Nallıhan Bird Paradise: Colourful Cliffs and Birdlife Beyond Ankara

Water stretches towards reed beds. Birds move across the surface, while hills layered in shades of yellow, brown and rusty red rise behind them. At Nallıhan Bird Paradise, the landscape is not simply a lake or a wetland. It is a meeting place of water, wildlife and striking geological formations, far from the bustle of central Ankara.

Located near Davutoğlan in the Nallıhan district of Ankara Province, this protected area is a rewarding destination for birdwatchers, nature photographers and travellers looking for a different side of Türkiye.

How Did Nallıhan Bird Paradise Form?

Nallıhan Bird Paradise is a wetland ecosystem at the point where the Aladağ Stream meets the Sarıyar Reservoir, north of the reservoir. Sarıyar Dam entered service in 1959. Over time, the surrounding habitats developed into an important refuge for birds seeking food, shelter and breeding grounds.

Reed beds, willow groves, tamarisk, agricultural land and rocky slopes create a varied landscape. Each habitat supports different forms of wildlife, allowing visitors to observe waterbirds as well as species associated with cliffs and open country.

In 1994, an area of approximately 425 hectares where birds are particularly concentrated was designated a Wildlife Development Area. Restrictions on hunting and human activity have helped protect this important habitat.

What Birds Can You See?

Official sources report that 191 bird species have been observed at Nallıhan Bird Paradise. The species you encounter, however, depend on the season, water levels and migration patterns.

Birds recorded in the area include grey herons, little egrets, black-crowned night herons, great cormorants, ruddy shelducks, mallards and Eurasian coots. The rocky slopes and surrounding countryside are also important for black storks and several birds of prey.

The most memorable moment may not be a dramatic flock taking flight. It might be a heron searching patiently for food near the water, or a distant bird gliding above the cliffs. Bring binoculars if you have them, and observe from a respectful distance rather than approaching the birds.

Look Beyond the Birds: The Colourful Hills

One of the area's most distinctive features is its unusual geology. Yellow, brown and reddish sedimentary layers form bands across the hills, giving the landscape a striking appearance.

As the light changes, the colours can look different from one hour to the next. For photography, try framing the water, reed beds and layered hills together. Then look for smaller details: reflections on the surface, plants along the shore and the patterns in the exposed rock.

This combination of wildlife and geology makes Nallıhan more than a birdwatching stop. It is a place where two very different natural stories can be seen in a single landscape.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nallıhan Bird Paradise

When should you visit? Birdlife changes throughout the year. Spring and autumn can be interesting periods for observing migration, while waterbirds may also be present around Sarıyar Reservoir in winter. Sightings vary with weather, water levels and seasonal movement, so no particular species is guaranteed.

How much time should you allow? The area can be visited on a day trip from Ankara. If you want to watch birds and take photographs, allow several unhurried hours.

What should you bring? Binoculars, a camera, drinking water, a hat and clothing suited to the weather are useful. Do not assume food and drink will always be available nearby; plan ahead.

How should you behave? Do not feed the birds, approach nests, make unnecessary noise or leave rubbish behind. Good wildlife observation means allowing animals to behave naturally without disturbance.

Where is it? Nallıhan Bird Paradise lies near Davutoğlan, in Nallıhan district, north of Sarıyar Reservoir. Official local information places it approximately 130 kilometres from central Ankara. Check your route and current access conditions before setting out.

More Than a Beautiful View

You do not need to keep your camera raised every minute at Nallıhan Bird Paradise. Sometimes the best thing to do is lower it and watch the water, listen for movement among the reeds and take in the colours of the hills.

This is not just a place where birds gather. It is a delicate living landscape shaped by water, earth and wildlife. Take your photographs, enjoy the quiet, and leave the habitat undisturbed for the creatures that call it home.