Mile 52 Report
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
September 2, 2022
Overcast and cool day with light wind.
Report Details
Overcast and cool day with light wind. Seventeen people on beach and three leashed dogs, with 11 visitors searching for agates. No vehicles on beach during survey, but multiple tracks evident. Large gull flock on beach and four osprey active over Lake Garrison. Nine western snowy plovers observed with 1 adult having unusual partially leucistic plumage and 3 juveniles present, possibly representing fledglings from previously reported nests. High numbers of Dungeness crab carapaces and leg parts continue along driftline. One adjacent property appears to be constructing a new staircase or retaining wall at bluff.
Conditions
Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 2.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 6. Multiple tracks of vehicles/ATVs on beach
Concerns
Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 9.
Notable Wildlife
Large flock of ~ 50 gulls on beach includes western gull, California gull, Heerman's gull, herring gull, and Caspian tern. One osprey flying with fish in talons is pursued by 3 additional osprey (fledglings/juveniles?). Flock of nine western snowy plovers includes one adult with partially leucistic plumage and three juveniles. Juveniles may represent recent fledglings from previously detected nests on Agate Beach. Tracks of river otters detected on beach.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 3. 1 dead gull (unknown species); 2 dead common murre (adults)
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration. High concentration of dead Dungeness crab continue along driftline.
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces. Carapace and leg casings from Dungeness crab appear to be from a die-off and not a molt based on gulls scavenging remains. Surf zone contains possible derelict fishing debris (styrofoam floats and rope bob in surf).
New Development
Steps down bluff. Private property owner adjacent to beach appears to be installing a new staircase or retaining wall at bluff area.
Actions & Comments
Contacted USFWS and Oregon Dept. of Parks and Recreation to report observations of western snowy plover flock with fledglings/juveniles. ODPR installed protective fencing around western snowy plover nesting areas and posted a new sign about nesting activity at Paradise Point beach access since previous report in early July.
Dungeness crab shells at driftline
Western snowy plover juveniles
Report Images
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All Mile 52 Reports
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Very windy.
Michaela Donato
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Do to the 20 mph winds there was limited presence of humans or animals.
Tam Donato
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Everything seemed fine but I thought it was weird there were no birds
Brian / Michaela Donato
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
There was a lot of small wood debris.
Brian Donato
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
There was a lot of small wood debris.
Brian Donato
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Velella velella in the wrackline.
Crystal Roy
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Most notable observations were the large amount of wrack debris, including fresh kelp, small woody debris, and remnants of dead gorse plants scattered along waveslope.
Alison Cebula
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Hazy conditions due to smoke from wildfires in wilderness areas east of Port Orford. Juvenile snowy plover and common murre chick offshore indicate successful nesting. Bleached barnacles on rocks may indicate disease or exposure to extreme temperatures. New home construction noted at southeast end of beach.
Alison Cebula