Bhigwan Adventure: Spotting Bengal Fox and Majestic Predatory Birds

An Unexpected Dive into Bhigwan Wildlife: Chasing Bengal Fox and Majestic Predatory Birds

The afternoon of February 28, 2025, brought an electrifying text from Souranil: “Book tickets to Pune tonight.” My first thought was, “Is he f**king serious?” But then, saying “no” to Souranil is like trying to convince a raptor not to hunt—futile. So, a 1 AM flight from Kolkata to Pune it was, landing me in the pre-dawn chill of March 1, 2025. What I hadn’t bargained for was my luggage deciding to take its own detour, suspected of housing an illicit battery (which it absolutely wasn’t). The inconvenience of facing a safari in the same clothes for two days was a lesson in adaptability, if nothing else. This trip, unexpectedly chaotic from the start, promised a deep dive into the fascinating Bhigwan wildlife, Bengal Fox encounters, and observing majestic predatory birds in their natural element. Bhigwan, located on the border of Pune and Solapur districts, is affectionately known as the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra” due to its rich avian diversity, especially in the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. Over 250 bird species grace this wetland, making December to March the prime time for migratory birds. Our local guide, Amol Kale (@bhigwan_wildlife, +91 9172159014), had everything sorted, even the cab.

The Elusive Charm: Discovering Bhigwan’s Bengal Fox

After a brief crash at the hotel, Souranil joined me, having flown in from Hyderabad. Our first afternoon safari plunged us into the expansive open grasslands. Our primary targets: the elusive Bengal Fox and the Striped Hyena. Amol wisely advised that Indian Wolves were a monsoon special. We drove to a spot where Bengal Fox cubs were playing. It was beyond my lens’s reach, a bittersweet moment of pure observation over perfect capture. We captured some shots of the mother fox playing with her babies. The Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), a small, endemic canid, is a marvel of adaptation to India’s semi-arid regions. Known for their shy personality, they are masters of camouflage, their sandy-colored fur blending seamlessly with the dry grass and rocks. Their diet is varied, including rodents, insects, and fruits. Later, as we drove back, we spotted another Bengal Fox cub, its face bathed in golden light—a truly captivating sight that reminded me why I chase Bhigwan wildlife. Further on, in a stark open expanse, we encountered Striped Hyena pups resting. Despite the urge to get closer, local laws dictated our distance. We waited patiently for an adult, but it remained hidden. A valuable lesson in respecting wildlife boundaries, even when personal desire tugs.

Bhigwan’s Striking Avian Hunters: Predatory Birds in Action

The grasslands were not just home to mammals; they were a hunting ground for an array of magnificent predatory birds. We were thrilled to spot several species, each a master of its aerial domain. Pallid Harrier: This elegant raptor, known for its buoyant, almost ghost-like flight, gracefully quartered the grasslands. Circus macrourus is a long-distance migrant, making its winter home in Bhigwan’s open habitats. Short-toed Snake Eagle: With piercing yellow eyes, this specialist hunter (Circaetus gallicus) is famed for spotting reptiles from great heights, a common sight over the Bhigwan landscape. Bonelli’s Eagle: A powerful and agile raptor (Aquila fasciata), known for its rapid hunting dives, making it an apex predator here. Steppe Eagle: These incredible long-distance migrants (Aquila nipalensis) from Central Asia are crucial scavengers and predators, maintaining the ecosystem balance. Great Spotted Eagle: Critically dependent on wetlands for prey, this raptor (Clanga clanga) finds Bhigwan’s Ujani Dam backwaters an ideal wintering ground. We also spotted an Asian Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), surprisingly adaptable to both wetlands and dry grasslands, and a vibrant male Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus), another beautiful long-distance migrant, perched prominently.

Day Two: Wetland Wonders and More Bhigwan Predators

The second day brought us closer to the Ujani Dam, a haven for wetland species. We sighted an impressive Indian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bengalensis), masterfully camouflaged amongst rocks and dry grasses. We also noted the presence of ground-dwelling birds like the Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus), a master of camouflage in its dry habitat. The female Barred Buttonquail (Turnix suscitator) showed a fascinating reversal of gender roles, initiating courtship. And the cryptic Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus), whose males carry water to chicks in their belly feathers—a truly unique adaptation for arid regions! Near the dam, the spectacle of a mixed flock of Lesser and Great Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) was breathtaking. Their iconic pink comes from the carotenoid pigments in their diet! A Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) glided low over the water, a classic raptor of the reeds. And then, the magnificent Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)! This fish-eating specialist, with its reversible outer toes and barbed talons, is a truly efficient hunter, perfectly suited to the Ujani Dam’s rich waters. Other delightful sightings included the beautiful Painted Stork, the opportunistic Brown-headed Gull, Wood Sandpiper, and the North Shoveler. This trip truly showcased the best of Bhigwan wildlife.

Tips for Photographing Bhigwan Wildlife and Predatory Birds

To maximize your chances of incredible encounters with the Bhigwan wildlife, Bengal Fox families, and soaring predatory birds:

• Clothing: Wear dull, earthy colors (olive green, brown, beige) to blend in. Bright colors scare wildlife.
• Gear: For DSLRs, a 300mm or 400mm lens is ideal. A bean bag is invaluable for stable video.
• Silence is Golden: Raptors and mammals are highly sensitive to sound. Maintain silence.
• Local Guide: Hire an experienced local guide like Amol Kale (+91 9172159014, @bhigwan_wildlife) for arrangements, entry fees, and expert spotting.

The journey back to Pune airport finally united me with my luggage, a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of such a refreshing adventure. Souranil and I parted ways, brains recharged. This Bhigwan trip was a quick, intense burst of natural beauty, proving that even short trips can leave lasting impressions.

Conclusion: A Call to Explore Bhigwan’s Wild Heart

From the surprise invitation to the incredible sightings of Bhigwan’s Bengal Fox cubs and the majestic flight of its predatory birds, this trip was unforgettable. It reminded me of the resilience of wildlife and the profound joy of connecting with nature. What was your most unexpected wildlife encounter? Share your stories in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with fellow wildlife enthusiasts.

Key Information for Mobile Version:

• Guide: Amol Kale, @bhigwan_wildlife, +91 9172159014
• Location: Bhigwan, Maharashtra (Ujani Dam backwaters)
• Best Season: December to March (for migratory birds)
• Species Highlights: Bengal Fox, Striped Hyena, Pallid Harrier, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Indian Eagle-Owl, Great Flamingos, Osprey.