About 100 km from Pune is a small town of Bhigwan near which is the Yashwant Sagar Lake formed by the back waters of Ujjani Dam. This has become the choice place for wading birds to migrate during winters. Many species can be found here between November and March each year. The place of choice for birding in this area are the Kumbhargaon and Diksal Villages as shown on the map.

I have been birding in this area since 2010 and have had some good fun with my camera. I started birding with Cannon gear to begin with and then switched over to the Olympus system. Currently I am shooting with Fuji XT 4 and XF 100 – 400 mm lens. This is a great combination for bird photography.

You should reach Bhigwan well before sunrise as if you are lucky then you will be greeted with a beautiful sunrise.

Boats are available both at Kumbhargaon and Diksal. I recommend that you hire a boat, this will facilitate approaching the birds. The boatmen are also conversant with the species of birds and their location.

A boat at Diksal

Below are few photos which I took at Bhigwan during my various trips at Bhigwan:-

Black Winged Stilt
Sea Gulls
Common Coot
Northern Shoveller (Male)
Northern Shoveller (Female)
Indian Cormorants
Osprey
White Breasted King Fisher
Golden Jacana
Grey Heron
Glossy Ibis
Painted Stork
Black Tailed Godwits
Ruddy Shell Duck
Children at play in Yashwant Sagar Lake

The sunsets here are mesmerizing.

View the video below to see my collection of photos from Bhigwan taken over many years.

Few of the best moments of my life have been at Bhigwan. Truly a paradise for birders.