Bird watching is an observational sport that allows exploration of nature through the world of birds. The total number of bird species in Turkey is almost as extensive as those found throughout the entire European continent. The primary reason for this diversity is the country’s abundant wetlands and its location along bird migration routes.
Bird watching has rapidly expanded in Turkey in recent years, following global developments in this field. The Eastern Black Sea Mountains, including Rize within its boundaries, have gained recognition as important bird areas (IBA) due to their populations of bearded vultures, griffon vultures, black vultures, golden eagles, and hazel hens (with the entire population of these crucial bird species found within these significant bird areas). A study conducted in 1993 within the boundaries of important bird areas identified a total of 134 adult male hazel hens across six regions.
Up to now, 196 bird species have been observed in Rize. This number accounts for 42% of the bird species observed throughout Turkey. Numerous birds of prey migrate to Rize from the east during July and August, heading southward, and in March, they use the same route to migrate to the Caucasus Mountains. This migration route provides an excellent environment for bird watching.
Rize is also the right place to encounter falcons, which hold a significant place in local culture. On November 16, 2010, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO declared falconry, an ancient practice, as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.’ UNESCO highlighted that falconry, dating back 4,000 years, represents the oldest relationship between humans and birds, dubbing it a living human treasure. This important declaration holds significant importance for everyone interested in preserving this heritage, which is under threat in Turkey.
