Mile 213 - Henderson Creek, South Beach SP south - May 23, 2019

Report Details

Little human activity on the beach. Beach relatively clean with very little litter. Snowy plover study occurring. One beached bird with green/yellow bands but only its upper wings found. Truck tracks -- ranger?

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: -0.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 7. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 7. Other Activities: The number of dogs is high due to one woman with 4 beagles walking and carrying one.. There were tire tracks which looks like a truck and not a jeep. Had the South Beach ranger been there? Took a photo. An area near the northern end of Soutshore Beach Houses was roped off with 2 people protecting the area with a warning sign. Inquired on why resulted in being told it was for snowy plover nesting although no such birds were seen. Took photo of sign.

Concerns

Apparent violations: none.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1. Cars/trucks on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

45 birds observed, mostly small shortebirds in the surf.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. One bird missing its head/feet. There were yellow/green bands. Wings had been separated. Perhaps an adult gull?

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Wood pieces. Lots of wood pieces scattered all long the old/new drift lines. Logs/whole trees included with some very close to the top of the sand dunes protecting houses at Southshore housing development.

New Development

Construction was occurring in the Southshore residential area. Another house being built?

Natural Changes

Henderson Creek area erosion is continuing.