Pity the Seagull

Growing up in Utah is such a different perspective. The California gull is celebrated just like, or even more than, the Bald Eagle.

Come to Utah all you gulls! Your ancestors made you a protected species here!

They aren't so bad. I live part of the year in a seagull rookery. If you carry a stick that reaches above your head they can't hit you. If you are working outside with an aggressive individual interested in you, you can time how long it takes them to circle around for another attack and raise your hand or tool just before they get there. Wear a hat and a jacket. After a while your standards slip enough that it's only gross if its warm. There is a constant noise, but I live the rest of the year next to train tracks, so the change is nice.

I grew up in a coastal New England town. I always loved the call of seagulls, and now it reminds me of home. I dunno if I'm just imagining it, but seagulls seem to sound different on the west coast and in Japan.

Anyway, I've got nothing against seagulls. They're big, pretty birds who have to deal with an expanding human population, like everyone else. I don't find them more aggressive than any other wild animal. Just keep your mouth closed when they're overhead :)