It is that part of the year when Bhigwan a small, quaint old town, about 90kms from Pune comes to life. Firstly because Flamingos make the backwaters of Ujani dam their home and secondly lesser known souls like us, flock in hordes to see these winter visitors.
Visit to Bhigwan is a yearly ritual for me along with my birding/photographer friends. This time I thought of taking my family along so that they can see for themselves what daddy does on these trips.
As decided on 25th Feb17 (Sat) I left along with Susmita my wife , Saawari & Saloni my 4th grader daughters from Thane on their maiden birding trip to the “Bharatpur” of Maharashtra. That night we stayed at my cousin’s place in Pune. By now he must be wondering why his dear bro remembers him only during this time of the year. Hahaa….
Next day morning we set-off from Pune at 6 a.m. The road is excellent and we comfortably cruised the 90 Kms to reach Bhigwan at around 8 a.m. Once at Bhigwan the location to ask for is Kumbargaon about 2-3 Kms off Solapur highway. My good friend Sandip Nagre(9960610615) operates boat rides from Kumbargoan in the backwaters.
After a plate full of home made poha and piping hot tea we boarded the boat. Rs 800/- for 2 hrs ride to the flamingo
spot. By now Saawari, Saloni and their Mamma were pretty much excited. After about 25 min into the boat ride we were in close proximity to the flamingos. My trained eyes could make out that there was a flock of about 300-400 Greater Flamingos. It was a sight to behold and a sense of satisfaction prevailed that I brought my family along and could offer them this unique experience. All this while the birder in me had taken over and was continuously educating my folks for whom, till now a birds is, either a crow or a sparrow.
We were about 50-60 mtrs from the flamingo flock when suddenly they decided to take-off. It was sight that etched on to our memory, forever. The sky turned pink and the swishing sound of their wings was deafening. Luckily for us they decided to land at close quarters. I had a good time clicking photographs of the delicate beauties. It was now time for the seagulls and there where hundreds of them around. The boatman decided to feed the gulls with fish which he was carrying along with him. A feeding frenzy of Sea gulls unveiled just few feet away from us. Saawari and Saloni had a ball of a time.
By now the sun was up and not too comfortable for the girls and we decided to go back to the shore. But not before sighting & recording the following avian species: Greater Flamingos, Open bill storks, Purple herons, Sea gulls, River terns, Painted storks, Northern shovlers, Common Coots
Once on shore my folks decided they could handle only that much excitement for the day and would stay put at Sandip’s place till I explored the surrounding habitat along the shore.
Immediately I spotted the Common Hoopoe. I don’t know why it is called common when I had personally only seen it only twice in the last 5 years of my active birding. In fact there were two Hoopoes who put on a good display in close quarter for me. Then I decided to track the Purple Moorhen who was feeding in the nearby swamp. For quite a while I wanted to photograph one in flight and that day my wish was granted. I got beautiful pics of the purple swamp hen against the blue water.
The other birds I photographed were Green bee-eater, Black drongo, Yellow Wagtail, Paddy field pipit, Wood sandpiper, Bar tail godwit, Egret & Black wing Stilt.
By now it was time for lunch. I headed back to Sandip’s place and we wall gorged on home cookee d fish thali (Tilapia fish, fresh water catch from the adjacent lake). After lunch had a quick power nap as I had a long way to cover back to Thane. We left Kumbargaon at 3:30 PM with card full of memories with my new birding buddies
The Author Mr. Amol Patil is a avid photographer & wildlife enthusiast. His passion for photography has taken him across the world in search of varied subjects. He is also the proprietor of M/S Master Pics photography services, Thane. Master Pics offer premium photography services from wildlife, weddings, events, product, children & photography courses.
Mr. Amol Patil can be reached on info@masterpics.in & 9967544378(M)