Highlights | Overview

• Brown fish owls; amazing rare birds!
• Wonderfull birds in the wonderfull site
• A private boat trip at Oymapınar lake
• Brown Fish Owls · Ketupa zeylonensis
• Brown fish owl Turkey

Full Description

Brown Fish Owl - observation tour

Only the night observation is available.
2023: The brown fish owls that were expected to be seen during morning observation at the Oymapinar lake are unfortunately not visible this year either. As a result, the observation activity for fish owls of this year, same as last will do at night near a stream on the mountain for 2 pairs.

It is possible to book 2 separate observations from this page. These are early morning boating on the lake and nighttime observation by a stream on the mountain.

Options:
1- By Night: Near a stream at the mountain from 9pm
2- Boat Lake: By a boat at Oymapinar lake from 7am

Brown fish owls in Oymapınar lake unfortunately cannot be seen this year. For this reason, we are not doing the tours on the lake this year. They are there and seen at night and their call is heard, but not seen in the morning. The reason for this may be that as a result of the purification of the lake from human traffic due to covid, the fish owls have returned to their full nocturnal lifestyle. Instead of a boat tour in Oymapınar lake, we go for the brown fish owls by a stream near Akseki (Night observation by torchlight from 21:00).

The brown fish owl was thought to be extinct in Turkey. However, after a long time they were seen again and recorded. Today their populations have increased remarkably. As a result of several serious birdwatching studies conducted in 2009, three fish owls were found in the Mediterranean region. Today, the population of fish owls in Manavgat and its vicinity is thought to be about 50 individuals.

Brown Fish Owl - Brown Fish owls Turkey: Fish owls are generally birds with reddish brown and yellowish brown feathers. There are black and dark brown stripe-like thick cut hairs on the dorsum. The abdomen is covered with yellowish white hairs. These feathers include fine lines of black or dark brown color. Fish owls have bright golden eyes and pale greenish gray beaks. The top of the heads is flat. The ears are large and covered with feathers. It is a large owl with a length of 55 cm and wings up to 150 cm. Female fish owls are larger than male fish owls.

Fish owls live in trees in lowland plains or in open woodlands along lakes or rivers. They make their nests in caverns on the cliffs, dried trees or old nests of birds of prey. They usually hunt at night but fly in daytime in cloudy weather. They watch their prey over the trees or rocks on which they perched. They feed on frogs, crabs, rodents and reptiles. Unlike other owls, they fly on the surface of the water and catch fish.

Brown Fish Owl - Brown Fish owls Turkey

The Brown Fish Owl, native to Turkey, captivates all who have the privilege of observing it on an excursion with Vigo Tours. These majestic birds with their earthy brown plumage and piercing yellow eyes embody a sense of wisdom and grace that resonates deeply with nature enthusiasts. Through Vigo Tours, travelers are granted a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, creating a profound connection with the beauty of the avian world. It's a truly enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of those fortunate enough to partake in this awe-inspiring adventure.

Price included

Pick Up Place

Pick up Point

Details to know

Brown Fish Owl · Ketupa zeylonensis

Flash is not allowed in photography.

Options:
1- By Night: Near a stream at the mountain from 9pm
2- Boat Lake: By a boat at Oymapinar lake from 7am

Early reservation is required.
In order to keep fish owls not being disturbed: No camera flash is used and no smoking please.

We will try first little canyon, and then Grand Canyon
(in case no success at the little canyon)

Additional information

About Fish Owls - Ketupa Zeylonensis - Observation tour

To experience the majestic fish owl in its natural habitat, visitors can embark on observation tours either by boat in the early morning on the dam lake near Manavgat or by lantern at night along a mountain stream. The location of the tour is carefully chosen based on the current condition and behavior of the fish owls, which can vary depending on the season.

Period & Price

15 March 2024 / 15 December 2024 - Price