Report Details

Discovery of 5 dead birds (possibly 3 species) was unusual. COASST has identified the larger one as Large Immature Gull; waiting for their identification of the other birds' photos. Sent photos of man-made object to South Beach Park Ranger. Dead mole crabs in one area (less than 10) were new. Pacific razor clam also new. Dunes in back of houses north of Henderson Creek looked higher and on a slant -- sand been added or natural built-up by waves? Variety of plants in beach sand. More families enjoying the day observed.

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 6.8 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 30. Number of dogs: 6. Walking or running: 10. Playing in sand: 15. Other Activities: family of 5 in driftline. Families were out with children playing in the sand. We came later than we usually do so more adults were out.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Lots of birds this time. Looked like the larger birds were gulls. Couldn't identify the small shorebirds nor get close to them to photograph them.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 5. Photos of these birds were sent to COASST for identification. COASST identified the larger bird as a Large Immature Gull. The other birds were identified by COASST as Common Murres. See caption for each photo for further identification. A walker told us that he had seen a dead guillemot earlier in the week. Most unusual for us to find so many dead birds.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Mole crabs were found which was a new species for us. Broken sand dollars seen.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Unusual object found near Henderson Creek; photo sent to South Beach Park ranger. Asphalt sheet.

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal. It seemed that sand had been added to the dunes in back of the houses north of Henderson Creek.

Natural Changes

Previous eroded areas may be stable.

Actions & Comments

Sent photos of the 5 dead birds to COASST. Sent photos of the man-made object found to South Beach Park Ranger.

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All Mile 213 Reports

Showing 8 of 60 reports

Mile 213

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Mile 213

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Mile 213

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