Mile 286 Report
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
February 28, 2025
A partially cloudy day once the marine layer lifted. Excited to see large flock of sanderlings feeding at high tide line then putting on an aerial show for me Noticing early "dune" formation around roots of sea rocket
Report Details
A partially cloudy day once the marine layer lifted. Very little human activity. No dogs apart from my own Excited to see large flock of sanderlings feeding at high tide line then putting on an aerial show for me Noticing early "dune" formation around roots of sea rocket
Conditions
Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 7.0 feet.
Activities
Number of people: 2. Walking or running: 2.
Other Activities: 2 humans collecting beach garbage (as I was!).
Notable Wildlife
Stumbled across a huge flock (500+) of sanderlings feeding at the high tide line. Well camouflaged . Many more than I normally see. My dog was on leash and they spotted us before we spotted them. My phone tells me (AI) that sanderlings do not murmurate. That may be, but these beautiful birds put on a magnificent show akin to murmuration for a minute or two before re-settling. I filmed it as soon as i realized what was happening and wish i could upload. Instead there is a screen shot of one moment...
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 1. One completely demolished something with only feathers remaining (see photo)
Wrackline Content
A couple of matts of bull kelp. Scattered clumps sea grass Small pieces of marine debris (collected and removed) One nice collection of egg casings which I thought initially was styrofoam (see photo) Large (long) de-limbed trees with shallow roots at south end of mile
Natural Changes
Noticing that the "invasive" sea rocket plants have died back but the root systems have created small dunes along the shore adjacent to the dune edge
Somebody had a great feast on this poor bird!
"Dune" formation from roots of Sea Rocket 45.52392N 123.95392 W see next 2 photos
Bull Kelp
south view, high tide line MP marker 29
North view high tide line MP marker 29
egg casings ?ling cod
flock sanderlings at high tide line 45.51459N 123.95577 W
Screen shot of a sanderling protection dance after I inadvertently disturbed them. Beautiful show!
Report Images
Helen Welch
CoastWatcher
All Mile 286 Reports
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
A quiet human day due to a chilly wind and thick fog in the morning ( clearing at the time of my walk.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
Beautiful Sunday post-Thanksgiving.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
Beautiful solitary walk on beach today.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
Interested to note on today's walk was that there is no eel grass to be seen.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
Quiet day on the beach.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
Breezy day at the beach.
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
A windy and cloudy day with storms threatening Very little human activity and birds were few , likely sheltering The small "dune" formation around the roots of the Sea Rocket persisted in spite of high tides and storms
Helen Welch
Mile 286
Bayocean Peninsula south of Bayocean site
A partially cloudy day once the marine layer lifted. Excited to see large flock of sanderlings feeding at high tide line then putting on an aerial show for me Noticing early "dune" formation around roots of sea rocket
Helen Welch