TURKEY - a report from a birdwatching trip to Central ... - Netfugl.dk

2007: Most 14.5 6 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 16.5 17 Sultan Sazligi – 18.5 12 Erzinzan-Altunkent –
19.5 8 Ardahan -20.5 6 Saz Gölü – 21.5 6 Bulanik – 22.5 4 Idil.
19. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Purpurhejre
More common than Grey Heron, with frequent observations in extensive wetlands, especially with
large reed beds.
2005: Most 14.5 10 Akgöl, Göksu Delta.
2006: Most 14.5 11 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 17.5 10 Sultan Sazligi. Only singletons in the east, apart
from 22-23.5 daily max. 3 South Van Marshes, Van.
2007: Most 14.5 45 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 16.5 11 Sultan Sazligi – 16.5 8 Ovaciftlik – 20.5 4 Saz
Gölü – 21.5 4 Caldiran Marshes.
2-5000 pairs breeds in Turkey. Breeds in freshwater lakes with extensive reed beeds.
The general "anorectic" shape of the species and the general darkness was most striking at distance
- especially the spike-like bill, the extremely slender body and deep "throat patch", which somewhat
reminded us of the gular parts of Marabou Stork in flight were eye catching. The spread toes, often
cited as a good character, were observed on a couple of occasions (but usually after the legs have
proven to be yellow) - it was however rarely a main suspicion character.
20. White Stork Ciconia ciconia Hvid Stork
Rather common in agricultural landscape, with nests noted locally in small colonies.
2005: Most at Göksu Delta: 15 on 15.5 and 20 on 24.5, on pylons between Nigde and Sultan
Marshes, and on almost any pylon between Batman and Diyarbakir 21.5. 22.5 a flock of 32
migrating north Birezik.
2006: Widespread, but rather local. Most 15.5 20 Karaman-Eregli.
2007: Widespread, most 14.5 16 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 15.5 26 Göksu Delta (incl. several nesting)
– 20.5 6 Saz Gölü – 21.5 10 Bulanik – 22.5 40 Baykan-Batman.
Breeds scattered throughout the country and seen with nests several sites, often in loose colonies.
Total Turkish breeding population 15.000-35.000 pairs (Tucker & Heath 1994).
Massive migration pass Turkey spring and autumn. In autumn 1972, 339.000 counted Bosphorus
(Cramp & Simmons 1977)), heading for the Levant via south Mediterranean coast, with massive
migration around Adana (Toprakalle, Belen pass) - the same route used by raptors. Further to the
south, max. 300.000 (maybe up to 500.000) may pass per autumn at Israeli count sites, peaking late
Aug-early Sept. with day count up to 70.000. Spring counts much the same, with peak late March. It
should be possible to observe this massive migration in the Adana area.
21. Black Stork Ciconia nigra Sort Stork
2005: 17.5 1 2 cal year migrating Hopa.
2006: 17.5 8 Sultan Sazligi - 19.5 1 2nd cal. year migrating Kalkandere.
2007: 16.5 6 (of which 3 2 nd cal. year) Sultan Sazligi – 17.5 4 Cöl Cölu – 19.5 1 migrating Hopa.
Turkey forms the southwesternmost breeding range.500-2000 pairs breeds in Turkey, especially in
C and N parts. Prefers large moist, mixed forest near water, such as rivers and streams