The Osmangazi Bridge, whose construction was completed after curving, enables large-winged migratory birds to pass easily with the heat wave it creates on it.
The Osmangazi Bridge, which was curved during its construction, became an important bridge where not only people but also migratory birds were used for crossing between Asia and Europe.
CROSSING ROUTE TO MIGRANT BIRDS
Located in the town of Yalova Altinova Herzegovina Lagoon, which is one of Turkey's most important bridge through Osmangazi Bridge now hosts 230 different bird species.
Using the lagoon on the transition route between Europe and Asia, migratory birds can cross by using the heat wave formed on the bridge.
Altınova Mayor Metin Oral told Anadolu Agency (AA) about the works carried out to prevent damage to the Hersek Lagoon during the construction of the bridge.
"THANKS TO THIS PROTECTION, WE INCREASED FROM 104 SPECIES TO 230"
Reminding that the bridge was curved with the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ministries when the bridge was planned to pass over the lagoon, Oral said: "Thus, the bridge was curved and moved away from the lake. Recently, with the decision of our President, this region was actually liberated. Our Hersek Lagoon, the bird hotel he stayed in, is a very important place for the region. Thanks to this protection, we increased from 104 species to 230. Thus, we have seen how well done in terms of environmentalism. With this sensitivity, we have revealed an important value of both our region and our country. I think we have received the award for this by increasing to 230 species. "
"WITH NATURE AND HISTORY"
Pointing out that the area has become more valuable with its disabled compatible bird watching tower, nature education center and medical aromatic plants garden in Hersek Lagoon, Oral said, "I hope that our citizens will come to this place in a short time and get education about nature, watch birds, get information about medicinal aromatic plants, "It will be a place where they can be intertwined with nature and history."
"MIGRANT BIRDS USE THE OSMANGAZI BRIDGE"
Altınova Municipality Bird Watcher Fatih Bülbül stated that the completion of the construction after the bridge is curved has provided important gains to the Hersek Lagoon.
Pointing out that the Hersek Lagoon and its region, which is a first degree natural and second degree archaeological site, were saved by curving the bridge, Bülbül said: "The arc given to the bridge has preserved the area. It also contributed to the bird diversity in the Marmara Region in terms of bird diversity. This is the most important wetland area, as it is on the migration route as well as hosting waterfowl, and it is an area where migratory birds also accommodate and cross. For this, an air flow needs to be formed. Hot thermals are formed in the warmed soil and these birds continue on their way by getting on these thermals. The heat on the land is higher than the seas. The temperature in the wetlands does not have the carrying feature. Therefore, these birds follow the land. Therefore, the birds that come here have to cross the sea. They want to use the land as well. Here, Osmangazi Bridge comes across and they use it for their crossings because they see the bridge as land. They use it because the thermal that occurs on the bridge is more than on land. I mean, they use the bridge for crossing like us. "
"WE CAN EVEN SAY A BRIDGE A BIRD BRIDGE"
Stating that there has been a significant increase in the number of migratory birds with large wings due to the location of the bridge and its use for crossing, Bülbül said, "We are experiencing a serious increase in the number of storks. We saw a griffon vulture while observing in the tower 2 years ago. So even the griffon vulture continues on its way over the bridge. "We can even call it a bird bridge. Thanks to the bridge, we added the" night heron "to the population and reached 230 species."