Bhigwan and flamingo
Visiting Bhigwan near Pune was very high on my wishlist, with the desire to see flamingos and the critically endangered Indian Grey Wolf. Planning the trip for February, our journey from Pune by flight and then by car to Bhigwan was comfortable. Arriving late in the evening, we missed out on birding that day. The following morning, our birding session in the grasslands was exceptional, spotting plenty of flamingos, raptors, and various small bird species like the Rudy Shelduck and Bar-headed Geese. In the afternoon, a visit to a local sanctuary provided breathtaking sightings of birds such as the Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Short-toed Eagle, and Yellow-wattled Lapwing. To top it off, we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of the elusive Indian Grey Wolf that evening. A truly unforgettable day.
Now the next day, we ventured to a new grassland area surrounded by fields of cultivation. Luck was truly on our side as we were graced with the sight of the majestic Indian coursers up close, bringing immense joy to our hearts. Amongst the diverse avian species present, a stunning common kestrel caught our attention. The grassland also revealed small treasures in the form of birds such as the short-toed Mongolian lark, the crested Malabar lark, the grey-necked bunting, and various other common species. Our safari for the day concluded with the elegant flight of raptors and the striking presence of an osprey. In the evening, we embarked on a night safari, where we were treated to sightings of a beautiful Indian nightjar, a wild cat, and an adorable chameleon.
Next day, we bid farewell to Bhigwan, carrying numerous cherished memories and stunning snapshots of our adventure, as we made our way to Tahmini, a charming location on the hills near a dam , in close proximity to Pune. In Tahmini, we were delighted to spot various bird species such as the paradise flycatcher, Taiga flycatcher, puff-throated babbler, and a plethora of other delightful small birds. Initially assigned to an eco camp, we were disappointed to find it overrun by rats and offering dismal accommodations. Opting for a more comfortable hotel, we finally enjoyed a restful night's sleep, waking up refreshed to capture captivating moments of the red spurfowl and many more avian wonders. After a fulfilling lunch, we concluded our day's adventures, packed our belongings, and headed towards Pune airport, reflecting on the incredible experiences of our tour. What a truly remarkable journey it had been!
The serene and picturesque Lake , Grassland, surrounded by captivating hills, along with the myriad of magnificent avian species, truly elevate our Bhigwan tour to a grand and memorable success.