9-Day Turkey Birding: Brown Fish Owl, Aladaglar and Sultan Marsh
Search for Brown Fish Owl at Oymapinar and Caspian Snowcock in Aladaglar, linking Mediterranean wetlands with Sultan Marsh and the scrublands near Gaziantep.
About this tour
Oymapinar’s wooded reservoir and the high slopes of Aladaglar form two distinct focal points on this nine-day birding journey. The route begins at Antalya and ends at Gaziantep, crossing from the Mediterranean coast into mountain country before returning to wetlands and dry scrub farther east. April and May are the suggested months, with eight nights divided between hotels and village accommodation.
The first full morning is devoted to a boat search for Brown Fish Owl at Oymapinar. The journey then follows the coast to Tasucu and the Goksu Delta, where reedbeds, open water and muddy margins provide opportunities for waterbirds and migrating waders. A later transfer crosses the Taurus Mountains toward Demirkazik, with a gorge walk possible if arrival time permits.
Aladaglar requires a very early start. A tractor and trailer follows a rough mountain track toward an observation point for Caspian Snowcock, with the altitude reached dependent on snow conditions. Alpine birds may be seen during the outing before the descent and a more substantial meal. The programme then gives time to Sultan Marsh and its surrounding steppe, adding another wetland setting rather than repeating the coastal experience.
From Adana, the route visits Tuzla and Yumurtalik before reaching Gaziantep. The final field day concentrates on the dry oak scrub and rocky slopes near Durnalik and Isikli. Transport between the listed locations, an English-speaking tour leader, shared-room accommodation and specified meals are included. The mountain excursion remains subject to local conditions; species and exact viewing opportunities vary.
Dinner service at the accommodation is normally available until 20:30–21:00. Lunches are packed or taken at local restaurants where available.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Turkey.
Itinerary
Day 1
Antalya arrival and Manavgat
Meet the representative at Antalya airport and transfer to the Manavgat or Side area. An Oymapinar visit may be possible if your arrival leaves sufficient time. Overnight: Manavgat/Side hotel stay. Meals: dinner.
Day 2
Oymapinar owl search and Tasucu
Leave early for the reservoir and take a boat outing to search for Brown Fish Owl. Continue afterward on the longer coastal journey to Tasucu for the night. Overnight: Tasucu hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3
Goksu wetlands to Demirkazik
Start with birding in the Goksu Delta, looking for waterbirds, waders and reedbed species. Later cross the Taurus Mountains toward Demirkazik; an introductory gorge walk is possible with an early enough arrival. Overnight: mountain hut or pension near Demirkazik in Aladaglar. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
Aladaglar snowcock outing
Set out before dawn by tractor and trailer along a rough mountain track, aiming to reach a snowcock observation point at first light. Access starts around 1,500 metres and may reach approximately 3,000 metres depending on snow; take light refreshments before descending for breakfast or lunch. Overnight: mountain hut or pension near Demirkazik in Aladaglar. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5
Mountain birding and Sultan Marsh
Continue exploring Aladaglar until around midday. In the afternoon transfer toward Sultan Marsh and the village accommodation near its wetlands. Overnight: village pension in Ovacikciftlik, near Sultan Marsh. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6
Sultan Marsh and Adana
Bird the reserve and adjoining steppe through the first part of the day, looking for pelicans, ducks and other wetland species. Travel afterward to Adana and settle into the hotel. Overnight: Adana hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7
Tuzla and Yumurtalik lagoons
Break the journey toward Gaziantep with outings around Tuzla and Yumurtalik. Look for kingfishers, waders, terns and reedbed birds before the late-day continuation to the hotel. Overnight: Gaziantep hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8
Durnalik and Isikli scrubland
Search dry oak scrub and rocky terrain near Durnalik and Isikli for wheatears, warblers, buntings and nuthatches. Return to Gaziantep in the late afternoon or early evening. Overnight: Gaziantep hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9
Gaziantep departure
Take breakfast before leaving the city hotel. A transfer to Gaziantep airport completes the programme. Meals: breakfast.
Locations & map
- Antalya - Turkey
- Manavgat - Turkey
- Oymapinar Lake - Turkey
- Tasucu - Turkey
- Goksu Delta - Turkey
- Demirkazik - Turkey
- Aladaglar Mountains - Turkey
- Sultan Marsh - Turkey
- Adana - Turkey
- Tuzla Lagoon - Turkey
- Yumurtalik Lagoon - Turkey
- Gaziantep - Turkey
- Durnalik - Turkey
- Isikli - Turkey
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Included
- Private-vehicle travel between the places in the itinerary
- One arrival transfer and one departure transfer
- English-speaking Demavend tour leader
- Standard hotel or pension rooms shared as a double or twin
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
- Lunches as packed meals or at local restaurants where available
- Entry to Aladaglar National Park
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Extra transport and additional airport transfers
- Site entry charges except those specifically included
- Optional activities
- Meals outside the stated allowance
- Drinks, including bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee
- Personal spending and equipment
- Extra nights, single-room supplements and room upgrades
- Gratuities
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.