Bird Watching Around Bodrum

A holiday by Tuzla Lake offers bird watchers a breath-taking bird watching holiday.

Tuzla Lake was designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) in 2001 and the IBA also covers the Gulluk Delta, following the River Akyol into Sleepy Valley, which is now an official National Park.

The waters of Tuzla Lake provide vital nourishment for birds re-fuelling on their long migrations to and from Russia, Scandinavia, parts of Europe and Africa, being rich in fish and algae. Tuzla Lake hosts many rare and protected species of birds and the lake attracts approximately 3,000 Greater Flamingo each year as well large numbers of Grey Heron and numerous species of duck and goose. Even the rare Dalmatian Pelican has been sighted in the area by keen eyed bird watchers and the list continues with the likes of White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, Osprey, Ortolan Bunting, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Red-footed Falcon, Audouin's Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Ruddy Shelduck, Pintail, Curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, White & Black Stork and Bonelli's Eagle.

The varied nature of the lake's surroundings also makes it an important habitat for other birds and 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, the Saker and Lanner Falcon. The area also seems to have a special mild micro-climate resulting in the Booted Eagle and Swallows being spotted in December when they would normally be in Africa. The Cyprus Warbler, rarely seen as far west, is another visitor benefitting from warmer temperatures.

Apart from the plentiful bird life of Tuzla Lake, that numbers thousands of birds from autumn through to late spring, more permanent inhabitants include terrapins, snakes, wild boar, badger, fox and porcupine. All these creatures, that seem to be gradually disappearing from the countryside in general, have thrived so far in Tuzla and the surrounding IBA area.

Our self catering holiday apartments with the nearby Tuzla Lake provide bird watchers with the ideal opportunity to enjoy a bird watching holiday, whilst family and friends enjoy the resort's many holiday facilities.