Vultures of Northern Turkey
(Tour 1)

In north-western Anatolia rare vulture and raptor species can be observed very well. The numerous landscapes – steppes, forests, bizarre rock mountains and wetlands – is the reason for the biodiversity. On our round trip, planned with years of birding experience in these locations, we visit natural forest and wetland areas as well as remote villages. The Bosporus is the most important migration route for birds in Europe and the raptor and stork migration is famous all over the world. The headland between the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea is crossed by all Black and White Storks as well as Eastern Europe’s raptors that rely on thermal lift (‘diurnal migrators’).

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Dates

1. Sat., 30. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 07. Sep. 2008
2. Sat., 29. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 06. Sep. 2009

Price includes

• Flights from London, Manchester and Dublin (Destinations of Turkish Airlines)
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• Airport transfers
• All transport during trip
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Full board (picnic lunch)
• Birding guide
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 – 18 persons

Travel guide

Jürgen-Wolfgang Berg

Weather conditions

Early autumn showers possible (15 – 28 °C).

Level of difficulty

Slow walking with many observations from one spot.

Note

- The tour comprises two parts (8 and 9 days) that can be booked separately or combined with the tour „Migration on the Bosporus“.
- Admission fees not included in tour price

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Flight to Istanbul

Transfer to hotel in Istanbu. An opportunity for an evening visit to down town.

Day 2

Çamlica, Lake Iznik

Observation of bird migration at Çamlica Hill at the Bosporus where the main migrating flock sometimes passes by. First you can see the actively migrating species and then the ones relying on thermal lift. Drive to the silted area of the Gulf of Izmit (waders) and to Lake Iznik. Hotel in Iznik.

Day 3

Bilecik, Rock Mountains, Sakarya Valley

Observing of Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture and Eurasian Griffon Vulture near Bilecik. Drive in an eastward direction through a bizarre rock valley into the wetland and to the reservoirs of Sakarya River. Hotel in Beypazari where many silversmiths still carry on their trade.

Day 4

Kızılcahamam

To Soğuksu National Park via side roads. Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture and Eurasian Griffon Vulture at the river. Hotel in Kızılcahamam (hot springs).

Day 5

Walking-tour in National Park

A well-maintained road, miles long, leads up to the summit areas of the park. In the lower areas European Black Pine dominate, in the upper areas Bornmueller's Fir. We can see Cinereous Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Rock Bunting and Krüper's Nuthatch. Hotel in Kızılcahamam.

Day 6

Forest steppe, ‘Crane Lake’

Observation in the area covered with fruit trees and single European Black Pine (Eastern Imperial Eagle). Drive to Lake Yenicaga (breeding area of Common Crane, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Pygmy Cormorant). Hotel in Bolu.

Day 7

Small Çamlıca Hill, Istanbul

We will be at the observation area at 11 a.m. – the best time to observe the raptor migration. Those who want to can visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul today. Hotel in Istanbul.

Day 8

Büyük Çekmece

Observation on the southern shore of Buyukcekmece Lake close to a Roman bridge (Sandwich Tern, Little Gull). Field trip at the shallow silted areas of the northern lakeshore (Red-footed Falcon, migration of small birds). Hotel in Istanbul.

Day 9

Departure

Transfer Istanbul airport. Return flight.