Raptors of Bhigwan

Learning Raptors in the Grasslands of Maharashtra: A Birdwatching & Photography Tour

Dates: 6–7 December 2025

Locations: Bhigwan & Baramati, Maharashtra

Mastering raptor identification can be one of the most challenging—yet rewarding—skills for any birdwatcher. To help enthusiasts bridge the gap between spotting a dark silhouette in the sky and confidently naming the species, Jungle Buddies Tours conducted a specialized raptor birdwatching and photography tour on the 6th and 7th of December 2025 by Raptor Expert Rajesh Poojary.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Maharashtra’s grassland and wetland ecosystems, this tour was uniquely designed to combine thrilling wildlife photography with structured, on-field learning.

Day 1: Afternoon Safari at Kadbanwadi Grassland, Bhigwan

Our group arrived in the renowned birding hub of Bhigwan in the early afternoon, eager to start the adventure. By 3:00 PM, we ventured into the Kadbanwadi Grassland, a habitat famous for hosting an incredible array of wintering raptors.

The open terrain and beautiful golden-hour light provided the perfect setting for wildlife photography. As we scanned the skies and the scrub, we were rewarded with spectacular sightings of avian predators and terrestrial mammals, highlighting the immense ecological value of this region.

Highlight Sightings from Kadbanwadi:

Greater Spotted Eagle
Montagu’s Harrier
Pallid Harrier
Spotted Owlet
Striped Hyena
Indian Fox

Evening Session: The Raptor Identification Workshop

Wildlife tourism is most impactful when it leaves participants with lasting knowledge. Following our evening safari, the group gathered for an indoor workshop focused entirely on strengthening raptor identification skills.

Distinguishing the raptors of Maharashtra requires a keen eye for detail. The interactive session covered critical identification markers, including:

Wing structure and silhouette
Flight behaviour and soaring patterns
Habitat preferences
Subtle seasonal plumage variations

By analysing and discussing these traits, participants gained a practical foundation to help them distinguish between similar-looking species—skills they would immediately put to the test the very next morning.

Day 2: Morning Safari in the Baramati Grasslands

Equipped with fresh knowledge from the workshop, the group headed to the Baramati Grasslands for a morning field session. This was the perfect opportunity to transition from classroom theory to real-world application.

Instead of relying purely on photographic references after the fact, participants demonstrated remarkable confidence in identifying soaring raptors through direct field observation. The morning yielded a phenomenal checklist of birds of prey.

Highlight Sightings from Baramati:

Eastern Imperial Eagle
Greater Spotted Eagle
Short-toed Snake Eagle
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Montagu’s Harrier
Pallid Harrier
Spotted Owlet

Conclusion: The Value of Learning-Based Wildlife Tours

This weekend getaway successfully blended field observation, wildlife photography, and structured education into a comprehensive birding experience. By taking the time to study flight patterns and structural differences, our participants walked away with lasting raptor identification skills that will enhance all their future birdwatching pursuits.