ashore. Most tiny, with a scattering of fully developed ones. Concentrated in middle of Mile 214 in front of state park.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune. 20 ft. "Cliff" from King Tide a month ago south of Mile 214