This visit to Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary wasn’t planned at all. It was possible because Chaitali had taken a short leave that was due and could come home by 1:00 pm, giving us a reasonable window of travel and birdwatching time, we decided to go for it.
Date of Visit: Saturday, 20th December 2025 Party: Myself & Chaitali
After a quick lunch, we started from home at around 1:30 pm and reached the sanctuary by 3:00 pm. Tickets were purchased for both of us, along with camera and car parking charges — a total of ₹250 (₹50 per person, ₹100 for the camera, and ₹50 for the car).
Trails & First Impressions
We began walking along the trails beside the swamps and grasslands. This time, the sanctuary felt more welcoming than before. Ongoing improvement work has already made a big difference:
- Easier access to several areas compared to earlier visits
- Clearer views into the backwaters and swamps
- Well-marked paths
- Accessible, well-built watchtowers
These changes enhanced the overall birdwatching experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable. (For detailed background on the sanctuary itself, you can read my earlier post here.)
Birds Spotted
During our two-hour walk, I noted down the species I could identify.
| # | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruddy Shelduck | 6 |
| 2 | Northern Shoveler | 1 M |
| 3 | Gadwall | 11 – Lifer |
| 4 | Eurasian Wigeon | 2 M 2 F – Lifer |
| 5 | Common Pochard | 1 – Lifer |
| 6 | Rock Pigeon | 2 |
| 7 | Alpine Swift | 6 – Lifer |
| 8 | Grey-headed Swamphen | 4 |
| 9 | Common Crane | 2 |
| 10 | Black-winged Stilt | 3 |
| 11 | Red-wattled Lapwing | 2 |
| 12 | Wood Sandpiper | 2 |
| 13 | River Tern | 5 |
| 14 | Painted Stork | 20 |
| 15 | Little Cormorant | 18 |
| 16 | Great Cormorant | 6 |
| 17 | Glossy Ibis | 10 |
| 18 | Indian Pond Heron | 1 |
| 19 | Great Egret | 6 |
| 20 | Medium Egret | 3 |
| 21 | Grey Heron | 2 |
| 22 | Purple Heron | 1 |
| 23 | Black-winged Kite | 1 |
| 24 | Western Marsh Harrier | 1 A 1 J 1 Imm |
| 25 | Asian Green Bee-eater | 8 |
| 26 | Common Kingfisher | 1 |
| 27 | Black Drongo | 2 |
| 28 | Long-tailed Shrike | 3 |
| 29 | Large-billed Crow | 2 |
| 30 | Ashy Prinia | 2 |
| 31 | Blyth’s Reed Warbler | 1 – Lifer |
| 32 | Eastern Red-rumped Swallow | 4 |
| 33 | Yellow-eyed Babbler | 1 |
| 34 | Indian Pied Starling | 1 |
| 35 | Brahminy Starling | 12 |
| 36 | Common Myna | 2 |
| 37 | Jungle Myna | 25 |
| 38 | Siberian Stonechat | 5 M |
| 39 | Red Avadavat | 1 |
| 40 | Western Yellow Wagtail | 1 |
| 41 | Citrine Wagtail | 1 |
| 42 | White Wagtail | 2 |
Reflections
It was a refreshing outing, especially because it wasn’t planned. Sometimes, the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Hoping to return again in January 2026 for another round of birdwatching.
Information for visitors – December 2025
For those planning a trip, here are some practical details:
- Parking: ₹50 for four-wheelers
- Entry Ticket: ₹50 per person
- Camera Fee: ₹100
- Facilities: Tea stalls and a small garden to sit and relax
- Stay Options: Limited, prior booking recommended
- Equipment: Binoculars available for rent; Cameras/Lenses not yet available
Nandur Madhmeshwar continues to evolve as a birdwatching destination. With the ongoing improvements, it’s becoming more accessible and rewarding for enthusiasts. If you’re in or around Nashik, this sanctuary is worth a visit — whether planned or spontaneous.
