Mile 262 - Cape Kiwanda State Park - October 16, 2017 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

A beautiful, sunny, windless day just after high tide. More dead birds in the driftline than I have seen here before. All the signs are gone that had indicated the vehicle-prohibited areas, presumably because the dune (north side) where the signs had been has been cut back farther than ever before. Car tracks clear to the end of the beach at the base of the Cape Kiwanda cliff and even some partway up the dune.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 7.3 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. Other Activities: playing with dog. many vehicle tracks on beach from weekend activities, many in formerly vehicle prohibited areas, including up the dune. Signs gone now.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

4 Black Oystercatchers, 1 Peregrine Falcon

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 10. left wing 894 (purple/black/green) on Western Grebe, several more Western Grebes, a Scoter sp., Cassin's Auklet, unid tubenose

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).

Natural Changes

The dune on this north side continues to be cut back by wave action.