In my earlier blog on Vasantrao Kanetkar Udyan, Nashik, I had mentioned how restarting my birdwatching journey inspired me to search for places near our home—spots perfect for short evening visits after a day’s work. I had hinted at an amazing location I discovered nearby, promising to reveal it in a future post.
Here it is: a serene opening to the Gangapur Dam backwaters, tucked just beside the Nashik Boat Club (MTDC Boat Club), a gap in the fencing along the narrow road leading to the MTDC resort.
First Encounter – Sunset Surprise
I first noticed this place during one of our casual visits to the boat club. It was evening, and as we drove through the narrow road, the backwaters opened up before us in a breathtaking scene.
A small patch of land stood in the middle of the water, where cormorants, lapwings, and herons were resting. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, their silhouettes created a magical frame—one of those moments that makes you pause and promise yourself to return.
That evening, I decided: I must come here in the morning to witness the birdlife in full activity.
Morning Visit – November 16th 2025
The Journey Begins
The plan came alive on 16th November. We set off from home around 7:30 AM, reaching the spot in about 20 – 25 minutes (roughly 10 km).
Hardly 20 meters after turning left towards the dam from the main road, I spotted a Grey Francolin perched on a boundary wall, making contact calls. It was a lifer for me—what a welcome! I quickly captured photos and even a video of its calls. See the video here.
As it flew away, an Ashy Prinia appeared in the roadside bushes, moving close to our car. I managed some good close‑ups.
💡 Birdwatching Tip: One trick that has always worked for me—stay inside the car and move as close as possible to the bird. They often ignore the vehicle, allowing you to get incredible close shots that aren’t possible on foot, especially with a 70–300 mm lens.
Looking up, I saw a crowd of nearly 50 Red‑rumped Swallows. Some rested on electric cables; others darted around in flight. The sun’s position made photography tricky, but the sight itself was unforgettable.
Arrival at the Backwaters
As we reached the backwater opening, a pair of Lapwings greeted us at the water’s edge, barely 5 meters away. More species revealed themselves steadily—on the edges, in the bushes, across the boundary wall, in the waters, and soaring above the sky.
One Hour of Bliss
An hour of birdwatching flew by in what felt like minutes. The heart wanted more, but other commitments pulled us away. Still, the morning had offered exactly what I hoped for—rich birdlife, peaceful surroundings, and the promise of more discoveries in future visits.
Comprehensive Bird List – November 2025
In a span of around an hour, we identified the following species:
| # | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grey Francolin | Lifer |
| 2 | Ashy Prinia | |
| 3 | Eastern Red-rumped Swallow | |
| 4 | Red-wattled Lapwing | |
| 5 | Common Sandpiper | |
| 6 | River Tern | |
| 7 | Black-winged Stilt | Immature |
| 8 | Ruddy Shelduck | |
| 9 | Little Cormorant | |
| 10 | Asian Openbill | |
| 11 | Grey Heron | |
| 12 | Western Marsh Harrier | Flying |
| 13 | Black Kite | Flying |
| 14 | Common Kingfisher | |
| 15 | Whiskered Tern | |
| 16 | White-browed Wagtail | |
| 17 | Siberian Stonechat | Female |
| 18 | Jungle Myna | |
| 19 | House Sparrow | |
| 20 | Common Chiffchaff | |
| 21 | Clamorous Reed Warbler | |
| 22 | Red-vented Bulbul | |
| 23 | Rock Pigeon | |
| 24 | Laughing Dove | |
| 25 | House Crow | |
| 26 | Black Drongo | |
| 27 | Long-tailed Shrike | |
| 28 | Plain Prinia |
Visitor Tips
- Best Time: Early mornings for bird activity; evenings for stunning sunsets.
- Gear: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and notebook/app for species lists.
- Approach: Stay inside the car for closer, calmer encounters.
- Combine Visits: Pair this spot with a trip to MTDC Boat Club Nashik for a relaxed outing.
Closing Thoughts
Finding this place beside the MTDC Boat Club Nashik has added a new spot to my birdwatching list. The Gangapur Dam backwaters promise endless surprises.
With more visits pending, I look forward to documenting seasonal changes and expanding the species list—continuing to share the joy of birdwatching here on naturesbook.in.