Mile 317 Report
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
June 22, 2022
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle;The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos.
Report Details
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle;The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos. He was close to my survey site so I did my best to reroute human traffic around his location and to keep and eye on him. He moved very little, only vocalized for one short period, and finally died.
Conditions
Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.5 feet.
Human Activities
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle; The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos.
Concerns
Actions & Comments
Steller sea lion pup was still on the beach when I arrived for the BLOY survey around noon but died bewteen 4:00 and 4:30pm. Seaside Aquarium was informed (NOAA contact for strandings/deaths) and a stranding report was filed with Ocean Shores Conservation Coalition.
Report Images
All Mile 317 Reports
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Collected 4 Ikea bags of debris from beach just north of Indian Beach, mostly fishing gear, single use plastics, and golf balls.
DeniseH
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Black Oystercatchers are currently raising three chicks on Submarine Rock and birds' behavior was noted to change due to tidepoolers.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle;The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
An endangered Stellar sea lion pup has been continually harassed by visitors and dogs for several days, and the same behavior continued today.
tabeag
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
The majority of the people seemed genuinely concerned with the health of the sea lion but weren't sure what to do and weren't aware pups are left on beaches by their mothers.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Minimal activity because of the rain.
tabeag