A recent spring survey at the Hequ Horse Farm Wetland in Maqu county, Gansu province, recorded a rare and encouraging sight of dozens of brown-headed gulls, observed in the area for the first time.

Around Re'erqin Lake, the gulls rested and foraged across open waters, their white plumage and red beaks and legs setting them apart from their surroundings. The species is known for changing the color of its head to a milk-chocolate brown during mating season.

A nationally protected species, brown-headed gulls favor high-altitude wetlands with clean water, abundant food, and minimal disturbance. As an indicator species, their presence reflects ecosystem health.

Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, the Maqu wetland is a vital ecological barrier and a key stopover along international migratory routes. Each spring and autumn, black-necked cranes, grey herons, egrets, and other birds gather here to rest, feed, and breed.

Local authorities say recent conservation efforts, including wetland restoration, controlled grazing, and stricter management of human activity, have improved vegetation and water quality.