TURTLE AND BIRD WATCHING
One of the tour programs we recommend to our local and foreign guests who choose Dalyan for their holiday is the turtle and bird watching tour. Exploring the natural beauties of the region you have chosen for your holiday is the best way to start your day.
Our turtle and bird watching tour will begin at 6:00 AM. We will meet at our office and then depart for Lake Köyceğiz. This tour is not only for bird watching but also for observing the awakening of nature in the morning.
With the binoculars provided, you will have the chance to observe some of the 154 bird species found in the reed beds of the Dalyan region, particularly in Lake Köyceğiz. You will be able to see the reed warbler, kingfisher, pied kingfisher, crested black stork, grey heron, woodcock, moorhen, and various water birds depending on the season, as well as falcons and hawks. But more importantly, you will have the chance to see Nile turtles, which are facing extinction (it is estimated that only about 1100 of this species remain in the world).
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THIS TOUR?
The very special turtle's name is Trionyx triunguis. Trionyx triunguis is a freshwater turtle. It has a soft shell up to 1.20 meters long. It has a short proboscis with three-clawed, strong front flippers. Dalyan, a protected area on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, is an important habitat for trionyx turtles. They are carnivorous and mainly consume fish, worms, and crabs. They have no teeth and are nocturnal. Of course, they can also be seen breathing during the day. Although they breathe with lungs, they can stay underwater for 15 hours. The reason they can stay underwater for so long is the blood vessels in their respiratory tubes, similar to the gill structure of fish; their most important feature is that they can also breathe through their skin. They come ashore to sunbathe and lay their eggs, but they immediately return to the water as soon as they sense danger.
When observing a trionyxi, you should remain as calm and still as possible. Do not throw any objects into the water. Do not use flash when taking photos, as you will have a chance to see at least one of these amazing reptiles.
On the return journey, we will exit the Köyceğiz canals and head back to the Dalyan pier. Our tour will have concluded with enjoyable and unique natural beauties.
