Hundreds of red-billed gulls spend winter in Chongqing

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Some 400 red-billed gulls have made southwest China's Chongqing Municipality their home during the winter.

On the Changjiang River, hundreds of red-billed gulls either hover in the sky, or rest in the rippling water, or preen their feathers on the stone fence along the river bank. Their tweeting can be heard from a long distance.

A red-billed gull in flight. /VCG Photo

The enchanting sight attracts many tourists and photographers from across the globe.

"It's good. The scenery is good. We come to see the sights on the river, and red-billed gulls flying back and forth. All of this gives us a feeling of lightness, grace, and comfort," said a resident.

A red-billed gull. /VCG Photo

Before 2004, red-billed gulls appeared almost every winter in Chongqing. From then on until last year, it became a rare sight to spot a flock.

Experts explain that the impoundment of the Three Gorges has been beneficial to the survival of these birds, with newly flooded areas forming a shallow water region, therefore making it easier for the gulls to find food.

After battling pollution for years and relentless efforts in restoring local ecology and environment, experts have finally succeeded in wooing wild birds during the winter season.

An aerial view of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. / VCG Photo

"Years ago there were only 20 birds. Last year, we got 200 and this year, we have 400 already. In the morning as soon as I set up my stand the birds fly in. They usually get back by five in the evening. I prepare fried fish for them. I'm also responsible for keeping an eye on them, for fear of anyone hurting them. I will take good care of them," said Qin Daxing, a red-billed gull keeper.

A red-billed gull feeding its chick. /VCG Photo

The red-billed gull is a fairly small gull with an all red-bill, red legs and feet, and red eye rings. A large number of red-bill gulls can be seen in coastal areas and lakes around the world. They mainly feed on fish, shrimps, insects, aquatic plants and food scraps discarded by humans.

A red-billed gull photographed in New Zealand. /VCG Photo

Red-billed gulls are mainly winter migrants in China. They fly to the northeast of China in March and April and then, they migrate to the south in September and October.

A red-billed gull. /VCG Photo

It's classified as "least concern" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.