The California Gull is the state bird of Utah, celebrated for its role in 1848 when flocks reportedly descended on swarms of Mormon crickets devastating crops in the Salt Lake Valley. It is a medium-large gull with a yellow bill bearing both red and black spots. It nests colonially on islands in alkaline lakes and the Great Basin.
Best time to see a California Gull
The best time to see a California Gull is June–December, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 25,312 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Gull? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Gull sightings near you
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