Bird Walk at BNHS Conservation Education Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mumbai
- 22 August, 2026
- Rohan J Rane
About BNHS CEC
Located in the leafy outskirts of Goregaon (East), the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Conservation Education Centre (CEC) is a 33-acre green refuge dedicated to nature education and biodiversity conservation. Abutting the dense forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the centre is spread across a landscape of regenerating deciduous forest, freshwater waterholes, and rocky trails.The centre supports a rich variety of flora and fauna typical of the Western Ghats’ foothills. Native trees like Teak and Silk Cotton create a thriving habitat for butterflies, reptiles (including the Indian Rock Python), and mammals like the Leopard and Barking Deer.
For birdwatchers, BNHS CEC offers a rewarding experience, with forest specialists like the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Whistling Thrush, and various raptors frequently spotted along its quiet trails and the famous Salim Ali Point.
Beyond being a birding hotspot, the centre plays a crucial role in environmental awareness through guided walks, online-hybrid certification courses, and research. However, the surrounding ecosystem faces pressures from urban expansion and habitat fragmentation. By promoting responsible nature appreciation, BNHS CEC continues to inspire visitors to protect the fragile forest corridors that support Mumbai’s wild neighbors.
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 walk Location
Common birds of BNHS CEC
The lush forest of the BNHS Conservation Education Centre (CEC) provides a vital refuge for specialized woodland birdlife. Moving quietly through the leaf litter are shy species like the Asian Emerald Dove, Red Spurfowl, and the Puff-throated Babbler.
The canopy is alive with color and sound; the Indian Golden Oriole, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and the striking Greater Racket-tailed Drongo are common sights. The persistent “tonk-tonk” of the Coppersmith Barbet and the loud calls of the Brown-headed Barbet provide a constant soundtrack. Small, energetic birds like the Common Iora, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, and the Thick-billed Flowerpecker flit through the bamboo and flowering trees.
High above, the Shikra and the Crested Serpent Eagle patrol the skies. The trails also reveal charismatic residents like the Indian Grey Hornbill, Oriental Magpie-Robin, and the seasonally visiting Indian Paradise Flycatcher. Near the seasonal waterholes, the vibrant White-throated Kingfisher and Asian Green Bee-eater add flashes of brilliant color, showcasing the rich forest biodiversity thriving on the edge of the city.
Asian Emerald Dove
Shikra
Indian Grey Hornbill
Asian Green Bee-eater
Brown-headed Barbet
White-throated Kingfisher
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Common Woodshrike
Indian Golden Oriole
Common Iora
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Oriental Magpie Robin
Laughing Dove
Greater Coucal
Indian Pond Heron
Black Kite
Coppersmith Barbet
Blue-capped Rock Thrush
Red Spurfowl
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at BNHS Conservation Education Centre, tucked inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, drew 12 participants for a 7:30 AM trail led by guide Rohan J Rane. As soon as the group entered the forest, calls filled the air and excitement built quickly. Rohan introduced participants to the “Big Four” forest birds, with the elusive Jungle Owlet as the day’s main target — the group managed to track its call but couldn’t get eyes on the bird itself.
Along the trail, the walk yielded sightings of the Puff-throated Babbler, Vigor’s Sunbird, Common Iora, and several other species typical of this moist forest habitat. While the total species count fell short of expectations, the group still relished the calm, shaded walk through one of Mumbai’s last remaining green lungs. The centre’s role as an environmental education hub added extra context to the outing, with participants leaving with a fuller appreciation of forest birding despite the modest tally.
Number of Participants
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