Istanbul gets observatory tower for bird watchers

A bird observation tower will be erected in Istanbul's northern district of Sarıyer to capitalize on the demand for bird watching in Turkey's financial and cultural center. Sarıyer is situated on the route of migratory birds and attracts a large number of observers and photographers each year. The tower will allow visitors to observe the natural movements of birds. Every year from March to May, nature-lovers gather to watch the migration of birds coming from different countries. Bird watchers come to Sarıyer's Feneryolu Neighborhood regularly to either observe the birds through binoculars or take photographs. Certain non-governmental organizations and foundations hold special events during the summer period to discuss the birds. In collaboration with the Sarıyer Municipality and the Provincial Forestry Regional Directorate, the new tower will be built in line with European standards to offer a full observation opportunity. A large number of the birds that migrate from Africa to Europe fly through Istanbul from March 28-31. Among them, there are ospreys, greater spotted eagles, eastern imperial eagles, storks, short-toed snake eagles, black kites, sparrow hawks, black storks, buteos, Eurasian hobbies and stock doves. Birds of prey and storks migrate from the south to north to reproduce and find food in spring while they return home with their offspring in autumn. They prefer to fly over land to avoid losing energy and benefit from warm air currents. Their migration route also includes narrow straits where two pieces of land connect each other such as the Bosporus in Istanbul. The Bosporus is one of the world's most important migration routes for birds and draws many observers from India, the U.K., Romania, Germany and Sweden in spring.