Kuşcenneti National Park - Balıkesir
Towards the end of winter, the waters of Bird Lake begin to rise and cover the small willow grove and surrounding reeds on the northwest coast. On the days when winter returns to spring, migratory birds who pass the cold periods in the southern countries choose the silent Bird Paradise National Park as a nesting place. They lay eggs in their nests and incubate them. The pups open their eyes here, feed, grow, sprinkle and fly away to come again next year. Lake waters, willow groves and reeds provided with feeding, security and shelter facilities and favorable climatic conditions cause large bird migrations between Euro-Asian continents to this small (64 Ha) country corner, making the region famous among the countries. 2-3 million birds out of 239 bird species that incubate from spoonbill to fishermen, paddy, cormorants, reed nightingales, pelicans, swans to geese and ducks, visit 2-3 million birds every year. Kuşcenneti National Park has a special place different from other national parks in our country. In 1976, the Council of Europe awarded a Class A European Diploma due to the richness of birds in the National Park, which is of international importance and the successful conservation practice within the definition of National Park.This diploma was renewed in 1981-1986-1991 and 1996. Furthermore, with the decision published in the Official Gazette dated 15.04.1998 and numbered 23314, Bird's Paradise was included in the Romsen Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance as a Waterfowl Living Environment). Places to See: The opportunity to watch the interesting periods of bird life in Bird's Paradise is between March-July and September-October. A wide environment can be observed from the observation tower. Available Services and Accommodation: The museum and the administrative center in the National Park provide extensive information about the birds in the park. Scientific research in the National Park is subject to the permission of the park management. There are showcases. The bird watch tower, reconstructed in 2001, is the largest of its kind in the world. Its height is 17,5 m. The platform can accommodate up to 40 people and visitors are given binoculars. There is no accommodation and food services in the park. Accommodation in the village of Sığırcıatik 1 kilometer away or hotels in Bandırma, Erdek and Gönen.