Mile 220 - Yaquina Head north, Schooner Creek south - July 19, 2022

Report Details

Beautiful day with many people. Sand is so high on north side of Yaquina Head so there was easy access through the tunnel to the mini beach which is rare. Saw the greatest number of orchre sea stars in several years. Appeared healthy except for 2 and were a variety of sizes from small to large, probably 90% were purple and 10% orange. Called beach ranger and verified that tire tracks we saw last month were his and that he issued the rip rap permit because the property and utilities were there before 1977.

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 32. Number of dogs: 6. Walking or running: 30. Fishing: 2. Other Activities: Photography.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 7.

Notable Wildlife

3 TURKEY vultures were eating an adult common murre. 100+ ochre sea stars on rocks near north side Yaquina Head. 2 appeared diseased, most very healthy appearing many sizes predominately purple.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Adult common murre being eaten by 3 Turkey vultures

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt). Mussel and barnacle clumps empty shells.

New Development

Rip rap below cliff and house for sale at Schooner Creek end of beach.

Man-made Modifications

New riprap or shoreline protection structures. Permit issued by Oregon State Parks for rip rap due to having utilities before 1977

Natural Changes

Beach and cliff erosion continues.