Jungle Buddies recently hosted a successful bird-watching tour to the picturesque Haji Malang Hills in Kalyan East, one of the last remaining grassland habitats in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Known for attracting various migratory raptor species during the winter, Haji Malang offered a unique opportunity to witness the diverse avian life it has to offer.

On October 20th, 2024, we embarked on our adventure, reaching the birding spot around 7:15 AM. While the misty weather and low visibility initially posed a challenge, we managed to spot Common Rosefinches, Baya Weavers, and Black-headed Buntings. Near a nearby paddy field, we encountered Paddyfield Warblers, juvenile Ashy and Jungle Prinia, Plain Prinia, a Golden Oriole, and the vocal Jungle Bush Quail.

As the sun rose and visibility improved, we were rewarded with the sight of a single Red Avadavat carrying nesting material. A Eurasian Sparrow perched on an electric pylon nearby, a reminder of the wintering Sparrowhawks that frequent Haji Malang Hills.

October is also the ideal time to hear the elusive Grasshopper Warbler, a winter resident in the Mumbai region. We listened to the distinctive calls of several individuals as we navigated the dense vegetation and slippery trails.

As the day warmed up, we could start seeing the raptors soaring in the sky. We spotted a Greater Spotted Eagle (Photo Credit – Souvik Kundu), another winter visitor, made its presence known, soaring gracefully above the landscape. We also came across a few other individuals of Greater Spotted Eagle which were being mobbed by a Shikra and Black-eared Kite.

Overall, the Haji Malang bird-watching tour was a resounding success, thanks to the diverse birdlife and the enthusiasm of our participants. Join us on our next birding adventure! Explore our upcoming tours and experience the thrill of discovering India’s avian wonders. Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.