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Great white pelicans take a well-deserved break during migration

The birds stop at Lake Çavuşçu in Turkey, a popular resting spot, as they head towards their summer breeding grounds

16 April 2025

KONYA, TURKIYE - MARCH 26: Great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) rest in Lake Cavuscu as they migrate from Africa to Europe and Russia with the arrival of spring in Ilgin district of Konya, Turkiye on March 26, 2025. Lake Cavuscu is home to pelicans and migratory birds on the migration route. Lake Cavuscu, where there are suitable conditions for feeding and accommodation, is also home to resident birds. (Photo by Seyit Konyali /Anadolu via Getty Images) — Seyit Konyali /Anadolu via Getty Images

Every long journey needs breaking up, even those of great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus), pictured here resting last month at Lake Çavuşçu in Konya, Turkey, while on their migration to breeding grounds that range from eastern Europe to Kazakhstan. Their migratory routes aren’t well understood, but this lake is a popular stopping point each year.

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