Tuzla Lake - A bird-watchers paradise
| {mosgoogle} | Bodrum on the south western coastline of Turkey, is best known as a busy holiday resort and yachting centre. Most visitors spend their time on beaches, in restaurants, bars and discos or cruising from bay to bay. They leave never realizing that just off the 30 km road between Bodrum and Milas-Bodrum airport is an area of extreme importance for at least 220 different species of resident, wintering and migrating birds. The build-up of tourism over the last 25 years and the encroaching hotels and resorts would never lead you to imagine that such a place could exist, but a paradise it still is, though for how much longer is of considerable concern to bird and wildlife protection groups. Designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) in 2001, Tuzla Lake, dissected by a causeway, is host to many rare and protected species of birds. |
Sleepy Valley, Gulluk, Turkey | The IBA also covers the Gulluk Delta leading up to the Hamza Valley and following the River Akyol into Uyku Vadisi or Sleepy Valley. The Sleepy Valley is a natural preservation area among steep rocks, a forest of rich fauna and the Hamzabey river. The reason why it is so called is that you feel sleepy because of the extremely fresh and clean air of the region. There are nice walking routes, rocks availble for rock climbing and a trout farm around the valley.There's also a very interesting cave with a long passage. This valley is now an official National Park. Gulluk Delta Surface Area : 1400 Altitude: Sea level Protection: N/A Bird Species: The lake hosts a huge number of wintering water birds (max. 47.654), including cormorant karabatak (max.1525), pygmy cormorant küçük karabatak (max. 40), Red-crested pochard - Macar ördegi(max.528) and coot sakarmeke (max. 34.120). Main Characteristics: coastal lagoons, swamp |
The brackish waters of Tuzla Lake, less than a metre deep, provide vital nourishment for birds re-fuelling on their long journey to and from Russia, Scandinavia, parts of Europe and Africa. It is rich in fish, algae and tiny creatures and fed by three fresh water streams. The lake attracts 3000 Greater Flamingo alone each year; a spectacular sight, especially when a flock takes off, showing beautiful pink and black wings. There are also large numbers of Grey Heron (sometimes over 400), Egret, and numerous species of duck and goose. Although rare, 45 Dalmatian Pelican have been sighted here, as well as White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, and Osprey.
The varied nature of the lake's surroundings also makes it an important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Mud flats are alive with waders, including the rare Terek Sandpiper. Farmland, forest and hedgerows attract even more rarities such as the Booted Eagle and the Saker and Lanner Falcon. The area also seems to have a special mild micro-climate so that the Booted Eagle and Swallows have been spotted in December when they should be in Africa. The Cyprus Warbler, rarely seen this far west, is another visitor benefitting from warmer temperatures.
Booted Eagle | Rare Terek Sandpiper |
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Apart from the myriad bird life of Tuzla Lake, numbering thousands and thousands in winter, more permanent inhabitants include terrapins, snakes, wild boar, badger, fox and porcupine. All these creatures, which seem to be gradually disappearing from the countryside in general, have thrived so far in Tuzla and the surrounding IBA area. Accomodation on Lake Tusla: Looking for quality accomodation on Tuzla Lake? The FCC Owners Group has over 100 top quality properties available for rent across the migratory season of late September to April. Situated just a few hundred metres from this major bird-watchers paradise, Flamingo Country Club combines top quality accommodation, a fabulous range of facilities and some of the best bird-watching in the world. For more information call 01803 292050 or simply click here to check room availability, send us a booking request or to ask for more information. | ||
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