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| At 2230 metres |
So here we are in Chukurbag, high up in the Taurus mountains. An early start as we are due to leave on a tractor pulled trailer for Caspian Snowcock country at 4.30 am. After a quick tea and a couple of biscuits to start the day, it was on with the layers, hats and gloves as we were driven to 2250 metres (the summit being at 3333m). Half way up the final slope several of us had to get out and walk as the slope was too severe, even for the tractor. The pull uphill was hard work as we were still sleepy and at altitude, but we soon caught up with the rest of the party, but not before we had heard chukar, snowcock and seen Radde's accentor.
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| Alpine grape hyacinths |
A further half a hour in the trailer and we arrived at a flat area where our walk started. We hadn't all got out of the vehicle before Trevor had a snowcock in the telescope. Sitting high up on a ridge it was visible with the naked eye, and with the scope even better. As it moved into better light (it was still not fully light yet) along the ridge, the white on the throat and side of the head was clearly visible. As it threw back it's head it took about 3 seconds for the sound of the call to reach us. In the remote valley it resounded around us giving an atmospheric thrill with every call. Snowfinch was our next delight, with several playing around us, alpine accentor came next, closely followed by another chukar, again on a ridge showing well. Ibex shared the mountainside with the snowcock, until the bird flew off with smaller birds flying off in its path, confirmation of the snowcock's ownership of the land. Alpine chough, alpine swift and northern wheatear (here looking distinctly white in comparison with those at home - with just a hint of colour under the chin). Crimson-winged finch, black redstart and horned lark - showing it's 'horns' brilliantly, looking like a little devil - all added to our enjoyment.
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| Spring water |
The huge mountains and spectacular scenery were awe inspiring, as the sun came up over the summit more colours were revealed in the rocks, the clouds lifted and we were graced with a truly magical morning. A few of us went further up the valley in the hope of wallcreeper, but as is often the case in birdwatching, those who stayed behind saw one and we didn't! Still it leaves me with the dream of what could come one day.
On our journey down we stopped after a while to walk for a short section, and were rewarded with rock sparrow, house martin, golden eagle - the best sights I have ever had - long-legged buzzard, rock bunting and linnet.
Back to the hotel for lunch and a rest, I sat watching a thunderstorm go through with one of the other guests, Thom who was back-packing around Turkey and had joined us on our morning jaunt. We discussed the morning and compared notes on our trips - Thom was journeying in the opposite direction, so was interested in the Goksu Delta.
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| The Valley fields |
Mitko and Trevor decided to postpone the afternoon's birding until 3.00 pm in the hope that the storm would pass through - a good call as the main event had gone and we were left with a final spattering as we went off in search of red- fronted serin.
We tried two tracks near the pension both previous reliable haunts of these small colourful birds but both failed us. The first did provide us with close up views of crag martin however as they swooped around us distracting all the time.
Eventually with the light fading we had to admit defeat for today, and return to the hotel, for another excellent dinner (if a little chilly on the outside deck!)
