Mile 49 - Graveyard Point, Port, Harbor, Battle Rock - December 20, 2007

Report Details

Although the bird carcasses noted above were of varying ages, I think it likely that most of them were victims of the Dec. 2-3 storm. Several pelicans died in Port Orford during that storm.We have had a storm this week, too, of lesser intensity.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: -0.3 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 23. Walking or running: 7. Other Activities: 3 on horseback; 6 on dock, 6 in cafe/fish market.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 25.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 17. 11 Western grebes, 1 (possible) murre, 1 (possible) scoter, 4 pelicans. Two pelicans on approaches to beach, 2 trapped in driftwood. Several died in Port Orford during Dec. 2-3 storm.

Driftline Content

Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

After the storms the beaches are washed clean, but more driftwood is piled against the base of the dunes. Many plastic items (bottles, etc.) and pieces are scattered throughout the driftwood piles. Most fishing boats were in port, on the dock.The big storm caused damage at the port, including the office. Waves repeatedly crashed over the dock, causing flooding in the office and shifting of small buildings used by fish buyers.This report covers 2:30 to 4:30 PM, not AM.