Bird photographer Seema Tania captured a rare sight yesterday—a pair of Pratincoles flying over the TS Chanakya waterbody. The birds, typically found near riverbeds, were seen among a mixed flock of swallows, swifts, and waders.

“This sighting is quite unusual since Pratincoles are commonly found near riverbeds in significant numbers. It’s heartening to see the rich biodiversity of the TS Chanakya waterbody thriving despite the dwindling bird habitats in the area,” shared Tania.

The migratory bird season has begun, and several bird species and waders are gradually settling into this wetland. Nature enthusiasts are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first flock of flamingos, as the flamingo season has officially started. Some flamingos have already been spotted in the Bhandup waterbody nearby.

Pratincoles, small waders from South and Southeast Asia, are typically seen near marshes and riverbeds. While widespread in their range, their distribution tends to be clustered.

“Pratincoles are masters of camouflage and often blend into the ground when perched, making them easy to miss. Spotting these tan-colored birds in flight over the TS Chanakya wetlands is incredibly rare. This is the first time I’ve observed a pair here. They might be vagrants among the flock of 50-60 swallows and swifts,” said Tania.

She recalled her previous encounters with Pratincoles at the Jayanti riverbed in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, as well as at Ujjani in Maharashtra and the Ranghola River in Gujarat. However, spotting them in Navi Mumbai is an extraordinary event.