I am writing this post in the midst of the Aarey horrific incident where trees are been cut down for the development of metro car shed project. Being a nature enthusiast and visitor of Aarey colony, it sadden me to the core of my heart to see the video footage of the same on the news channel. However, i do believe nature in some or the other form will answer back let it be through climate change or flood.
At a glance
Bhandup Pumping Station is a bliss for bird watchers, what makes it more unique is that it is situated within the city premises. The landscape keeps evolving from salt pans, mangroves wet land, grass land to pond as you keep exploring different corners. Apart from that, there is a sewage treatment plant in the same range where all the dirty waters of Mumbai metropolis is treated.
Story
It was 29th December, 2018, early morning i boarded metro train from Azad Nagar to Ghatkopar. Once i reached Ghatkopar, i boarded central line local train to finally halt at Nahur Station. Upon reaching Nahur Station, i walked approximately 1.5 km to Bhandup Pumping Station. In between, i was greeted by lovely sunrise on the backdrop of Salt pan.
Bhandup Bird Viewing Center is not properly located on google map, you have to figure it out by yourself which is quite easy. On the way, i saw few people burning the crop field. When i confronted them, the description they gave was ''Look like it accidentally caught a fire, due to cigarette light or something''. In fact to keep it real with you, i knew deep down in my heart that locals burn it purposely to kickoff with the new sowing season. It's a cheap alternative restricted by Government due to air pollution caused and it also affects the output of Agro-chemicals companies to certain degree.
After a while, group of friends travelling in car saw me walking alone so they offered me a lift. They were little amazed by seeing me on my solo journey and were fascinated in knowing me. I gave them little insight about my blog and the reason about my passion for exploration. Once we reached the Bird viewing center, i walked my own path for bird photography, while they headed towards pond to spot flamingos. Before separating, we shared numbers with each other.
I had a hard time spotting birds but with little efforts and focus, i was able to spot some. Patience and observation is key to bird photography. Hobby like this can act as a catalyst to sustain in life and strengthen your knowledge bank about bird species.
I was in a lookout for movement and audible clues like chirping to spot birds. Some of them were too fast to be captured and others preferred staying hidden.
One thing about birds is they are yet to gain a trust from humans. Instinctively, they are always in a alert mode as most of them are prey. Birds are a free species, always on a journey moving to different regions from season to season. Birds don't understand the concept of domination and punishment, whereas dogs and cats are opposite which has promoted them to develop a close relationship with humans.
I was disappointed as i missed numerous bird shots until one colorful Coraciiformes came near my photography proximity. I had a butterfly feeling in my stomach watching him. It's like he was inviting me to snap. He stood there confidently on a wooden stand for good 4-5 minutes.
I stood there looking at the 'long thin leg birds' standing on the shallow water. Water is considered to be a safe spot for birds to spend some time peacefully without being disturb from predators. Vibration of the waters sends a clear warning sign if any predator tries to attack them.
Later, i headed towards pond. At this point of time, the place was filled with many nature enthusiast. What amazed me the most was looking at the whole new world of bird photographers. They have camouflaged themselves flawlessly laying on the grass holding big lens camera like a sniper, patiently waiting for the best bird shots.
I believe this place has lot more to offer than just a bird. Like after my bird observation and photography session.I sat near this beautiful pond in peace, closing my eyes and feeling the winter breeze.
In my life i barely revisit the same spot again, but this one i presume have lot more to unveil i.e new species of birds and insects.Also considering, it costed me less than a 100 rupees so i don't mind spending my weekend out here. .
Visiting Bhandup Pumping Station has unlocked a new door for me. This door of bird observation is another extension to my fondness for nature, alongside with trekking, studying mind-blending plants and observing butterfly & dragonfly. This affection goes to the extent which sends vibration to my body whenever i see unfamiliar bird outside of my house window, i charge towards my camera to capture a mesmerizing picture of the visiting birds in the concrete space.
At a glance
Bhandup Pumping Station is a bliss for bird watchers, what makes it more unique is that it is situated within the city premises. The landscape keeps evolving from salt pans, mangroves wet land, grass land to pond as you keep exploring different corners. Apart from that, there is a sewage treatment plant in the same range where all the dirty waters of Mumbai metropolis is treated.
Story
It was 29th December, 2018, early morning i boarded metro train from Azad Nagar to Ghatkopar. Once i reached Ghatkopar, i boarded central line local train to finally halt at Nahur Station. Upon reaching Nahur Station, i walked approximately 1.5 km to Bhandup Pumping Station. In between, i was greeted by lovely sunrise on the backdrop of Salt pan.
Bhandup Bird Viewing Center is not properly located on google map, you have to figure it out by yourself which is quite easy. On the way, i saw few people burning the crop field. When i confronted them, the description they gave was ''Look like it accidentally caught a fire, due to cigarette light or something''. In fact to keep it real with you, i knew deep down in my heart that locals burn it purposely to kickoff with the new sowing season. It's a cheap alternative restricted by Government due to air pollution caused and it also affects the output of Agro-chemicals companies to certain degree.
After a while, group of friends travelling in car saw me walking alone so they offered me a lift. They were little amazed by seeing me on my solo journey and were fascinated in knowing me. I gave them little insight about my blog and the reason about my passion for exploration. Once we reached the Bird viewing center, i walked my own path for bird photography, while they headed towards pond to spot flamingos. Before separating, we shared numbers with each other.
I had a hard time spotting birds but with little efforts and focus, i was able to spot some. Patience and observation is key to bird photography. Hobby like this can act as a catalyst to sustain in life and strengthen your knowledge bank about bird species.
 |
| Bullbul |
 |
| Snowy Egret |
 |
| Calidris |
 |
| Coraciiformes |
Later, i headed towards pond. At this point of time, the place was filled with many nature enthusiast. What amazed me the most was looking at the whole new world of bird photographers. They have camouflaged themselves flawlessly laying on the grass holding big lens camera like a sniper, patiently waiting for the best bird shots.
 |
| Blue Kingfisher |
In my life i barely revisit the same spot again, but this one i presume have lot more to unveil i.e new species of birds and insects.Also considering, it costed me less than a 100 rupees so i don't mind spending my weekend out here. .
Visiting Bhandup Pumping Station has unlocked a new door for me. This door of bird observation is another extension to my fondness for nature, alongside with trekking, studying mind-blending plants and observing butterfly & dragonfly. This affection goes to the extent which sends vibration to my body whenever i see unfamiliar bird outside of my house window, i charge towards my camera to capture a mesmerizing picture of the visiting birds in the concrete space.
