The Miracle of the Gulls and the Crickets

“In the spring of 1848, the crickets came. They were a black, loathsome pestilence. They came in clouds, and where they alighted the grain and grass disappeared as if scorched by fire. We fought them with fire and water, and with clubs and brooms, but they were too many for us. Our hearts were heavy, for we saw that our crops, our only hope for food for the coming winter, were being destroyed. We prayed to the Lord for deliverance, and our prayers were heard. One morning, the sky was darkened by a great flock of gulls. They came from the direction of the Great Salt Lake, and they settled upon our fields. They were white and beautiful, and they began to eat the crickets. They ate until they were full, then they would disgorge and eat again. They stayed with us until the crickets were destroyed, and our crops were saved. We felt that the Lord had sent them to our rescue, and we thanked Him for His mercy.”

— John R. Young, Memoirs of John R. Young, Utah Pioneer 1847