January 2007 programme

Sunday, 07 Jan 2007
Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Meeting time - 0700 hrs at the Ticket booth on the Main Road.

Other Details - Depending on the numbers, we will split into small groups of about 5-6 persons, each led by an experienced birder. After birding, we will again assemble at 1030 hrs to exchange notes about the day's sightings. Those keen may also thereafter, proceed together for a contributory breakfast at the newly opened Kamat's Restaurant, at the outskirts of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, about 02 KMs drive towards Panvel. With the onset of the breeding season for the resident birds, Karnala promises to be nice and MBwC will try and cover this site once every month till the monsoons.

Transportation – – By personal cars. In our endeavour to ensure that maximum birders are able to go out to watch birds at far-flung birding hotspots of the city, we recommend car-pooling between members, preferably on fuel cost sharing basis. While confirming participation request also indicate your transportation means, area of residence and contact telephone. If traveling in your own car, please do indicate if any spare capacity is available. Those without cars may also intimate their requirements and we will try and coordinate, as far as possible, with others who may have spare capacity.

Registration – Required. Between 1-5 Jan by email to mumbaibirdwatchers@gmail.com



Sunday, 14 Jan 2007

Pune BirdRace

The Pune edition of the hugely popular BirdRace is being organized on 14 Jan. MBwC extends full support to the event and encourages Mumbai Birders to participate in large numbers. We will coordinate the teams from Mumbai and those interested in participating may send a mail to mumbaibirdwatchers@gmail.com. We will coordinate team formation of interested birders from Mumbai and intimate them accordingly.



Sunday, 21 Jan 2007

Tungareshwar, from Vajreshwari side – Coordinated by Mandar Khandlikar, MBwC Regional Coordinator, North Mumbai

Meeting– 0700 hrs at Dahisar Check Naka. After assembling here, we will proceed together for Tungareshwar, which is a further drive of 30 KMs from there.

Registration – Required. Between 12 -19 Jan by email to mumbaibirdwatchers@gmail.com

Other Details – Seldom visited by birders in any numbers, the lush moist forests at Tungareshwar are likely to turn up some very nice records for our region. The trip will to finish by afternoon. So please do carry adequate quantities of water, breakfast etc.

Transportation – By personal cars. In our endeavour to ensure that maximum birders are able to go out to watch birds at far-flung birding hotspots of the city, we recommend car-pooling between members, preferably on fuel cost sharing basis. While confirming participation request also indicate your transportation means, area of residence and contact telephone. If traveling in your own car, please do indicate if any spare capacity is available. Those without cars may also intimate their requirements and we will try and coordinate, as far as possible, with others who may have spare capacity.


Friday, 26 Jan 2007
Elephanta Island

Meeting – 0600 hrs in front of Ferry Ticket Counters at the Gateway of India.

We plan to charter a boat for the to/fro journey. Total boat capacity – limited to 40 persons. Boat hire charges will be shared by all @ approx. Rs. 200 per person. Those keen to participate are therefore requested to register in advance and avoid dropping out thereafter.

Other Details – Reaching at about 0700 hrs, we plan to spend about four hours birding at the Elephanta Islands – along the seashore, atop the hills and in the forest patches there. If time permits, we may also see the famous caves. The return trip will start at 1100 hrs in order to be back in town by 1200 hrs. The place is well known for good raptors' sightings in winters. Also, the resident White-bellied Sea-Eagle is regularly seen here. The to/fro boat ride will also give time to enjoy the Gulls & Terns in the harbour and interaction with fellow birders.