Mile 239 - Salishan Spit north, Siletz Bay - July 14, 2018 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

Sunny, breezy July day. More people than usual on the beach, but of course it's the middle of summer. Harbor seal population at the end of the spit seemed larger than usual, with several juveniles. There were many more seagulls than usual on this stretch of beach. The wrack line - instead of consisting of kelp and invertebrate shells as is common - was mainly sea grass, peppered with sticks and twigs. There were quite a few squid egg cases along the tide line as well as a few squid pens (thanks to Dr. Stewart Shultz for explaining what these were in his recent talk). We encountered several dead squid on the sand at the edge of Siletz Bay while walking back to the parking lot. Minimal amount of trash, which was surprising since this was soon after the 4th of July.

Conditions

Temperature: 63 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 6.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 19. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 6. Playing in sand: 13. Other Activities: Approx. 175 people (and only 1 dog!) on the Taft side of the Siletz River but we did not walk that side. Most walking, rockhunting, and sitting/playing in sand..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

More harbor seals than usual at the tip of the Salishan Spit - est. 225+. MANY more seagulls than usual. Normally there is a colony near the seals but there were 2 or 3 more further south on the beach. 100+ birds per colony.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Common murre

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Several dead squid on the bay side of the spit.

Driftline Content

Grass (seagrass)

Report Images

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