For people who live in Kunming, this winter may have arrived early. Along with the cold weather, our old friends have been returned to Kunming—the black-headed gulls.

     This is a small gull that breeds in colonies in large reed beds or marshes, or on islands in lakes, nesting on the ground. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts.

  Tens of thousands of black-headed gulls fly to Kunming from Siberia for warmer weather in winter every year since 1985. Most of them usually come back to Kunming by November and they will stay at the places with rivers and lakes such as Daguan Park, Haigeng Dam and Cuihu Lake till the following March.

   Same as this year, the black-headed gulls arrived in Kunming in the middle of October. To date, you will be able to see them fly in doves in the air and floating in the water everywhere if you go to the park. This will be the 36th consecutive year since they first being spotted in the city. According to statistics, there will be more than 40,000 black-headed gulls that arrive in Kunming every year, and the numbers are still rising.

    Up to a point, the reasons why tens of thousands of black-headed gulls were choosing to migrate here are obvious. In recent years, wetlands have been built with huge investments such as returning farmlands and houses. The improved water quality of Dianchi lake has also provided an adequate supply of food for black-headed gulls. The successful implementation of these measures will offer these seagulls a comfortable living environment in winter. 

     Beyond that, special circulars were issued to protect black-headed gulls; special funds were allocated to produce gulls’ food and special gulls festivals were held every year to guide people to protect the black-headed gulls. Anyone who injured gulls will get severe punishment as well.

   In addition, every park has been offered special seagull food. People could buy it and feed the gulls in the parks, and you will see that many people are very happy to see and feed them if you go on weekends. This beautiful wildlife brought us a very unique experience, and also became a part of mainstream culture in cities. 

    As the weather warms up in Kunming, thousands of black-headed gulls will back to Siberia gradually. It’s time to go to parks, to enjoy your time with the gulls before they leave.

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