The Pune wetland is home to more than 200 species of birds, and attracts birders and wildlife photographers from across the country
by
Anindita Datta Muhuri & Suman Paul
Kavadi Pat is a well-known destination for birdwatching in Pune. A small village situated on the banks of the Mula Mutha river, it is only about 15km from Pune City. During the winter season, the water of Mula Mutha and the adjacent bank is home to plenty of water birds (some migratory). Once the monsoon comes to an end and the water level starts receding in October-November, the birds start flocking en masse. The shallow water of the river and the stored water in the lowlands are rich with sawgrass, algae, small fish and insects – a perfect breeding ground for waders and other water birds. A tiny patch of forest on one bank of the river also hosts a plethora of avians. Photographers from Pune and around the country visit Kavadi Pat for birding and photography. Boating is not allowed but people can enjoy the birds from the banks or from a small bridge that runs across the river.
As wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Kavadi Pat is one of our favourite haunts during winter. In fact, we started our photography journey from Kavadi Pat. During the last four years we have seen a variety of birds, and have had the opportunity to observe their habitat and behaviour closely, especially of the Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler and the Black-winged Stilt.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded at Kavadi Pat. The seasonal birds are the Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, River Tern, Garganey, Painted Stork, Ibis (Black-headed and Red-naped), Northern Pintail, Eurasian Coot, Asian Openbill, Little Ringed Plover, cormorants, spoonbills and gulls. The young shoots of plants, grains and water plants are the favourites of the Ruddy Shelduck. The Eurasian Coot and the Little Grebe can be seen wading in the water during the morning and afternoon. The other common birds seen here are the White-throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Painted Snipe, White-breasted Waterhen and swamphen among others. Birds like the Oriental White-eye, Verditer Flycatcher and bee-eaters are also seen in the adjacent forest areas of the river.
Scroll down to see some of the inhabitants of Kavadi Pat.
River Tern (Sterna aurantia)
IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Common Snipe (Gallinagogallinago)
IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern (Population decreasing)
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern (Population decreasing)
Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)
IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened (Population decreasing)
Anindita Datta Muhuri and Suman Paul are a married couple who are avid wildlife photographers. They have been living in Pune since 2016, but are avid travellers and love to explore the bountiful wonders of the natural world. Birds are their favourite subjects from the wild. They post as @anindita.dm and @sumanpaul_sp on Instagram.
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