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

22. Bald Ibis Geronicus eremita Eremitibis
2005: 21.5 51+ Birezik.
2006: At Birezik: 24.5 3 Birezik – 25-26.5 1 with nest 1.5 km. north of the bridge - 25-26.5 8 “Ibis
Wadi” (of which 3 pairs with youngs) – 31 in flock afternoon north of the bridge.
2007: At Birezik 24.5 1 Gravel Pits – 25.5 6 cliffs N of the bridge – 25.5 13 Ibis Wadi, Birezik (at
least 2 pairs with pulli) – 25.5 51 Birezik (feeding on fields in the southern edge of the town) – 26.5
3 Gravel pits, Birezik
The original wild population became extinct by 1989. Decrease was caused by construction of the
bridge crossing River Euphrates in the 1950ies, which lead to town enlargement, but also heavy use
of pesticids. Formerly celebrated by local ferrymen (but not after bridge construction), and still a
hallmark of the town of Birezik.
The population, kept in half-captivity in Birezik is easily observed. 70-80 birds exist. In 2005 we
saw 18 on the cliffs 1 km. north of Birezik bridge on the east side of River Euphrates, 17 (including
nest with young) in the "Ibis Wadi" and 33 feeding in a plantation some km south of Birezik. In
2006 3 breeding pairs in the Ibis Wadi. A unique experience with an enigmatic, prehistorical beast!
A small breeding population have recently been found at Palmyra in Northern Syria. The only
other breeding areas are Morocco, with a recent spread into Southwestern Andalusia in Spain.
23. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Sort Ibis
2005: 13.5 12 Akgöl, Göksu Delta - 15.5 8 Sultan Saglizi - 19.5 1 Erzek Gölu.
2006: 17.5 2 Sivas – 17.5 1 Sivas-Kizildag Gecedi – 19.5 22 migrating S, eventually N Kalkandere.
2007: 14.5 23 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 17.5 2 Sivas – 20.5 1 Saz Gölü.
24. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Skestork
2005: 13.5 8 Akgöl, Göksu Delta.
2006: 17.5 1 Sultan Sazligi.
2007: 14.5 5 Akgöl, Göksu Delta.
25. Great Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Flamingo
2005: 24.5 78 Tuzla Gölü, mainly immatures.
2006: 14.5 26 Göksu Delta – 17.5 13 Sultan Sazligi.
2007: 17.5 20 Cöl Gölü – 17.5 8 Tuzla Gölu – 26.5 425 Tuzla Gölü S of Adana.
12-18.000 pairs breeds in Turkey, which holds 6 of 10 of the most important WP European
breeding areas for the species, most at Tuz Gölü (14.000 pairs), Seife Gölü (2000 pairs; max.
30.000 observed) and Kulu Gölü (max. 3000 in summer) (Tucker & Heath 1994, Green &
Moorhouse 1995). In autumn, max. 59.150 have been observed at Sultan Sazligi (Magnin & Yarar
1997). Groups of several hundreds frequently observed in Van Area and Erzek Gölü probably
comes from Iran. Breeds in locally very dense colonies in saline habitats.
26. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Sangsvane
2007: 14.5 1 ad. Akgöl, Göksu Delta.
Rare winter visitor, mainly to western part of Turkey.
27. Greylag Goose Anser anser Grågås
2006: 21.5 2 Ardahan.
Only known to breeds in E and C Turkey.