Bird Walk for International Veterinary Students’ Association, Mumbai

The atmosphere grew electric as the deep, resonant “hoop-hoop” of a Greater Coucal pierced the heavy air, leading the group toward the pond. There, Indian Cormorants stood like dark statues with outstretched wings, performing their ancient ritual of drying feathers, while a Common Kingfisher and a vibrant White-throated Kingfisher—clad in feathers of sapphire and earth—offered a mesmerizing display of patience. The highlight for many was spotting a female Indian Paradise Flycatcher, darting through the greenery like a ribbon of light. Nearby, a female Rose-ringed Parakeet watched from a tree by the water, her subtle green plumage blending into the canopy. As we reached the exit, we were bid farewell by a pair of bold Coppersmith Barbets, famously known as the Mumbai Bird, their rhythmic calls serving as the city’s natural heartbeat. Recording 26 species was more than just a list for these vet students; it was a profound reminder that as future custodians of animal health and welfare, protecting these urban green pockets is vital to the survival of Mumbai’s wild spirit.