Turkish Bird Sites needing research 
during 1994 
Gernant Magnin and Murat Yarar 
Over the last couple of years much new information on the Turkish 
Important Bird Areas (IB As) has been gathered and more than 15 new 
IB As identified. However, for some sites there is no up to date information 
so DHKD is seeking the assistance of foreign birdwatchers to fill the gaps 
in our knowledge and facilitate publication of a revised IB A inventory by 
the end of 1994. 
The appeal published in Bulletin 30 resulted in good coverage of a 
number of sites by visiting birdwatchers and it is to be hoped that during 
1994 even more can be achieved. The three articles which follow this list 
outline some of the variety of work carried out recently. 
Sites listed below are described only briefly and those wishing to receive 
more information should contact DHKD who can provide maps for most 
areas with indications of the best birdwatching spots. Some sites need to 
be visited during the breeding season, others during migration; for some 
several days work are required. Extensive surveys involving groups of 
birdwatchers are welcomed and often preferable but sometimes require 
permission from the Turkish government; this may take several months 
to obtain. Please contact DHKD early if you wish to organise a survey 
lasting longer than two weeks. Even if you cannot visit sites during the 
periods specified, your information will still be of great benefit. 
DHKD and the Turkish IBA project will again be financially supporting 
a number of expeditions to Turkey. Applications for funding should be 
received by 15 December at the latest. 
Bird records should be submitted on DHKD's new Site Recording 
Forms. This will greatly facilitate transfer of data to a central computer 
database where it can be used to assess and protect sites. Forms can be 
obtained from Guy Kirwan, Turkey Officer, OSME, c/o The Lodge, 
Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, UK. OSME members in the Netherlands 
can obtain forms from Vincent van den Berk, Noorereind 3a, 4012 BT 
Kerk Avezaath, Netherlands. 
A final warning: at the time of writing, most of eastern Turkey is 'off- 
limits' to birdwatchers for safety reasons. Most of the sites described 
below are situated in the west and are deemed safe. The last four sites 
however, (indicated >) are in what can be called the 'danger zone 7 and 
should not be included in any itinerary unless conditions change. 
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