A weekend getaway to Bhigwan & Veer dam – this tour with Wild India Eco Tours was the 1st of 2016. We had a lovely time in these two days sighting over 70 species of birds with some key sightings of the Greater White-fronted Goose, Bar-headed Geese, Demoiselle Cranes, Peregrine Falcon, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Coursers & Small Pratincoles.
It was very unlike Bhigwan this time with less no. of Greater Flamingos, but there were surely a good number of other species which are not seen generally at Bhigwan. Since this was our 2nd trip to Bhigwan & Veer, we have kept this post more as Photo-blog.
Saturday 16th Jan 2016 | 7:15 AM
As we got onto our 1st boat ride, we realised it was an extremely foggy morning. Sightings were as usual – Grey Herons, Asian Openbills, Brown-headed & Pallas Gulls, Northern Shovelers, Greater Flamingos, Little Cormorants and so on.
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Once we were back from the boat ride, we saw a good number of species near the boarding point itself – White Wagtails, Ruddy Shelducks, Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Greenshank, Painted Storks, etc.
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Saturday 16th Jan 2016 | 11:00 AM
Post a sumptuous breakfast, we were back for our 2nd boat ride. We had planned to do the trails for the Osprey, however on reaching the boarding point Sandip Nagare informed that the Greater White-fronted Goose is being seen on a different trail. We decided to do this trail and did get to see this rare migrant along with a good number of Bar-headed Geese, Northern Shovelers & Garganeys.
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Saturday 16th Jan 2016 | 04:00 PM
After taking some rest post lunch, we were back to the boarding point for our final boat ride in evening. While waiting for the boat, we got some lovely shorts of the Whiskered Terns as they were busy hunting for their evening snack along with a lone Painted Stork in flight.
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The boat ride started a bit late and the sun was already setting down. As we were clicking the beautiful Glossy Ibis showing is “Gloss” in the golden evening sunlight, we suddenly saw a Peregrine Falcon attacking a marsh harrier at its speedy best..!
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We were near a small island which has been formed due to less water level, and out of nowhere a flock of Bar-headed Geese flew and landed on the other side of the island; which also had the Greater White-fronted Goose. The boatman tried to dock the boat but couldn’t as the water level was low. He asked if we were still eager to take a chance by getting down into knee deep water and walking to the shore. Four of us agreed as we walked on the island cautiously. The boatman was quick to sight a fisherman who was coming in from the other side so insisted to move quick before the flock flew off. We eventually reached a point from where we crawled; and soon we got some clear views of the Greater White-fronted Goose as it was right in front of us!
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Returning back to boat, we started the return journey capturing the beautiful sunset. The surprises were not over though, as we sighted a flock of around 40-50 Demoiselle Cranes far away. They also perched on the ground for a minute or so, before flying off again… this time flying a bit closer to our boat as we could clear hear their loud trumpeting calls. We couldn’t have asked for a better end to the day!
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Sunday 17th Jan 2016 | 07:15 AM
We stayed overnight at Baramati and started on Sunday early – at 05:30 AM. We reached Veer dam by 7:15 AM and were greeted by loud calls of Grey Francolins. As we moved onto the banks of river Nira, we were welcomed by a good number Indian Coursers – atlas a dozen of them. Some of the other key species we sighted included the Grey-necked Buntings, Rosy Starlings, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk (with kill), Black-headed Ibis, Small Pratincoles and Eurasian Spoonbills.
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After spending around 4 hours, we started our return journey. It was yet another fantastic tour; this time meeting with some new folks – Sumukh, Girish, Rohan, Neela ma’am along with Yogesh sir, Deepa, Gesu, Saumitra, Rupali and Sunil.
If you are planning a trip to Bhigwan, Sandip Nagare (Agnipankh Flamingo Point) is the go to person.
eBird Checklists:
– Kumbhargaon: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26919574
– Veer Dam: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26966541
Tips
1. While going from Pune, you get 3 tolls. Once you pay at the 1st toll (25 rs), you need not pay for the 2nd toll. You will have to pay for the 3rd toll though.
2. If you are visiting Sandip Nagare’s – Agnipankh Flamingo Point, use this co-ordinates – http://goo.gl/bKb3x6. Do not go to the bird sanctuary location as shown on Google Maps.
3. For best photographic opportunities, plan to visit on a weekday.
4. While returning, don’t miss out on the delicious “Apple Bora” 😀
5. Sightings at Veer dam were pretty low, so will not suggest anyone to visit in-case visiting from Mumbai. Mayureshwar might be a better place to visit.
Thanks for viewing. Let us know in-case of any queries, suggestions, critics and we will be happy to respond.
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– Rudraksha & Shraddha