Mile 223 - Beverly Beach, Spencer Creek, Beverly Beach SP - October 6, 2019

Report Details

Photos show damage from erosion and vandalism. Also the dead bird that is possibly a Caspian Tern.

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Tide Level: 4.2 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 40. Number of dogs: 8. Walking or running: 16. Playing in surf: 4. Playing in sand: 10. Sitting: 8. Photography: 1. Fishing: 1. Several driftwood structures built along the beach but I did not find any litter left behind.

Concerns

People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas

Apparent violations: 1 man entered a roped off "no trespassing" area to take his picture in the vandalized sand wall. Even after I pointed out the signs..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 4. 3 gulls, 1 possible Caspian Tern

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). I observed a lot of Kelp piles, more than I usually see. I was pleasantly surprised to find very little litter from recent visitors but I did find micro-plastics, pellets, and small plastics most likely from offshore fishing, along the high tide line.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls, Visible retreat of solid bluff. Erosion causing boulders and rocks to fall to the beach. Erosion above along the highway causing chucks of curb to fall to the beach.