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Black-headed gulls, the most commonly-sighted seagulls in Yangzhou during winter and early spring, arrived in large flocks along the Runyang River on Feb 16.
They can be seen playfully frolicking over the river or foraging in neighboring fields and fish ponds, creating a delightful scene.
A flock of black-headed gulls glide over the Runyang River in Yangzhou. [Photo/yznews.cn]
The Runyang River, linking the Yiyang River in the north and the Yangtze River in the south, features diverse vegetation such as willows, osmanthus, and phoenix trees. Its basin supports extensive aquatic vegetable cultivation and fish farming. Consequently, it has become a popular wintering habitat or migration stopover for numerous migratory birds.
Black-headed gulls take to the water. [Photo/yznews.cn]
In addition to the Runyang River, these seasonal visitors have also been observed in many other locations in Yangzhou, such as Gaoyou Lake, Shaobo Lake, and the Grand Canal.
Black-headed gulls stand in the water. [Photo/yznews.cn]
To keep the black-headed gulls coming back, proactive human engagement, such as seasonal feeding, is essential and requires timely initiation and long-term commitment.
