On Tuesday, a loon statue that was transported in pieces on a dozen trucks from California to St. Paul was assembled near Allianz Field at Snelling and University avenues.

The fully assembled bird, the mascot of the Minnesota United soccer team, measures some 35 feet high, with a wingspan of 88 feet. “The Calling” was commissioned by United owner Bill McGuire and the McGuire Family Foundation to form the centerpiece of a new sculpture park in United Village, the future development around Allianz Field.

It was sculpted by Los Angeles-based Scottish artist Andy Scott, who is known for creating oversize steel and bronze horses. Check out his work online, including what he has to say about the loon, at instagram.com/andyscott.sculptures/ and andyscottsculptor.com.

— John Autey and Frederick Melo