On March 4, reporters learned from the Kunming Bird Association that as temperatures rise in March, the black-headed gulls wintering in Kunming have begun molting into their summer plumage, marking the start of their northward migration. Kunming citizens now only have roughly one month left to observe the gulls in the city.

Reporter's Observations: Gull numbers declining at Daguan Park

On the morning of March 4, reporters visited Kunming's Daguan Park. At Jinhua Pu, crowds of tourists were seen feeding the gulls, tossing food into the air as the birds swooped down to catch it, creating a lively scene of interaction.

A tourist from Sichuan remarked, "I've long heard that Kunming is famous for its gulls. As soon as I arrived, I made sure to visit Daguan Park to see them. They're so unafraid of people—almost like domesticated birds."

Reporters noticed that the number of gulls is only about a few hundred, a noticeable drop from January's numbers. Many of them appeared less eager to feed, seeming "lethargic" compared to earlier in the season.

Fan Yitao, head of security at Daguan Park, explained, "The gulls arrived in November, with daily counts ranging from 2,000 to 4,000. Their recent decline marks the start of migration. Some have already developed black heads—a sign they'll soon depart for breeding grounds. We've increased feedings of small fish and shrimp to support them for the journey. We look forward to welcoming them back at the end of the year."

A local resident shared, "As March begins and the gulls prepare to leave, I like to feed them one last time. This is how I say goodbye to them every year."

Expert: Gulls'"wedding plumage" signals breeding season

"By March, observers will notice some gulls' heads turning black—what experts poetically call 'donning black wedding attire,' as they return north to mate and nest," said Wang Zhibin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Kunming Bird Association. The black breeding plumage, or "summer attire," indicates sexual maturity. Currently, about one-third of the gulls have transitioned to this phase.

Black-headed gulls usually depart Kunming between mid-March and April for Siberia's breeding grounds. After nesting, they return to Kunming around September or October, shedding their summer plumage for white winter feathers. At that time, the vanguard of the migration will have already left, with only a few hundred non-migratory, elderly, or infirm gulls remaining at Dianchi Lake by April.

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(Editors: Simon, Amy)