September 24, 2023

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 5.4 feet.

Number of people: 1. Oregon State Park Ranger was patrolling the beach in his truck. No other people or dogs in mile 288.

Litter

I saw plovers again on Mile 288. The park ranger mentioned seeing them as well. They may be overwintering here. Pelicans are still migrating south through the area. Several were visible flying low over the surf.

I found an intact starfish at the tideline in Mile 288. This is the first time I've seen starfish in this stretch of beach.

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Very little ocean-based debris; primarily plastic beverage bottles, and fishing gear (buoy, rope, bait containers, etc.) I also found two plover warning posts with signs, and one damaged plover sign at the dune edge. There was a fair amount of seaweed piled along the tideline.

A fair amount of cakile endentula continues to grow just above the current high tideline. It will definitely be inundated with the winter high tides. There was also piles of seaweed along the current tideline.

The majority of the snowy plover posts/signs/rope were removed since my last visit.  I found two posts with signs, and one separate sign at the edge of the dune in Mile 288.  I let the park ranger, Simon, know.  He was also kind enough to put the trash I collected in the back of his truck. Thank you, Simon!