At Jungle Buddies, our greatest joy comes from crafting more than just tours – we craft unforgettable travel memories. This World Environment Day was a testament to that, as we celebrated the Sunday with two truly special birding adventures that left our hearts full and our cameras buzzing!

Our day began with a breath of fresh, monsoon-kissed air deep within the Barvi Forest near Barvi Dam, Badlapur. Stepping in, it felt like entering a different world – the forest had transformed into a vibrant, lush green canopy, dripping with life after the rains. Yes, the mosquitoes were definitely at their peak (a small price for paradise!), but the sheer energy of the forest was exhilarating. The air vibrated with the persistent, almost hypnotic calls of the Common Hawk Cuckoos, a true sign of summer birding in full swing. Our eyes, however, were peeled for one particular gem: the Indian Pitta. And oh, did the forest deliver! We were thrilled to spot three magnificent Indian Pittas on multiple occasions, a true highlight of Barvi Forest birding. While they were engrossed in their quiet nesting duties, not a single vocalisation escaping their beaks (a sure sign they’re busy raising families!), just witnessing their vibrant colours against the green was pure magic.

Beyond our main target, the forest gifted us with a parade of beauties: the bold Black-hooded Oriole, the cheerful Brown-headed Barbet, the ever-active Common Iora, the charismatic Racket-tailed Drongos with their impressive tails, and the striking Orange-headed Thrush. But nature’s wonders weren’t just avian! Our sharp-eyed travellers also stumbled upon two exquisite orchid species – one from the elegant Rhynchostylis family and another a delicate Dendrobium. We capped off our incredibly rewarding wildlife tour in Maharashtra with a well-deserved, famous Vada Pav from Mulgaon – the perfect end to a perfect morning!

As twilight approached, the adventure continued at the Satpool Wetlands in Dombivli for a refreshing, free bird walk. Here, our focus shifted to the intriguing Watercock, a species that truly comes into its own during the early monsoons. And we struck gold, spotting two handsome male Watercocks! This Mumbai birding hotspot also treated us to sightings of the regal Purple Heron, the iconic Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, numerous lively Ashy and Plain Prinias, the striking Pied Cuckoo, and a charming pair of Spotted Owlets. Beyond the thrilling sightings, we spent time discussing the unique aspects of monsoon birding, what kind of bird species to anticipate, and shared tips on how to improve bird identification skills.

From the deep greens of Barvi to the lively wetlands of Satpool, World Environment Day with Jungle Buddies was a truly wonderful experience for every traveller. We came, we saw, we learned, and most importantly, we made some incredible memories connecting with the natural world.

Join us on your next adventure and let’s make more unforgettable memories together! Stay tuned for upcoming tours!

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