The
New Year started on an auspicious note when we realized that we were to be taken
for a local morning birding session by none other than Adesh. And when I say
taken, I meant it literally.
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| Adesh at the helm! |
The
wetland area, or what is left of it, is a on the western coastal fringes of the
peninsular India separated from the megacity of Mumbai by the Karanja creek.
We
drove past the Palm Beach road in Navi Mumbai and headed for the rendezvous
point at Dastaan Phata near Jasai village. There was a large water body with a
flock of Pied avocets silhouetted against the rising sun making for a memorable
sight. Other waders were also seen in good numbers.
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Pied Avocets |
We
proceeded to the Panje village past the Sheva police station. This area which
was once a thriving wetland has now been reclaimed, and is a dry grassy
scrubland now. We did manage to see some green bee eaters and a majestic male
Marsh harrier here on the way back.
The
Panje wetland which has a motorable access and a nice bund road which appears
to be tailormade for birdwatching.
The
shallow marshes fed by the saltwater play host to several local waders and
migratory ducks. The notable duck for the day was the majestic Common Shelduck.
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Asian spoonbills |
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Green Heron |
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| Reef egret |
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| Whiskered tern |
The
area revealed a thriving population of common teals, shovellers and other waders.
The Caspian terns also made an appearance. We got good views of the Green
(striated) heron and western reef egret.
The
area immediately adjoining this wetland has already been reclaimed and is now
probably hosting some larks and plovers.
The
highlight of the day apart from the common shelduck was the majestic pallid
harrier who managed to flush out the entire flock of ducks by its mere
presence!!
We
topped up the birding with a visit to the iconic Cannon pav bhaji (of the best
pao bhaji in India fame) outside the CST station. The placards exhort one to “lubricate
the masala pav bhaji with cream lassi” for Rs 15 only. The Maoshi could not
really tell me why the name was changed from Jai jawan pav bhaji to Cannon. It wasnt really that spicy…..perhaps
I will find out in the next visit .
Traveler
tips:
1. The birding spots are near Dastaan Phata
on the highway going from Vashi to JNPT and Panje village area beyond the Nhava
Sheva police station.
2. Access by public transport is not
feasible.
3. No food/water availability of any kind.
You seem to be revising the waders !
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