Aegean wetland waterbird numbers on the rise

IZMIR, TURKIYE - FEBRUARY 28: Flamingos are seen on the lake during the winter season in Izmr, Turkiye on February 28, 2025. The number of waterbirds seen in wetlands in Izmir, Aydin, Manisa and Mugla increased by 40 percent compared to last year, and 219,944 waterbirds of 83 species were recorded by birdwatchers in 29 wetlands in 4 provinces in January. Under the coordination of the Hunting and Wildlife Department of the 4th Regional Directorate of the General Directorate of Nature Protection and National Parks, members of non-governmental organisations and volunteer birdwatchers carried out work within the framework of the 'Mid-Winter Waterbird Census' in January. (Photo by Halil Fidan/Anadolu via Getty Images)