Grunion are running this week on local beaches, showing up in big numbers on April 13, 2021 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. The interesting phenomenon happens during high tide at evening hours. (Photo courtesy of Nona Reimer)
By LAYLAN CONNELLY | [email protected] | Orange County Register
All eyes stared out toward the dark ocean, waiting for movement on the wet sand as each wave receded, hoping little wiggly sea creatures would suddenly show.
Birds lined the waterline, anxiously waiting for the flopping fish to land on the sand so they could feast. People watched just as eagerly under the stars, hopeful as the two-hour window for the expected grunion run began.
Grunion runs should be happening at local beaches this week, a nighttime phenomenon unique to Southern California where fish literally come out of the water in droves to spawn in the sand.
They only appear during high tides, on certain nights of the month, during a two-hour window, on select, sandy beaches – and only if they feel safe enough to come on shore.