This marked a noticeable dip in overall numbers compared to the previous year's census on January 26, 2025, which recorded 7,467 birds belonging to 122 species. Significantly, waterbirds that prefer shallow-water habitats, most notably the flamingos, were not recorded during the 2026 count.
Bhigwan features two completely distinct ecosystems within a few kilometers of each other: the sprawling wetlands and the adjacent arid grasslands. The Guide: The Backwater of Bhigwan - Roundglass Sustain
Because an “upd” of absence is the only honest update. It says: We have changed the land so completely that the sky no longer recognizes it. bhigwan birds upd
are active, with sightings of 1,000–1,200 birds reported during favorable conditions. Recent reports from March 2026 highlight the "lake turning pink" as these birds gather in the shallows.
| Location | Current Status (May 2026) | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 80% dry mudflat. Excellent wader habitat. | Storks (Painted, Woolly-necked), Black-winged Stilts, Flamingos at far end. | | Agardand Channel | 2–3 ft water depth. Boat access only. | Jacana (Pheasant-tailed), Purple Swamphen, Lesser Whistling Ducks. | | Mori Backwaters | Deep water near dam. | Terns (Whiskered, Common), River Tern, Osprey (diving). | This marked a noticeable dip in overall numbers
Situated roughly 100 kilometers east of Pune along the borders of Pune and Solapur districts, this vast ecosystem is formed by the sprawling backwaters of the Ujani Dam on the Bhima River. Often affectionately dubbed the "Bharatpur of Maharashtra", Bhigwan transforms into a spectacular haven for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts between October and April every year.
During peak weekends, boat availability can be tight, so try to book in advance. The Guide: The Backwater of Bhigwan - Roundglass
Every winter, the backwaters of the Ujani Dam near Bhigwan transform into a dazzling avian paradise. Just 100 km from Pune, this region—often called "Bharatpur of Maharashtra"—becomes a temporary home for tens of thousands of migratory birds. For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, the most searched phrase between November and March is .
This absence of flamingos has had a ripple effect on the local tourism economy, which had grown around the "flamingo festival" that once drew thousands of visitors to the region.
The sanctuary is home to nearly 300 species of migratory and resident birds. Greater Flamingos
Avoid making noise, as this scares away the birds.