Manyas Bird Paradise, located in Balıkesir, is one of the must-visit destinations for birdwatchers and nature lovers in Türkiye. This national park hosts hundreds of bird species migrating from Africa and Eurasia. The park takes its name from the majestic Lake Manyas and serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds. It is a perfect destination for people who want to spend a holiday in the heart of nature and are interested in birdwatching. 

Are you ready for this nature journey to discover the home of migratory birds in Türkiye and the wonders of nature? Discover the rich biodiversity of Manyas Bird Paradise, including rare bird species and a diverse fauna. In this article, you will learn more about the beauties of Manyas and the intricacies of birdwatching:

Manyas Bird Paradise National Park is located within the borders of Balıkesir in the Marmara region. You can use local buses, minibuses, or urban transport vehicles travelling from Balıkesir city centre to Manyas Bird Paradise. 

If you’re planning to carry the necessary birdwatching or nature photography equipment, you can reach the national park by car. Located northeast of Lake Manyas, the national park can be reached via a 3 km road that turns south at the 15th kilometre of the Balıkesir–Bandırma highway. You can get there in an average of 2.5-3 hours by renting a car from Istanbul.

Since Manyas is a haven for numerous bird species and plants, there are some legal measures to protect its natural environment and biodiversity. In your visit to this national park, be sure to preserve the natural beauty and rich biodiversity. If you’re planning to go camping here, please note that it is not allowed within the boundaries of this national park. You can stay at other camping sites or hostels in villages near Manyas to explore the rich biodiversity of this unique place for a longer time. 

While in the park, you can also have a pleasant time at the International Bandırma Kuşcenneti Culture and Tourism Festival, which has been organised since 1987. This festival is held every year in June or September to draw attention to issues such as environmental pollution and the protection of endangered animals. You can have fun with concerts and dance performances, and increase your knowledge about the area by attending informative conferences.

The birds sheltering in Manyas Bird Paradise generally consist of species that have adapted to wetlands, are migratory, and breed in colonies, and include species such as herons, pelicans, and ducks. These birds build their nests, feed, and breed in this park due to the rich food resources and sheltered habitats offered by the lake. Especially in spring and autumn, the lake is frequented by thousands of migratory birds. The park continues to host 266 bird species, and the most important species among these birds are: 

The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus): It is one of the most characteristic and impressive bird species migrating to Lake Manyas, with its large wingspan and distinctive curly nape feathers. Manyas Bird Paradise provides important feeding and resting areas for this remarkable species during its migration.

Çeltikçi (Plegadis falcinellus): This bird is another important species that migrates to Lake Manyas. Its elegant silhouette and dark, iridescent plumage make it one of the most striking migratory birds observed in the national park, where it can often be seen in groups feeding in shallow waters.

Küçük Karabatak (Phalacrocorax pygmeus): Another notable species in Manyas, the Küçük Karabatak, is closely associated with rich wetland habitats. Lake Manyas is one of the most important breeding areas for this species in Türkiye, where it nests and forages among the reeds and calm waters.

Although the park is a sanctuary for numerous species,  these three stand out with their distinctive appearance, behaviour, and close relationship with wetland ecosystems. Manyas Bird Paradise is still maintained as the primary migration and breeding area for these birds during the migration season.

Manyas Bird Paradise is a significant sanctuary for migratory birds from across the globe. Therefore, this place has one of the largest birdwatching towers in the world, and birdwatchers can use essential equipment here, such as telescopes or binoculars. The key tips are waking up early, being as quiet as possible, and choosing natural tones in your clothes. 

Apart from the first rule, all researchers, nature photographers, and birdwatchers must be careful about the times of the year they should visit this national park. The spring and autumn seasons are especially crucial for catching some migratory bird species. You should follow the calendar of migration for the different bird species that you are specifically interested in from official resources.