[ramnath_77]

Bhigwan is a small town around 100 kms away from Pune on the Pune Solapur highway and lies on the backwaters of Ujani river.

The human made wetland and its surrounding mix of grasslands and farms are home to more than 250 species of birds.
The most prominent winter visitor being the Greater Flamingo which arrive in the hundreds or possibly even in the thousands. Hence this place attracts a lot of bird watchers and photographers.

Most of these birds can be best viewed by taking a boat ride across the back waters of Ujani dam. The best time of the year to view them is between Dec and Feb.

The place is also home to many species of raptors, ducks, waders etc.
The open grasslands around Bhigwan also are known for mammals like Indian fox, Indian Grey wolf and Striped Hyenas.

I have been visiting Bhigwan over the last few years during the winter months and have been lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph many of these species around the backwaters.

However over the last couple of years, birding in the surrounding areas of Bhigwan esp the grasslands has started to gain prominence.
Main interest being raptors. I have made a few trips over the last few months (esp during the winter months of Nov, Dec and Jan) for catching some raptor action.

This photologue is an attempt to present some of the images I managed to make during these trips.

Let the pictures do the talking

Montagu's Harrier (male)



Pallid Harrier (male)




Pallid Harrier (female)



Common Kestrel











Black Shouldered Kite


Love is in the air (A pair of Black Shouldered Kite)



Eastern Imperial Eagle



Steppe Eagle



Painted Sandgrouse (male)



Painted Sandgrouse Pair



European Roller





Bluethroat



Black Headed Bunting



Indian Eagle Owl





Motted Wood Owl





Short Eared Owl



Moving on to mammals

Bengal Fox (aka Indian Fox)








There are still quite a few grassland species which i have not been able to capture in my camera. Hence i hope to continue to travel to Bhigwan (hopefully once monsoon starts).

I hope you liked the images as much as i liked sharing them here on this wonderful forum.

Cheers!!!
Ram

[AjinkyaP]

Awesome clicks, Thank you for sharing.
I hope you enjoyed the famous Bhigwan Machhi as well (Fish preparations)

[Torque123]

A crisp travelogue with fantastic images. I especially liked the male Pallid Harrier (vertical frame) & mottled wood owl images. what gear did you use?

[SDP]

Absolutely stunning images !! Thanks for sharing.

I have been to Bhigvan once while returning from Bijapur and really struggled to find even half decent stay option nearby.

Has that situation improved now ?

[turboNath]

This is such a brilliant thread ramnath_77 ! Those mesmerising shots of the raptors with a creamy background are simply incredible. Hopefully I will get to visit Bhigwan this winter !
Owls are my favourite raptors and I simply loved all the shots especially Mottled Wood Owl, Short-eared Owl and the fantastic Indian Eagle Owl. The Painted Sandgrouse couple on that flower bed looks so beautiful!
Fantastic collection! Would love to read and more about the birding destinations down south (and west) !

[Dr.AD]

Wow! Absolutely fantastic pictures. Thank you very much for sharing these pictures.

Originally Posted by ramnath_77

Bhigwan is a small town around 100 kms away from Pune on the Pune Solapur highway and lies on the backwaters of Ujani river.

I have been to that general area multiple times, but somehow never been to Bhigwan. Thanks to your post now I know about this place. I am sure to visit this in near future.

Your post and pictures are surely inspirational. Thanks again for sharing!

[sgmuser]

Some great equipment and fantastic photos. This perfect BG blur is because of the lens? or Photoshopped? Except one photo, the objects looks at the camera nicely in all the pics as if posing! Great timings and selection of photos. The focus, sharpness and color is typical of Nikon and especially the D850's class.

[UD2021]

What a treat for the eyes. Great set of images.

[JoshMachine]

Originally Posted by ramnath_77

Bhigwan is a small town around 100 kms away from Pune on the Pune Solapur highway and lies on the backwaters of Ujani river.

Thanks for sharing such fascinating pictures, Ram
Bhigwan has been on top of my bucket-list, your pictures are adding to that motivation!

By any chance, is the birding season still open for taking along a camera?
Any good places to stay overnight?

[XDriver]

Superb images and wonderful diversity of shots. Good clean back grounds and nice exposure and framing. I am a birder myself and appreciate the good work you have done. I am yet to visit Bigwan and hope to do that this year end. Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures.

[turbospooler]

Beautiful shots Sir!
I pass through Bhigwan atleast once every quarter but never made the stop.
Your clicks are motivating me to plan an itinerary.

[fhdowntheline]

Fantastic photos. Do you mind sharing the camera make/model?

[sknair]

Amazing shots!!!
any recommendations for photographers?
logistics, places to stay and any other details like trusted guide/operator who would help in arranging the visits? thanks in advance.

[sukhbirST]

Amazing photographs and great timing. Appreciate the stare in your face pics, which even humans cannot do. You have skills of high order and wish to see more.

[gatsby_great]

Excellent pics. It’s not just the composition but “reach” is also quite phenomenal. Goes on to show your good understanding of the animal behaviour and mastery of your device.