A Birding Sunday to Remember

Our recent birding trip to Matheran proved to be an exceptional experience, filled with encounters with some of the Western Ghats’ most cherished endemic species. We were thrilled to observe the White-cheeked Barbet, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the vibrant Crimson-backed Sunbird. The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, in particular, provided a memorable moment, feeding peacefully, seemingly undisturbed by our presence, granting us a rare and intimate glimpse into its natural behaviour.

Adding to the day’s excitement were the sightings of several migratory species. The Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Forest Wagtail, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, and Indian Blue Robin graced us with their presence, highlighting the diverse avian life that Matheran attracts.

The forest resonated with the songs of numerous warblers, with the Western Crowned Warbler’s voice being the most prominent. We also enjoyed observing Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Greenish Warbler, and Hume’s Warbler, making for a truly rewarding birding session.

Beyond the incredible bird sightings, our Sunday trip was made even more special by the simple pleasure of indulging in hot vada pav and chai after an exhilarating morning. This combination of natural beauty and culinary delight made for an unforgettable Matheran experience.

Checkout what our travellers got to see – https://ebird.org/checklist/S217429170 and https://ebird.org/checklist/S217429171

A special thanks to Santosh Sinha for this amazing photograph.