Saunders's gulls brighten Xiamen coastline ahead of April migration

陈小将

Recently, flocks of Saunders's gulls, a first-class protected bird species in China, have been spotted frolicking in the waves off Xiamen's Qixing Reef coastline in Fujian province. [Photo by Chen Bo/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Recently, flocks of Saunders's gulls, a first-class protected bird species in China, have been spotted frolicking in the waves off Xiamen's Qixing Reef coastline in Fujian province.

These birds have traded their white winter feathers for sleek jet-black heads, sporting a "black hood" that lends them an endearingly quirky appearance.

"Saunders's gulls were first discovered and scientifically documented in Xiamen back in 1871," said Ke Yukun, a member of the Xiamen Birdwatching Society. Approximately 200 such birds have overwintered in the area this year, often gathering in lively groups to forage and play along the shore during low tide.

According to the Xiamen Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning, the flocks will depart Xiamen in April to embark on their migratory journey, returning to the city's coastal habitats once again in November.