TRIIP TO BHANDUP PUMPING STATION - A LITTLE KNOWN BIRDING DESTINATION IN MUMBAI

When my friend  Vivek Joshi  suggested we visit Bhandup Pumping Station, he was forthright that he did not know the place and had not been there before. However he pointed out that it could be  an adventure. I must say I was a bit apprehensive of this adventure, but being an avid birder I readily agreed  to go. So, very early in the morning, left home to meet up with him and another friend, Mr. Bartakke at Nahur Station. And we set off for what was to become a wonderful adventure.

The morning was cloudy and we reached the small turn (many miss this turn) and started our trek towards the Pumping Station. Almost immediately, on the salt pans adjoining the highway, we saw a flock of common egrets and a huge colony black cormorants, sitting idly. A few people entered the salt pans, talking loudly and shouting at each other. This disturbed the birds and they took off for safer places. We were disappointed that we could not spend much more time, gazing in wonder, at these wonderful birds.

 

We then started our trek inwards, into the area of the of the Pumping station and beyond. The common Mayna was almost everywhere. We did see spot spoonbills (Eurasian, I think) in wonderful, graceful flight.  They formed a wonderful pattern, gliding above us.

Carrying on, we discovered a narrow path on the circumference of the pumping station, that leads to a well camouflaged lake. The serene lake with not too much of a crowd, was graced with a colony of painted storks (though at a distance). They were busy catching fish, for their food. We were lucky to see the Pied Avocet, as well as Common Redshanks, and Black Winged Stilts among others. 

We were unlucky to have missed seeing and photographing  a Raptor – commotion caused by over enthusiastic (and perhaps first time?) birders, ensured that the raptor flew away, because of the commotion. We also got to see (and photograph) colourful Dragonflies  resting and in flight. 

  
 All in all a very rewarding and enjoyable trip. A bit tiring though –so after we finished, we had a small breakfast break – with biscuits and farsan being passed all around. And, before we knew it, we were headed homewards, after being treated to a really enthralling morning of bird watching and photographing.

HOW TO REACH

Bhandup Pumping Station is a relatively unknown place to a lot of people and is not as famous as say SGNP. But it is easily accessible for both Mumbaikars as well as out of towners. If you go by local train Nahur is the nearest  local train station from which you can easily get a bus or auto rickshaw  to take you to the Pumping Station. If you are driving then (from the Mumbai side heading to Thane) take a U turn under the Airoli flyover and look for a small turn  off to the left. This is a narrow but tarred road and you can drive on this road close up to the lake. You can then park and do the rest of the trek on foot.                                             

TIPS FOR VISITORS

·         If possible go on weekdays or Saturdays – you are likely to avoid the Sunday crowds.

·         Carry a cap, enough water and some light eats – but do not dirty the place and carry plastic bags back home.

·         A pair of binoculars is an absolute must along with your camera with a good zoom or telephoto lens. (I found a 70 300 mm lens inadequate!!)

·         When approaching birds be kind to them by not speaking at all. I have discovered that I enjoy watching birds more when I (and the people of my group) are totally silent. Approach the birds slowly and in camouflage, to the extent possible – wear neutral colour clothes.

·         Switch your cell on to silent mode and don’t make or receive calls when bird watching.

·         Go in small groups and respect other birders as well – allow them to photograph and watch the birds as well. 

MAHARASHTRA NATURE PARK

If anyone had told me that there is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Mumbai, I would have laughed in his face. But my friend persisted and got me to visit the Maharashtra Nature Park – more with a view to proving him wrong. So with Camera in tow, I took off early to visit this park in the heart of bustling Mumbai city.  I had expected a harrowing experience ... but read on.

The first surprise is that not too many people know of this place (or if they do they give it a miss). This was evident by the thin crowds at the park. I got to park the car safely on the road just outside the main gate.  The main gate is NOT the one opposite the Dharavi bus terminus but the next one (if you are driving from the western suburbs).

 

  

 Once you enter the park – you are in the lap of nature. Dense foliage makes the park a haven for both flora & fauna. This park is spread over an area of about 30 acres and has been built on what earlier was a garbage dumping ground. There is no evidence of a garbage dump today. You get the services of a guide and interpreter should you require one. The park itself is well maintained with clean (filtered) drinking water available and clean toilets. Entry fee is Rs. 5/= for individuals. 

On my visit I did experience the peace and quiet that is not normally available to Mumbai residents. The park has a number of trees, which provide shade and a cover to the myriad life forms that thrive under them I did see an exquisite beetle, a long caterpillar and butterflies of many hues – flitting from one flower to another. They didn’t sit still for me to photograph them – but they were beautiful and multi coloured nonetheless.

 I got to photograph a sun bird at a distance and many many flowers. As it had rained the previous night  I got the opportunity to capture dew drops (or raindrops) on the verdant green leaves.

I am told that there are a number of birds that we can see at the park but I didn’t see too many. But this has made me determined to visit the park every two or three months to see and capture the birds that I do get to see.

On returning home I called up my friend and told him that he was right and (sceptic that I was) I was delighted to be proved wrong . And that he should accompany me on my next visit.

Tips for Visitors

1.       As the park is well maintained please do not carry food articles inside. If you do, please do not leave any plastic bags behind.

2.       Best time to visit is early morning – the park opens at 8.00 am – you will have the park almost to yourselves at this time

3.       Depending on the month of your visit, it would be a good idea to carry (and use) some mosquito repellent cream

4.       Do not be in a hurry, enjoy the park at a leisurely  pace – the park has much to offer if you are patient.

5.       You may find a magnifying glass, a pair of binoculars and a camera useful. For serious nature lovers a guide would be able to help you identify the trees, plants and birds and butterflies.