File photo: Visitors come to Yuantouzhu for red-billed gulls. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

The first red-billed gulls of the season have arrived at Taihu Lake in Wuxi, marking the start of the city's annual winter birdwatching season.

The gulls, nicknamed "water pigeons", are protected wildlife in China. Every winter, they migrate south from regions including Siberia to spend the colder months around Taihu Lake, where they remain until March before heading north as temperatures rise.

File photo: Visitors come to Yuantouzhu for red-billed gulls. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

Staff at Yuantouzhu Scenic Area expect the number of gulls to increase in the coming days as colder air moves south. At their peak, the flocks could exceed 10,000 birds, filling the lake with their flight. Years of environmental protection have helped maintain good water quality and abundant food supplies, making the area an ideal winter habitat.

Meanwhile, another seasonal visitor has already made its appearance. More than 100 mandarin ducks have shown up at Taihu Fairy Island, where they can be seen gathering in pairs on the water and along the shoreline. Smaller groups have also been spotted near Bogong Island.

Mandarin ducks at Yuantouzhu. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

The colorful waterfowl typically arrive in mid-October and stay in Wuxi's Binhu district until mid-April. Their presence is considered a sign of a healthy natural environment, as they rely on clean water, suitable habitats and good ecological conditions.

With both species returning for the season, Taihu Lake is once again becoming a haven for winter wildlife and nature lovers.