Bird Walk at Bhopar Grasslands, Thane, Maharashtra
- Thane
- 26 January, 2026
- Sukhpreet Kohli
About Bhopar Grasslands
Bhopar Grasslands, located on the outskirts of Dombivli in Thane district, is a remarkable natural landscape that blends open grasslands, scrub, wetlands and forest patches into a single ecological mosaic. Spread across a large area of the Bhopar region, this habitat lies close to the backwaters of the Ulhas River, where seasonal wetlands and marshy grasslands come alive after the monsoon. Dominated by native grasses, herbs and hardy shrubs adapted to dry conditions, the grasslands support a rich web of life and offer a refreshing contrast to the surrounding urban sprawl. Its proximity to the city makes Bhopar Grasslands an accessible yet immersive escape for nature lovers, photographers and birdwatchers seeking open skies and quiet wilderness.
The grasslands are especially valued for their biodiversity and birdlife. The mix of grassland and wetland habitats attracts a wide variety of birds, including pipits, larks, cisticolas, bee-eaters, herons, egrets and migratory waders during winter. Raptors are often seen soaring overhead, while seasonal pools draw in ducks and other waterbirds, making the area a rewarding birding destination throughout the year. However, this fragile ecosystem faces growing threats from urban expansion, construction activity, habitat fragmentation and pollution. Grasslands are often misunderstood as “empty land” and are therefore vulnerable to neglect and conversion. Conservation efforts led by local nature groups and citizens are increasingly highlighting the ecological importance of Bhopar Grasslands, advocating for habitat protection, responsible access and long-term planning to ensure this unique landscape continues to thrive amid Thane’s rapid development.
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 Bhopar Grasslands
Bhopar Grasslands is a birding hotspot where open grasslands, shallow wetlands and scrub come together to support an impressive 257 recorded bird species, making it one of the richest urban-edge habitats in the Thane region. Commonly seen birds include wetland favourites like Lesser Whistling-Duck, Gadwall, Eurasian Spoonbill, Little and Wood Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Little Cormorant, Eastern Cattle-Egret and Black-crowned Night Heron, alongside grassland and scrub dwellers such as Spotted Dove, Laughing Dove, Jungle Myna, Common Iora, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Purple-rumped Sunbird and Scaly-breasted Munia. The presence of species like the Spotted Owlet and Common Kingfisher adds to the area’s charm, while reedbeds host secretive birds like the Clamorous Reed Warbler. This rich mix of residents and migrants makes every visit rewarding, whether for casual nature lovers or seasoned birders, highlighting Bhopar Grasslands as a vital refuge for avian life amid rapid urbanisation.
Lesser-whistling Duck
Gadwall
Spotted Dove
Little Ringed Plover
Green Sandpiper
Black-crowned Night Heron
Spotted Owlet
Common Kingfisher
Common Iora
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Oriental-Magpie Robin
Laughing Dove
Little Cormorant
Eastern Cattle-Egret
Wire-tailed Swallow
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Oriental Turtle Dove
Greater Coucal
Grey-headed Swamphen
Ashy Drongo
Summary of Walk
An exhilarating Bird Walk was conducted at the Bhopar Grasslands, Thane, led by Sukhpreet Kohli with a group of 10 enthusiastic participants. The walk began on a high note with a rich display of biodiversity near a local pond, where Painted Storks, Openbill Storks, and the striking Pied Myna welcomed the group. As the trail moved through scrub and open grassland habitats, participants were immersed in a lively soundscape of Black Drongos and Chestnut-tailed Starlings, punctuated by the vivid flight of an Indian Roller across the grasslands.
The group was especially delighted by sightings of migratory species such as the Siberian Stonechat and the Pied Bushchat, underlining the importance of Bhopar Grasslands as a seasonal refuge for visiting birds. The highlight of the morning came near the wetland edges with the appearance of the vibrant Red Avadavat (Red Munia), often called the “Strawberry Finch,” as it flitted through tall grasses and offered excellent photo opportunities. Additional memorable moments included a flock of Glossy Ibis seen in flight and a delicate Sunbird nest observed toward the end of the walk. With over 60 bird species recorded, the walk proved to be a highly rewarding experience, leaving participants energized and inspired after spending their holiday morning deeply engaged with nature.
Number of Participants
0
