Birdwalk at Ganjeshwari Temple, Bondla WLS — A Misty Morning

Some mornings stay with you forever. The Birdwalk near Ganjeshwari Temple, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary was one such morning.

This walk marked an important milestone for Wild Footprints — our first birdwalk conducted in association with Ataavi Bird Foundation, as part of the national Birding Bharat initiative. The forest welcomed us with gentle rain, cool air, and rolling fog that moved between the trees, creating an atmosphere that felt both mysterious and alive.

A Forest Waking Up

The trail began quietly, with the sound of raindrops on leaves and soft bird calls emerging from the mist. As the group moved forward, familiar resident species appeared — bulbuls, drongos, flycatchers, babblers, and more — each one adding its voice to the forest’s morning chorus.

Then came the moment that made the day unforgettable.

Out of the fog, a Changeable Hawk-Eagle revealed itself, perched in clear view. The forest seemed to pause as participants watched this magnificent raptor, its presence commanding silence and awe. The bird stayed long enough for everyone to observe its features, behaviour, and strength — a rare and deeply rewarding sighting for any birdwatcher.

Fifty Voices of the Forest

By the end of the walk, we had recorded over 50 bird species, all resident species, as this was just before the start of the migratory season. The richness of life on such a misty, rain-soaked morning was a powerful reminder of how much the forests hold, even when visibility is low and the world feels hushed.

This bird walk was not just about sightings — it was about community, learning, and the quiet joy of standing together in the forest, watching life unfold wing by wing.

🌿 Experience the Wild. Follow the Footprints.