Great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) take a break at Lake Çavuşçu in Konya’s Ilgın district during their spring migration from Africa to Europe and Russia. The lake, abundant in food and ideal for nesting, serves as a crucial stopover on their long journey.
Every year, thousands of these striking birds make a brief but vital stop at Lake Çavuşçu, where the abundant fish population and relatively undisturbed environment provide the perfect conditions for resting and refueling.
Local birdwatchers and nature photographers flock to the area during this period, hoping to catch a glimpse of the large flocks gliding over the water or gathering along the reeds. Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting such wetlands, not only for the pelicans but also for dozens of other migratory species that depend on these ecosystems during their seasonal journeys. The presence of great white pelicans has also brought renewed attention to the lake, encouraging eco-tourism and environmental awareness in the region.
