Bird Walk at Nagla Block Trail, SGNP, Thane Maharashtra

  • Thane
  • 28 June, 2026
  • Sukhpreet Kohli and Rohan J Rane

About Nagla Block Trail, SGNP

Located within the northern reaches of Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Thane, the Nagla Block Trail is a biodiversity-rich forest landscape known for its dense woodland, seasonal streams, wetlands, bamboo patches, and rocky terrain. As part of one of the world’s largest protected forests within a metropolitan region, the trail supports an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, including butterflies, reptiles, mammals, and an impressive diversity of birds. The mix of moist deciduous forest and freshwater habitats makes Nagla Block one of the finest birding destinations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The trail offers rewarding birdwatching throughout the year, with opportunities to encounter colourful forest specialists, elusive kingfishers, majestic raptors, and a rich variety of woodland birds. During the monsoon, the forest comes alive with breeding activity and bird calls, making it especially popular among birdwatchers and photographers. Despite its protected status, the area faces pressures from urban expansion, habitat fragmentation, littering, invasive species, and increasing visitor numbers. Continued conservation efforts, responsible ecotourism, and effective management by forest authorities are essential to preserve this remarkable urban wilderness.

Bird Guide - Rohan J Rane

He is a passionate birder from Mumbai, has been exploring the city’s rich avian life for many years. 18 years old wildlife photographer who is on a mission to see the flora and fauna of our mother nation INDIA

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 Nagla Block Trail, SGNP

Nagla Block Trail offers an outstanding birdwatching experience, with its forests, wetlands, and streams supporting an exciting diversity of resident and seasonal birds. The trail is particularly renowned for sightings of the stunning Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher during the monsoon, alongside Common and White-throated Kingfishers. Raptors such as the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Brahminy Kite, and Black Kite soar above the forest canopy, while the woodland echoes with the calls of Indian Grey Hornbills, Brown-headed and Coppersmith Barbets, Rufous Woodpeckers, and Alexandrine and Rose-ringed Parakeets. Visitors may also encounter elusive species including the Mottled Wood-Owl, Jungle Owlet, Asian Emerald Dove, and Gray-bellied Cuckoo, making every walk along the trail a memorable experience for birdwatchers.
Alexandrine Parakeet
Asian Emerald Dove
Asian Green Bee-eater
Asian Koel
Asian Palm Swift

Black Kite
Brahminy Kite
Brown-headed Barbet
Common Kingfisher
Coppersmith Barbet
Crested Serpent-Eagle
Gray-bellied Cuckoo
Greater Coucal
Indian Cormorant
Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Pond-Heron
Jungle Owlet
Mottled Wood-Owl
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Rufous Woodpecker

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Nagla Block) saw an impressive participation of 25 birders, making it a highly energetic and rewarding session. The dense forest habitat provided a rich backdrop for birding, with participants exploring shaded trails and listening closely to bird calls. The group remained actively engaged throughout, appreciating both the diversity of species and the immersive forest experience. The trail offered a mix of target-driven birding and unexpected sightings, keeping excitement levels high.

A remarkable 57 species were recorded during the walk. The highlight was undoubtedly the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, a highly sought-after species that thrilled participants. Additional highlights included the Indian Scimitar Babbler and Slaty-legged Crake, showcasing the forest’s rich avian diversity. Participants also learned about bird behaviour, habitat preferences, and identification techniques. The session emphasized patience and attentiveness, key skills for forest birding. Overall, the walk stood out for its high species count, rare sightings, and the sense of accomplishment participants felt, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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