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APTOS, Calif. -- The birds at Rio Del Mar Beach have a lot to be thankful for. "The birds are enjoying calamari lunch, free of charge," said Laurie Norhoff. Norhoff runs down the beach everyday and couldn't help but notice the hundreds of dead squid.
Whether you call it the circle of life or signs of the end of the world, Humboldt Squid washing up onto Santa Cruz beaches has everyone talking.
First question for people walking on Rio Del Mar: what were the white creatures?
The more important question for biologists is why?
Sean VanSommeran, Director of Pelagic Shark Research, said there's not a whole lot of mystery behind the hundreds of Humboldt squid popping up.
"They got caught up in these other currents, brought into the shore area. Its low oxygen, warmer water than they like. They get exhausted and die," said VanSommeran.
What's interesting is that the Humboldt Squid washing up are small compared to how big they can get. If you take one, and multiply it by three, that's how big the squid can get.
It didn't take long for people to crowd Marine Biologist Juan Carlos Thomae who gave everyone a quick anatomy lesson
For Thomae, the reasons for the increase aren't for sure.
"Its uncertain whether or not the toxic red tide has to do with the deaths," said Thomae.
CA Fish and Wildlife said no one really has a concrete answer behind the squid washing up.
So until then the birds can enjoy their meal. After they are done there's a whole lot left for seconds and even thirds.
