With the areas in and around Pune attracting a variety of migratory birds, the city has a thriving bird-watching community that is only increasing every year.
The members of the political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) might see red at the mention of the term ‘migration’, but for some groups in Pune, migrations are an exciting event.
With the areas in and around Pune attracting varied kinds of migratory birds, the city has a thriving bird-watching community that is only increasing every year. With migratory birds flocking in the city till March, this is just the right time for newbies to warm up to this hobby.
Bird migration is one of the world’s most extraordinary wonders. Along with change of seasons, climate, weather, surroundings, millions of birds travel thousands of miles only to make the return journey a few months later.
And this marvel has given birth to so many ornithology enthusiasts and bird watchers in Pune, who over the years have kept a track and watch over Pune’s own treasure of assorted birds and welcomed bird visitors each season not only open arms but with big smiles, cameras and powerful binoculars.
Rahul Rao, director of an eco-tourism company, explains that bird-watching or ‘birding’ is a fast growing outdoor recreational activity in the city and involves visual observation and study of wild birds in their natural habitat.
“The hobby of bird-watching is now a popular pastime in Pune. The city is blessed to have a great diversity of habitats resulting in rich flora and fauna. One doesn’t necessarily need to be a part of a group or be an expert to become a bird-watcher. You can just go out there and start birding. Areas like Sinhagad Valley, Pashan Lake, Kavdi, Vetal Hill, Mula-Mutha Bird Sanctuary are good for birding.
At Sinhagad Valley, one can view species like Flycatchers, Babblers, Shikra, Parakeets, Green Bee-eaters, Small Minivets, Drongos, Sunbirds, Cuckoos and Eagles. The wetlands viz Pashan, Kavdi are good to watch migratory waterfowl especially ducks, sandpipers and wagtails. The dry lands around Pune like Bhuleshwar, Mayureshwar, Rehekuri are great to watch birds like the Indian Courser, Larks, Pipits, Stonechats and Raptors.”
And for the friends of this feathered breed, there’s also an annual competition held in the city. Devendra Gogate, instructor with an outdoor adventure company, said that the HSBC Pune Bird Race has managed to draw a large number of bird enthusiasts from across the city, making this hobby popular. For those wanting to find like-minded individuals, there are a number of Internet forums for bird-watching. A Google group called ‘Punebirds’ was formed by 22-year-old Rohan Kamath, a computer engineer, and his friends.
“I started bird watching at the age of 12, thanks to my parents. We relied on our mentors and publications but now with the Internet it’s easier.” Rohan said that anyone can join the ‘punebirds’ forum which has over 200 members already. They post queries, share recent sighting and bird activities in the city.
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