Mile 213 - Henderson Creek, South Beach SP south - September 14, 2014

Report Details

A beautiful day at the coast -- sunny with no wind. 4 people on bicycles riding on the beach was new as well as a long/wide/deep channel of water coming from Henderson Creek with movement traveling south. Beach was clean & almost looked like SOLVE clean-up day had already occurred. 2 dead birds (gull/murre). Large flock of gulls (dominated by juveniles)and a few smaller shore birds (sandpipers?). Perhaps the gulls were feeding? New to observers were purple olive snail tracks.

Conditions

Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 25. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 21. Other Activities: 4 on bicycles. Hadn't seen people on bicycles before.

Concerns

Apparent violations: No concerns.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Lots of gulls in a large group which hadn't been seen before, with juveniles dominating. Estimated about 150. 3 sandpipers? also seen. Also saw tracks of purple olive snails which hadn't been seen before (see photo -- identified by Fawn).

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. Apparently a dead gull and an adult murre.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

no sea stars seen

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Not much debris this time.

Man-made Modifications

Still evidence of built-up sand (natural?)

Natural Changes

Channels of water around Henderson Creek which is nice. Water 6" deep and several yards wide and at least 1/2 mile in length. Channels occurring between undisturbed sand bordering on both sides of the channel.

Actions & Comments

No action taken.