Bird Watching at the Bhigwan Grasslands
Our guests from the US embarked on an exhilarating birding adventure with Jungle Buddies at Bhigwan. The journey kicked off with a dawn grassland safari on Day 1, the primary objective being a search for wolves. While the elusive wolves remained hidden, the overcast weather didn’t deter the group from enjoying spectacular bird sightings. Notable species spotted included Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quails, Rain Quails, Painted and Grey Francolins, Indian Bush Larks, Rufous Fronted Prinias, and a myriad of other avian delights.
Following a quick breakfast pitstop, the quest continued in pursuit of the Indian Eagle Owl. The group then returned to the homestay, where a delightful lunch awaited. After a brief one-hour rest, the evening grassland safari unfolded, guiding the team to an open rocky habitat. Here, they were treated to close encounters with raptors such as Montagu Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Short-Toed Snake Eagle, and the thrilling sight of an Indian Fox. This safari provided ample opportunities for close-quarter photography.
Back at the homestay, a comforting tea preceded a satisfying dinner, wrapping up a day filled with diverse birding experiences.
Next morning, we began with a short excursion before the anticipated boat safari. The team spotted Painted Sandgrouse, Yellow Wattled Lapwings, Brown Crake, and Indian Thicknee in this prelude to the boat safari. Boarding the boat on the backwaters of the Ujjani dam, the guests found themselves surrounded by thousands of migratory ducks and shorebirds. Highlights included Northern Shovelers, Common Pochard, Eurasian Coots, Garganeys, Eurasian Spoonbills, and the majestic Greater Flamingos.
The return journey to Mumbai was punctuated with additional bird sightings, including Desert and Isabelline Wheatears, Indian Coursers, and a significant population of Indian Gazelles.
Throughout their week-long odyssey in India, our guests, guided by the Jungle Buddies team, not only explored Bhigwan but also ventured into areas near Mumbai like Matheran, Tansa, VIVA, and Haji Malang. The tally of their bird sightings reached an impressive 230 species, with approximately 200 lifers and 130 species spotted in Bhigwan alone.
This trip marked the first visit to India for our guests, and we sincerely hope that the memories forged during their birding expedition will be cherished for years to come. Jungle Buddies is grateful to have been a part of their journey and looks forward to welcoming more bird enthusiasts to explore the rich avian diversity of India.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://ebird.org/india/tripreport/171249