Flamingos gather at Erçek Lake in Turkey's Van Lake Basin

Thousands of flamingos, locally known as ‘allı turna’, have gathered at the Erçek Lake Wetland in the Van Lake Basin, Turkey. Due to changing climatic conditions, the arrival of the birds was delayed this year compared to previous seasons.

Located on the North African and Eastern Mediterranean migration route, the basin provides shallow waters and rich nutrients essential for the birds. The presence of the flamingos has created a significant visual spectacle for nature observers and photographers in areas such as Karakündüz.

Prof. Dr. Lokman Aslan, Director of the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Wildlife Protection Center, noted that while flamingos traditionally arrived in early April and departed in late October, shifting weather patterns are affecting their timing. He observed that although numbers were low in the spring, large groups are now congregating in the basin as they prepare for their next migration phase.