Mile 215 - Yaquina Bay SP, North Jetty Yaquina River - September 16, 2008

Report Details

It was a foggy, quiet day along Mile 215. Moderate sand hills (1-2 feet) have formed on the southern end of the beach near the north jetty, but the beach was flat further north. It was clear that all of the people I saw accessed the beach from one of the hotels at or past the northern end of the mile (Shilo, Hallmark, etc.). The water that pools at the base of the bluffs was spilling out, creek-like, onto the beach - I don't remember that before. The beach was remarkably free of human debris. Lots of crab molts, a few dead birds as mentioned, and, interestingly, one dead fish (see photo). One thing to note: I think you're not supposed to set fire to driftwood that can't be moved (i.e., really big pieces) and there were lots of burn marks on such driftwood left from previous bonfires.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 1.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 15. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 15.

Concerns

Fire

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

Lots of eel grass in the wrack line. One pelican. About 4 cormorants in the bay. Two larger shorebirds (I'm a terrible birder!). Raccoon footprints in the area behind the dunes.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 4. 3 common murres1 with a duck-like bill - not sure what it was

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Lots of crab molts. One dead fish stripped of meat near the cliffs (not at the wrack line) - not sure if it was someone's dinner, or caught and cleaned at the beach, or what.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Small rocks, Wood pieces.