Mile 308 Report
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
September 23, 2015
The sand level is unusually high, with the high-tide line close to 100m out from shore.
Report Details
The sand level is unusually high, with the high-tide line close to 100m out from shore. There were more people than expected on a weekday, but the pleasant weather was inviting. The beach appears very clean and devoid of trash.
Conditions
Temperature: 20 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 20. Number of dogs: 8. Walking or running: 10. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 4. Surfing: 2.
Concerns
Apparent violations: Low-flying helicopter.
Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 2.
Notable Wildlife
Western gulls, Hermann's gulls, crows, brown pelicans
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 8. 6 common murres, 1 shearwater, 2 unidentified fragments; all recorded in report to COASST.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Thousands of molts of Emerita analoga, some molts and remains of gull-eaten Cancer magister, several clumps of shells of Mytilus californianus
Driftline Content
Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Wood pieces.
New Development
Steps down bluff.
Natural Changes
Landslides/major boulder falls. Large stand of willow, Salix sp., encroaching on beach
John Markham
CoastWatcher
All Mile 308 Reports
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
Large number of Mytilus californianus, whole dead animals, intact empty shells, single valves and fragments of shells.
John Markham
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
Unusual number of fresh logs, some very large, some still bearing bark.
John Markham
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
Survey taken over two days, 21, 22 September, in conjunction with COASST dead-bird survey.
John Markham
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
An overcast day with occasional light sprinkles, but overall pleasant.
John Markham
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
Two new colverts installed.
John Markham
Mile 308
Arch Cape (community), Asbury Creek
Exotic pampas grass (native to South America) on face of seacliff.
John Markham