Bird Watching in Turkey

Turkey is acknowledged to be an ideal destination for bird watching due to its location on an important bird immigration route, its stunning landscape and plentiful marshlands.

Bird observation stations and observation towers have been set up within an number of these Important Bird Areas (IBA). Furthermore, significant passing points on bird immigration routes, seen especially during autumn and spring months, include Istanbul and the Çanakkale Straits, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Adana, Hatay, Gaziantep) and North East Anatolia (Artvin, Rize, Kars). Bird observation has grown in popularity within Turkey during recent years.Total number of bird species within Turkey is equal to the bird species within whole of the Europe.

One of the most important factors that our country is rich in connection with bird species is having plentiful marshes and the other one is it is on the important bird immigration roads. Bird observation stations and observation towers are established within important marshes of our country (Manyas, İzmir, Göksu Deltası etc.), and progresses in connection with ornito-tourism had performed. Important passing points of bird immigrations, seen especially during autumn and spring months within our country, Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits, Eastern Mediterranean (Adana, Hatay, Gaziantep) and North East Anatolia (Artvin, Rize, Kars).

North East Anatolia region has an important potential especially in connection with preying birds. For example, in North East Anatolia, You can only face with Lyrurus mlokeesiewiczi in Georgia and in this region. Especially marshes on the bird immigration roads have important potential in connection with birds. Bird observation (ornithology) is rapidly widespread within Turkey during recent years. Currently "bird observation groups" had been established within various cities. Groups are sharing information and registries related with their performed observations under Internet environment.

Important Bird Areas (OKA) Project

The Important Bird Areas (IBA) project was set up in 1989 by the International Bird Protection Council, in an effect to identify, preserve and monitor particular sites around the world that provide essential habitat for bird populations. The Natural Life Protection Foundation have assumed responsibility for the studies required for the IBA project in Turkey.

The IBA Turkey Project, which began in 1990, aims to determine new IBAs, whilst continuing the observation and protection of the progress of established areas. Activities include campaigns and lobby activities and the establishment of public opinion about the various IBAs in Turkey. Important Bird Areas (OKA) Project

Turkish Bird Research Society

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