Bird Walk at Karawe Wetland, TS Chanakya, Navi Mumbai
- Mumbai
- 7 December, 2025
- Shmes Sufyan
About T.S. Chanakya
T.S. Chanakya in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, is a serene green pocket nestled between urban development, mangroves, and tidal wetlands, offering a refreshing natural escape for residents and nature enthusiasts. Once known for the maritime training institute located here, the area has gradually transformed into a favored birding and walking spot thanks to its mix of freshwater pools, grassy patches, and scattered trees. The sight of sunrise over the wetlands, with distant mangrove silhouettes and gentle ripples on the water, lends the place a peaceful charm that contrasts beautifully with the bustling city around it.
Today, T.S. Chanakya stands as a cherished recreational and ecological space where walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers cross paths with fishermen and locals enjoying quiet moments. The tidal influence from the creek and the mix of wetland habitats draw a variety of wildlife, particularly during the migratory season when the site comes alive with the calls and movements of visiting birds. Efforts by local naturalists and birding groups have helped highlight the ecological significance of the area, encouraging appreciation and awareness for conserving this rare green-lung space amid rapid urban growth.
Bird Guide: Shmes Sufyan
Birding guide with 10+ years of experience, holding a Master’s in Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, and Management. Skilled at not just spotting birds but also explaining their ecology, behavior, and habitats in a simple, engaging way.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of T.S. Chanakya
The wetlands and open grasslands around T.S. Chanakya support a rich variety of birdlife, making it one of Navi Mumbai’s popular birding spots. Large waders such as Lesser and Greater Flamingos gather in impressive numbers, often joined by Painted Storks, Grey-headed Swamphens, and Spot-billed Ducks along the shallow pools. The edges of the water bustle with activity from Wood Sandpipers, Little Stints, Eurasian Curlews, and Common Sandpipers, while Whiskered Terns skim gracefully over the water surface. The marshes and trees around the site host Little and Great Egrets, Little Cormorants, and charismatic kingfishers like the White-throated and Common Kingfisher. In the surrounding scrub and grassland, birdwatchers can spot smaller but equally charming species including the Bluethroat, Eurasian Hoopoe, Ashy Prinia, Ashy Drongo, and White-eared Bulbul, making the area a vibrant mosaic of wetland and woodland birdlife.
Lesser-whistling Duck
Little Egret
Painted Stork
Lesser Flamingo
Common Kingfisher
Black-winged Stilt
Eastern Cattle Egret
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Little Grebe
Jungle Babbler
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Grey-headed Swamphen
Green Sandpiper
Wire-tailed Swallow
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Bronze-winged Jacana
Great Egret
Oriental Magpie Robin
Ashy Drongo
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Karawe Wetland, TS Chanakya, Navi Mumbai, led by Shmes Sufyan, brought together 20 enthusiastic participants for a lively and engaging morning. While some participants arrived early and others a bit late, the session began on a cheerful note with a fun icebreaker. Shmes introduced a playful challenge: during introductions, each person had to name a bird species, and no bird names could be repeated. This sparked excitement, prompting participants to speak quickly before their favourite birds were taken, and helped everyone ease into the walk with laughter and camaraderie.
The group went on to enjoy an immersive birdwatching experience, recording 28 bird species. Notable sightings included Black-headed Ibis, Grey-headed Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, and several other wetland specialists. The undeniable highlight of the walk was a Common Kingfisher that perched unusually close, giving everyone an excellent opportunity to admire its vivid colours and delicate form. With active participation, shared learning, and beautiful sightings throughout, the walk offered a memorable nature experience for all.
Number of Participants
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