As the saying goes: "Foolish People and learn from own mistakes amd wise people learn from others".
So heres your chance to become wise.
As we all know Its winter season and Migratory birds flock from north to feed in Bhigwan. For starters Bhigwan is around 100 kms from pune on Sholapur highway. I am sure all Sholapur regulars will know the big water resorvoir which comes in between, thats what is Bhigwan. I have been there over weekend (like most other city dweller) and made few mistakes. Hence i thought to pour my heart out, so that other fellow travelers can benefit.
# Mistake Number 1.
Always carry a binocular. Please note that we are talking about birds here and the real beauty of birds lies in detail. Like their color, the beak shape, the color combination, type of neck etc etc etc...
The only way you can notice all these if you carry a good pair of binoculars.
# Mistake Number 2.
Always take guide. Unless and until you are an expert ornithologist, it is advisable to have guide around. I am someone who is still learning to differentiate between flamingo to pelican to crane. A trusted guide will not only help you spot right species, it will also help you to increase your knowledge. Google maps is filled with all bird safaris offered in that area. I picked up one and later i realised that he was actually a fisherman who picked up few words along the way. Not that he was not working hard, but its just that he was not fit for purpose. The bhigwan bird sanctuary office do have guides avbl.
# Mistake Number 3
Avoid crowded weekends. I know its difficult to do but if you can time your trip on weekday, you can have much fulfilling exp. Birds fly away when there is noise or crowd. In weekend you will get both.
Thats 3 mistakes from my trip. It goes without saying that mornings (within 1 hr of sunrise) is the best time for birdwatching. The sanctuary opens at 7 am, so plan to get on the first boat out. Wearing clothes with natural colors will help as they dont distract birds.
Hope you have rewarding experience.
