Blog Post #32 (Species 53/100)
| Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds. A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain |
Adults are similar in appearance to the Herring Gull, but have a smaller yellow bill with a black ring, yellow legs, brown eyes and a more rounded head. The body is mainly white with grey back and upper wings. They have black primaries with white tips.
Made famous by the Morman *”Miracle of the Gulls”, the California Gull is a common winter visitor with a few non-breeding adults hanging around through the summer.
*MIRACLE OF THE GULLS STORY
The traditional story is that the “seagulls” (California Gulls) miraculously saved the Mormon pioneers’ second harvest in 1848 in the Salt Lake Valley by eating thousands of crickets that were devouring their fields. For this reason, Seagull Monument was erected and the California gull became the state bird of Utah.
Reflections of the Natural World 