Close to the city of Izmir on the Aegean is a natural paradise for wildlife, the Gediz Delta. The mudflats, salt marshes, reed beds, lagoons, salt pans, shallows, hills and farmland of the delta are home to a great diversity of living creatures. Around 230 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish, not to mention plants and insects make their home here. Homa Lagoon is one of the most important parts of the delta in terms of biological diversity. The lagoon adjoins the Çamalti Salt Pan and is divided from the sea by a narrow bank of alluvium carried down by the River Gediz. Flamingos come to breed in this shallow still expanse of water. The name of the flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) comes from the Portuguese flamengo, meaning firebird, and its colours indeed justify this name, with its long slender red legs, red beak and red wings; and white or pink head, neck and body; and black plumage beneath the wings visible only when it is in flight. The flamingo feeds mainly on artemia (Artemia salina) a marine invertebrate which increases the pink colour of the flamingses plumage.

Although they live in salt water, flamingos drink fresh water. When the breeding season begins the flamingos begin to perform their mating dance. Couples which intend to mate stretch out their graceful necks and circle around one another in a dance of extraordinary beauty which is said to have inspired flamenco dancing. Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus crispus), an endangered species throughout the world, are also among the visitors to Homa Lagoon. With a wingspan of over three metres these are among the largest seabirds in existence. For these pelicans with their orange pouches and off-white plumage the muddy islets of the lagoon are of special significance, because it is here that they breed, safe from interference by humans and animals. Another bird that comes to these islets to breed is the sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis), whose only breeding ground in Turkey is the Gediz Delta. The spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is another species to be seen in the lagoon, which is home to a large colony of these beautiful birds.

Walking tours take visitors to Lodos Tepe to look out over the lagoon, and if you take binoculars you can watch the many birds of the area. Homa Lagoon, with its beautiful scenery, wildlife and ancient ruins is the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled nature within easy reach of the city of Izmir. If you end your visit on Lodos Tepe, time and space will dissolve into the sense of tranquillity that all we city dwellers need as you gaze upon the spectacular sunset.

* Alpay Tiril is a member of the Aegean Wildlife Conservation Society