Mile 89 - west of New River, Morton. Curry/Coos county line - January 17, 2009

Report Details

Kayaked in from Storm Ranch then traveled 4 miles S to middle of mile 89. Walked N and S from there. Kayakers should be aware of duck hunting along the river this time of year. River is breached near outlet of Floras Creek. No significant activity - beach was pretty clean. White foam - mostly just small wood pieces and a few shells in tideline. Northern Harrier, hunting over beach. Other birds seen were: Western Sandpipers, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers and gulls. Tracks of an adult fox with young on beach. 3-4 very large light bulbs washed up on beach. Low human impact (0).

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.

Human Activities

Duck hunter on River 1/2- 3/4 mile S of Storm Ranch. Fired 10 shots in two burst of 5 shots as we approached in kayaks then left in their small engine motor boat as we passed going south. It was 10:30am - so I think we had waited a reasonable amount of time for them to get their early morning hunting in. If any of you hunt perhaps you could give me some guidance on the proper etiquette for hunter kayaker interaction.

Notable Wildlife

Northern Harrier hunting old breach site.Western Sandpipers, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, gulls. Fox tracks (adult with young).

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Wood pieces. 3-4 very large light bulbs

Natural Changes

Evidence of wave overtopping.

Actions & Comments

Overtopping in old breach sites apparently occurred (just barely) at previous high tide (+7.4 Coquille River/Bandon).Good bit of large woody debris deposited in old breach sites during winter overtopping events.