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.
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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.
Sleepy Valley |
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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.
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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.
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Photo
- Glossy Ibis at Distance - Photograph by Paul Bartho
Click
on Photo to Enlarge
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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.
Text by Kim Gould |
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