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Access via Yaquina Bay State Park was a small challenge today, as the path at the bottom of the southern staircase was flooded (the seasonal/weather-dependent "pond" behind the dunes had expanded quite a bit!). Access was possible via the northern staircase. I noted no campfires this time, probably because of the recent poor weather.Lots of rivulets of water were coming off the cliffs, due to recent heavy rains. The rivulets did not seem to be causing any new erosion, but did contribute to some interesting sand formations down on the beach. Some rocks were exposed that I don't remember having been exposed before. The most notable trend was a good number(probably 8)of dead Western grebes on the beach, and one dead small shorebird. No sign of the "bag of bones" Terry Morse spotted recently - maybe I just missed it?

Conditions

Temperature: 45 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 12. Some of the cars contained people just sitting and looking at the water, rather than using the beach. The beach-goers seemed to come from access points further north.Access was limited at YBSP because the northern staircase, which I usually use, dead-ended in a larger than usual "pond" - a seasonal/weather-dependent high water area behind the dunes. I used the northern staircase instead.

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

Regular assortment of gulls, crows, starlings. About 10 buffleheads (? - I forgot my binocs) in the Bay. One large raptor when I first got there but didn't get a good look before it flew off.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 9. 3 were too decomposed to identify.5 were Western grebes1 was a small shorebird but I can never tell those apart (too large to be a plover - see photo). Really, I need to become a much better birder.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Lots of wood, lots of larger pieces of debris.

Man-made Modifications

fencing at northern end of Yaquina Bay SP has been repaired.

Actions & Comments

The wrackline was high on the beach today, due to recent storm surges. There seemed to be much more large pieces of debris than in previous visits, and a lot of wood, both natural driftwood (trees, stumps, branches) and lumber. One small dock or float that broke free of wherever it was moored had washed up. Due to recent rains (frequent, and sometimes heavy) there were lots of little rivulets along the cliff. Many pipes were discharging through the cliffs too.

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All Mile 215 Reports

Showing 8 of 22 reports

Mile 215

January 30, 2024

This mile is from Newport's Davis Park to the north to the jetty near Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Marney Roddick

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 215

January 10, 2024

Most important observations was the dead Cassin's auklets

David Davis

Mile 215

November 9, 2023

One of the dead birds was a gull, am unsure what the other two were.

Roddick

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 215

February 16, 2019

Had hail for part of the walk.

JuliaAndLuna

Mile 215

October 20, 2018

The beach was very clean, I only found a single old toothbrush.

JuliaAndLuna

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 215

May 19, 2014

Nothing of significance.

B Pope

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 215

November 23, 2013

Nothing of special note.

R Bayer

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 215

September 7, 2013

Although this is my first posting, I've walked this mile for the last year.

B Pope