Thousands of unusual birds flock to rice fields in Ha Tinh

Thousands of birds with white plumage and grey-tipped tails have been spotted gathering on harvested rice fields in Ha Tinh Province, attracting widespread attention from local residents and wildlife officials.

Over the past two days, residents of Phuc Dien Village in Thach Xuan Commune have reported unusually large flocks of birds descending on recently harvested fields.

Observers said the birds could be seen soaring overhead before circling and landing in large groups to forage for food. Their striking white feathers and grey markings have drawn crowds of residents eager to watch and photograph the phenomenon.

According to local people, the birds spend much of their time searching for insects, worms and other small organisms in the harvested paddies.

A representative of the Ha Tinh Forest Protection Department said the birds may belong to a small gull species. Gulls typically inhabit coastal areas, feed on a wide range of food sources and often migrate in large flocks in search of feeding grounds.

Officials noted that sightings of large gull flocks on inland rice fields in Ha Tinh are relatively rare.

Leaders of Thach Xuan Commune said this was the first time local authorities had recorded a flock resembling gulls in such numbers. In previous years, rice fields in the area were more commonly visited by flocks of egrets and herons during the harvest season.

Local authorities have instructed relevant agencies, village administrations and forest rangers to strengthen public awareness campaigns and strictly prohibit the illegal hunting, trapping or trading of wild birds.

Patrol teams have also been conducting regular inspections, confiscating and destroying bird-trapping equipment in an effort to protect local wildlife.