Description
The Kizil Irmak River (Red River) is a long Turkish river that flows 1150 km from the Central Anatolian Plateau to the Black Sea. 14 kilometres from the town of Göreme in Cappadocia you can find a beautiful birdingplace on the Kizil Irmak. Where the river branches off in a bend, there is a small peninsula, some sandbanks and small lakes. Here it is teeming with birds. From Cetti's Warbler to Penduline Tit, from Ruddy Shelduck to European Turtle-Dove. But also Great Reed Warbler and Reed Warbler, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little Grebe and Purple Heron. You can also find the Great Spotted Cuckoo and if you are very lucky European Roller here. No birders in sight, because this place is hardly known.
Details
Access
Park along the road. In the first bushes you encounter in front of the water you will find countless Cetti's Warbler. They show themselves here like they never do in western Europe. This is also the place where you can see Penduline Tit. After you pass the bushes walk on to the peninsula and explore the riverside and pools.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes, Wetland, River, Mud flats, ReedbedsConditions
Flat, Rocky, Sandy, Swampy, Open landscape, High water possibleCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring, Summer, AutumnBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide path, Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Please note: this is an area where many sheep herds and goat herds roam. These herds in Turkey are often guarded by large dogs that must protect the herds against wolves. Therefore always keep your distance from the herds, and don't enter the peninsula if there is a sheep herd on the spot, because these dogs are pretty terrifying.