Balikesir - Kuscenneti National Park

NATIONAL PARKS

Location: Kuscenneti (Bird Paradise) is 20km southwest of Bandirma, and around 50km north of Balikesir, adjacent to Kus lake.

Transportation: The park can be reached via the Balikesir – Bandirma highway.

Highlights: At the end of the winter the level water in Kus Lake rises, which cover the small willow grove and reed beds at the northwest of the lake. By spring, migrating birds fly from the southern regions to the national park and nest, so their young are hatching and growing in the area. At the end of summer, they return to the warmer south. This tiny area (64 hectares) is a popular migrating spot for birds from Europe and Asia, who fly here for the nourishment of the lake water, willow tree groves and reeds, making it a world-famous bird-watching location. There are 239 different species inhabiting the area during these months, with a total of three million birds.

An unique characteristic of the Kuscenneti National Park is its award of the Class A European Diploma from the European Council four times since 1976, because of its effective and successful protection for bird life. The best months for bird watching are between March and July, and September and October. There is a watchtower that gives a wide range of viewing facility in the area.

Facilities: Detailed information about the birds, and the park in general, is provided in the museum and the administrative building inside the park. Scientific research here requires permission from the park directorate. There are no facilities for food or accommodation, but the nearest place is in the village of Sigirciatik, or else further in Bandirma.