For a land-locked state, it is rather odd that the Utah State Bird is the California Gull (or common sea gull), but there’s a very good reason for it. In the summer of 1848, swarms of crickets attacked the pioneers fields and food supplies. Attempts to drown, burn, bury and club the infestation were unsuccessful, so the pioneers offered prayers for delivery from the hungry hoard. Shortly thereafter, flocks of gulls arrived, settled in the fields and polished off the creeping critters. It is often stated that the sea gull was made the state bird in return for saving the settler’s crops and their lives.

In point of fact, the California Gulls don’t actually live in California, but make their home on the many islands and shores of the Great Salt Lake. The Seagull Monument on Temple Square in Salt Lake City honors the gull and their historic rescue. Two sculptured gulls stand atop the monument which was unveiled in 1913.

The California Gull is about two feet long. The color of this bird is pearly-blue. It is sometimes barred or streaked with blackish gray. Gulls are gymnasts of the sky, making the seemingly impossible appear effortless. They can appear motionless in midair by catching wind currents with perfect timing and precision while positioning their bodies at just the right angle. They are quiet birds, considered quite beneficial by agriculturalists, and are usually gentle creatures, exhibiting neither antagonism to nor fondness for man.