Every winter, tens of thousands of black-headed gulls from the distant north assemble to form a touching sight in Kunming, known around the world as the ‘Spring City’. The migrating gulls have become a symbol of this famous southwest Chinese metropolis, and the Spring City provides a warm and welcoming home for black-headed gulls.

In Kunming’s Green Lake Park, the statue called “The Old Man and the Seagulls” sits quietly beside the water. The old man is feeding birds with a kindly smile on his face while black-headed seagulls circle above his head.

The statue was erected in honour of Wu Qingheng. After he retired, black-headed seagulls became his biggest concern. Every winter, he spent half of his meagre pension—only 300 yuan —buying food for seagulls. He then walked more than ten kilometres a day just to feed and play with the birds.

The old man passed away years ago, but the seagulls still gather here every winter. And the statue still tells the touching story of the old man and the seagulls.

Like Wu Qingheng, many other people in Kunming also cherish their simple and persistent love of seagulls.

The arrival of black-headed seagulls each year attracts groups of scientific researchers, teachers and forestry, environmental protection and gardening workers. In December 2014, Wu Heqi, a bird expert at the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led his team to carry out thorough scientific research regarding black-headed gulls. The team used satellite tracking technology for the first time and solved a long-standing mystery.

The warm climate in Kunming provides an excellent wintering environment for black-headed seagulls. And the abundant food around Dianchi Lake, coupled with the people of Kunming’s spontaneous feeding ensures that the birds are always well fed. Additionally, the vast wetlands around Dianchi provide a haven free from disturbance for black-headed seagulls.

In early winter every year, Kunming people begin to look forward to the arrival of black-headed seagulls. When the birds finally come, people happily go out to admire and feed the gulls with their friends. In March, people reluctantly bid farewell to the birds and wish for a happy reunion next winter.(Xinhua News Agency)