Camlica Hill is one of the best-known places in Istanbul to watch soaring birds migrate over the Bosphorus, especially in September and October, when storks, eagles, kites and buzzards circle over the hill on their way south. The classic watch point is the public grove on Büyük Çamlıca, next to Camlica Tower; the tower’s glass-enclosed decks on the 33rd and 34th floors add a wide overview of the strait.
| Peak season | Autumn migration, September and October |
|---|---|
| Also | Spring migration over the Bosphorus |
| Typical species | White stork, black stork, European honey buzzard, black kite, lesser spotted eagle, short-toed snake eagle, booted eagle, Levant sparrowhawk |
| Where to watch | The open hilltop of the Büyük Çamlıca grove |
| Getting there | M5 metro to Kısıklı, then about a 15-minute uphill walk |
| What to bring | Binoculars; a telescope helps for distant birds |
Why do birds migrate over Camlica Hill?
Large soaring birds such as storks and raptors avoid crossing wide stretches of open sea, because they rely on rising warm air to gain height. The Bosphorus is one of the narrowest crossings between Europe and Asia, so huge numbers of these birds funnel over Istanbul each year, and the Çamlıca hills on the Asian side are a natural place to watch them as they circle and glide past.
When is the best time to see the migration?
Autumn is the main season, with September and October as the peak months for most species. Spring migration also passes over the Bosphorus, but autumn is when birdwatchers gather on Çamlıca Hill. Sunny days with good thermals usually bring the most movement, and numbers vary from day to day with the weather.
Which birds can you see?
The species most often seen over Camlica Hill include the European honey buzzard, the black stork and the white stork, the black kite, the short-toed snake eagle, the lesser spotted eagle, the booted eagle, the Levant sparrowhawk, the Eurasian sparrowhawk and the hobby. Storks and honey buzzards often pass in large groups, while eagles tend to come in smaller numbers.
Where exactly should you watch from?
The open hilltop in the public grove on Büyük Çamlıca is the traditional spot, with wide views over the southern Bosphorus. There is no hide or observatory, so bring your own binoculars. From the tower’s observation decks you get a broad overview of the strait and the city, but the decks are enclosed by glass and the birds pass at changing heights, so the hilltop is better for actual birdwatching. Learn more in Camlica Hill vs Camlica Tower.
How do you get there?
Take the M5 metro to Kısıklı and walk about 1.1 km uphill, roughly 15 minutes, or take a bus or taxi up the hill; there is parking at the top. For all routes, see how to get to Camlica Tower.
Common mistakes
- “Migration is visible all year.” The big movements come in spring and especially in autumn; outside these periods you mainly see resident birds.
- “The tower decks are the best birdwatching spot.” The decks give a great overview, but the open hilltop is better for following birds with binoculars.
Ready to go up? Book Camlica Tower tickets online.
Questions answered in this article
- When is bird migration at Camlica Hill? — Mainly in autumn, peaking in September and October.
- Which birds can you see? — Storks, honey buzzards, black kites, eagles and sparrowhawks.
- Where is the best spot? — The open hilltop of the Büyük Çamlıca grove.
- How do you get there? — M5 metro to Kısıklı, then about a 15-minute walk uphill.
- Can you watch from the tower? — Yes, for an overview, but the hilltop is better for birdwatching.
Sources
- Birdingplaces — Çamlıca Hill: species, best season and access
- Çamlıca Kulesi (official operator) — observation deck floors
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