Dawn across the Göksu Marshes, southern Turkey
Apr 21st, 2010 by andrew skeoch
Dawn across the Goksu Marshes, Southern Turkey by Listening Earth
The first tinges of light were seeping into the east. But even with the dawn, there was little burst of dawn colour, just a soft pink wash over a leaden sky. The air down here in the marshes on the southern coast of Turkey felt humid and heavy, leaving one’s skin tacky.
Marshes can be places of vibrancy, even cacophony, where birds, insects and amphibians all compete for the airwaves. But here, on the Göksu Marshes, the dawn was subdued sonically too.
The Göksu Marshes are formed where the Göksu River flows off the uplands of the Toros Mountains, down through narrow and spectacular gorges to end up as a delta of sandbanks, lakes and roadbeds on the Mediterranean coast.
The marshes are well-known to naturalists, as many rare bird species have been sighted here, some on migration, others resident. But to find them would require patience and keen senses.
Nevertheless, we had a lovely morning with sightings of a shy Little Crake, many gulls and terns overhead, egrets, a Swamp Harrier, and a recording of delicate birdsong.
The hoped for Black Francolins that these marshes are known for were calling, but way, way off in the distance – barely audible. (Later we found one atop a bush proclaiming loudly, but he chuffed off into the undergrowth without allowing me the chance to record.)
Instead, we had a Reed Warbler giving a continuous stream of song from the reed tops, while in the low heaths nearby, Graceful Prinias sung with soft trills – in many ways they reminded us of our Australian Fairy-wrens.
As you listen, you’ll hear the Prinias countersigning early on, before the Reed Warbler comes closer. Marsh Frogs squelch and burp away, and in the distance, birds such as rafts of Coots call out on the open water.
Our impression of the Göksu Marshes was of a place of subtle beauty. Listen and enjoy.
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