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Kaunos Ancient Ruins

Dalyan  >  Turkey

The famous archeological site of Kaunos near Dalyan has the perfect combination of culture and birding. If you go early it's paradise to stroll along the ruins.

Added* by John Morecroft
Most recent update 25 marec 2023

Description

The Dalyan Delta is an important natural area for breeding and migratory birds. The ancient ruins at Kaunos overlooking the reed beds towards the sea and with Suluklu Golu (lake of Leeches) can provide some excellent birding. Some of the great birds you can encounter here include brhlík skalný, hadiar krátkoprstý , sokol sťahovavý, penica čiernohrdlá, skaliar modrý, volavka purpurová, chriašteľ vodný, chavkoš nočný, kršiak rybár and strakoš bieločelý. When you go early in the morning you have the ruins by yourself and the birds are most active and visible.

Details

Access

To get there go to the boats at the Kaunos Kral Bahcesi (marked with a star on the map). There is a wooden jetty here and for a small fee you can get a return rowing boat across to the other side to get to the road to Kaunos. Simply get the boat across and when you return from Kaunos the boat will bring you back across the river. When you are on the other side, you can walk the relaxed traffic-free road to the ruins (1,6 km, see the map) and start birding the fields and orchards along the road. In Kaunos itself you have to pay an entry fee and then you can stroll around the ruins. There are many different paths to explore the site. Take at least 3 hours for the whole trip.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds , City/village

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

It can get really hot between the ruins, so go early (the best choice), or late in the afternoon. And take water with you!

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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