Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing

— Targeted birdwatching focused on endemic and rare species
— Mediterranean forests and high alpine habitats combined
— Small groups led by expert birding guides
— Key species including Caspian Snowcock and Krüper’s Nuthatch
— Night owl observation included
— Designed for serious birders and nature photographers

What to Expect

2-Day Bird Watching Tour from Side Antalya Turkey — Akseki & Demirkazık

A professionally guided 2-day bird watching tour from Side, Antalya, Turkey designed for serious birders and nature lovers — combining Mediterranean forests, the Taurus Mountains, and alpine zones into one immersive experience. This tour focuses on target species observation, seasonal diversity, and expert-led field identification, while maintaining a clear balance between informative content and booking intent.

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Bird Watching Tour Overview — From Side to the Taurus Mountains

This bird watching trip departs from Side before sunrise and reaches the Akseki region, one of southern Turkey’s most important forest bird habitats. The route continues through high mountain passes to Demirkazık, offering a rare forest-to-alpine birding circuit within two days.

— Small-group format
— Experienced birding guide
— High species diversity depending on season
— Focus on both endemic and migratory birds

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Day 1 — Akseki Forests and Mountain Slopes

Early Morning Bird Watching in Akseki

The first observation area is selected specifically for Krüper’s Nuthatch, a key Anatolian endemic. As elevation increases, gardens and open woodland provide ideal habitat for:

— Olive-tree Warbler
— Eastern Orphean Warbler
— Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler

These areas are carefully timed for optimal activity during early morning hours.

Mid-Elevation and Mountain Village Observations

Continuing uphill past mountain villages, we search rocky slopes and open terrain for:

— Rock Nuthatch
— Rüppell’s Warbler (seasonal)
— Black-headed Bunting
— Ortolan Bunting
— Cretzschmar’s Bunting

At approximately 1200 meters, seasonal conditions allow sightings of species that have not yet moved to higher elevations.

Raptors and Forest Species Along the Route

Throughout the ascent, additional species frequently recorded include:

— White-throated Robin
— Chukar Partridge
— Short-toed Snake Eagle
— Booted Eagle
— Long-legged Buzzard
— Northern Goshawk

High-Altitude Spring Specialties — April Focus

In April, when snow remains at higher elevations, accessible road sections allow observation at the snow line, where species such as:

— Horned Lark
— Alpine Accentor
— Finsch’s Wheatear

are regularly seen. Golden Eagles nesting around 1500 meters are often observed, along with Sombre Tit and Coal Tit in mixed forests.

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Transfer to Demirkazık — Evening Owl Search

After a half-day of bird watching in Akseki, the journey continues via Bozkır, Karaman, and Ereğli to Demirkazık, a renowned high-mountain birding area.

— Check-in at a local pension
— Dinner included
— Evening search for Eurasian Eagle-Owl when conditions allow

Overnight accommodation in Demirkazık.

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Day 2 — High Mountain Bird Watching in Demirkazık

Pre-Dawn Alpine Birding — Caspian Snowcock

At 03:30, the day begins with a light breakfast followed by a 40-minute mountain drive to alpine observation points. Here, we focus on:

— Caspian Snowcock
— Other high-altitude mountain species

Observation time is approximately 2 hours, with a high likelihood of encountering Chukar Partridge during descent.

Extended Mountain Observations and Return Route

After returning to the pension and breakfast, bird watching continues in the Demirkazık high mountain zone, targeting additional alpine and subalpine species depending on season and weather conditions. Short stops are made along the return route toward Akseki for opportunistic observations.

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Evening Search for Brown Fish Owl — Return to Side

By late afternoon or early evening, the route turns back toward Akseki. After dark, a night excursion of approximately 25 km is dedicated to locating the Brown Fish Owl, one of the most sought-after nocturnal species in southern Turkey.

— Observation time varies
— Return to Side may be late at night

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Bird Watching Trips in Turkey — Why This Tour Stands Out

— Covers forest and alpine habitats in a single itinerary
— Targets rare, endemic, and high-mountain species
— Led by experienced local birding experts
— Ideal for both advanced birders and motivated beginners

This bird watching tour in Turkey offers a deeply educational and rewarding field experience — not a sightseeing shortcut.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Bird Watching Tour from Side

Is this bird watching tour suitable for beginners?

Yes — beginners with an interest in birds are welcome. The guide provides identification support and explains behavior, calls, and habitats throughout the tour.

What is the best season for this bird watching trip?

Spring — especially April and May — offers the highest species diversity. Autumn migration periods also provide strong observation opportunities.

How physically demanding is the tour?

Moderate — short walks, uneven terrain, early starts, and mountain roads are involved, but no technical hiking is required.

Is accommodation included?

Yes — one night accommodation in a local pension in Demirkazık is included.

Can rare species like Brown Fish Owl be guaranteed?

No — bird watching depends on natural conditions. However, the areas visited have a very high success rate for target species.

What should participants bring?

Binoculars, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and personal birding equipment.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from Side?

Yes — pickup and drop-off from Side and surrounding areas are included.

How many participants join each tour?

Small groups only — ensuring minimal disturbance and maximum observation quality.

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A focused, authentic, and expertly guided bird watching experience in Turkey — created for those who want real field observation, not surface-level nature tours.

What’s Included in the Price

Pickup Information

Pickup and drop-off is possible from all hotels in the Side Area and is included in the price. There is no pickup and drop-off service from other areas.

Meeting Point

The main entrance gate of the hotels is the pick-up and drop-off.

Important Information Before You Go

Important Information — What You Should Know Before the Tour

Field Strategy and Observation Priorities

— Time is not repeated for species that have already been observed
— While searching for a target species, time is not spent on other, especially already-seen species

Clothing and Weather Conditions

— Camouflage-colored clothing is strongly recommended for effective field observation
— Higher elevations can be cold, windy, and rainy; a season-appropriate jacket is advised

Night Observation Rules — Brown Fish Owl

— The Brown Fish Owl is searched for and observed at night using a torch
— The use of camera flash is strictly not permitted under any circumstances

Tour Program & Schedule

2-Day Bird Watching Tour Program — Side • Akseki • Demirkazık

Day 1 — Akseki Forests & Mountain Slopes

Early Morning Birding in Akseki

Departure from Side before sunrise. Early observation in gardens and open woodland, focusing on endemic and forest species.

Mid-Elevation Observations

Bird watching around mountain villages and rocky slopes at mid elevations during the ascent.

Raptors and Forest Species

Roadside and clearing observations for raptors and mixed forest species throughout the route.

Seasonal High-Altitude Stops

In spring, short stops near the snow line for alpine and subalpine species.

Transfer to Demirkazık & Evening Owl Search

Afternoon transfer to Demirkazık via Bozkır – Karaman – Ereğli.
Check-in at a local pension, dinner included.
Evening search for Eurasian Eagle-Owl when conditions allow.
Overnight in Demirkazık.

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Day 2 — Demirkazık High Mountains

Pre-Dawn Alpine Birding

Early start around 03:30. Light breakfast and drive to alpine observation points, targeting Caspian Snowcock.

Morning Mountain Observations

Breakfast at the pension followed by continued bird watching in alpine and subalpine zones.

Return Route Birding & Brown Fish Owl Search

Flexible observation stops on the return toward Akseki.
After dark, a night excursion focused on Brown Fish Owl.
Late-night return to Side.

Prices & Availability

01 March 2026 / 15 December 2026 - Price

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