Matheran Hills Forest Walk: A Winter Morning with the Birds

Tour Date: November 16, 2025

The morning of November 16 was cool and clear, marking the start of the pleasant winter weather near Mumbai. After a short walk from the parking area, our group reached the main birdwatching location. We were immediately met by many bird calls. The loudest was the song of the Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, though the bird itself was not easily seen.

Small warblers were moving quickly everywhere, joined by several active sunbirds. A variety of leaf warbler species came down to bathe at a nearby stream. This allowed us to observe the Hume’s Warbler, the Green and Greenish Warblers, the Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, and the Blyth’s Reed Warbler. The excitement increased when several pairs of Crimson-backed Sunbirds made repeated visits to the water flowing over a wall.

We heard the calls of two separate Indian Blue Robins and were lucky when a female was seen up close. The Indian Paradise Flycatchers and Brown-cheeked Fulvettas moved quietly through the thick growth, keeping our attention focused. Later, a Blue-capped Rock Thrush came to a small pool, where it took a refreshing dip.

Above us, a Common Buzzard was seen gliding by. The sky also held many Little Swifts and Red-rumped Swallows. As we walked back, sightings of a few Grey Wagtails and Red-breasted Flycatchers brought the morning to a satisfying end.

Overall, the outing was very pleasant and filled with the cheerful activity of birds that travel from far away to spend the winter here.

Full Species List: The complete checklist is available here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S284726457