Mile 305 - Oswald West SP, Cape Falcon N - July 6, 2015 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

First and probably only time I will see my mile in 2015. Lots less human-manufactured debris than I am accustomed to seeing. Also, not nearly as much natural debris (shells, seaweed, etc.). One thing I did notice is that in the forest immediately over my entry point, there seemed to be a lot more dead and dying salal. In addition, the standing salal seemed to be covered with a lot more dead needles than I am used to seeing. Perhaps this is due to atypical weather conditions. Some of the ropes I use to access the cove have been weathered through, leading me to believe that not as many people are using that trail to access the beach. A pleasant hike, but more difficult due to my age. Will be interested to see how much longer I can do this.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: -0.6 feet.

Human Activities

Crew is at work rebuilding house lost in fire atop Cape Falcon one or two years ago. This is 300+ feet above sea level and does not impact the coastline directly. I noticed one new small fire ring near the bluff top, no smoke or fire, probably months old.

Notable Wildlife

Fewer birds than usual. Record number of seals observed resting on cove beaches, perhaps 40.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. More deceased crabs than usual. Standard is none; saw perhaps two dozen. Number of starfish seemed lower, but those I saw appeared healthy. Also, I was not there on an ultra-low tide.

Driftline Content

Much less human-manufactured debris than usual.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Landslides/major boulder falls.

Actions & Comments

Of the two huge dead trees that slid down the south face of Black Sand Beach (the first cove I enter), one has now fallen over and is at sea level. The other still has its butt on the rock beach and points straight up the hill. This appears to have occurred naturally.