Flamingo chicks prepare for their migratory journey

Known as the bird paradise of the Konya Plain, the Akgöl wetlands—which were declared a first-degree natural protected area in 1993 and a nature conservation area in 1995—are located on one of the important migration routes for migratory birds in Turkey and serve as a home to many living creatures, especially flamingos.

The wetlands, which are of great importance in terms of shelter, nesting, and incubation areas for migratory birds, are located on the migration route of many birds, primarily flamingos—known among the public as "allı turna" (rosy crane) due to their red color—as well as pygmy cormorants, great white pelicans, great egrets, squacco herons, glossy ibises, Eurasian spoonbills, and gadwalls.

In Akgöl, where thousands of flamingos feed and shelter, the flamingo chicks that hatched this year have reached the maturity required to fly for their migration to warmer countries.

The juvenile flamingos, distinguished by their pale colors, drew attention as they flew in groups and fed in the reed beds under the supervision of adults.

The flamingo chicks of this year, which will join the migration flock once they reach adulthood, created a veritable riot of color with their mass flights over the reeds.