Yayla Girdev Turkey 7/05/25

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Today I explored the highlands beyond Seki, signposted to Yayla Girdev. It was another warm and sunny day.

I didn't have a target bird in mind though was pleased to find Rock Bunting, a species I haven't seen for a number of years. The calls initially heard from within a bush sounded much like Cirl Bunting, so I was pleasantly surprised when the bird dropped to the ground revealing its true identity.

Other birds seen in the hills included Long-legged Buzzard, Rock Nuthatch, Eurasian Serin, Woodlark, Mistle Thrush, Cirl Bunting, Sombre Tit, Coal Tit, plus two distant kestrels,  probably Common rather than Lesser.

Before driving back I couldn't resist another look at White-throated Robin in Seki, with a bonus of two Cretzschmar's Bunting by the side of the road.

Rock Bunting 

As above 

As above 

Coal Tit

As above 

Woodlark 

Sombre Tit

As above 

Mistle Thrush 

Cirl Bunting 

Kestrel 

Mountain view 

White-throated Robin 



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