Bhandup Pumping Station: Birding hotspot in the heart of Mumbai

 This was our 58th birding trip.

Bhandup Pumping Station (BPS) is our most frequented birding hotspot as it is very close to our home. BPS is famous for birding among Mumbai birders and it is a protected area. It lies next to Thane creek and offers a mixed habitat of salt pans, green patch, water treatment area, water body, creek and mangroves.

We went on this birding trail on 10th Sep 22. We started a bit late and reached the place only by 930AM. The place is very accesible as it is next to Eastern express highway in Mumbai. 

There is a long narrow road from the highway which leads to the ticket counter. Many times, we start birding on this road, but today we chose to take our cab all the way to ticket counter. Visitors can take thier car inside also, if they find it incovenient to walk.

During monsoons, the first part of trail becomes muddy and submerged. We walked through water to get to next stage. The entire area had very few people, although it will change with winters coming along.

The most interesting observation was a Shikra perched close to us for a few minutes. The raptor was facing us and we could see its features clearly. Next we saw Green Bee Eaters catching and rubbing dragonflies on a tree branch before eating them. We also saw a pair of Tricolored Munias close to us, preening themselves furiously.

We also saw Long Tailed Shrike, Yellow Eyed Babbler, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Spot Breasted Fantail and Blue Cheeked Bee Eater among others. We were able to do birding for 3 hours due to pleasant weather.

eBird list here

Abir Sharma

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