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BIRD WATCHING
When we consider the
diversity of bird species in Turkey, both migratory and non-migratory,
we can see that Turkey is a unique place for watching birds. There
are two major reasons for this abundance, Turkey's range of
different ecosystems and it's position on bird's migratory routes.
There are 7 distinct geographical
areas in Turkey, each with it's own natural features, ecosystems,
climate and wildlife. These include, arid steppe, deciduous and
coniferous forests, mountains, coastal areas and more. Such richness
offers many opportunities for wild birds and other wildlife of all
kinds.
Many of the birds which migrate
between Europe and Africa each year, choose to fly via Turkey. Some
of these, stay and breed here whilst many more just pass through.
Spring and autumn therefore offer unrivalled opportunities to see
the migrating masses. Even in the great metropolis of Istanbul,
migrating birds can be seen in significant numbers.
Wetlands are the most
important ecosystems, for wild birds, and there are many important
examples in Turkey.
 The
most important is Manyas Kuscenneti, south of the Marmara sea
near the town of Bandırma. This lake, of just 64 hectares, is home
to more species of bird than anywhere else in Turkey. More than 60
species of bird, including various Owls, Ibis, Heron and Ducks breed
here every year.
Located south of the Erciyes
mountain, Sultansazligi is a splendid wetland that includes
marshes, swamps, fresh and saltwater lakes. Included in the species
seen here is a very large colony of greater flamingos.
Among other wetlands of Importance
include Izmir Kuscenneti, a coastal wetland, located on Gediz
Delta. Despite the close by city, this wetland exhibits an enormous
variety of water birds, including breeding colonies of Pelicans and
Greater Flamingoes. The wetlands of Yumurtalik, Akyatan
and Agyatan are also places of extreme importance for
wintering waterfowl in cold winters.
Egirdir and Beysehir
lakes are located to the Northwest of Taurus mountains, part of the
seven lakes region, and are resting points for migratory birds.
Eregli Sazliklari (marshland) on the North of middle Taurus
range, has fresh and salt water ecosystems and of course a variety
of bird species. The lakes of Karamuk, Eber and Aksehir
are freshwater wetlands at the west part of Central Anatolia.
They are the favorite localities of wintering geese. Tuz Gölü,
a saltwater lake and the second largest lake of the country, is a
place to look for Greater Flamingoes, Cranes, Avocets, Geese, Gulls
and other waterbirds.
Rivers
There are a number of
major river systems in Turkey, including the world famous Euphrates
and many lesser known ones. Many of these have deltas including the
Kızılırmak and the Göksu which are very important habitats.
Mountains
Turkey has many
mountain ranges, where the alpine meadows and forested lower slopes
are home to many species of bird. The Kackar mountains in the
North East of the country are particularly interesting, with many
endemic wildflower species, as well as many woodland and alpine bird
species.
Many of the mountains are extensively
forested, especially those in the black sea region. One forest of
particular importance is located at Soğuksu National park, close to
the capital Ankara. Another is the large Olympos national park near
Antalya, an extensive pine forest that extends from the mountains
down to the sea.
Sea Shores
Turkey has over 8000
km of coastline, covering sandy beaches, cliffs, salt marshes and
more. These coastline are home to many species of sea bird,
including many species of gull, cormorants and waders of all kinds.
Despite encroachment by tourist industry development, you can still
find many areas where birds outnumber sunburned tourists.
Spring Time
Thankfully, spring,
the best time to see Turkey's birds, is also outside of peak holiday
season, and therefore cheaper and less hassle. Spring is also the
time to experience the best weather, before the real hot summer
sunshine, makes activity seem less appealing.
Very soon, millions of birds will make
their way across the sea from Africa, and for a few short months,
add their numbers to those birds already here. Courtship, nesting
and hatching will fill the air with birdsong. Those of us who get to
sneak a peak at this natural wonder, will consider ourselves lucky
indeed. |
