The Doğa Derneği and Roots & Shoots Türkiye successfully completed an educational program designed to raise awareness on the importance of migratory flyways and birdwatching. Held on 18-19 April, the “Bird School” brought together young nature enthusiasts aged 18–35, offering them the opportunity to learn from experts about the fundamentals of birds and ecosystem dynamics.
On the first day, hosted at Istanbul Bilgi University’s Santralistanbul Campus, experts shared insights into Türkiye’s rich biodiversity and the ecological roles of birds. The program covered the basics of birdwatching, wetland ecosystems, identification and counting methods for waterbirds, and the characteristics of migratory soaring bird species through applied presentations. Participants were also provided with detailed information on critical migratory routes in Türkiye, bottlenecks along these flyways, and the importance of protected areas for birds. The theoretical sessions were enriched with interactive games, encouraging active participation throughout the day.
On the second day, participants brought their learning into the field. A nature walk in Atatürk Urban Forest allowed them to observe bird species in situ, followed by a visit to the Sarıyer region where raptor migration was observed live. This hands-on experience enabled young conservationists to further develop their skills in bird identification and field data collection.
Field Experience: Observing Migration On Site
The Istanbul Strait represents one of the most critical bottlenecks within the Western Palearctic flyway system. During spring migration, raptors tend to avoid crossing large water bodies and instead follow terrestrial routes, leading to significant concentrations along the Bosphorus corridor. In the Sarıyer area in particular, species such as buzzards, eagles, pelicans, and storks utilise rising thermal air currents to migrate with minimal energy expenditure. Observing these dynamics in the field provides an important learning opportunity in terms of species identification as well as behavioural ecology.
Through initiatives like Bird School, we aim to increase the number of young people actively engaged in nature conservation.
We believe that every space where young people are inspired by nature, build connections with the nature, learn collectively, and take action contributes to shaping a more livable future. Bird School offered not only an opportunity to learn about birds, but also to collectively explore why wetlands, migratory flyways, and biodiversity are essential for our planet and for life itself. Through this program, we aim to foster an active community of advocates dedicated to wetland conservation.