Mile 96

Bandon State Park, west of Twomile Creek
Coos County

Latitude: 43.043914581891
Longitude: -124.443773791530
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Vehicles:
  • Motor vehicle travel is prohibited from a point approximately one mile north of the mouth of Twomile Creek (43° 03.3288', Mile 97) to the Coos County-Curry County line, (42° 57.2628', Mile 89).
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Tides: NOAA Tide Predictions. Click on the station nearest to your location to see predicted tides in graphical and tabular formats.
Bandon State Park, west of Twomile Creek
Mile 96 Reports (49)

2015

August 23, 2015 - Volunteer Coordinator

Report from Diane and Dave BilderbackHere on the south coast, we have been having a wash up of a pelagic purple tunicate, Dolioletta gegenbauri, that at times causes a deep purple wash on the beach and also has colored small sand pools. This wash has been seen here since 7/8...read more

  • Banded tunicate probable cause of the purple water in the surf along the Oregon Coast this summer

2013

December 8, 2013 - D Bilderback
A nearly nonexistent driftline with just a few small rocks. Beach was flat with large amounts of decaying Bull Kelp sloping at 8 degrees to the ocean. The outlet of New River continues to move north leaving only 0.27 of a mile of Mile 96 accessible from the north. Four...read more
  • Large storms in the early fall washed in lots of Bull Kelp. These decay over time, leaving these yellow decaying kelp on the beach. The sign marks the northern start of Mile 96.
  • This adult non-breeding Common Murre has been killed by being entangled with a fishing gear.
  • Both wings of this Common Murre were entangled in the fishing line. We will be reporting this to the USFWS and we removed the hook and line from the beach.
  • New River continues to carve the dunes along its northern boundary to the mouth.
  • New River is now flowing over a completely new area since we last viewed it and so it is no surprise that we have never seen these rocks before.
  • We didn't see these Harbor Seals move into the river but we did see them swimming in the river.
  • Dave is standing on the edge of New River. The mouth of Two Mile Creek is flowing into New River behind him.
  • Lots of woody debris is falling out of the dunes as New River continues to carve its way north.
  • I took this photo from on top of the dune looking south over New River.
June 9, 2013 - D Bilderback
Shells, small rocks, pieces of jellies, broken Sand Dollars, a few Hydrozoa, Pleurobrachia Ctenophores, Phyllospadix, surfgrass, one stickleback fish and Porphyra in the driftline. Crab pot on the beach. Snowy Plover tracks, 25 California Gulls, two Dunlins with a flock of Western Sandpipers and 50 Brant's Geese flying north. Wind...read more
March 19, 2013 - D Bilderback
Sparse driftline of small rocks, a few shells and broken Sand Dollars. A few Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. A gathering on Western Gulls and two Harbor Seals at the mouth of New River. Wind-blown beach very flat with a slope of 3 degrees. The mouth of New River...read more
  • New River has come so far north that I now can look from the edge of the river to the sign that marks the beginning of Mile 96!
  • Twomile Creek mouth joins New River in the far right hand corner of this photo.
  • This may be from a Snowy Plover monitor or researcher.

2012

November 24, 2012 - D Bilderback
European Dunegrass dominated the driftline with a few Bull Kelp and Sea Palm. Broken Sand Dollars and shells also present in the driftline. Flocks of Least Sandpipers foraging on the wet sand. Huge washup of the Pelagic snail, Carinaria and the small salp, Dolioletta. One specimen of another pelagic snail,...read more
September 18, 2012 - D Bilderback
Shells, rocks, a few kelp/algae, green phytoplankton scum, broken Sand Dollars, crab carapaces and Ctenophores in driftline. Brown Pelican flying north over surf. Adult female Merlin flying over Twomile Creek. Sanderlings foraging on moist sand. Beaver and Raccoon tracks at Twomile Creek. Three dead Common Murre and one dead juvenile...read more
June 17, 2012 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of many Ctenophores, small rocks and a few shells and crab carapaces. Four Whimbrel at mouth of New River and two Whimbrels flying north. One banded Snowy Plover foraging on beach. One dead Sooty Shearwater. Tiger Beetles along Twomile Creek. A fresh beaver trail and tracks were found...read more

2011

December 30, 2011 - D Bilderback
Light driftline with fresh water aquatic plants- Myriophyllum (Water Milfoil), terrestrial plant debris-stems, leaves and needles and saltwater plants, Phyllospadix (Surfgrass)and Eelgrass, Zostera. Seafoam forming the most recent driftline. Few rocks and little ocean-based debris. Beach flat and wind swept. Upper beach with large drift logs. A large sand spit...read more
September 19, 2011 - D Bilderback
The beach consisted of a high ridge of accumulated sand with a six degree slope and lagoons in the runnel. The ridge was broken by two riptide embayments and lagoon outflows. To the south the beach slope lessened to three degrees. Sand has accumulated around the driftwood and at the...read more
  • No Camping sign has been posted on this section of the beach. The sign also has information on where camping is allowed along the beach to Floris Lake.
  • While this area would certainly be our pick to camp as the north wind is blocked by the dunes, it is illegal to do so because it would cause harm to nesting Snowy Plovers. We are glad that clear signage about the camping rules are finally posted.
  • This distinctive feature marked the middle of Mile 96 today.
  • There were many sea grass tangles on the beach today.
  • Western Tiger Beetles (Cicindela oregana oregana) were all along the west bank of Twomile Creek and where Twomile Creek flows into New River. We didn't see any other species of Tiger Beetles today.
  • Western Tiger Beetle (Cicindela oregana oregana) have long hairs on the abdomen and thorax and this photo managed to capture them!
  • This was the largest (about the size of a basketball) piece of peat that we found today
  • The New River mouth is wide and still pretty deep for this time of year.
  • The smooth lines of this shell tell us that the crab molted.
June 19, 2011 - D Bilderback
The driftline consisted of discrete clumps of kelp/algae, Eelgrass and Surfgrass as well as shells, crab molt, small rocks, Ctenophores, worm tubes, keyhole limpet and broken Sand Dollars. Western Tiger Beetle (Cicindela oregona oregona) on banks of Twomile Creek. A dead Coast Mole (Scapanus orarius) on the edge of New...read more
  • This small Coast Mole (scapanus orarius)was only 6 inches long.
  • This view shows the front feet with their charactistic claws.
  • Western Tiger Beetle (Cicindela oregona oregona) was found on the sand along the banks of Two-mile Creek.
February 21, 2011 - D Bilderback
Severe erosion of the foredune at the southern end of the mile creating a 15 foot sand cliff. Driftline was very limited to an occasional shell and a few small rocks. The established Snow Plover Habitat has been newly plowed and enlarged to the south by leveling the sand dunes...read more
  • This larger view shows how much the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area has been enlarged. We estimate that it is at least a third larger than before.
  • This photo also shows the newly plowed and enlarged Snowy Plover Habitat area.
  • Woody debris has been pushed into piles along the eastern edge of the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area
  • Hopefully, this floating dock won't be able to float out to the ocean now that it has been pushed to the eastern edge of the Snowy Plover Habitat area.
  • There was a large amount of wood along this part of shoreline.
  • This shoreline was filled with bottle and other plastic debris.
  • We wondered if this was part of a dock somewhere, but we have not seen this type of debris before. This was along the 2-Mile Creek bank close to the confluence with New River.
  • New River has cut deeply into the south foredune of Mile 96.
  • The ocean has cut a steep bank along this section of the beach and walkers will need to watch the tides to get in this area once the dry sand is closed for the nesting season of the Snowy Plovers (March 15-September 15).

2010

October 23, 2010 - D Bilderback
Light wrack of a few shells, feathers, kelp/algae, Dunegrass stems and the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass) and Phyllospadix (Surfgrass). Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. Three tracks of Harbor Seals entering Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Site. Three Harbor Seals in mouth of New River. Pink Sand Verbena growing at Snowy...read more
  • We use Dave's height (6' 2") to measure and track the sand level on the beach.
  • The rust marks where the sand level had been for years, showing that this beach still does not have as much sand as previously.
  • This large cement box is now fully into the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration area.
  • This group of Harbor Seal tracks was far up onshore. We have not seen tracks in this area before as they are normally about 2/3 mile south in the New River confluence area.
  • This Harbor Seal track is along the south edge of the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area and it went all the way to the eastern side of the area and then we lost it in the dune grass!
  • This new addition to our beach is much appreciated! However, we wonder if the winter storms will move it again?
  • The north foredune has already been eroded by the ocean this fall.
  • This Northern Fulmar appears to have been eaten by a Peregrin Falcon as the brain was very carefully pecked out as well as telltale tracks were around the carcass. We found another Northern Fulmar in similar condition on Mile 97.
  • This large foredune was carved last winter by New River. The last time we were here, there was a deep lagoon here but this has filled in and now the New River is flowing about 1000 feet to the south of here.
  • This large woody lagoon was just to the north west of 2-mile Creek.
September 10, 2010 - D Bilderback
A light wrack of seaweeds (Fucus, Nereocystis, Egregia and Postelsia), Eelgrass (Zostera), a few crab carapaces, a few shells, small rocks, wood pieces, and some ocean-based debris. Four bags of plastic bottles were removed from the beach. Animal diggings along the high wrack, perhaps a fox. Hooded Merganser swimming in...read more
  • These large runnels often occur in the fall. This one is near the northern edge of Mile 96.
  • Last winter, New River moved dramatically northward and formed this southern foredune, taking away a lot of sand. This summers winds have soften the dune, filling in the bottom with sand.
  • This deep lagoon has form because the ocean is pushing sand onshore.
  • This warm, sunny bank had lots of tiger beetles!
  • Oregon Tiger Beetle (Cicindela oregana oregana)was found along the wrack line and on the northern bank of the New River.
  • This view shows the hairy legs of the Oregon Tiger Beetle (Cicindela oregana oregana).
  • This Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle (Cicindela bellissima) was found near the mouth of New River and in the wrack line on Mile 96.
  • This part of the beach has a lot of driftwood that has been covered by sand this summer.
June 19, 2010 - D Bilderback
Driftline consisted mainly of small rocks, a few isolated kelp (Macrocystis, Fucus, Cystoseira, Hymenena, Postelsia, and Egregia), the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass) and Phyllospadix (Surfgrass), worm tubes, a few crab carapaces, and a few shells. One Osprey was flying over the surf. Four Caspian Terns were resting on the beach...read more
  • Besides these resting Caspian Terns, we watched Caspian Terns plunging into New River and coming up with small fish.
  • Dave (6 feet, 2 inches tall) is standing next to the eroded foredune. We estimate it is a 20 foot cliff.
  • This dead Pacific Sardine (Sardinopsa sagax caeruleus) was found at the conflunce of Twomile Creek and New River.
  • The erosion of the southern foredune has left logs on this southern portion of the beach.
  • This part of the beach still has some logs but they are higher up on the beach in this section than in the southern part of Mile 96.
  • The sand layers make interesting designs in the eroded foredune.
February 17, 2010 - D Bilderback
Clumps of European Dunegrass, small rocks, one tire and some ocean-based debris in the driftline. One Harbor Seal swimming in ocean. Two Snowy Plover on beach. A flock of Sanderlings foraging on wet sand. Floating dock has moved inland. Large amounts of drift logs, European Dunegrass and ocean-based debris at...read more
  • New River has eroded large amounts of the foredune that was covered in European Beachgrass. So, now the northern part of Mile 96 is covered with the eroded Beachgrass.
  • New River has eroded a huge amount of sand from the foredune, forming cliffs of 12-15 feet. The marks in the edge of sand in the foreground are seal marks where the animal dragged its body and the deeper marks are the flipper marks.
  • This foredune has been eroded by New River and is about 12 to 15 feet high. Dave is 6 feet 2 inches so that gives you some perspective of how much sand New River has taken from this bank.
  • We have never seen this type of erosion or seen New River this large and deep.
January 20, 2010 - D Bilderback
Large amount of European Beachgrass with some Gorse, wood pieces and ocean-based debris in the driftline. Many drift logs on the beach. Thirteen Snowy Plover resting or foraging on the beach. Flocks Pelicans flying south over the ocean. A flock of Sanderlings foraging the wet sand. Bald Eagle standing on...read more
  • Photo taken about 1/3 mile south of the north border, looking north. This is the first time we have seen this much driftwood in this area.
  • Hanspeter Witschi and Diane Bilderback walking on the beach. The photo is looking south and taken about 1/3 of a mile from the south border. In the distance, you can see the mouth of New River emptying into the ocean.
  • New River is making a huge embayment area. Notice the vertical cracks in the foreduen. The ocean has eroded more than 10 feet in this area in the last month.
  • While this European Dune Grass is still in the foredune, the vertical crack lines indicate it will soon be on the beach. There are many large clumps of European Dune Grass on the beach today.
  • This vantage point shows how many pieces of drift wood are on the beach today.
  • Sand used to be up to the rust line, but is now 104 cm below, so lots of sand has been removed from this beach.

2009

December 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
Light driftline consisting of a few shells, rocks Sea Nettle jellies (Chrysaora fuscescens) and broken sand dollars. Two groups (4&5) of California Sea lions swimming south in the surf. One Harbor Seal in ocean off of mouth of New River and another swimming in the ocean. Two Snowy Plover. Two...read more
  • New River is deep and swift today.
  • Last month New River was cutting deeply into the north river bank. This month this erosion has produced a large lagoon where New River and Two-mile Creek join together.
  • This large Humbolt Squid was the first one we have seen in about 5 years in this area.
  • Only one half of the beak of the Humbolt Squid was found nearby the dead squid. Dave is modeling it on his nose, so you can see how sharp it is!
  • Dave is modeling the beak of the Humbolt Squid that we found. This beak was very sharp and would have done serious damage in the intact animal.
November 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
Sparse driftline consisting of feathers, a few shells, infrequent algae and kelp, a few rocks, several species of Hydrozoa , sand crab and barnacle castings, and sea- and eelgrass. 8 Snowy Plover foraging on beach and flew south. 16 Snowy Plover in the Habitat Restoration Area. Western Gulls resting on...read more
  • This large concrete pier washed inland about 200 yards by the large surf in the past weeks. This is just balanced on a bit of sand, and could easily tip on a person.
  • This is another view of the area which is about 6 feet deeper in sand than our last visit to Mile 96.
  • New River was full today and cutting into the north bank of the river. This cut is about 6 feet in depth.
October 22, 2009 - D Bilderback
High tide extended to foredune with water accumulated in runnel. Outflow channels cut across the sand ridge. Sand removed from around cement boat dock. A few shells, crab carapices,rocks and kelp as well as one skate egg case with more numerous Polyorchis jellies and jelly pieces and wood in the...read more
  • This summer sand almost totally covered this tank but now it has been removed.
  • This large group of Sanderlings were resting and preening in the sun. Normally, they are running in and out with the surf.
  • High surf today causing the ocean to fill the runnels with water. Even we got washed by the tide as we turned our backs working on the COASST dead bird survey. It was a good reminder to face the ocean when working!
September 17, 2009 - D Bilderback
A few shells, a small number of crab carapaces, kelp/algae, some Hydrozoa and one Aurelia jelly in driftline. Dead birds were one Brandt's Cormorant and one Common Murre. Common Merganser on New River. Two Snowy Plover on dry sand. Flock of Western Sandpipers resting on beach. Raccoon tracks on high...read more
  • State Parks personnel removing the signs posting the Snowy Plover Habbitat Restoration area for the season.
  • The beach is fairly flat today and the surf is coming through in various areas.
July 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
Shells, crab casings, kelp/algae, broken sand dollars, Lion's Mane jellies, worm casings and tangles of Sea Grass in driftline. Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers foraging on beach. One Snowy Plover high up on dry sand. Ringed-bill Western and Heermann's Gulls on beach. Barn Swallow flying over beach. Two Common Murre and...read more
June 19, 2009 - D Bilderback
Shells, small rocks and small amounts of kelp/algae in driftline. Ridge/runnel formation with seaward ridge slopes of 8-14 degrees. Two riptide embayments with beach slopes of 3 degrees. One dead Common Murre. Living birds were Franklin's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pelagic Cormorants, Brown Pelicans and a flock of Brant's Geese. Surf...read more
May 31, 2009 - John Hull
Jogged and walked miles 94, 95 and part of 96. Saw sandpipers, Harbor Seals swimming in the ocean and in the outlet to New River, river otters swimming in the outlet to New River and a large sea lion. Only other human was on ATV with USDA markings. Signs, posts...read more
May 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
A few shells, animal casings, small rocks and Lasthenia maritima in driftline. Beach flat with a slope of 3-5 degrees with one riptide embayment. Two Snowy Plovers on dry sand. Black-bellied Plovers and Dunlins on beach. Brant's Gees flying offshore and on beach south of New River. One dead Western...read more
April 20, 2009 - D Bilderback
Minimum material in driftline. Three Snowy Plovers sighted. Semipalmated Sandpipers, Brants Geese, Aleutian Geese, Canada Geese and Brown Pelican migrating north over surf zone. Dunlin, Sanderlings and Western Sandpipers on wet sand. Other birds were:Caspian Terns, Ring-billed Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants. One dead Sooty Shearwater. One tar globe on beach. Beach...read more
  • Already the sand is starting to drift into the steep banks cut by New River this winter.
  • Migrating Brant's Geese and many other birds were sighted today along our walk.
March 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
Light driftline with few invertebrates (Ctenophores, Hydrozoa, Mole Crab and tunicates, pieces of Sea Jelly and appendage molts of barnacles), shells, rocks wood pieces, three large pieces of peat and a few Bull Kelp. We found many stems and logs that had been cut and bark remove by beaver. One...read more
  • Barnacles appendage molts start to appear in the spring time on the beach.
  • This cement tank came ashore earlier this summer and so seems to be here to stay for a while.
  • Bull Kelp holdfasts often have interesting animals and this one has a bright red sea anemone.
  • While we can't identify this to species, we know that this sea anemone is in the Epiactis genus.
  • This is new erosion that has occured along the sand bank that is the northern border of New River.
  • This view is looking back at the sand bank and out west towards the ocean.
  • While we often find a logs that have evidence of being eaten by beaver, this was the most we had ever seen. Both small and large logs were present today.
  • Just another example of the large number of beaver logs on the mile today.
  • Every once in a while, we will find these large (about foot square or larger) pieces of peat. We think this is from New River and was scoured out by the recent rains.
  • This closeup shows the wood that hasn't broken down in this organic clump of peat.
  • While this photo alone would not be sufficient to identify this carcass, we found a hind flipper that was clearly sea lion (extension of skin beyond the flippers) and the fur was the color of other young SSL who have come ashore in this area.
  • These were taken off the beach.
  • Quite a bit of plastic debris today, but we take what we can carry. This beach garbage will be taken to Bullard's Beach State Park.
March 18, 2009 - beachnut
Although there were scattered clear jellies on the mile approaching this one, there was a concentration of them in the high-tide line practically the length of the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area. They were of varied sizes.read more
January 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
A few shells, broken sand dollars and razor clams, European Beachgrass stems, and small rocks in driftline. Logs and wood on high beach. Two bags of ocean-based debris removed from high beach. Large cement tank washed up on the beach and reported to OSPRD. Large flock of about 200 Least...read more
  • We think this is a tank because it appears to have a joint at the top of the tank and at the edges.
  • This distinctive trunk has been on the beach for a while and is an easy way to find this tank.
  • This large log was washed up on top of another massive log/trunk by the heavy and high seas that we had earlier this month.
  • Last year New River was flowing to the south here and eroding this area. But now it is filled with sand.
  • New River is low for this time of year but then we've not had much rain for a while.
  • Least Sandpipers rest in the driftwood piles and bull kelp piles. Their coloration makes them blend right into the wood!
  • This is taken looking north from the south end of the mile, where last year lots of erosion was occuring, but much less this year.

2008

December 11, 2008 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline of a few shells, rocks, jellies, and feathers. Raccoons have been digging holes on the high beach. Large flocks of Least Sandpipers and Sanderlings. A Raven,two Dunlins and a Snowy Plover also were sighted. Raptor tracks on beach. Harbor Seal in lagoon. The ocean is washing over...read more
  • With the ocean washing over a large portion of the south beach, the New River/Two-mile Creek area has a large lagoon.
  • This is near the southern boundry of Mile 96.
  • Lion's Head Jelly (Chrysaora fuscescens). While this one is mainly whole, we found many parts of this jelly on the beach today.
  • This Moon Jelly was whole, but we found many parts of this jelly over the whole mile today.
October 22, 2008 - D Bilderback
Some old knots of Bull Kelp(Nereocystis), a few clumps of Eelgrass(Zostera),a few Sea Palm (Postelsia) and small rocks in the driftline. Eleven Snowy Plover on dry sand. Several flocks of Sanderlings foraging on Rotting Bull Kelp knots. One Dragonfly flying over beach. Large group of 22 Brown Pelicans, numerous Western,...read more
September 16, 2008 - D Bilderback
Few shells, animal casings, kelp/algae (Hymenena, Nerocystis, Macrosystis, Postelsia, Cystoseira, Lessoniopsis), Eelgrass (Zostera), and small rocks in a thin and spotty wrackline. Flocks of Western Sandpipers flying south. Flocks of Sanderlings foraging or resting on beach. Fox tracks on beach. A large flock (95) of Western Gulls with a few...read more
  • The wind is shifting the darker sand into straight lines making an interesting pattern on the beach.
August 20, 2008 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of individual and knotted Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) and a few Postelsia and Cystoseira. Beach, sloping from 5 to 8 degrees. One dead Steller's Sea Lion pup that we reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding network. Five dead Common Murre and one immature Western Gull were reported to COASST...read more
  • Dorsal side (stomach down) of dead Steller's Sea Lion pup.
  • This dead Steller's Sea Lion pup carcass was probably attacked after it died by Cookie Cutter Sharks. They make this tell-tale circular mark on many dead seal, sea lion or cetacean carcasses.
  • Ventral side (back down) of a dead Steller's Sea Lion pup.
July 25, 2008 - D Bilderback
Little to no driftline of a few rocks. One dead Common Murre, one unidentifiable gull wings probably eaten by an eagle on beach and one dead Longnose Skate, Raja rhina. Flocks of Western Sandpipers, many Whimbrels, and one Snowy Plover observed. Western Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls and Heerman's Gulls resting on...read more
  • From left to right: Heerman's Gull, then three Ring-billed Gulls and one Western Gull on the far right along a ridge top in front of the ocean.
  • Notice the brown color of the ocean from the normal summertime diatom bloom. This picture shows mainly Western Gulls, one darker immature Western Gull and one Ring-billed Gull.
  • Overview of a dead Longnose Skate, Raja rhina.
  • This view shows the Longnose Skate's (Raja rhina)head.
  • This view shows the closeup of the Longnose Skate, Raja rhina,tail.
  • Raptors pull out the feathers of birds in this way and the large claw prints by these feathers leads us to think it was a Bald Eagle feast.
  • We think this is an eagle claw print.
  • While this probably is a Western Gull, there isn't enough left of these wings to positively identify the dead bird. But the keel is broken so again, this would require a large raptor or possibly the Bald Eagle to break it in this way.
  • This shows the broken keel of a gull that we think was eaten by a Bald Eagle.
  • This photo shows how New River has pushed up against the dune and then is looping back. We think this is a combination of new sand being brought in by the ocean and a lessening of the flow of the New River.
  • Tracks of the Government Predator Control ATV are visible in this view of the mouth of the New River.
  • This view shows additional ridge and runnel development at the mouth of New River.
June 19, 2008 - D Bilderback
Rocks, a few shells of Macoma (Macoma secta) and Pacific Razor Clam (Siliqua patula), broken Sand Dollars (Dendraster excentricus) and numerous molts of the Pacific Mole (Sand) crab (Emerita analoga) in the driftline. Numerous burrows of the California Beach Hopper (Megalorchestia californiana). Two Snowy Plovers and about 8 Whimbrels on...read more
  • Numerous molts of Pacific Mole (Sand) Crab (Emerita analoga) in the driftline throughout the mile.
  • Numerous burrows of the California Beach Hopper, (Megalorchestia californiana) were all along the mile.
  • These strange lines on the sand come from the beach hoppers throwing out the sand out of their burrows in a line.
  • Sand has drifted, pushing the New River south.
May 14, 2008 - D Bilderback
Kelp (Cystoseira, Egregia, Postelsia, Nereosystis, Porphyra, Fucus, Halosaccion, Macrocystis and Sargassum), small rocks, animal casings and a sea star in the driftline. Mussel clumps on beach in the two southern riptide embayments. One dead immature Western Gull, and one dead unidentified fish (photo). Eleven Whimbrels feeding at surfline and four...read more
  • North bank of New River now has a slope, unlike the previous abrupt edge.
April 24, 2008 - D Bilderback
Kelp (Nereocystis kelp knots, Macrocystis, Fucus and Egregia), a few crab carapices, small rocks, wood, pine needles, a few broken sand dollars, four plastic fishing floats, fresh water alga, Cladophora entwined in freshwater pond weed, Potamogeton, two frog egg jelly masses and a frog tadpole in the driftline. An auto...read more
  • We counted 13 Harbor Seals today! This was the most Harbor Seals that we have ever seen there at New River.
  • Notice the wings tips are black with a spot of white at the very tip. This is a good indicator of a Western Gull. Another is the red spot on the large yellow bill.
  • The force of the New River is awesome today. We were careful not to go too close as the bank is being eroded quickly.
  • While this looks like the ATV fell into the river, it just was a very fast erosion that made it look like this!
  • This is looking towards one of the rip tide embayments. Sand is starting to drift in along the eroded foredunes.
March 26, 2008 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of kelp(Macrocysytis, Fucus, Porphyra and Cystoseira), rocks, a few shells and broken sand dollars, a few Ctenophores in driftline. Five Harbor Seals swimming in the New River outlet and nearby ocean. Beach flat with a slope of 5 degrees. Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration area roped and posted. Logs,...read more
  • This is looking east towards the confluence of Two-mile Creek and New River. Note the way the river has carved out a new sand bank.
  • This tree trunk is visible in many of our previous months photograph and was on dry sand then.
  • Notice that there are few logs in this area. The logs that were here have been washed mainly onto the beach just north of the outflow area.
  • I'm standing on the sand next to the confluence of Two-mile Creek and New River and looking back at the ocean. You can see how the river has gouged out a new bank area.
  • This area is just north of the outflow of New River and is where much of the wood that used to line the banks of Two-mile Creek now rests.
  • This small Northern Anchovy was found on the beach. Unlike Sardines, this fish does not have spots.
February 26, 2008 - D Bilderback
A few Nerocystis (Bull Kelp), small numbers of shells and crab carapaces, small rocks and wood pieces in driftline. One dead Western Grebe and one dead Pacific Loon. One Snowy Plover in Habitat Restoration Area. Sanderlings and Western Gulls on beach. Logs plowed out from Habitat Restoration Site pushed up...read more
  • Last month this area had large dunes on the west side of the beach were the sand had been plowed for the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Site. The ocean has taken this sand out, but the wood remains piled in this area.
  • The wood remains but the sand was taken out by the ocean since last month.
  • This trunk was about in the middle of Mile 96.
  • The New River (Two-mile Creek joins with New River here) was very deep and fast today. We have heard that the southern breach had closed and so this was the only exit.
January 18, 2008 - D Bilderback
Driftline of large wood pieces and logs from plowed Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration (SPHR) site. Heavy equipment plowing sand from the SPHR toward the ocean. Beach erosion about 90 feet behind vehicle restriction sign. Beach slope of 7 degrees. Semipalmated Sandpipers and 15 Snowy Plover on the Two-mile Creek's overwash...read more
  • Plowing is being done to flatten and remove the dune grass from the Snowy Plover nesting grounds.
  • These large sand dunes were left by the plow at the waters edge so that the ocean would take them out to sea.
  • The woody driftline is a favorite place to find insects for these Snowy Plovers and Semipalmated Sandpipers.
  • These large logs look like they may have been uncovered from the plowing of the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration site but they also may have been washed in from winter storms.
  • Dave is 6 feet tall and so there has been a lot of erosion of the foredune this winter.
  • Looking south at New River. The river is very low right now.
  • Looking north at Two Mile Creek. The flow from this creek is low right now.
  • This area is being hit by the high tides and you can see signs of erosion.

2007

December 11, 2007 - D Bilderback
Little driftline but with some small rocks on the wet sand. Large flocks of shorebirds flying south along the beach. Flocks of Sanderlings, Dunlins, Semipalmated Plovers and Snowy Plovers foraging on wet sand. We watched on Snowy Plover chase another with a large food item. Two dead Common Murres. Beach...read more
  • This picture is taken at the southern end of Mile 96. The ocean has overwashed this area, leaving lots of wood.
  • This is at the southern end of Mile 96 where Two-mile Creek and New River join. The ocean has been washing over this entire area.
  • Looking south of Mile 96, showing the joining of Two-mile Creek and New River as they flow to the ocean.
  • South end of Mile 96, where the foredune has been eroded.
  • Snowy Plover showing the bands.
  • Dunlins, Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers were foraging in the surf.
  • Dunlin at the surfline.
  • Semipalmated Plover in the surline.
November 26, 2007 - D Bilderback
Driftline consisted of small wood pieces, surfgrass, straw with some small rocks a few crab and sand crab carapaces and a small amount of kelp (Hymenena, Postelsia, Cryptopleura, Callophyllis, Rhodymenia and Constantinea) and some Bryozoa and a Tunicate (Distaplia). Wind speed 3.0 mph from the SW, air temperature was 53...read more
October 25, 2007 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline with a small number of the algae, Hymenena, Callophyllis, Macrocystis and Postelsia and a few stones. Beach with 5-8 degree slopes. Two large logs on low beach. Embayment has shifted northward. High tide flowed over ridge into runnel. Hight tide sweeping over entire beach just north of...read more
  • This flock of Western Sandpipers was up high on the dry sand.
  • This is part of the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area that was heavily plowed to eradicate the European Dunegrass in the spring of 2007.
  • This is looking south towards the rip embayment area that first appeared in January of 2007. Notice how the sand has filled in the area.
  • The sand is being removed in this area of the rip embayment.
  • This large root has just appeared since the last month.
September 18, 2007 - D Bilderback
Kelp/algae (Nereocystis, Macrosystis, Postelsia and Cystoseira), shells, crab carapaces, small rocks and wood chips in light driftline. A few Polyorchis jellyfish and Ctenophores in driftline. Harbor Seals swimming in surf near mouth of New River and Two-mile Creek. Dead birds were: three Common Murre, one Western Grebe, one Ring-billed Gull,...read more
  • Looking east at the foredune behind where Two-mile Creek and New River join together.
  • There's not a lot of water in the combined Two-mile Creek and New River at this time of year.
  • Hanspeter Witschi, and we do a once a month COASST survey on this mile.
  • There was a large gathering of Western gulls and Ring-billed Gulls at the mouth of New River/Two-mile Creek. Just before this picture was taken, the Brown Pelican took off.
  • Water of the New River/Two Mile Creek cuts through the sand that has built up on the beach near the ocean.
  • This photo shows the same large log that was first eroded out of the foredune this past winter. There has been a lot of sand built up on this beach this summer, but this area still has a large embayment.
  • This is the same carcass of the Salmon Shark that was found about a month earlier.
August 21, 2007 - D Bilderback
Kelp/algae, shells, crab carapaces (molt and dead), small rocks, a sea star and broken sand dollars, large amounts of pieces of Lion's Mane Jellies and a few Velella velella in driftline. Two dead Steller's Sea Lion pups, and one dead Salmon Shark on beach. Four dead Common Murre and 1...read more
  • These fins show that this shark is a male.
May 21, 2007 - D Bilderback
Rocks, tube worms, crab molt and ctenophores in very light driftline. Six living Snowy Plovers on the dry sand. One Glaucous-winged gull. Barn Swallows and Canadian Geese flying overhead. Embayment eroding beach and foredune. Beach with a gentle slope of 5 degrees. Ridge and runnel development at south end of...read more
  • New River and Two Mile combine to flow out to sea at the south end of Mile 96.
  • Two Mile Creek on left and New River on Right join together to flow out to sea.
  • This shows the headland where the Two Mile Creek on the left and New River on the right join together and flow out to sea.
  • Looking South at New River from where Two Mile Creek joins it to flow to the sea.
  • Looking North up Two Mile Creek from where New River joins Two Mile Creek to flow to the sea.
March 22, 2007 - D Bilderback
Foraging Sanderlings and Dunlins in the surfline. Nereocystis leutkeana and Porphyra sp., shells, rocks, crab molts and Hydrozoa in driftline. One dead Spotted Ratfish in shallow surf. Drift logs on the high beach. Four dead Rhinoceros Auklets and one dead Western Gull. Sever erosion of the vegetated foredune in one...read more
  • A close-up of the head of this interesting animal.
  • This shows the view looking down on the Spotted Ratfish.
  • The vegetated foredune started being erroded in January and has increased since then. The bank is now about 12-15 high in places.
  • Dave Bilderback uses SOLV Gunny Bags, a beach-combed stick and beach-combed rope to haul plastic garbage from the mouth of New River and Two Mile Creek, Bandon, OR.
  • Two Mile Creek joins New River
  • This is looking back at Two Mile Creek from where this creek joins New River. Much of the previous woody debris has been washed out.
January 13, 2007 - D Bilderback

( PHOTOS FOR NATURAL HISTORY GUIDE )read more

  • The forward facing incisors of the Spotted Ratfish used to crush clams, crabs and shrimp.
  • This sea star is found on protect tidal rocks with its prey, sponges.
  • This green alga feels spongy to touch and is often washed up at South Cove Beach, Cape Arago and other rocky shores.
  • This interesting sea star eats anemones as well as purple sea urchins and other invertebrates. The skin feels very slippery to touch.
  • Limpets graze and leave a trail as they move across rock in the tidepool.
  • Grazing trails of the Black Turban Snail (Tegula funebralis) and of limpets (not shown in this picture).
  • The Northern Kelp Crab is found in kelp-covered intertidal rocks and can be either a dark olive or red in color. The carapace is often washed up on the beach once the animal dies.

2006

December 19, 2006 - D Bilderback
Least Sandpiper and Dunlins foraging on beach. One Snowy Plover. Large logs on beach with 6 degree slope. Waves eroding sand to create small vertical cliff. Waves overtopping 500 feet into Snowy Plover nesting area. Nereocystis knots on beach. Small amount of Hymenena in driftline. Dead birds: 1 American Coot,...read more
September 6, 2006 - D Bilderback
Mussel shells and the kelp, Hymenena in low wrack. Wood, kelp (Cystoseria, Hymenena, Lessoniopsis, Nereocystis, Macrocystis), stones, broken sand dollars, sand crab molts, mussel shells, crab molts, 2 sea stars and razor clam shells in high wrack. Sanderlings on high beach and in surfline. Wide ridge of sand and shallow...read more