Turkey: Diyarbakir hosts hundreds of migratory birds

By Bestami Bodruk

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Located on the flyway of migratory birds, Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakir once again welcomed hundreds of hawks.

The Anatolian lands provide plenty of shelter and feeding options to the migratory birds that fly across Africa, Europe and Asia over Turkey. Diyarbakir is one of their common stops, especially for birds of prey.

Recep Karakas, a professor of zoology in Diyarbakir’s Dicle University, told Anadolu Agency that Turkey was a popular route for migratory birds.

"While migrating, alternative routes emerge. And these routes include Turkey, as a variety of migratory birds use our region. We think that birds use the Tigris-Euphrates River systems for navigation," he said.

"Hawks, a predatory species [or raptor], are one of the birds using [Turkish] route. Hawks usually migrate in flocks, they use our region to migrate to northern latitudes," he added.

He pointed out that the birds of prey would prey on little mammals, lizards, reptiles, insects, and indirectly help farmers.

However, there are stand alone instances when these visiting birds are attacked.

Mesut Tomar, a veterinarian, said he treated a hawk wounded by gunfire of hunters in Ergani district of Diyarbakir.

"Poaching or hunting damages nature," he said.

"Our region is a migration route and resting area for birds. We should do our best to ensure their healthy migration," he added.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas