Mile 289 - Kincheloe Point, South Jetty Tillamook River - December 19, 2009

Report Details

Mile 289 has weathered the first winter storms without erosion to the foredune. We were interested to see if there were any dead brown pelicans. There were none, but we did find 8 dead birds. (5 fulmars, 1 grebe, 1 gull, and 1 kittiwake). Several weeks ago our COASST dead bird survey included 25 pelicans on mile 286. On mile 285 and 287, we had about half that number. And we did find 2 on 288 as we walked back. It seems that severe weather killed a large, concentrated flock of pelicans. Most ended up on 286.

Human Activities

There were 3 boats on the bay side jetty-fishing and crabbing.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 8. 5 northern fulmars, 1 western grebe, 1 immature gull, and a probable black-legged kittiwake.

Stranded Marine Mammals

But there was a young dead sealion on mile 287. It was reported as live but ailing on the previous day.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. large concentration of bay clam shells near the jetty. They become less dense as you move away from the jetty. Strong tides and swells may have pushed the clams out into the ocean.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. 3 crab floats, a sports crabbing ring, several fishing lures.

Natural Changes

early winter storms caused no dune erosion