In Search of Indian Pitta – 2 June 2024
Barvi Hills

About the site:
Built in 1979 on the banks of River Kalyanthane, Barvi Dam is a freshwater source for major regions of MMR. The backwaters of the dam are surrounded by lush green deciduous forest patches and small hillocks, which makes it an ideal home to large carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Barking deer and a few other mammal species, not just mammals or orchids, the Barvi forest is also considered a heaven for bird watchers.

Nearest Train station: Ambernath & Badlapur

Target species expected: Due to its geographical location, it’s home to more than 174+ species of bird including the resident and migratory birds. Forest birds like Indian Pitta, Rufous Woodpecker, Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops Owl, Cinereous tit, Emerald Doves, Indian Peafowl, Red Spurfowl, Rufous Treepie and Racket-tailed Drongo can be sighted during bird watching across the forest trails.

Pricing: 1450/-

Group Size: 5 Travellers + 1 Leader

Itinerary: Meet Jungle Buddies Naturalist at Ambarnath Train Station at 6.00 AM. We board a private AC vehicle and drive to the Barvi forest area. After a quick introduction, we will start our search birds and wrap up by 10.30-11 am. End the tour with a group selfie and the tour comes to an end with some happy memories with Jungle Buddies. Drive back to Ambarnath station to board the train to home destination.

How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs on 26 May at 9 PM

Free Bird Walk at Satpool Wetlands l 9 June 2024

About the birding site:

Satpool is a small wetland, forest & shrubland patch located on the banks of Ulhas River. The habitat is home to unique flora and fauna species. Being close to the river it is blessed with a rich wetland habitat that hosts variety of birds throughout the year. The surrounding area is well-wooded and hence a mix of species of the wetland and open areas can be found here.

Nearest Train station: Dombivli

Target species expected: Since it is a mix of Wetland & Forest habitats, we would be expecting various nocturnal bird species like Yellow Footed Green Pigeons, Yellow Crowned Woodpecker, Grey Bellied Cuckoo, Plum Headed Parakeets and wetland species like Grey Headed Swamphens, Watercock, Common Moorhens and others.

Pricing: Free Entry

Group Size: 20 Travellers

How to Reach: Share/private autos available from Dombivli West to Mothagaon.

How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs – Registration opens at 9 PM on 2nd June 2024.

Itinerary:

-Meet Jungle Buddies Expert at the Mothagaon Entry Point by 4.30 PM.

-Birding in the Wetlands till 5.30 PM.

-End the tour with a group picture and happy memories with Jungle Buddies.

How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs

Monsoon Birding at Tansa Sanctuary l 16 June 2024
Tansa Forest Owlet

About:

Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled 90 km northeast of Mumbai, finds its home in the foothills of the Sahyadris, a part of the Western Ghats. It spans across Wada, Shahapur, and Mokhada talukas within the Thane district. The sanctuary derives its name from the Tansa River, which gracefully divides it into two distinct parts. It serves as the primary catchment area for Tansa Lake, encompassing the surrounding forests of Khardi, Vaitarna, Wada, and Shahapur ranges. Tansa Dam is the source of water from Mumbaikar.

Nearest Train station: Atgaon

Target species expected: Forest Owlet, Indian Pitta, Jungle Owlet, Malabar Trogon and Painted Francolin.

Pricing: INR 1750/–

Group Size: 10 Participants + 1 Leader

Itinerary: 16 June 2024

Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Prathamesh Desai at Atgaon Train Station by 6.30 AM
Board a Private Taxi to the birding site
End the session with a group selfie around 11 AM

Price Includes: Jungle Buddies Expertise & Tarvel from Atgaon station to Tansa and back.
How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs on 9 June 2024 at 9 PM

Monsoon Birding tour at Karnala l 30 June 2024
Valentines

About:

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary stands as a serene testament to the city’s rich biodiversity. It is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries, along with Tansa and Tunagreshwar, located in close proximity to Mumbai city. Spread across 12.11 sq km of lush green landscape, Karnala is a haven for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking solace in the lap of nature. With over 240 species of birds, including the elusive Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Malabar Parakeets, and Indian Pitta, the sanctuary offers a remarkable opportunity to witness Mumbai’s avian wonders up close. Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice, the melodious calls of residents and migratory birds will enchant you as you explore its picturesque trails. The sanctuary is centred around the historic Karnala Fort, which stands at an elevation of around 1400 feet.

Birding in the sanctuary: One can explore the various trails in sanctuary’s, such as the Hariyal Trail, Mortaka Trail, Tadamba Trail, and more, you’ll be surrounded by a mix of dry deciduous and semi-evergreen trees. The forest’s diverse flora and fauna offer an exceptional birding experience that is sure to delight nature lovers of all levels.

Nearest railway station: Panvel

What To Expect: Endemic birds like Malabar Parakeets, Grey Fronted Green Pigeons, and Crimson Backed Sunbird can be seen here. Other birds like Heart Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Flameback, Yellow Crowned and Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Greater Racket Tailed and Bronzed Drongo are found as well. All 5 species of Sunbirds found in our region can be seen here. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Indian Pitta and Slaty Legged Crake nest in the forests of Karnala.

Pricing: INR 700/-

Itinerary: Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Rajesh Poojari at the Karnala Entry Gate Ticket Counter by 7.15 AM. Birding in the sanctuary, End the session with a group selfie around 10-10.30 AM.

How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs on 23 June 9 PM


Jungle Buddies would like to thank Sushant Jadhav for allowing us to use his beautiful photographs on our website.