Mile 306 Report
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
July 4, 2015
On 4th of July, Falcon Beach was crowded with 40 people and 18 dogs -- at least by our standards.
Report Details
On 4th of July, Falcon Beach was crowded with 40 people and 18 dogs -- at least by our standards. Most people were visitors. The access point nearest my house had 9 vehicles, leaving little room for passing cars.The beach was clean, everyone appeared to be having a good time. With the low tide and the extra sand build-up, people could reach one of the off-shore bird rocks. After days of strong cold north winds, the surf had churned up mussels and barnacles which were strewn in the driftline. The gulls were actively feeding on the sand fleas which have burgeoned this year.
Conditions
Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: -1.4 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 40. Number of dogs: 18. Walking or running: 40. Photography: 2. Tidepooling: 30. Miles 306-307Very little litter. Most people strolling on beach, checking out tidepools and off-shore rocks. Lots of dogs off-leash but behaving OK.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 9.
Notable Wildlife
2 oystercatchers. 3 adult bald eagles. 2 Heermann's gulls. Many Western gulls. Dying mussels in drift line from rough surf; these mussels were large, up to 9 inches. Unusually large number of sand fleas
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration. Dying and dead mussels, Dungeness crabs, barnacles in driftline.
Natural Changes
Visible retreat of solid bluff.
Actions & Comments
higher beach sand levels than in previous years.
Report Images
Frankie
CoastWatcher
All Mile 306 Reports
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
We walked the mile on a clear, chilly afternoon. We picked up trash--one full bag. We found a little eel, the same color as brown rockweed! We saw sea foam blowing on the sand. We found a small skull bone. We found a scientific measuring device planted in the cobble with a float saying that it was the property of OSU.
Fire Mountain School
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
Sorry no photos due to lack of phone on this walk.
Scott Penzarella
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
Just wanted to report seeing 8 black oystercatchers on the beach just now.
jkcornelius
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
Today was our first CoastWatch beach survey.
Fire Mountain School
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
An eagle was obtaining breakfast from Gull Rock.
jkcornelius
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
These observations were made over the last 3 months walking the beach at different times of day but not keeping a record which I will try to start.
jkcornelius
Mile 306
Cove Beach south, Tillamook-Clatsop county line
Numerous violations observed, including campfire in unsafe location and harvesting tidepool organisms in the marine reserve.
Frankie