Bird Watching in Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary is located near the twin city of Vasai and Virar in the Palghar district. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 85 sq. km which is mostly hilly. It also forms a corridor between SGNP and Tansa wildlife sanctuary and hence is crucial for the movement of wildlife between these regions.

Description

Located on the outskirts of Mumbai in the town of Vasai lies the famous Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. With a total area of 85 sq. km, the sanctuary acts as a crucial wildlife corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary and was declared a sanctuary in 2003. The park is home a various species of birds, mammals, insects and various flora species. The forest is a unique blend of Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi-Evergreen, making it an ideal birding hotspot within the city limits of Mumbai.

Birding in the sanctuary: One can explore the uphill trail to Tunagreshwar’s temple, apart from the trail, the forest department has developed a small water hole en route to the temple which is a hotspot during summers and late winters for passerine birds.

eBird Hotspot & checklist: https://ebird.org/india/hotspot/L6531167

Nearest Train station: Vasai

Target species expected: Crested Serpent Eagle, Jungle Owlet, Brown Hawk Owl, Plum Headed Parakeet, Brown Headed Barbet, Vigors Sunbird, Indian Peafowl, Rufous Woodpecker, Rufous Treepie, Golden Fronted Leafbird, Common Woodshrike are some of the resident birds that can be seen throughout the year. Winter visitors like Ultramarine Flycatcher, Red Breasted Flycatcher, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Booted Eagle, Humes Leaf Warbler, and Brown Breasted Flycatcher are also found.

Best time to visit: Nov-March & June-Sep