Since they arrived in the urban area of Kunming in 1985, the black-headed gulls have never ceased their migration and never failed to appear as scheduled. In recent years, the number of black-headed gulls wintering in Kunming has remained stable at around 40,000. The harmonious coexistence between humans and gulls has become a significant urban landscape and a splendid calling card of Kunming. This year, it is expected that the black-headed gulls will start arriving in Kunming in mid-October, and the observation period will commence in November. The Kunming Forestry and Grassland Bureau has already made plans and arrangements to prepare for their arrival.

Regarding the food security of the gulls, the Kunming Forestry and Grassland Bureau has issued a public tender notice, strictly adhering to the local standard for supplemental feed for black-headed gulls, to determine the production enterprises and regulate the sales outlets (stalls) of gull food. The sale of bread, biscuits, dog food, as well as moldy or deteriorated gull feed that does not meet the standards, is prohibited to ensure the gulls' food safety.

In terms of disease surveillance, timely collection of environmental samples such as blood serum, throat swabs, and cloacal swabs from the black-headed gulls will be conducted for COVID-19 infection and avian influenza testing.

Regarding the conservation of black-headed gulls, the Kunming Forestry and Grassland Bureau will organize an adequate number of personnel to conduct regular patrols and inspections, strictly preventing uncivilized feeding and capturing behaviors that could harm the gulls. Violators who hunt or harm the black-headed gulls will be severely punished. Additionally, the Kunming Forestry and Grassland Bureau will make full use of various forms of promotional activities to guide the general public to love and protect the gulls.

The official revealed that this year, Kunming will soon introduce the "Regulations on Civilized Observation of Black-headed Gulls in Kunming," further advocating for the civilized observation and scientific feeding of black-headed gulls, while discouraging unnecessary capture or intentional disturbance that may harm the gulls. (Editors: Rachel, Amy)