Relict Gulls on spring migration

The Relict Gull (Ichthyaetus relictus  遗鸥  Yí ōu) is an East Asian speciality. It is always one of the most anticipated spring migrants in Beijing as flocks, with most birds in striking breeding plumage, make their way from wintering grounds in the Bohai Bay to breeding grounds in N China, Mongolia, Russia and Central Asia.  

Last week I was fortunate to encounter a flock of around 65 on the shores of Guanting Reservoir and they treated me to a spectacular show.  Arriving in the mid-afternoon, they circled and called before settling to rest in a shallow pond, among Pied Avocets and Black-winged Stilts. 

After a few minutes, several flew to an adjacent pond – no more than 50m away from my position – where muddy patches provided feeding opportunities.  Here, a few started to display, throwing back their heads and almost sounding as if they were in pain!

The recording below includes some courtship calls, followed by some flight calls.

It was an exhilarating experience to spend time with these birds at close quarters in perfect conditions as the wind died and the low sun against the mountains providing a stunning backdrop.  Then, at dusk, the whole flock took to the air, calling incessantly as they circled up before heading high northwest.  

One of the birds was wearing a transmitter and, after some inquiries (thanks to Professor Liu Yang), it was revealed that this individual was rescued and rehabilitated in Tianjin this winter and released with a tracking device to establish how it fared and to learn about its movements.  It looked in good condition, was active and left with the main flock to the northeast at dusk, so it looks as if it is back to full health.

One of the Relict Gulls was carrying a transmitter.  Inquiries revealed that it was rescued and released in Tianjin earlier this year.  

It was a special experience to witness these East Asian gulls, albeit briefly, as they make their way to inland breeding grounds.  The encounter inspired me to paint a loose watercolour.  

Relict Gull is a species entirely dependent on the intertidal mudflats of the Yellow Sea, so it is vulnerable to coastal wetland reclamation and pollution.  Thankfully, the most immediate threat of reclamation has been removed thanks to the ban on coastal wetland reclamation issued by the State Council in 2018 and the inscription of some of the most important coastal wetland sites as World Heritage Sites. However, its future is far from secure and will require continued efforts to protect the places it needs, including the wintering grounds in the Yellow Sea, breeding grounds inland and important stopover sites, such as Guanting Reservoir in Beijing.  

Title image: The Relict Gull with the transmitter flew in front of the moon as it left with its flock high to the northwest at dusk.