Bird population increases in eastern Turkey’s Van lake

By Cemal Asan

VAN, Turkey (AA) – The numbers of birds in eastern Turkey’s Van lake basin have increased following heavy rains in the region, according to a biology professor.

Atilla Durmus, a professor at Yuzunci Yil University’s Department of Biology in Van, told Anadolu Agency the birds enjoy easy nourishment and breeding due to rainfalls this year.

Visitors in the region can observe around 213 bird types among hundreds of other birds.

Durmus said the number of local and migratory birds has increased around Lake Ercek especially.

“Due to heavy rains, this year the flora is more vivid and the amount of fresh water is higher,” he added.

The basin makes up of one-fifth of wetlands in Turkey and boasts a number of different birds, including flamingo, swan, white-headed duck, black-winged stilt, pied avocet and Eurasian Coot.