BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ataavi - ECPv6.12.0.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ataavi X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ataavi.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ataavi REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Kolkata BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0530 TZOFFSETTO:+0530 TZNAME:IST DTSTART:20260101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T100759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T080755Z UID:13720-1782023400-1782030600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Saul Kere\, Bengaluru DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-saul-kere-bengaluru_mk/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260621_072917-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T091455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T080606Z UID:13710-1782023400-1782030600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Timbi Lake\, Vadodara\, Gujarat DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-timbi-lake-vadodara-gujarat-nv/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_7755-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260608T105035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T080432Z UID:13559-1782023400-1782030600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Durga Tekdi\, PCMC\, Pune DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-durga-tekdi-pcmc-pune-3/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20260621_091416-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T061500 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T074555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T080226Z UID:13784-1782022500-1782030600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Japanese Garden\, Seminary Hills\, Nagpur DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-japanese-garden-seminary-hills-nagpur/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-21-at-11.27.22-AM-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T081843Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T070717Z UID:13807-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Lodhi Garden\, New Delhi DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-lodhi-garden-new-delhi-3/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-21-at-12.21.46.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T075829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T070326Z UID:13794-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Sal Patch\, Chandrabani\, Dehradun DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-sal-patch-chandrabani-dehradun-2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sal-Forest-Dehradun_Credits-Priyam-Bhargava-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T075353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T070107Z UID:13790-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Byatrayana Doddi Kere (Bannerghatta road)\, Bengaluru\, Karnataka DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-byatrayana-doddi-kere-bannerghatta-road-bengaluru-karnataka/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_6624.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T073839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T072536Z UID:13779-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Bhoga Kaboru Gaon\, Golaghat\, Assam DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-bhoga-kaboru-gaon-assam/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20260621_130831-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T072846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T072342Z UID:13775-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Muhana grasslands\, Jaipur\, Rajasthan DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-muhana-grasslands-jaipur-rajasthan-2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-22-at-06.37.15.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T115312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T072120Z UID:13746-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Thano Road\, Dehradun\, Uttarakhand DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-thano-road-dehradun-uttarakhand/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260621-WA0052-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T101904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T071840Z UID:13726-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Khalanga Reserve Forest\, Dehradun\, Uttarakhand DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-khalanga-reserve-forest-dehradun-uttarakhand3/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260621-WA0032-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T085908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T071501Z UID:13705-1782021600-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Aravalli Biodiversity Park\, New Delhi DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-aravalli-biodiversity-park-new-delhi-6/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20260621_073529066_HDR-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T054500 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T082157Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T071117Z UID:13806-1782020700-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Raitha Gomti Riverbank\, Lucknow\, UP DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-raitha-gomthi-lucknow-up/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20260621_072008606_HDR-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T054500 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260621T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T072334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T061356Z UID:13771-1782020700-1782028800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Poaama Nursery\, Chhindwara (MP) DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-poaama-nursery-chhindwara-mp-2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-21-at-09.44.02.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T070000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T090000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T071901Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T061017Z UID:13767-1781938800-1781946000@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Barvi Forest Range\, Thane Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-barvi-forest-range-thane-maharashtra/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260620-WA0268-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T070000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T090000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T071229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T060548Z UID:13762-1781938800-1781946000@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird walk at Pashan Lake\, Pune\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-pashan-lake-pune-maharashtra-2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-20-at-21.39.02-1-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260615T070154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T060248Z UID:13753-1781937000-1781944200@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at IIT Bombay (Sarovar Udyan)\, Mumbai\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-iit-bombay-sarovar-udyan-mumbai-maharashtra/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20260620_083451-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260620T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194911 CREATED:20260611T085305Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T060034Z UID:13701-1781935200-1781942400@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Jahanpanah City Forest\, Delhi DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-jahanpanah-city-forest-delhi-3/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260620-WA00302-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T203000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260605T070341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T093437Z UID:13506-1781418600-1781469000@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at TS Chanakya\, Navi Mumbai DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-ts-chanakya-navi-mumbai-6/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260614_133951_908-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260609T060222Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T060700Z UID:13568-1781418600-1781425800@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Gorewada Dam & Lake (Village Side)\, Nagpur\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-gorewada-dam-lake-village-side-nagpur-maharashtra2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11526a3d-d854-4ae8-b1cc-a87b24aa50d4-2-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260605T054801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T093751Z UID:13491-1781416800-1781424000@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Lodhi Garden\, New Delhi DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-lodhi-garden-new-delhi-7/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-14-at-11.44.07-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T053000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T073000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260605T052234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T101311Z UID:13480-1781415000-1781422200@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Macpherson Lake\, Prayagraj\, UP DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-macpherson-lake-prayagraj-up/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-14-at-09.47.26-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T051500 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260614T071500 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260605T060707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T095948Z UID:13498-1781414100-1781421300@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Kukrail Picnic Spot Phase 1 Lucknow\, UP DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-kukrail-spot-phase-1-lucknow/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG-20260614-WA0048.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260609T055209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T100712Z UID:11409-1781332200-1781339400@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Ambazari Biodiversity Park\, Nagpur\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-ambazari-biodiversity-park-nagpur-maharashtra2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-13-at-10.30.26.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T104414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T095638Z UID:13555-1781332200-1781339400@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird walk at Pashan Lake\, Pune\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-pashan-lake-pune-maharashtra-jn/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PXL_20260613_031733604-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T063000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T083000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T102337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T093331Z UID:13550-1781332200-1781339400@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Mothi Desai Village Park\, Dombivali\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-mothi-desai-village-park-dombivali-maharashtra2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG-20260613-WA0230-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T101714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T093918Z UID:13545-1781330400-1781337600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Viva Wetlands\, Virar\, Maharashtra DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-viva-wetlands-virar-maharashtra-3/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-13-at-18.50.26.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T095137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T112024Z UID:13532-1781330400-1781337600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Sal Patch\, Chandrabani\, Dehradun DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-sal-patch-chandrabani-dehradun/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_20260613_070414715_HDR-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T092556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T100239Z UID:13524-1781330400-1781337600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Pipal Wala Har (Local area of ​​Kuno National Park)\, Sheopur\, MP DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-pipal-wala-har-mp/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260613_061016-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T060000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260613T080000 DTSTAMP:20260826T194912 CREATED:20260608T090947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T093021Z UID:13518-1781330400-1781337600@ataavi.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Mullur lake\, Bangalore\, Karnataka DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi\, Pune \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pune\n \n \n \n \n 12 July\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n Ksheetij Pandey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Bird Guide - Ksheetij PandeyKsheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography\, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing. \n \n \n \n \n Bird walk Location \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Common birds of Vetal Tekdi \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n Indian Spot-billed Duck \n \n \n \n Indian Peafowl \n \n \n \n Spotted Dove \n \n \n \n Asian Koel \n \n \n \n Asian Palm Swift \n \n \n \n Red-wattled Lapwing \n \n \n \n Common Sandpiper \n \n \n \n Little Egret \n \n \n \n Eurasian Moorhen \n \n \n \n Indian Pond Heron \n \n \n \n Black Kite \n \n \n \n Spotted Owlet \n \n \n \n Asian Green Bee-eater \n \n \n \n Alexandrine Parakeet \n \n \n \n Rose-ringed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Plum-headed Parakeet \n \n \n \n Black Drongo \n \n \n \n Red-vented Bulbul \n \n \n \n Greater Coucal \n \n \n \n Common Myna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of Walk \n \n \n \n Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi\, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland\, grasslands\, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size\, the outing progressed smoothly\, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds\, raptors\, and wetland species\, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning. Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling\, the agile Shikra\, the graceful Little Grebe\, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding\, pleasant weather\, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Number of Participants \n \n 0 URL:https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-mullur-lake-bangalore-karnataka2/ CATEGORIES:Birding Bharat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ataavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6612.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR