Bird lovers can flock to nine locations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to spot rare birds over the next three months. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)’s survey that was done between November and January, identified the nine spots that have over 100 bird species, including many rare ones. The survey identified five important bird areas (IBA) – Thane creek (flamingo sanctuary), Mahul-Sewri mudflats, Phansad Bird Sanctuary in Murud, Raigad, Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli. Three wetlands (creeks) – Vasai creek (Arnala to Chinchani Beach) and one beach – Akshi near Alibaug, were also identified in the survey. “We began studying the species because very little research has been done on these migratory birds but unfortunately it has come to a grinding halt.

Source: Hindustan Times January 25, 2017 18:45 UTC