Mile 218 - Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek - January 26, 2011

Report Details

A gorgeous morning on the beach as I walked my usual route from the Agate Beach Wayside to Yaquina Head. From near the surf, about halfway between the wayside and where Big Creek enters the sea, I noticed what appeared to be a hawk or falcon having 'breakfast' at the high tide line. On closer inspection I was treated to about 20 minutes of viewing a Peregrine Falcon gnawing on a recently deceased Western Gull. I remained about 10 metres away from the bird and watched through binocs. It seemed unconcerned with my presence, and after a quick glance at me with those huge eyes, returned to dining. The falcon had a green band on its left leg.One other note for those who walk Mile 218: the mouth of Big Creek was finally shallow enough to ford in boots this morning (it's been too swift and deep since the recent heavy rains).

Conditions

Temperature: 48 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 3.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 25. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 20. Photography: 1. Surfing: 2. Just a day at the beach for most, with a lot of young people (twenty-somethings) walking.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 10.

Notable Wildlife

Peregrine Falcon. Eating a dead gull on the sand about halfway along Mile 218. Green band on Peregrine Falcon's left leg.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls.

Actions & Comments

No. The slide was minor on the sandy bluff directly adjacent to where Yaquina Head meets the beach,