The Mangroves of Bhandup

After an exhausting week at work, the thought of a relaxed weekend was very comforting. Rather than relaxing at home, we planned a visit to the Bhandup mangroves. Last time I had visited the mangroves was immediately after the monsoon. 

Then, the entire area was completely overgrown with tall reeds and grasses. The undergrowth was wet and it was difficult to move about. This time around, we found that there was less vegetation. The path leading towards the lake in the midst of the mangroves was cleared out by setting the dry grass on fire. Large tract of the grassy land surrounding the lake was burnt and the ground was exposed and dry. We also ran into an early morning family crowd on a bird watching trip. This could perhaps explain the fewer number of birds we sighted initially. 

Later, as the area grew quieter, we were able to spot several birds, such as rosy and pied starlings, swallows, weaver birds, parakeets, bulbuls, shrikes, doves, large flocks of lapwings and gulls, ducks, pond herons, sand pipers, cormorants, white-breasted kingfishers. The light was excellent for taking pictures.

We were also fortunate that we could spot a pair of jackals.

At the place where treated waters of the ETP (effluent treatment plant) flow into the creek, there is a large open space, surrounded on all four sides with thick growth of mangroves. At first, we sighted the female coming out into the open, warm itself in the sunlight and move out of sight. 

 It was almost after 30 minutes that the pair emerged and came into the clearing to drink.

 

Even though the mangroves are now protected forests, the diverse animal life will have better protection if the proposed Bhandup Bio-diversity Center is set up without any further delays.