Ornitour Cilicia / Goksu Delta

Purple Swamphen and Pied Kingfisher

The great bird migration route between the Nile Delta and Minor Asia passes across the alluvium of the Goksu Delta at the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Marbled Duck, Bean Goose, Great Bustard and Greater Spotted Eagle spend the winter here. Pied Kingfisher and White- throated Kingfisher have their habitat at the Goksu River. The river delta is the only place in Turkey where Purple Swamphens breed. Rare eastern species like the Great Sand Plover can often be seen. The old Cilicia at the slopes of the Taurus Mountains is also historically interesting. Our beach hotel is situated in a small bay near Taşucu opposite a small island. Within the proximity of the hotel observations possible in the maquis, the pinewood, and on the beach.

Day 1

Arrival

Transfer to our Guesthouse Cilicia where we will stay for 14 nights. Swimming in the shallow sea possible from end of March to early December. The bluff to the west of the guesthouse is a good spot for snorkling.

Day 2

Delta, western Akgol Lagoon

Field trip through the dune landscape between beach and lagoon with reeded marshes and silting areas (Graceful Warbler, Black Partridge, Purple Swamphen). Beginning of March small population of Great White Pelicans.

Day 3

Tarsus Delta and Seyhan Delta

In the Tarsus Delta and the estuary of the Seyhan river we can find White-throated Kingfisher, Penduline Tit and Graceful Warbler. In Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul, on may visit the Roman Cleopatra’s Gate.

Day 4

Goksu Delta, Paradeniz Lake

Observations of waders and various ducks (Marbled Duck and others) at the Paradeniz Lake, a salt water lagoon. Continue on the dam path through the marshy alluvium.

Day 5

Taurus Mountains, Uzuncaburç, Olba

On the steep rock face of the Goksu Valley Griffon Vultures can be seen and Krueper‘s Nuthatch in the pinewood. Visit to the Teucrid temples and the Zeus Temple of Diocaesarea. Descent down an ancient cobble-stoned path, through rock tombs and a bizarre karstic landscape, to the Olba ruins. Peregrine Falcon, Fisch`s Wheatear and Red-fronted Serin are typical for this area.

Day 6

Goksu Delta, Akgöl Dunes

Drive along the coast to the south-eastern end of the Akgöl Lagoon. Observation around the Goksu River estuary.

Day 7

Cennet ve Cehennem, Taurus

Descent into one of the two big collapsed dolines `Heaven and Hell´. Inside the grotto roaring of an underground river. In winter, Wallcreepers can be found at the rocks. Walking-tour to a Yuruk village. The dromedaries of these seminomadic tribes can often be seen between the carob trees of the pine forest. Typical for this area are Sardinian Warblers and Black-eared Wheatears.

Day 8

Free day

Day 9

Goksu Delta and fishery

Field trip to the southern Goksu Delta to a fishery where the fish and crabs caught at sea and in the lagoon are brought to land and sold. In the alluvium Common Cranes can often be seen.

Day 10

Aphrodisias in Cilicia

First observations in a fairly open forest mainly with Brutia pines. Walk along coastal track and keep a look out for European Shag, Cory`s Shearwater as well as Monk Seal. Enormous sea-turtles have found their home in Aphrodisias` natural harbour. They swim to the surface about every four minutes to breathe.

Day 11

Taurus Mountain at Mut, Alahan

Drive through the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Walking-tour up to the Alahan early-Christian monastery ruins high up in the mountains. Ascend further to a mountain village with a spectacular view (raptors). Pause at a big karst spring near Mut under huge sycamores.

Day 12

Silifke Castle, Goksu Valley

Ascent to the imposing Byzantine fortress at Silifke. Excursion along the Goksu river valley (Chukar Partridge) where King Barbarossa drowned during a crusade. On the return journey visit the ruins of the early Christian St. Thekla Basilica.

Day 13

Goksu Valley

East of the river excursion along the small damp areas on the delta. In the afternoon descent along the Goksu River through the orange groves (White-throated Kingfisher, Garden Bulbul).

Day 14

Kızkalesi, Ayaş, Kanytela

Drive to the Maiden’s Castle (Kızkalesi) located in the sea. Walkingtour through the sweeping Byzantine-Armenian ruins of Korykos. Continue from Ayaş along the holy Roman road (Roman Via Sacra) and further to the karstic caves and rock necropolis at Kanytela.

Day 15

Departure

Transfer Adana airport. Return flight.