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With the arrival of autumn, the Kizilirmak Delta Bird Sanctuary in Samsun, which spans the 19 Mayis, Alacam and Bafra districts and is included on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, has entered a period of heightened activity as migratory birds begin arriving from the north.
According to Kadir Yilmaz, head of the Kizilirmak Delta Wetland Bird Sanctuary at Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, species migrating from the north are now stopping at the delta to rest before continuing their journey along established migratory routes.
The delta's sheltered landscape and abundant food sources make it an ideal resting point for migratory species before they resume their travels further south.
Visitors to the delta during this period can observe a wide range of species, including glossy ibises, various heron species, pelicans, large-bodied cranes and swans, among many others that pass through or settle in the area.
The sanctuary is home to 365 of the 505 bird species recorded across Türkiye, making it one of the country's most significant sites for both migratory and resident birds.
The delta reaches its peak diversity during the middle of winter, when the highest concentration of bird species gathers in the wetlands, drawing birdwatchers and visitors from across the region.
Beyond its bird population, the delta also supports a wide range of other wildlife, including wild horses, water buffalo, cattle, wild rabbits and otters, all of which inhabit the wetland ecosystem alongside its avian residents.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary in several ways, including guided open-top bus tours operated by Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, as well as electric carts, bicycles and walking routes that allow for closer observation of the site's wildlife.
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