Mile 335 - Columbia Beach, Coffenbury Lake, Fort Stevens SP - February 11, 2015

Report Details

The day was clam, warm and cloudy. Only observed 3 cars, which includes mine. One lady collecting driftwood and one man sitting in his car smoking.Tide was midway-coming in (1:00pm). Kelp clusters and up-dwelling foam all over the beach. Many shorebirds were taking advantage of up-dwelling organisms.Saw 2 seagull and several groups of sandpipers (please check picture to verify species) Only saw 1 dead seagull and 6 dead Cassin's Auklets; however, the sand was covering beach debris due to a previous wind storm, so there are probably many more birds under the sand.The sand is still building up on top of the existing dunes.The shoreline was mainly full of larger macro plastics. We collected 2 garbage bags full and left them at the restroom in the Sunset Recreation parking lot for park staff to pick up.Crab casting, razor clams shells and many smaller shells were scattered along the shoreline.No mammals seen.Overall, a good day to be on the beach and collect debris.

Conditions

Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 4.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Sitting: 1. Other Activities: 1 person collecting driftwood, one person smoking in car.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 3.

Notable Wildlife

no mammals or invertebrates sighted. 2 seagull and several groups of sandpipers (please check my photo to be sure)

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 6. 6 Cassin's Auklets no bands1 seagull species no distinguishable.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. We found 2 carrots and a turnip!

New Development

Bluff development.

Actions & Comments

Collected 2 garbage bags of larger debris (plastics) such as bottles, crates, filters, etc. Mainly pieces 5 inches and up. Left bags at Sunset Recreation area for park staff to pick up.