Kamal Ghorui
Flamingos have painted Mumbai’s wetlands in shades of flushed pink. While the industrial capital has a dense skyline, something more interesting about the city recently, is a sea of fluttering pink feathers against mangrove greens and shimmering mudflats.Like every year, this time also hundreds of greater and lesser flamingos have arrived in the city’s wetlands this season, drawing bird lovers, photographers, and casual strollers for a dose of nature’s magic.Although every year, Flamingos arrive here during the months of November to March, this time they have come here in April and are holding strong into May, due to weather changes and Gujarat’s lingering waters.
Representative Image (Credits: Canva)
Social media is painted in flamingo hues
Social media has come alive with several photos and reels, celebrating the delayed but dazzling show.Photos show hundreds of pink birds flocking in groups and probing their beaks into the wetland waters for hunting and forage.Other online media show the bright pink avians standing with one leg beautifully folded and performing graceful courting displays, a sight to behold.
Where do flamingos come from?
Flamingos flock to Navi Mumbai and other Indian wetlands from distant spots like the salt lakes of Gujarat, where they breed, and far-off places including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Israel.These pink travelers follow the Central Asian Flyway, a major bird highway, stopping first in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch for food-rich algae and brine shrimp that turn their feathers rosy.From there, they move ahead over to Mumbai’s creeks and mudflats for a feast drawn by shallow waters and mangroves.
Top spots to catch the show
Palm Beach Road offers easy roadside views of flocks along the wetlands, perfect for quick stops. NRI Wetlands buzz with activity as flamingos rest here during high tides, flying in from Thane Creek.Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Maharashtra’s official haven spanning 1,690 hectares, hosts massive groups. Visitors can join regulated boat safaris for close-up thrills without disturbing them.Karave Flamingo Point and Belapur Creek provide smaller but scenic sightings ideal for quieter experiences.
What is the best time to watch these birds?
Head out early morning (6:30-9 am) or late afternoon (4:30-6 pm) when the light is golden and birds feed actively. Low tide exposes mudflats; high tide pushes them to Navi Mumbai shores. Take binoculars or zoom lenses for a better view.
