Tourists flock various Pune spots to see rare migratory birds

With rare migratory birds visiting early this year, enthusiasts are flocking to places like Kumbhargaon (Bhigwan), Sinhagad valley, Pabe ghat, and Tamhini ghat, equipped with binoculars and hawk-eye vision.

A cheerful group of people welcome their feathered friends: amateur and expert bird watchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

About 120 kilometers from Pune, Kumbhargaon is renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise.

The region draws a lot of ornithophiles because it is home to the Greater Flamingos, which migrate from Gujarat and some even from parts of Africa.

According to the organizer of a boat tour for bird watching at Kumbhargaon, 1,000 flamingos and other uncommon migratory birds, such as the Greater Spotted Eagle and the Bar Headed Goose, have already arrived. Compared to last year, there hasn’t been as much rainfall this year. As a result, the Ujani Dam has roughly 40% less water than normal. This facilitates birds’ ability to capture prey.

In the meantime, more reservations are being made, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, according to the city’s day tour operators.

It is unusual to see so many birds this early in December, according to a Pune visitor. Next weekend, she intends to visit before it becomes too crowded. Her kids are thrilled since they’ve never seen a flamingo.

Enthusiasts of birds have reported seeing the Peregrine Falcon, the world’s fastest bird, as well as other migratory species this season, including the Eurasian Wigeon and Small Pratincole.

Another traveler mentioned that he makes a few-monthly trip to Bhigwan. It should be a good birding season this winter. It’s already bustling with activity and full of migratory birds that have arrived. Observing bird behavior during the season is also fascinating.

The Sinhagad valley is swarming with birds as well. According to a bird watcher, her top three choices in the valley are the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, and Red-breasted Flycatcher.

About 40 km outside of the city, at Tamhini Ghat, we also saw these attention-grabbing birds. According to a hotel owner, they are hosting bird watching excursions this year. The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Blue-Capped Rock Thrush, and Indian Blue Robin are a few migratory birds that can be seen in this area.