Oregon Coast Real Estate Blog - Living on the Oregon Coast » Oregon Coast Discoveries

Osprey’s New Home on Yaquina Bay

Dean — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:37:32 +0000

Osprey bringing fish home for dinner

Just outside the Regatta Condominiums on Yaquina Bay is a set of pilings that support a Coast Guard operated fog horn as well as a new construction project. This new project is an Osprey nest comprised of sticks and vegetation. The nest being built on the Bay is likely going to be the home of an offspring of a pair of Ospreys located 1 mile South in South Beach. The parents, mated for life, have come back to their nest for at least 6 years running, making small improvements each year.

It’s a perfect place for a nest for these birds also known as “fish eagle” or “fish hawk”. They spot their fish prey from a height of 32 to 130 feet, hover then dive feet first into the water. The pilings this pair selected for their “construction project” are about 120 feet above the water.

Ospreys are very particular about visitors in their neighborhoods. Many times this writer has been thoroughly scolded be Ospreys flying back to the nest with a fish clasped in their talons. This has occurred near coastal lakes and on the beaches. On you next visit to the Oregon Coast I would be happy to share a close up look at the nest building project and recommend other bird viewing locations that abound here on the Coast.

Back out to Sea from Nye Beach

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:35:05 +0000

The fishing vessel Lori Ann which ran aground Tuesday 8/11 was successfully pulled off the beach and towed to navigable waters Thursday 8/13. A helicopter carried a line to a tug waiting offshore while the Coast Guard monitored the operation including offloading fuel from the boat leaving some 60 gallons on board to allow the FV to reach port for inspections. All’s well that ends well.

Unscheduled Stop On the Oregon Coast: Fishing Vessel Comes Ashore

Dean — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:30:07 +0000

At 2:00 AM on Tuesday August 11th, the 50 foot fishing vessel Lori Ann came ashore at Newport’s Nye Beach. Fortunately their were no injuries and the US Coast Guard was able to off-load 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel with no spills. On the down side, some 750 pounds of tuna were lost. Apparently the skipper fell asleep at the wheel.

Coast Guard Appreciation Day

Dean — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:54:03 +0000

Augsut 4, 2009 is designated Coast Guard Appreciation Day. Known as the “quiet service” what we now know as the US Coast Guard has been an important part of our Nation’s History from almost the beginning. Newport,Oregon is one of five cities in the Country to earn the honor of “Coast Guard City”. As we enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast we often times forget that the men and women of the Coast Guard stationed at Station Yaquina Bay are on duty 24/7 no matter what the weather. With air sea rescue capabilities for commercial fishers, sport boaters, hikers and anyone in distress the Coast Guard is always on duty. Yaquina Bay Station has been in continuous operation for 112 years. From the steel hulled cutters to ridged inflatables to bright orange helicopters we are very aware and grateful for these quiet heroes.

Caution Required: it is Central Oregon Coast harbor seal pup birthing season

admin — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:59:04 +0000

Mid May is the peak of the Harbor Seal birthing season here on the Oregon Coast. The Seal Moms frequently leave the pups on the beach while they hunt for food in the surf and will return several times a day to nurse the pup with their fat rich milk. The milk is so nutritious that the pups gain enough weight and size that by about four weeks of age they can live independently of the mothers and hunt for themselves. They are a joy to look at, from a distance of no less than 50 yards and must not be touched. This is the time to leash the dog. If molested in any way by humans the mothers will abandon the pup. All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so if by chance you observe anyone interfering with a beached seal or observe one in distress call the Oregon State Police @ 1-800-452-7888.

You can expect to spot adults pacing during your beach walk or observing you from the surf or in one of the bays. Just another reason to relocate to the wonderful Central Oregon Coast.

Oregon Coast Treasures

Dean — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:25:21 +0000

Spring on the Oregon Coast is a magical time. The storms of Winter have come and gone leaving us in wide eyed wonder as the sun appears and the urge to get out and walk around is overwhelming. Now we can do this while enjoying the occasional rain shower. On the walk we may be greeted with one of the most spectacular signs of Spring, the blooming of Trillium Ovatum or Wake Robin. These flowers colonize in shady areas that were once forest floor. Since our coast was all forest floor not long ago, the chances of having borders full of Trilliums is very good. They will appear near and under last year’s fronds of the sword ferns and along shady road sides. Trilliums resent picking and transplanting so the time to enjoy is the few weeks when they are in full bloom and when they turn a light purple you will know that this season’s bloom is about done. This is just one of the treasures of the Oregon Coast.

Oregon Coast Commercial Air Service

Dean — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:32:35 +0000

As of March 15, 2009 Oregon Coast residents and visitors will be able to enjoy regularly scheduled commercial air service between the Newport Municipal Airport and Portland International Airport. This 45 minute flight will allow visitors a quick and easy connection to the Central Coast. The three hours that were previously required to get from Portland to Newport are now down to 45 minutes, thus allowing that much more time to be on the ground viewing real estate opportunities with your Realtor. The service is provided by SeaPort Airlines flying turbo prop jets. Newport Municipal is an all weather airport designed to accommodate commercial aircraft up to a Boeing 727, private aircraft and a US Coast Guard helicopter station. Why not take advantage of this new service and see what the Coast can mean to you.

Perks of Buying Oregon Coast Real Estate: Whale Watching!

Dean — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:07:38 +0000

Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is a popular and informative pastime. Twice a year a migration of Gra y whales passes by our shores en route from Summer feeding grounds in Arctic seas to breeding grounds off Baja California. The Southward migration peaks between Christmas and New Years while the Northern migration occurs in mid to late March. Organized whale watching sponsored by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department trains volunteers to staff whale watching sites to share this amazing sight with visitors from all over the world. A pod of Gray whales usually lingers off our coast during migration and is easily viewed from the beach. This is just one of the benefits of living on the coast. A common topic of discussion amongst locals is the sharing of whale sightings. If you’re ready to make whale sightings a regular part of your life — then give me a call!