Mile 97

Bandon SP, between Twomile Cr and Bradley Lake
Coos County

Latitude: 43.057549892697
Longitude: -124.439839689870
Google Map: Nearby Roads, Directions to/from, Google photos, Satellite image, Terrain overlay
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).
  • Motor vehicle travel is allowed at any time from north of China Creek (43° 04.3938', Mile 98) southerly to a point approximately one mile north of the mouth of Twomile Creek (43° 03.3288', Mile 97).
Weather: Current weather conditions at nearby stations
Tides: NOAA Tide Predictions. Click on the station nearest to your location to see predicted tides in graphical and tabular formats.
Bandon SP, between Twomile Cr and Bradley Lake
Mile 97 Reports (74)

2013

December 8, 2013 - D Bilderback
A nearly nonexistent driftline with just a few Chrysaora jellies and a few small rocks. Beach was flat with large amounts of decaying Bull Kelp sloping at 4 degrees to the ocean. 19 Snowy Plovers and nine Sanderlings foraging on the beach on the dry and wet sand respectively. Sunny...read more
  • This fall there were large piles of Bull Kelp washed in from storms. These piles decay and we saw Snowy Plovers feeding on the insects around these decaying piles.
June 9, 2013 - D Bilderback
A light diftline of a few Postelsia, some Fucus, Ulva, Hymenena and Nereocystis, crab molts, broken Sand Dollars, jellies, the Ctenophore, Pleurobrachia, the Tunicate, Salpa maxima and Phyllospadix, surfgrass. Snowy plover tracks, one Brant's Goose, two Caspian Terns flying over ocean, one Harbor Seal swimming in the surf. A flat...read more
March 19, 2013 - D Bilderback
Sparse driftline of small rocks, a few shells and broken Sand Dollars, one clump of Bull Kelp (Nereocystis) and a few strands of Macrocystis. A small number of plastic bottles on the beach. A few Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. Wind-blown beach very flat with a slope of 2...read more
  • Beach is almost flat today. Little driftline as the wind has blown it clean!

2012

November 24, 2012 - D Bilderback

European beachgrass dominated the driftline. A few Bull Kelp, Sea Palm and oak acorns also were present. Broken Sand Dollars and shells also present in the driftline. Twenty-two Snowy Plover resting on the beach with six Least Sandpipers. Two large flocks of Sanderlings foraging on the wet sand. Huge washup...read more

September 18, 2012 - D Bilderback

Shells, rocks, crab carapaces, a few kelp/algae, wood, green phytoplankton scum, broken sand dollars in driftline. Seven Snowy Plover on dry sand and Sanderlings on dry sand and at surfline. One Black-bellied Plover on dry sand. Two dead Common Murre and one fresh dead Cassin's Auklet. Ridge and runnels formed...read more

June 17, 2012 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of many Ctenophores, small rocks, a few shells and crab carapaces, one Sea Star and pieces of the flowering plant, Lasthenia maritima. A big rope tangle on the dry sand. One Caspian Tern flying north, one Whimbrel foraging on beach, three banded Snowy Plover foraging on beach, one...read more
  • Here you can see the small flowers of this plant. The nearest island from which this plant could have come is at least 2 1/2 miles north from here.
  • Unfortunately, this rope was buried too deeply for us to remove.
  • The Snowy Plover is on the right and the Sanderling is on the left.

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. Little ocean-based debris. Beach flat and wind swept. 21 Brown Pelican and large flocks of California Gulls with one Franklin Gull...read more
  • In these rough seas, Western Grebes often drift ashore and rest for a bit before returning to fight the waves.
  • Notice the heavy foam line today!
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 a riptide embayment and lagoon outflow. Tangles and individual Zostera (Eelgrass)leaves and kelp (Postelsia, Cystoseira, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Fucus, Egregia and Lessoniopsis) caught on the sand...read more
  • Lots of sea grass was washed up today.
  • We found many parts of Sea Nettle Jellies along the beach today.
  • The yellow legs are a good species marker for these small sandpipers.
  • A Least Sandpiper foraging in a large runnel that has had Bull Kelp washed into it.
  • These birds love to rest next to dried Bull Kelp or other algae, making it a bit hard to see them.
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, broken Sand Dollars and snail egg cases. Pacific Tiger Beetle (Cicindela bellissima) on the dry sand. Nine Brown Pelican flying to the north over the ocean. Deer tracks...read more
  • Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle or Cicindela bellissima on the south part of Mile 97.
February 21, 2011 - D Bilderback
A few Sanderlings and 190 Least Sandpipers were on the high beach. Driftline was very limited with an occasional shell and a few small rocks. More logs,dunegrass debris and wood was at the south end of the mile. Four separate Snowy Plover habitat restoration sites ranging from about 15,000 to...read more
  • Dave (6' 2") is standing next to the largest riptide embayment erosion on Mile 97.
  • Dave is standing at the north end of this long riptide embayment erosion.
  • Least Sandpipers blend right in with the driftwood and it is easy to overlook them from a distance.

2010

December 31, 2010 - beachnut
We finally got a break in the wet, windy, chilly weather--and this was a super end to the year on our lovely beach. A family of 3 was hauling SOLV bags full of rubbish and scads of fishing nets as we began. Other couples were just enjoying the day. Not...read more
October 23, 2010 - D Bilderback
Light wrack of shells, feathers, mole crab carapaces, gastropod egg cases, kelp/algae and the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass) and Phyllospadix (Surfgrass). Some Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) stipes were 59 feet long even without the holdfast. Flocks of Canada Geese, Brant's Geese, Ring-billed Gulls and a Bonaparte's Gull flying south over ocean...read more
  • This driftwood moose is closer to the foredune now.
September 10, 2010 - D Bilderback
A light wrack of seaweeds (Fucus, Macrocarpus, Egregia and Postelsia), Eelgrass (Zostera) and Surfgrass (Phyllospadix), two Aurelia Jellies, wood pieces, a large wooden box and a small amount of ocean-based debris. Ctenophores stranded on the wet sand. Pacific Coast Tiger Beetles (Cicindela bellissima) and a few Oregon Tiger Beetles (...read more
  • As is common during this time of the year, there are large runnels forming behind the sand that is being pushed on shore to form a ridge. This runnel was at the northern part of the mile.
  • This may be part of a cupboard or just a wooden box.
  • This large runnel was found on the southern half of Mile 97.
August 6, 2010 - beachnut
More people (9) were on this usually deserted beach, two with unleashed large dogs. The wind from the NW was strong and chilly. Shell fragments as well as rockweed and eelgrass were scattered along the low-tide line practically the entire mile. Not much litter in evidence, and what there was...read more
  • Rockweed and eelgrass accumulated along the low-tide zone.
June 19, 2010 - D Bilderback
Driftline consisted mainly of small rocks, a few isolated kelp/algae (Macrocystis, Fucus, Cystoseira, Hymenena, Postelsia, Ulva, Laminaria, Nereocystis, Porphyra, Sargassum, Analipus and Egregia), the flowering plants, Zostera (Eelgrass), Phyllospadix (Surfgrass),and Lasthenia maritima (Maritime Goldfields)from the offshore rocks, worm tubes, a few dead Mole Crabs(Emerita),one whole and several broken Sand Dollars,...read more
  • Beautiful day on the beach.
  • Dave found this flattened tar ball on the beach and removed it. It was the only tar ball that we found on this day.
April 18, 2010 - beachnut
No one was out at 8 a.m. on my stretch, though on the return 5 vehicles had arrived, but no one walked my mile. It turned into a glorious, mild, nearly windless day. Seven Snowy Plovers sought food in the high line while Sanderlings and sandpipers mined the water line...read more
March 13, 2010 - beachnut
High surf and vicious winds of the last several days have removed most of the logs and large branches that were here on my last walk. Surf and wind also brought in lots of plastic and glass bottles, plastic fishing floats, styrofoam and other goodies. I filled two SOLV bags...read more
February 17, 2010 - D Bilderback
Few shells, small rocks, bits of European Dunegrass, sponges (Neoesperiopsis), Hydrozoa and kelp/algae (Cryptopleura and Callophyllis) in the driftline. Little ocean-based debris. Two large clumps of eggs on the beach. Two flocks of foraging Sanderlings on the wet and dry sand. Four Snowy Plover foraging at surfline. Three Western Gulls...read more
  • We think that these eggs are fish eggs. We saw two clumps of these on this beach today.
January 30, 2010 - beachnut
Most notable today were the lines of beachgrass in the tidelines and the profusion of logs on this stretch of beach that usually doesn't have much. Logs were even thrown up into the grassy dunes. Some shells,wood pieces, ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in the driftline. Wave overtopping was evident practically...read more
January 20, 2010 - D Bilderback
A large amount of European Beachgrass with some Gorse, shells, wood pieces and ocean-based debris in the driftline. Drift logs on the beach. Seventeen Snowy Plovers resting on the beach. Two flocks of four and six Brown Pelicans flying south over the ocean. Seven Sanderlings foraging the wet sand. One...read more
  • Today, we saw 17 Snowy Plovers on the beach. Here they are resting with European Beachgrass.
  • High surf has eroded lots of European Beachgrass out of the foredunes onto the beach.

2009

December 28, 2009 - beachnut
This was a glorious beach-walking day (probably the last windless one of the year), and I took advantage of it. No people were out with me: just scads of shorebirds gathered up the beach on the wet sand. They were darker than sanderlings and not nearly as skittish as sandpipers.Otherwise,...read more
  • a great gathering on wet sand near the southern part of my mile
  • foam shows the surf incursion at the snowy plover Habitat Restoration Area, looking south toward the big sign prohibiting motor vehicles
December 19, 2009 - beachnut
A very mild, fine beach day that I was alone in enjoying. Too bad....Surf was running high as the tide was coming in. Lots of marine trash; I carted out a SOLV bag full and could have lugged more if there'd been help. Not many creatures were out and about,...read more
December 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
Light driftline with a few shells, small rocks, Sea Nettle jellies (Chrysaora fuscescens) and broken sand dollars. Two groups(3&10) of California Sea Lions swimming south and riding the waves. Nine Snowy Plovers resting in divots in the beach. Three Brown Pelican flying north over surf. A few Raven and Sanderlings...read more
  • Resting in divots of the sand helps camouflage Snowy Plovers from raptors flying above.
November 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
A light driftline consisting of feathers, gastropod egg cases, infrequent kelp and algae, few shells and rocks, two logs covered with pelagic gooseneck barnacles, barnacle and sand crab castings,several species of Hydrozoa, eelgrass and seagrass. Sanderlings and Four Snowy Plover foraging on wet sand. Two northern Fulmar resting on beach...read more
  • Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles (Lepas antifera) cover this log. This had just freshly washed in giving this log a Medusa-looking appearance!
  • Closeup of the Pelagic Goose-neck Barnacles (Lepas antifera). Normally, when we come upon these logs, the barnacles have long since dried out, but today, they were still alive. Dave threw the log back in the surf but it probably came back ashore.
  • This beautiful piece of driftwood has been uncovered again by the sea. It was here last fall and winter.
November 7, 2009 - beachnut
Even a walk at low tide was fraught with exciting moments in this period of stormy surf, but it was a fine day nonetheless. Two dead seabirds and one harbor seal were the only downers. Lots of foam and evidence of wave overtopping along nearly the whole stretch of my...read more
  • dead harbor seal, showing no wounds.
October 22, 2009 - D Bilderback
High tide extended to foredune with water accumulated in runnel. Outflow channels cut across the sand ridge. A few shells, crab carapices, Hydrozoa and kelp as well as one skate egg case with more numerous Polyorchis jellies and jelly pieces and wood in the driftline. Green diatom scum also in...read more
  • I'm enjoying using my zoom lens on the Snowy Plover today because they were just resting, not running.
  • This dark phase Northern Fulmar was resting on the beach. This photo shows the prominent tubenose of this bird. These birds secrete salt through the tubenose allowing the bird to live at sea, far from fresh water most of its life.
  • This female Harbor Seal was reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
  • This small Eared Grebe was the first one that we have ever seen dead on the beach.
  • This is probably Raja binoculata, the Big-eyed Skate eggcase. These often get torn from the rocks or sea floor where the mother skate laid the egg during high surf.
September 17, 2009 - D Bilderback
A few shells, Hydrozoa, crab carapaces, a large dried clump of Feather-duster worms, kelp/algae and Zostera (Sea Grass) in the driftline. Flocks of Sanderlings and 12 Snowy Plovers on high beach. Five dead Common Murre and one dead California Sea Lion on the beach. Beach was flat with seaward slope...read more
  • This dried clump of Feather-duster worm tubes (Family Sabellidae) is unusual to see on the beach. Each of these tubes held a worm with a beautiful plume (like a feather duster) that the worm uses to both gather food and to breathe.
  • The two juvenile Sanderlings have the darker patterned back, while the adults are in their non-breeding plumage this time of the year.
  • This dead California Sea Lion was reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
July 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
Shells, crab casings, kelp/algae, Sea Grass, broken Sand Dollars, a few Sea Jellies, many worm casings and small rocks in driftline. Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers foraging on beach. Two Snowy Plover on the dry sand. Caspian Terns flying over surf and Brown Pelicans on ocean. Ridge and runnel formation occurring...read more
June 20, 2009 - beachnut
As noted in the mile 98 report of today, the phantom atv operator came across China Creek and proceeded south until he reached the snowy plover habitat restoration area, where he turned around and backtracked. I did not see any sign of his entry/exit from the drive to the China...read more
June 19, 2009 - D Bilderback
Shells, small rocks, broken sand dollars, leather Bryozoa, Hydrozoa, the vascular plants, Lasthenia and Zostera and a little kelp/algae in the driftline. Two large aggregations of crab and barnacle molt. Ridge/runnel formation with ridge slope of 6 degrees. Riptide embayment at northern end of beach. Patches of surf foam on...read more
  • There were two locations of large washups of the Crab molt along the mile.
May 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
A few shells, animal casings and small rocks in the driftline. Beach flat with a slope of 3-5 degrees with two riptide embayments. Sanderlings foraging on beach. Flocks of Canada Geese and Whimbrels flying north over beach. Ring-billed Gulls standing on beach. One dead Pigeon Guillemot. Air and ocean temperature...read more
May 13, 2009 - beachnut
I watched a regular beach walker on this stretch of coast come down the Christian Camp path and go under the "DO NOT CROSS" Snowy Plover fencing to access the beach today. He is old, has bad teeth, dresses like a derelict, rides a bicycle to/from Bandon and his first...read more
May 7, 2009 - beachnut
Finally the vicious winds and lashing rains abated enough for a long walk. Many piles of bull kelp lined the high-tide line, where small shorebirds (a few Snowy Plover as well as sandpipers and Sanderlings) foraged before racing to and from the incoming tide. Pieces of sea grass were numerous,...read more
April 20, 2009 - D Bilderback
Light drift of shells, broken sand dollars and small rocks. One tar glob. Flocks of Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plover, and Brant's Geese migrating north. A small flock of Marbled Godwit feeding in the surfline. One Snowy Plover. Ring-billed Gulls also seen in the surfline. Flat beach of 5 degrees. Wind speed...read more
  • There was a small flock of Marbled Godwits feeding in the surfline.
April 11, 2009 - beachnut
The morning was overcast, wind from the south (though not too bad at this point), and I had it all to myself. I was surprised to see four huge flocks of Canada geese flying over, heading south. Perhaps they are really Polish geese.Coming back, Snowy Plovers and Sanderlings were scurrying...read more
March 21, 2009 - D Bilderback
Light driftline with few invertebrates (Ctenophores, Hydrozoa, Mole Crabs, tunicate and molted appendages of barnacles), a few kelp (Cystoseira and Nereocystis), shells, small rocks, wood pieces and pieces of sea jellies. Many stems and limbs were found that had the stems cut out and bark removed by beaver. One dead...read more
  • This pretty driftwood log is new to this beach.
March 18, 2009 - beachnut
A heads-up for the "snowy plover police:" Someone walked the Christian Camp trail to the nesting signage and went under the ropes to get to the beach. There were no tracks yesterday when I walked my mile, and I surmise someone came after that. If it helps, the perp has...read more
March 17, 2009 - beachnut
An overcast, chilly morning brought no bad things to view. The Snowy Plover nesting signage is up from China Creek south through the nesting restoration area (and probably beyond, but I didn't go there because of threatening storm clouds moving in from the south). No dead mammals or birds or...read more
February 13, 2009 - beachnut
The sky was a deep, scary gray and clouds moving fast. But it was dry and a good walk. Saw a few gulls in the tideline as well as Sanderlings and Dunlins in groups there. The storm tides have overtopped a significant segment beyond the Christian Camp pathway. Otherwise the...read more
January 13, 2009 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline of small rocks and some wood pieces. 26 Snowy Plovers, flocks of Sanderlings, Dunlins and Least Sandpipers foraging at surfline. Dead birds included one dead Western Grebe and one Brown Pelican. Beach slope of 5 degrees. Little beach debris. Tractor moving slowly down beach and removing sand...read more
  • This picture was taken on 1/11/09 after Barbara Harrison reported this dock and another large cement tank on Mile 96.
  • Lots of Dunlins today foraging in the surfline.
  • When Snowy Plovers sit still in the tracks, they almost "disappear"! That's their natural way to avoid predators. There was a cat plowing the Habitat Restoration Site today.
  • Here's a closer look at the Snowy Plovers and it is getting easier to see them.
  • This caterpillar was headed down the beach to finish up the plowing to remove the European Dune grass from the Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration Area.
  • Plowing this area helps remove the European Dune Grass. Snowy Plovers prefer to nest in areas that are without much vegetation so that they can see predators from a distance.
  • This is a dead Western Grebe. It is recognized by it's slim and pointed yellow bill and the lobed toes.
  • Even if the carcass of a dead bird is almost unrecognizable, these unique feet will identify it as a Western Grebe.
  • The shape and length of Western Grebe bills can be used to determine the sex of the bird. Males have a larger straight bill and the females have a smaller bill with a straight top bill but curved lower bill. This bird appears to be a male.
January 3, 2009 - beachnut
Forget quiet and fresh air on this part of the coast: the bulldozer is churning down the beach a mile and a half (very slowly, very loudly, belching obnoxious diesel fumes) to the snowy plover restoration area. I can only hope those plovers huddled in the dozer's tracks from yesterday...read more

2008

December 30, 2008 - beachnut
I was sad to see a newly dead pelican in the high tide line today; no scavengers had hit it either on my walk south or north. There had been about 3 dozen flying along the beach yesterday, mostly in groups, but one or two were flying solo.No one else...read more
December 13, 2008 - beachnut
The winter high tides and storm surges are already obvious along my mile. Logs, bull kelp and displaced beach grass clumps all attest to this phenomenon. Happily, I've observed no dead marine life (other than jellies) or birds of late.Pelicans and Sanderlings are still out feeding where they may. A...read more
December 11, 2008 - D Bilderback
A complementary report to that of Beachnut of 12/10/2008 to upload bird photos and the track of a motorcycle on a prohibited beach. 23 Snowy Plovers hiding among the kelp and in footsteps. One dead Brown Pelican, Sooty Shearwater and Common Murre on the beach. Low human impact (0).read more
  • Today there were many small flocks like this of Semipalmated Sandpipers.
  • This bird has leg bands and so probably is a resident here.
  • This bird has dark markings and is unbanded. We wonder if it is a visitor rather than a resident?
  • Dave walked on a head and the Snowy Plovers have taken advantage of his footsteps for cover. We have seen Snowy Plovers hide in ATV tracks in the Siltcoos area and so this is a common behavior for them.
  • You can tell that this is an adult Brown Pelican because of the pink color of the bill and the white head and neck feathers. A juvenile pelican would have a brown bill and head and neck feathers.
  • Sooty Shearwater have a tubenose that enables them to spend most of their time at sea. The tube nose is used to secrete salt and so the bird does not have to come ashore to drink fresh water.
  • This is a closeup of the tubenose that enables the Sooty Shearwater to secrete salt. Sooty Shearwaters generally live their lives at sea.
  • Beachnut's report of 12/10/2008 reported this track.
December 9, 2008 - beachnut
It was a perfect day on the beach; I only shared it with the birds, which were quite numerous in this hour after high tide. Many sandpipers clustered along the bull kelp in the storm line. Sanderlings were plentiful as well, but in the water line for the most part...read more
October 22, 2008 - D Bilderback
A few old decaying Bull Kelp (Nereocystis)knots, clumps of Eelgrass (Zostera), a small number of Sea Palm (Postelsia)and Hymenena, a few shells, a few broken Sand Dollars, small rocks, feathers, and the jelly, Polyorchis in the driftline. 20 Snowy Plover on dry sand. A flock of Sanderlings with a Dunlin...read more
  • The decayed teeth are one sign that this animal probably was an older animal.
September 25, 2008 - beachnut
Bird life was notable along my mile: pelicans fishing outside the breakers; plovers, sandpipers and Sanderlings foraging along the tidelines. A dead salmon shark of about two feet long was in the high line near the southern end of my mile. Otherwise, it was mostly clear of litter -- seaborne...read more
September 16, 2008 - D Bilderback
Few shells and broken sand dollars, animal casings, kelp/algae (Postelsia, Hymenena, Egregia, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Cystoseira), Eelgrass (Zostera) and small rocks in a thin and spotty wrackline. Western Sandpipers, 20 Snowy Plovers, a few Sanderlings, flocks of Western Gulls on the beach. Turkey Vultures flying over the beach. Eight dead Common...read more
  • This shows how the ocean is cutting into the sand with a strong riptide embayment on Mile 97.
  • Salmon Shark teeth showing two rows of teeth, typical of sharks.
  • This animal is a male Salmon Shark by the male claspers--the longer fins in the middle that help the animal mate with a female shark.
August 20, 2008 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of knotted and individual Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) and a few Postelsia (Sea Palm) and Cystoseira (Northern Bladder Chain). Beach sloping from 5 to 8 degrees. Five dead Common Murre. Live birds included one Common Murre, one Snowy Plover and Whimbrels, Western Gulls and Sanderlings on the beach. Little...read more
August 1, 2008 - beachnut
Wildlife was abundant on this lovely day at low tide: Whimbrels, Turkey Vultures, Swallows, a couple of Snowy Plovers, one Crow, Sanderlings and, of course, gulls.Greenish goo was coming in with the tide. Otherwise, the higher tideline had numerous wood pieces, baby shrimp, clusters of mussels, a starfish or two,...read more
July 25, 2008 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of a few shells, mole crab, broken sand dollars and small rocks. Harbor Seals swimming in surf. Heermann's Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, Turkey Vultures, 3 Snowy Plovers observed. Flocks of Sanderlings and 27 Whimbrels foraging on beach. One dead Steller's Sea Lion and one dead immature Western Gull. The...read more
  • Lots of Western Gulls and Heerman's Gulls were on the mile today.
June 19, 2008 - D Bilderback
Rocks, a few shells of clam (Macoma sp.) and Pacific Razor Clam (Siliqua patula), broken Sand Dollars (Dendraster excentricus), molts of Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) and numerous molts of the Pacific Mole (Sand) Crab (Emerita analoga) in the driftline. Many burrows of the California Beach Hopper (Megalorchestia californiana). Two Ring-billed...read more
May 14, 2008 - D Bilderback
Kelp (Cystoseria, Halosaccion, Macrocarpus, Porphyra, Egregia, Nereocystis and Postelsia), crab molt, shells and one Sea Star, Hydrozoa, Phyllospadix (surf grass), Dodecaceria colony, a worm that forms a hard calcareous shell and small rocks found in the driftline. Two Sanderlings foraging on wet sand, and an Osprey flew up the shoreline...read more
May 14, 2008 - beachnut
State Parks crews yesterday installed signs and roped off the foredune along my entire stretch, from the Christian Camp access south to the habitat restoration area for the plovers. The tide level is receding and the beach is building up, both normal and seasonal phenomena. Rocks are now scattered along...read more
April 24, 2008 - D Bilderback
Kelp (Postelsia, Porphyra, Fucus, Plocamium, Polysiphonia, Macrocystis, Cystoseira and Nereocystsis), clumps of freshwater pondweed, Potamogeton and the green alga, Cladophora, crab carapaces, small rocks and wood pieces and broken sand dollars in the driftline. Beach slope of 5 degrees. Ocean temperature was 51.8 F. One riptide embayment. Flock of Sanderlings...read more
April 10, 2008 - beachnut
The tide levels generally are declining, meaning less overtopping and erosion of the grassy dune areas in this mile. However, the midway point still is susceptible to high tides. Small stones are now abundant in scattered areas, and some sea debris still is coming into shore. A slew of pink...read more
March 26, 2008 - D Bilderback
Light driftline of rocks, a few broken sand dollars, Ctenophores and the kelp, Porphyra. A few Sanderlings foraging at surfline. One dead muskrat and one dead Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Little plastic debris on beach . Beach flat with slope of 5 degrees. Wind-blown sand accumulating against eroded sand bluff. Air temperature...read more
  • A muskrat foot has stiff hairs to help it swim.
  • This is a close up showing the hairs on the flattened muskrat tail.
  • We went back to this carcass three days and found only a skull, a foot and a bit of fur left. It looked like a raptor had eaten the carcass.This photo shows the detail of the foot.
  • This was taken three days later and this is all that remains of the head.
  • The underfur is very thick on this animal.
  • The Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel has a tubenose which secretes salt and allows this bird to remain at sea and not come ashore for fresh water. The only time this bird commonly comes ashore is during breeding.
  • This shows the ventral (belly side) of the bird.
March 12, 2008 - beachnut
Dune erosion continues from China Creek south to New River/Two Mile. The Snowy Plover nesting signage and fencing are in place at China Creek in the usual area and also at the Plover Habitat Restoration Area. The beach inbetween is still subject to high tides so there really isn't any...read more
February 26, 2008 - D Bilderback
A few Nereosystis (Bull Kelp), small rocks, wood and European Beachgrass stems in the driftline. One dead Common Murre and one dead Harbor Seal (previously reported to the Stranding Network). Beach flat with a 6 degree slope. Riptide embayment eroding the foredune. Wind speed of 3.3 mph and air temperature...read more
  • This dead Harbor Seal was found by Barbara Harrison, CW for Mile 97 and she reported it to us. We measured it on 2/20/08 and sent a report to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This picture show the silvery spotted pelt clearly of a Harbor Seal.
  • Seal do not have external "ears" and this is one way to tell them from a Sea Lion.
  • This is the first rip tide embayment that we have seen in this mile in five years.
February 8, 2008 - beachnut
It was a pleasant walk from China Creek to Two-Mile/New River, but amazing in that the ocean has eaten into the dunes to the extent it has. The large sign signaling the end of vehicle access was about 6 feet tall this summer and now is at least twice that,...read more
January 18, 2008 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline of Elodea, Hymenena, Hydrozoa, a few shells and rocks. Western Gull, a few Sanderlings and a flock of Semipalmated Sandpipers on the wet sand. One dead Western Grebe and one Common Murre. Erosion of foredune by high tides. Beach slope of 7 degrees. Wind speed of 4.2...read more
January 14, 2008 - beachnut
Storm surges and unusually high tides have eaten away the vegetated dune along my mile, as well as south and north of it. In addition, logs continue to accumulate -- even in the dune areas. The Snowy Plover Habitat Restoration area has also been encroached upon by tidal action, particularly...read more

2007

December 11, 2007 - D Bilderback
Little driftline but with some small rocks on the wet sand. Large flocks of Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plover and Dunlins foraging in the wet sand. 25 Snowy Plover foraging on wet sand and on the high beach. Three dead Common Murre and one dead raccoon. Beach with a 6 degree slope...read more
  • The recent high tides and storms have washed lots of wood high up on the Habitat Restoration area. This picture was taken looking south at the southern end of Mile 97. The sign post is the southern limit of this mile.
  • Looking east back towards the man-made foredune on the Habitat Restoration Area. Lots of wood showing the overwash of this area.
  • Taken at the northern edge of the Habitat Restoration Area looking north. Lots of wood on the beach from the recent high tides and storms.
  • Notice the Dunlin's one-legged stance when resting. They do have two legs!
  • This is the first dead raccoon that we have ever seen on the beach.
December 5, 2007 - beachnut
This is a radically changed beach since the two-day windstorm/high-tide period. Tons of wood, lots of trash from the sea, and 4 injured birds, possibly Western Grebes. Tides have gone well into the dunes so walking can be dangerous. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, wood pieces, plastic pellets, ocean-based debris and...read more
November 26, 2007 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline of rocks, wood, beachgrass and straw with a few sand crab and crab carapaces. Small amount of kelp (Fucus, Odonthalia and Hymenena). Wind was 2.7 mph from SW. The air and ocean temperatures were 52.9F and 50.3 F, respectively. Evidence of sand removal, leaving a 2 foot...read more
  • We put this Harbor Porpoise up on a log as it is hard to see on the sand.
  • Close up of the Harbor Porpoise calf head.
  • This is the other side of the head.
  • These teeth have barely begun to erupt and so are not like the "spatulate" teeth of an adult Harbor Porpoise.
  • The tongue of a Harbor Porpoise is fringed.
November 21, 2007 - beachnut
The body count on this stretch is higher than it has been in awhile (5 sea birds-1 gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Common Murre and 2 unidentified birds, 1 Harbor Porpoise) during my almost daily walks. Though the wind still is from the north, the beach is beginning to show its...read more
  • This young Harbor Porpoise did not have any obvious sign of death.
October 31, 2007 - beachnut
Ocean-borne litter is less abundant than usual, mostly plastic bags of various sizes this time. As usual, there is little sign of heavy human traffic -- perhaps 3 other people today on my stretch, judging by the footprints in the sand. Sanderlings were not obvious on the tide line. Pelicans...read more
  • Northern Elephant Seal on the beach. Initially, was thought to be molting but in checking with an expert, this animal probably had a skin disease as NES should not be molting at this time of year. Photo by Diane Bilderback
  • See previous photo description. Photo by Diane Bilderback.
October 25, 2007 - D Bilderback
Very light driftline with a few rocks and crab carapaces, eelgrass, and the algae: Nereocystis, Hymenena, Cryptopleura, Mazzaella, and Odonthalia. Beach slope of 6 degrees. 1 dead Northern Fulmar and 1 dead Brandt's Cormorant. Low human impact (0).read more
  • This Sanderling sat still for me to take it's picture. Normally, Sanderlings are seen foraging in the surf.
September 18, 2007 - D Bilderback
The kelps: Postelsia, Lessoniopsis, Cystoseira, Hymenena, Nereosystis and Ulva, in driftline or higher up on beach. Very light driftline with a few shells, crab carapaces, snail egg cases, and small rocks. Sanderlings foraging in the surfline, driftline and clustered as groups of 50 and 15 on the dry sand. Beach...read more
August 21, 2007 - D Bilderback
Kelp/algae, shells, crab carapaces (molt and dead), small rocks, large amounts of pieces of Lion's Mane Jellies, one dead gravid Mole crab and a few Velella velella in driftline. Low human impact (1)-Snowy Plover researcher. One dead Steller's Sea Lion. Foraging Ruddy Turnstones, 13 Snowy Plover and five Western Gulls...read more
  • You can see the "tube-nose" of this Leach's Storm-Petrel.
  • Note the orange egg mass on this dead sand crab.
  • The orange egg mass is still visible from this angle.
  • We separated the burning wood and covered it with sand to stop the burning. This fire was reported to Robin Sears and Calum Stevenson.
March 22, 2007 - D Bilderback
Foraging Sanderlings and Dunlins in surfline. Nereocystis luetkeana, Cystoseira geminata, Cladophora columbiana, Postelsia palmaeformis, Porphyra sp., Halosaccion glandiforme, Macrocystis integrifola, Hymenena multiloba, Opuntiella californica, Callophyllis crenulata, Microcaldia borealis and Mazzaella rosea in driftline with rocks, Hydrozoa, Bryozoa, one dead shrimp, shells, crab molts and stems of dead European Beach Grass...read more
February 22, 2007 - GermanShep
Generally a quiet area, people often take dogs down to the beach with occasional conflicts between dogs. Small amount of kelp/alage, animal casings, small rocks, wood, styrofoam, broken glass and plastic water bottles in driftline. Low human impact (0).read more

2006

December 19, 2006 - D Bilderback
Eleven Snowy Plovers on dry sand and many Sanderlings foraging on wet sand. Nereocystis knots on beach. Small amount of Cryptoplura, Callophyllis and Rhodomenia in driftline with dune grass rhizomes, stems and leaves. Large logs and stumps on beach with 6 degree slope, seaward. Dead birds: 1 Rhinoceros Auklet, 2...read more
September 6, 2006 - D Bilderback
Kelps (Postelsia, Nereocystis, Egregia, Lessoniopsis), sand crab molts, rocks, broken shells, broken sanddollars in driftline. 2 dead Common Murre. Beach with wide ridge of sand and very shallow runnel, sloping 10-14 degrees to the ocean. No transverse dunes. Low human impact (0). Little human debris. One automobile tire on beach.read more