26.10.2026 01:12
The upland sandpiper, which lives in North America and Alaska, was recorded for the first time in Turkey in the Ulualan area of the Manavgat district of Antalya. A Dutch observer first noticed the bird. With the new record, the number of bird species seen in Turkey rose to 506, while the number in Antalya rose to 361, and observers from different parts of the country began coming to Manavgat.
The number of bird species recorded in Turkey to date has risen to 506 with the upland sandpiper seen in the Manavgat district of Antalya.
The upland sandpiper, which lives in North America and Alaska, was recorded by birdwatchers with photos and videos in the Ulualan area of Manavgat. The species became the 361st bird species recorded in Antalya.
The upland sandpiper, seen in the morning hours in the Ulualan area where the Manavgat River flows into the Mediterranean, attracted the attention of birdwatchers. After the species was recorded for the first time in Turkey, observers from different regions of Turkey as well as Antalya began coming to the area.
RECORDED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TURKEY
Mustafa Erturhan, Chairman of the Turkey Bird Committee, stated in his statement to an AA correspondent that the upland sandpiper normally lives in North America and Alaska.
Erturhan, noting that some individuals of the species can be seen in Europe after becoming disoriented, stated that the upland sandpiper was recorded for the first time in Turkey.
Erturhan noted that the bird was first noticed by a Dutch observer, and that members of the Antalya Birdwatching Community also came to the area, observed the bird, and recorded it.
Emphasizing that the Manavgat Wetland is an important area for birdwatching and wildlife in the Western Mediterranean, Erturhan stated that the area offers birds opportunities to rest and feed during migration.
Drawing attention to the fact that rare bird species can be seen in important bird areas, Erturhan said that Manavgat attracts the interest of local and foreign birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Pointing to the importance of protecting the natural richness in the region, Erturhan stated that the natural structure of the wetland must be maintained.
OBSERVERS FLOCKED TO MANAVGAT
Reporting that the Antalya Birdwatching Community has approximately 200 members, Erturhan recounted that about 20 people were among the first to see the upland sandpiper, and that other observers from different regions of Turkey also set off for Manavgat to see the bird.
Gökçe Irmak, one of the youngest members of the Antalya Birdwatching Community, also said that seeing a rare species such as the upland sandpiper in Manavgat excited her.
Stating that she came to the area to photograph the bird, Irmak said, "I was excited that a rare species like the upland sandpiper was here. I came here to photograph it, and I did. I am truly happy right now."