When the temperature in the "Spring City" drops, a subtle anticipation stirs within Kunming residents. Since that winter of 1985, large flocks of black-headed gulls, dwelling in the distant north, have gradually arrived in warm Kunming. They reside and forage here, only reluctantly departing in March of the following year. This cycle has repeated for a full forty years. Through forty years of steadfast devotion, we and the black-headed gulls have journeyed from "new friends" at our first encounter to becoming each other's "old companions."

"A great event has happened in Kunming City / The black-headed gulls have returned / They are everywhere / Let's go see the black-headed gulls / The sky is filled with them flying..." the famous writer and poet Yu Jian wrote in his "Black-headed Gull Collection." These few lines vividly convey the special feelings Kunming residents have for the black-headed gulls:

It's not a "small matter," but a "big event."

They haven't just "arrived," they have "returned."

It's not "in a few spots," but "everywhere."

Every winter, when the black-headed gulls return, they fly all over Kunming.

For the people of Kunming,

this is a major event that has been recounted for forty years.

A Life Journey Crossing Generations

Black-headed gulls typically reach their first breeding age between 2-4 years old and then participate in migration annually. Scientific observations show that as migratory birds with a lifespan of 20-32 years, they still undertake long-distance migrations seasonally, even in their later stages of life (around 15 years and beyond). This means that the gull population we see today could represent 10 or even 20 generations present concurrently.

A Beautiful Coincidence Forged a Forty-Year Pact

The black-headed gulls' choice of Kunming was not accidental. In 1985, the first group of black-headed gulls arrived in Kunming as a result of seeking refuge from the cold air in southern China. Initially wary of humans, they found an ideal wintering ground in Kunming, which boasts warm climate, vast waters of Dianchi Lake, and abundant food provided by enthusiastic citizens.

Birds have extremely stringent requirements for habitats, especially migratory birds. The black-headed gulls have returned year after year, with their numbers growing from an initial few thousand to a stable nearly 40,000 today. This is a testament to Kunming's continuously improving ecological environment and offers the most compelling proof of "Blue Kunming," "Clear Dianchi," and "Green Spring City."

Guardianship is a Two-Way Journey

The forty-year "Spring City Pact" is not simply a matter of feeding and watching, but a deeper symbiotic relationship.

On December 12, 1985, the People's Government of Kunming Municipality issued a notice to protect black-headed gulls, requiring all citizens to foster a good social trend of loving and protecting birds.

In January 1986, the People's Government of Yunnan Province allocated 30,000 yuan as funds for the protection of black-headed gulls, and the Kunming environmental protection department set up feeding stations. The Black-headed Gull Research Group at Yunnan University began banding research on the gulls.

On November 1, 2023, the "Regulations on Civilized Observation of Black-headed Gulls in Kunming City" were implemented, providing a legal basis for protection efforts.

Today, Kunming also utilizes technologies such as AI intelligent bird observation systems and voiceprint recognition to scientifically research the migration behavior and patterns of black-headed gulls, making protection efforts more precise and efficient.

This protection model, led by the government, driven by scholars, and participated in by the general public—from experts to ordinary citizens and tourists—has built a unique humanistic environment, allowing the black-headed gulls to feel safe and welcome.

Ecological Answer Sheet: The Best Proof of Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains

In the forty years since the black-headed gulls first overwintered in Kunming, the city's efforts in ecological civilization construction have intensified, and its environment has become increasingly beautiful.

Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," over 62,900 mu of ecological belts have been built along the shores of Dianchi Lake. The variety of plants in these ecological belts has increased to 303 species, bird species to 175, and fish species have recovered to 26. Biodiversity has significantly improved, providing richer food sources and a safer habitat for the black-headed gulls.

The encounter between the black-headed gulls and Kunming has long transcended a seasonal migration of a bird species; it has evolved into an ecological tale that has spanned forty years and represents a mutual journey.