I have been following the @birddetective account on Instagram for a while. The account belongs to Emin Yoğurtçuoğlu, who is a bird watcher, nature photographer, traveller, and ecologist.
The people I most envy and admire in life are those who succeed in turning their passions into businesses. When I say ‘business,’ I don’t mean it solely as a money-making machine. To me, he is like the David Attenborough of Turkey.
I’m not a birdwatcher, but I enjoy following his account and learning about rare bird species, as well as his efforts to protect natural habitats and ecosystems in Turkey. Last week, he posted a video that I found incredibly therapeutic. I must have watched it countless times; it was the most soothing thing I’d seen in a long while. The video was captured right after he had seen and photographed a Caspian Plover in the Milleyha Wetland, located in the Samandağ district of Hatay, Turkey. He has been waiting for this moment for more than 20 years. Finally encountering this stunning breeding male, with its white face and belly set apart by a broad chestnut patch across the chest, was a moment he’d been longing for. He took hundreds of photos, each capturing the bird’s gentle, dovelike expression. When he shared the news, he was visibly shaking. This bird had been the object of his search around the globe, and now he had finally found it in Turkey.
I want to talk more about his reaction, but before that, it is important to provide some information about Hatay. Hatay is situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Siberian, and Irano-Turanian climatic regimes. Although it occupies only 0.7% of Turkey’s land area, it is home to 60% of the country’s mammal species. It serves as a major bottleneck for migratory birds and hosts some of Turkey’s most important wetlands within the Asi River basin. However, the Milleyha Wetland is currently under threat, with various debris dumped and scattered across the sanctuary. Some locals still engage in the poaching of birds. However, unlike in previous times, they do not hunt birds for consumption purposes. Some may be driven by trophy hunting, but many do not even collect the carcasses – hunting serves merely as target practice for them. Nevertheless, professional conservationists, academics, journalists, and local enthusiasts passionate about preserving this ecosystem continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the area. They organize themselves to monitor the site on a full-time basis, and upon spotting any poachers, they promptly report them to the authorities. Meanwhile, they have lobbied decision-makers to grant Milleyha protected status. Finally, their efforts have paid off, and the Milleyha bird sanctuary has been declared a natural site.
OK, let’s go back to the video. There was something truly magical in his reaction. The love he held for that bird, and his relentless pursuit to see it with his own eyes, searching for it wherever his travels took him, culminated in the moment he had been waiting for all his life. Can you imagine dedicating your life to photographing rare animal species, and the overwhelming joy you would feel when encountering one? When was the last time you experienced such profound joy in your heart? Something that made your heart leap out of your chest, leaving you feeling dizzy and shaky? Something unrelated to material possessions. The genuine happiness he shows reminds us that we’re not in control of nature, but we’re essential parts of it. We should go along with nature’s flow to stay connected to our humanity.
It’s fascinating to witness someone so passionate about nature and dedicated to capturing its beauty. While I may not be a seasoned birdwatcher like him, his infectious enthusiasm and love for wildlife are truly inspiring. Emin reminds us, sometimes all it takes is a little bird watching to lift your spirits and remind you of the magic all around us. So, keep your eyes peeled for those rare sightings, and never underestimate the joy of a well-timed bird video on your feed.
* Here’s a little info about the Caspian Plover (Anarhynchus asiaticus) : This bird is like a frequent flyer, often seen on sandy beaches and open plains, especially in places like Turkey and Central Asia. It’s quite the fashionista, sporting a stylish look with a white face, belly, and a chestnut patch that adds a touch of flair. It’s like the VIP of the bird world because bird enthusiasts have been on the lookout for this bird for ages. If you ever spot one during your beach stroll or countryside adventure, you’re in luck – you’ve just met the elusive Caspian Plover.
** Photo credit: Emin Yoğurtçuoğlu