Flat walking paths and picnic areas wrap the Yedikır reservoir, a wildlife protection area and one of only two white-pelican breeding sites in Turkey, recording well over 170 bird species. Easy trails along the embankment and reedbeds make this a gentle nature walk focused on birdwatching rather than climbing.
The Yedikır Dam Birdwatching Trails follow the flat embankment and shoreline paths of the Yedikır reservoir in the Suluova district of Amasya province, one of Turkey's most important wetland sites for waterbird conservation. The dam and surrounding wildlife protection area lie approximately 35 kilometres west of Amasya city centre and 8 kilometres from Suluova town, reached by private car on a straightforward road from the D100 highway. No public transport serves the site.
The trails cover 3–5 kilometres of level walking on a mix of compacted earth embankment tracks, short gravel paths and mown grass strips beside the reedbeds. Elevation is essentially flat throughout at around 480 metres, making the route one of the gentlest in Amasya province. Comfortable walking shoes suffice; no technical gear is required.
Yedikır is designated as one of only two white pelican breeding sites in Turkey and has recorded over 170 bird species across its open water, reedbeds and surrounding agricultural fringe. Breeding seasons in spring and late summer bring the most rewarding observation conditions. Nesting pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks and wading birds can be watched at close range from the embankment paths during the breeding season from March through June. Autumn migration from September through November brings additional species diversity as passage birds use the reservoir as a staging point.
Picnic areas with tables and toilet facilities are maintained beside the car park at the main embankment. No entry fee is charged. The site is lightly visited on weekdays and offers quiet observation conditions. Binoculars or a spotting scope significantly enhance the birdwatching experience and are strongly recommended. Insect repellent is advisable from late spring through summer due to the reedbeds.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yedikır Dam Wildlife Protection Area, Suluova district, Amasya province
- Best season
- March-May and September-November for migrating and breeding birds
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Binoculars or a spotting scope
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
Location
Yedikır Barajı, Yedikır, 05500 Suluova, Amasya, Turkey
40.7772, 35.5686 View on map
Highlights
- One of only two white pelican breeding sites in Turkey, observable from the embankment path
- Over 170 recorded bird species including herons, egrets, cormorants and wading birds
- Flat, easy embankment walk alongside open water and reedbeds requiring no technical fitness
- Free access with picnic tables and toilet amenities at the main car park
- Rich autumn migration period with additional passage species from September to November
Tips for visiting
- Bring binoculars or a spotting scope; birds concentrate on open water and reedbeds rather than immediately beside the path
- Visit in March–May for peak pelican nesting activity, or September–November for autumn migration diversity
- Carry insect repellent from May through August; warm-weather reedbeds produce significant mosquito activity
- Arrive early morning when bird activity is highest and light on the water is at its best for observation
- A telephoto lens of at least 300 mm is recommended for photographic visits as birds maintain a natural distance from the embankment
When to visit
March to May for white pelican breeding and spring arrivals; September to November for autumn migration. Early-morning visits on weekdays offer the quietest conditions and best light over the open water.
Accessibility
The main embankment path and car park area are flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers on dry days. The compacted-earth and gravel surface is navigable in a manual wheelchair. The reedbeds and uneven shoreline sections are not wheelchair-accessible, but the primary birdwatching viewpoints are all reachable from the flat embankment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yedikır reservoir open to the public year-round?
Yes, the embankment paths and picnic area are accessible year-round with no entry fee. The wildlife protection designation prohibits motorised boat access on the reservoir itself.
What makes this site nationally significant for birdwatchers?
Yedikır is one of only two locations in Turkey where white pelicans breed, making it a key conservation site. Its combination of open water, reedbeds and farmland edge supports over 170 recorded species across resident, breeding and migratory populations.
Do I need a guide to birdwatch here?
No guide is required; the embankment path provides open views of the main water body and reedbeds. Specialists familiar with the site are available informally through Amasya nature tourism contacts for more structured ornithological visits.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning, from dawn to approximately 09:00, offers the highest bird activity, the best light conditions and the quietest atmosphere. Late afternoon is also productive, particularly for watching pelicans return to roost.
Are dogs permitted at the reserve?
The site is a wildlife protection area; dogs must be kept on a lead at all times to avoid disturbing nesting and resting birds, particularly during the spring breeding season from March through June.