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Euphrat Dam and River Valley

Erzincan  >  Turkey

Small lake with reedbeds where the Euphrat River is dammed. Upstream of this wetland follows a grazed riparian forest and gravel steppe with tamarix shrubs.

Geplaatst* door Michael B
Meest recente update 7 december 2025

Beschrijving

Very diverse habitats along the Euphrates. This area starts at the dam and the lake with surrounding reedbeds which host a number of typical wetland species. The grazed open riparian forest upstream of the lake qualifies as tall and old-growth compared to the otherwise hardly forested region. Further upstream along the Euphrat the forest turns to shrubland and gravel steppe with scattered tamarix shrub. The river itself has formed several arms and islands. The different habitats are accessible on foot from different stops along the dirtroad that runs along the southern side of the river.

Kwak are always present downstream of the dam. The reedbeds around the lake apparently host a small colony of Purperreiger, plenty of warblers and Waterral. Further upstream, the forest holds a number of raptors, songbirds, woodpeckers and owls, as well as Maskerklauwier. The gravel steppe and tamarix scrub further upstream may be the most interesting area for many birders. Kleine Kortteenleeuwerik are fairly common here, and there are also some Ménétriés' Zwartkop and Rosse Waaierstaart - all three species are otherwise uncommon in the province and for Ménétriés' Zwartkop this might actually be the northwesternmost spot in Türkiye. Other common species in the steppe and shrubland are Oostelijke Vale Spotvogel, various shrikes and buntings and Duinpieper. Along the river bank and on the islands in the river you will usually find Armeense Meeuw, Scholekster, Visdief, Oeverloper, Witgat, Oeverzwaluw and Kleine Plevier (bring a scope).

Details

Toegang

The Euphrat Dam is easily accessible, located along the main road from Erzincan to Erzurum (D100). Turn south at a roundabout toward the Caglayan Selale (a brown sightseeing sign), located approx. 27 km east from Erzincan Center or 14 km west of the juction to Tunceli. Press a P on the map for directions.

There are possible birdwatching spots before and after the bridge to look over the reeds and water, but be aware that there might be a Jandarma checkpoint at the southern end (no birdwatching if police is there, but the checkpoint is not always occupied). There is a dirt road that runs along the southern side of the river valley for approximately 8 km. Stop at suitable places and explore the forest, shrublands, gravel steppe by foot. You will have to drive the same way back to the main highway, or continue to Caglayan or to Erzincan via Caglayan.

Terrein en leefgebied

Bos , Wetland , Vlakte , Steppe , Rivier , Rietvelden , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Dal

Omstandigheden

Nat , Droog , Vlak , Geen schaduw

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Nee

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Lente , Zomer , Herfst

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Lente

Route

Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemiddeld

Toegankelijk via

Auto , Te voet

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

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