Lake Urmia in Iran

Situated about 15 km east of the city of Orumieh, Lake Urmia is the largest lake in the country after the Caspian Sea. This endorheic salt lake, with a surface area of 4,868 km², is elongated from northwest to southwest and has 102 islands. The maximum depth barely reaches 20 meters, although it varies depending on the time of year. Due to its biological wealth - its waters are visited by 186 species of birds so it is the best place for birdwatching in Iran- and because of the special environmental conditions, it is considered one of the ecosystems in serious need of protection for its delicate balance. Lake Urmia is considered a World Natural Reserve by UNESCO and also protected as a national park by the Iranian Department of Environment. It is said that the mud which is formed on the beaches and under the waters, has therapeutic properties. One of the attractions of Lake Urmia is a mushroom rock, called Mosht-e Osman.

 

Take a birdwatching tour with Uppersia team and experience a different adventure in the beautiful environment of Lake Urmia.

Lake Urmia in Iran

 

Tourism and Birdwatching in Anzali Lagoon, Iran

Watching beautiful birds has been a common recreational activity among people across the world for decades and the enthusiasts regardless of their occupations or specialties do this healthy recreation.  Contrary to the public view, it is not necessary to be an ornithologist for birdwatching, only it is enough to have interest in nature, as beautiful and colorful feathers of a finch or singing of a blackbird affect every viewers or listeners. In the right place, and at the right time, birdwatchers can observe many types of bird as they pass through well-known migration spots. The Caspian Sea is one of the most important habitat areas for migratory aquatic birds. This sea is located at the geographical distribution center of the geese and ducks population, and each year there are more than 10-12 million different types of ducks and Goose, Swans and other birds are migrating there. Anzali Lagoon in Gilan province is one of the promising destinations for birdwatching tours in Iran. The natural and beautiful features of Anzali lagoon are its tulips and migratory birds such as swans, pelicans, ducks and other carnivores. Over tens of thousands of migratory birds pass this lagoon as well. The diversity of vegetation in the wetland has attracted migratory birds to Anzali lagoon. From the other beauties of Anzali Lagoon, white lotus can be noted which grants certain effects to this area. The most active seasons for birdwatching in tropical areas are spring and autumn during their migrations. Most species of birds can be seen in this seasons.

Anzali Lagoon, Gilan provice, Iran

There is a growing trend of bird photography among birdwatchers. As a result, special bird photography trips are being developed. The knowledgeable tour guides of Uppersia, with the safety and satisfaction of travelers in mind, will accompany you and take this tour to a whole new level.

Iran’s national bird

  Zaaqe bour (Persian ground jay or as Iranians say, the blond crow) is a type of bird living exclusively in the Lut desert of Iran and has been presented as Iran’s national bird. This bird is from crows’ species but moves mostly on the ground and flies less. Even while feeling danger, this bird prefers running fast to flying, although knows how to fly! Zaaqe bour has an interesting sound and a light yellow-brown color, in harmony with the color of the desert.

  This little bird has two long legs (considering their small body), suitable for running fast on sand and between bushes and a curved beak helps them to dig the ground and search for food. This bird primarily eats insects and seeds and they store their food under the ground. They are dependent to Qich bushes (a type of wild plant found in Lut desert) and make their nest on these bushes. Although they are territorial birds, they usually are not afraid of people.

  Zaaqe bour has been adapted to desert climate and ornithologists have introduced this species as a bird which is endemic to Iran and can not be found anywhere else. That’s why this bird is presented as Iran’s national bird. You should be lucky to see a Zaaqe bour in  Lut desert, because it is a small bird that can not be easily noticed on sand. 

  If  you are obsessed with the birds and you like to see different birds of  Iran, “Uppersia” is here for you to arrange and operate bird watching tours.

"Zaaqe bour" looking for food with its long beak.