Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi, Pune

  • Pune
  • 17 October, 2026
  • Shehnaz KA

About Vetal Tekdi

Vetal Tekdi in Pune, Maharashtra, is a leafy natural gem rising above the city as part of the Vetal Hill complex — a spur of the Western Ghats that forms Pune’s highest point and stretches across sprawling grassland and scrub habitats interwoven with dry deciduous woodland. Traditionally a grass-scrub ecosystem, the hill today supports a rich mix of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous flora, alongside some exotic plantations, and boasts remarkable biodiversity for an urban landscape. Its abandoned stone quarries and monsoon ponds attract a variety of life, from reptiles and invertebrates to mammals, but it is most celebrated for its varied birdlife, with birding events regularly recording over 150 species, including resident woodland birds and seasonal migrants such as flycatchers, bee-eaters and raptors. Locals and naturalists alike relish early morning walks here, enjoying the calls of woodshrikes, orioles and parakeets amid the scrub and forest edges, as well as sightings around the quarry waterbody that draw keen birders.

Despite its natural charm, Vetal Tekdi faces mounting conservation challenges typical of urban green spaces. Proposed infrastructure projects from new roads and transit routes to slope development threaten to fragment its habitats, cut down significant tree cover and disrupt groundwater recharge zones that sustain the hill’s vegetation and wildlife. Environmental surveys have shown a diversity of tree species, shrubs, climbers and fauna that could be severely impacted by such development, prompting strong opposition from residents and activists who argue the hill’s ecological value outweighs short-term urban gains. There’s also concern about invasive plant species and unplanned afforestation altering the native grassland character, and human pressures like unregulated trails and disturbance around water bodies. Protecting Vetal Tekdi means balancing Pune’s growth with sustained conservation, community stewardship and habitat management to preserve this urban biodiversity hotspot for future generations.

Bird Guide - Shehnaz K A

I'm an avid bird watcher and photographer having an experience of almost 7 years of observing birds. It's a passion for me which I will continue for my entire life. I'm a pretty outgoing person who loves to play sports, trek and camp. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's degree in Environment Science from MIT-WPU, Pune and plan to be in Pune for atleast 1.5 years more.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Vetal Tekdi

Vetal Tekdi is a vibrant haven for birdlife, with an extraordinary 284 species recorded so far, making it one of Pune’s most rewarding urban birding destinations. Its grasslands, scrub, wooded slopes, and quarry waterbodies host a rich mix of birds—from water-associated species like Indian Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Moorhen, Little and Great Cormorants, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, and Common Sandpiper, to open-country and scrub specialists such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Laughing Dove, Spotted Dove, and Greater Coucal. Raptors like the Black Kite, Black-winged Kite, and Booted Eagle soar above the hill, while evenings may reveal the cryptic Indian Nightjar and the watchful Spotted Owlet. Colour and sound come courtesy of Asian Green Bee-eaters, Asian Koel, and a striking trio of parakeets—Alexandrine, Rose-ringed, and Plum-headed—alongside familiar urban species like Rock Pigeon and the occasional Indian Peafowl. This remarkable diversity, packed into a single hill complex, highlights Vetal Tekdi’s importance as a living refuge for birds within an ever-growing city.
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Spotted Dove
Asian Koel
Asian Palm Swift

Red-wattled Lapwing
Common Sandpiper
Little Egret
Eurasian Moorhen
Indian Pond Heron
Black Kite
Spotted Owlet
Asian Green Bee-eater
Alexandrine Parakeet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Plum-headed Parakeet
Black Drongo
Red-vented Bulbul
Greater Coucal
Common Myna

Summary of Walk

Ten enthusiastic participants joined guide Shehnaz K A at Vetal Tekdi in Pune on 17 October for a walk that was full of curiosity and questions. Everyone was keen to learn about birds and kept the guide busy with constant questions, which showed just how much interest the morning had sparked. It was a lucky day for the group, as the Indian Roller was spotted multiple times, flashing its brilliant turquoise wings from different perches along the trail and delighting photographers and beginners alike. The group recorded 26 species, and the diverse habitat of Vetal Tekdi allowed them to see birds ranging from forest to water to grassland species within the same walk. A Spotted Owlet peering out from its roost drew smiles all round, and the Dusky Crag Martin, gliding gracefully along the rocky slopes, and the Malabar Lark, a charming songster of the open grassland, added to the interesting list. Shehnaz guided the group with warmth and clear explanations, helping participants learn to spot birds by flight, silhouette and call, and encouraging everyone to share what they saw. The hill’s mix of woodland, rocky outcrops and open patches made for a lively morning, and participants discovered how different habitats within a single location can support such different birds. The group also took the chance to share the checklist of the birds they had observed, so that everyone could revisit the day later. It was a lovely, interactive morning that showed how a city hill can serve as a classroom, a sanctuary and a source of everyday joy.
Number of Participants
0
ataavi-logo
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.

About

Terms

Contact

© 2026 Ataavi. All rights reserved.
Scroll to Top