Since 2002, the Ornithology Research Center at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) has been conducting an uninterrupted bird banding study in the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise. More than 200,000 birds have been banded in this period.

Birds are among the most intensively studied animal groups due to their widespread presence, ease of observation, and occurrence in various ecosystems. Bird migration is also a highly researched topic, providing significant scientific data through the methods and information obtained. The Kızılırmak Delta, spanning 56,000 hectares and located within the borders of Bafra, 19 Mayıs, and Alaçam districts in Samsun, where the Kızılırmak River flows into the Black Sea, is one of Türkiye’s major wetlands.

Known as the "Bird Paradise," the delta is the largest wetland on the Black Sea coast that has preserved its natural features. With its numerous lakes, reed beds, rare floodplain meadows, and 12,000 hectares of wetlands, it hosts a diverse range of species, making it one of Türkiye's significant natural systems.

About 140 species, including sea eagles, Dalmatian pelicans, black storks, cranes, herons, and plovers, have been identified as breeding in the delta. During winter, approximately 100,000 waterfowl winter in the delta, highlighting its international ornithological significance. Endangered bird species such as the pygmy cormorant, eastern imperial eagle, white-headed duck, lesser kestrel, and red-breasted goose are among the birds observed in the delta. Species like the great knot, lesser grey shrike, and red-footed falcon have also been sighted in the Kızılırmak Delta over the past 20 years.

Spring Banding Season Continues Until June 3

The Ornithology Research Center at OMU has been conducting bird banding studies at the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise station since 2002 to monitor the movements of migratory birds. Approximately 5,000 birds were banded during the autumn season last year. The spring banding season began on March 15 this year and will continue until June 3. To date, over 200,000 birds have been banded in the delta, allowing for the tracking of migration routes and movements.

50 Nets Set Up Around the Station in the Delta

Associate Professor Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz told AA reporters that nearly 800 birds had been banded so far during spring banding season. She mentioned that they set up nets at 50 different points around the station in the delta. "First, we determine the age and gender of the birds caught in these nets. We also assess their body fat. This gives us information about their readiness for migration. After measuring the wing and tail lengths and weighing them, we release the birds back into the wild," said Yavuz.

Highlighting the importance of banding, Kiraz added: "Banding helps us understand the migration routes of migratory birds and the types of bird populations in areas like the Kızılırmak Delta. It provides population data and information about when migratory species arrive and leave. It also ensures the protection of bird-populated areas like the Kızılırmak Delta. Bird banding studies in Türkiye are conducted only in Ankara, Kocaeli, Antalya, Iğdır, and Samsun. We conduct banding studies for a total of 5 months, 2.5 months in autumn and 2.5 months in spring. Last autumn, we banded around 5,000 birds."