January 11, 2008

Temperature: 45 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 12. Some of the cars contained people just sitting and looking at the water, rather than using the beach. The beach-goers seemed to come from access points further north.Access was limited at YBSP because the northern staircase, which I usually use, dead-ended in a larger than usual "pond" - a seasonal/weather-dependent high water area behind the dunes. I used the northern staircase instead.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Regular assortment of gulls, crows, starlings. About 10 buffleheads (? - I forgot my binocs) in the Bay. One large raptor when I first got there but didn't get a good look before it flew off.

Total dead birds: 9. 3 were too decomposed to identify.5 were Western grebes1 was a small shorebird but I can never tell those apart (too large to be a plover - see photo). Really, I need to become a much better birder.

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Lots of wood, lots of larger pieces of debris.

fencing at northern end of Yaquina Bay SP has been repaired.

The wrackline was high on the beach today, due to recent storm surges. There seemed to be much more large pieces of debris than in previous visits, and a lot of wood, both natural driftwood (trees, stumps, branches) and lumber. One small dock or float that broke free of wherever it was moored had washed up. Due to recent rains (frequent, and sometimes heavy) there were lots of little rivulets along the cliff. Many pipes were discharging through the cliffs too.