Recently, reporters learned from the Dongtai Tiaozini Wetland Scenic Area that the vanguard of the spring migration of the black-headed gull, a national first-class protected animal, has arrived. Over 300 black-headed gulls gathered on the mudflats, appearing half a month earlier than in previous years. This scene serves as a vivid testament to the ongoing ecological improvement of the Tiaozini Wetland.

The black-headed gull is an indicator species for the health of wetland ecosystems and has extremely demanding habitat requirements. It is listed as VU on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and was designated as a first-class nationally protected wild animal in China in 2021. Every year from March to April, black-headed gulls gradually arrive at the Tiaozini Wetland, where they complete their life cycles of courtship, nesting, and incubation. The chicks fledge by the end of June, and the birds then leave in batches with their young in early July.

Data shows that in recent years, over 2,000 nests of black-headed gulls have been built in the Tiaozini Wetland each year, continuing the species' vitality in this dedicated breeding ground.