Balıkdamı Wetland Bird Observation Tower
Located about 40 km south of Sivrihisar, Balıkdamı Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest wetlands in Turkey. This wetland, consisting of very small ponds and large reeds, is approximately 30 thousand acres. Balıkdamı Bird Sanctuary is also the last stop in the west for wild waterfowl living in Asia. This region, one of the few wetlands in Turkey, is also one of the most important accommodation points for birds migrating seasonally between northern and southern countries. If migratory birds stay in a wetland, it is obvious that there are sufficient numbers of fish in that area. Due to this abundance of fish, this special region is called "Balıkdamı" by the people, meaning the breeding and living area of fish. The most important factor in the Sakarya River having this rich fish composition is Balıkdamı. Because this region provides all the conditions that a freshwater fish would want. Today, compared to our other wetlands, Balıkdamı is in a much better condition in terms of both water quality and environmental factors.
