Meet flamingos, the winter guests of Mumbai, at Sewri mudflats

The flamingos arrive in the city by mid-November and can be sighted till April

With a backdrop of the Eastern Harbour skyline, as far as the eyes go, the Sewri mudflats hold a stunning view. As thousands of greater and lesser flamingos warm up in the winter sun, you realise the magnificence of Nature.

Rendezvous with Flamingos II: Watch and Learn about Flamingos is a tour organised by iNaturewatch Foundation in response to the brilliant feedback their first flamingo watch got last month. "The idea is to make Mumbaikars appreciate these nature's guests who visit us every year," says Dr V Shubhalaxmi, founder and managing trustee, iNaturewatch Foundation.

In Mumbai, the sighting started in mid-1990s at the Bombay Port Trust Sewri area. They are seen in congregation throughout the Greater Mumbai coast in Sewri, Uran, Vashi, Airoli, Nerul, Thane, and Vasai and make for a spectacular view.

"They arrive in the city by mid-November from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat which is their breeding ground. The population builds up by January and till April is a good time to see them. They are best sighted closer to the shores, two hours before high tide/low tide," informs Dr Shubhalaxmi.

You'll also get to see other birds like the Greater Spotted Eagle, Sandpiper, Heron and Black-Bellied Tern in unison.

WHERE: Sewri Mudflats
WHEN: 7.30- 9.30 am
FEE: Children (5-15 years) and senior citizens – Rs 150, adults – Rs 250.
CONTACT: 99870 13144

from travel http://www.mid-day.com/articles/meet-flamingos-the-winter-guests-of-mumbai-at-sewri-mudflats/18007197