Bird Walk at Bhandup Pumping Station, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mumbai
- 3 October, 2026
- Sukhpreet Kohli
About Bhandup Pumping Station Salt Pans
Fringing the eastern edge of Mumbai along Thane Creek, the Bhandup Pumping Station Salt Pans form one of the city’s most remarkable and unexpected wildlife habitats. Nestled around the Bhandup Pumping Station, this landscape is a mosaic of tidal mudflats, salt pans, mangroves, and shallow water channels that shift with the rhythm of the tides. Despite being set against an urban backdrop, the area supports a thriving web of life—salt-tolerant vegetation, crabs, molluscs, and a rich diversity of invertebrates that form the base of this dynamic ecosystem. These nutrient-rich wetlands act as a crucial feeding and resting ground, especially for migratory species traveling along the Central Asian Flyway.
For birders, the salt pans are nothing short of spectacular. Vast flocks of waders, gulls, and terns transform the landscape into a constantly moving canvas, while raptors patrol overhead and smaller passerines occupy the mangrove edges. Seasonal changes bring dramatic shifts in species composition, making every visit unique and rewarding. However, this fragile ecosystem faces mounting threats—from urban expansion, pollution, and waste dumping to hydrological changes and habitat disturbance. As pressures on Mumbai’s wetlands increase, conserving spaces like the Bhandup Salt Pans becomes critical, not only for migratory birds but for maintaining the ecological balance within an ever-growing city.
Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli
He is a passionate birder from Mumbai, has been exploring the city’s rich avian life for many years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and leading engaging bird walks that connect people with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Bhandup Pumping Station Salt Pans
The ever-changing wetlands of the Bhandup Salt Pans near Bhandup Pumping Station host a fascinating mix of waterbirds and urban-adapted species, creating a vibrant birding experience right within the city. Graceful waders like the Black-winged Stilt and Pacific Golden Plover move across the mudflats, while flocks of sandpipers forage along the shallow edges. Larger birds such as the Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis add a striking presence, contrasting with the delicate movements of egrets and herons. Amidst this wetland activity, the surrounding shrubs and mangroves buzz with life—bulbuls call from hidden perches, Ashy Prinia flit through the grasses, and flashes of colour from Purple Sunbird and White-throated Kingfisher brighten the scene. Even familiar urban birds like crows and parakeets blend into this rich mosaic, highlighting how this unique habitat supports both migratory and resident species in a constantly shifting landscape.
Rock Pigeon
Asian Koel
Pacific Golden Plover
Wood Sandpiper
Painted Stork
Black-headed Ibis
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Indian Pond Heron
White-throated Kingfisher
Rose-ringed Parakeet
House Crow
Ashy Prinia
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
Indian Pied Starling
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Purple Sunbird
Alexandrine Parakeet
White-eared Bulbul
Summary of Walk
The Bhandup Pumping Station walk on Saturday, 3 October, brought together twenty-five enthusiastic participants from across Mumbai, led by guide Sukhpreet Kohli, for an unforgettable morning of birding. Under a bright, sunny sky, the group began with a warm round of introductions before setting out through the lush grasslands. Early on the trail, everyone was treated to a spectacular sighting of a perched Western Marsh Harrier, a stunning bird that stayed majestic long enough for all to capture incredible photographs. Male and female Purple-rumped Sunbirds were spotted feeding actively, and soon a flock of migratory Blue-tailed Bee-eaters swept overhead in a flash of colour. Common Tailorbirds called from the thickets, and male Baya Weavers showed off their brilliant yellow breeding plumage. As the group moved into the wetland sector, the activity only intensified: Indian Cormorants hunted in open water while Little Cormorants dried their wings nearby, and Whiskered Terns glided gracefully across the water. The Greater Flamingo and the Eurasian Spoonbill were the showstoppers of the day, and with a final tally of 58 species the group celebrated one of the richest walks of the weekend. Black Kites soared steadily against the blue sky, and just as the walk wrapped up, a juvenile Shikra flew high overhead, giving everyone a thrilling final highlight. Participants headed home with wide smiles and cherished memories, and the morning also served as a gentle reminder of why places like Bhandup Pumping Station matter so much. As one of the last wetland refuges in Mumbai, it shows how much life can flourish when we choose to protect it.
Number of Participants
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