Bhigwan’s Harriers and Hyenas: A Trip Report

Our recent trip to Bhigwan, near Pune, India, was an adventure packed with early mornings, unexpected challenges, and incredible bird sightings. This post covers our quest for elusive Indian wolves, the majestic raptors we encountered, and the invaluable help of our local guide, Amol, during our time chasing Bhigwan Harriers Hyenas.

Chasing Raptors and Hyenas in Bhigwan

The journey began with a 2:20 am flight to Pune. Souranil planned this trip, and I booked a cab. Our flight arrived late, and the cab went to the wrong spot. We finally got on our way around 5:27 am, heading to Suyash Palace Lodge. After settling in, we immediately went to the serene Bhigwan lake, hoping to photograph flamingos. It was peaceful, and we identified around 30 bird species. We were thrilled to spot new visitors like graceful Black-tailed Godwits, calmly wading, foraging. We also saw elegant Eurasian Spoonbills, soaring gracefully, their spatulate bills defining their synchronized flight. And the majestic Painted Storks were a sight to behold, standing poised at the water’s edge, wading in shallow muddy water, sometimes with a busy Black-winged Stilt nearby.

Later that afternoon, we set off for a safari towards Karvanwadi, hoping to photograph a hyena. We eventually caught sight of a couple of hyenas, though quite far away. The real highlight was observing a majestic raptor: a Pallid Harrier. A slender Pallid Harrier, a winter migrant, perched vigilantly on a gnarled branch, its yellow eyes keenly surveying its surroundings – a truly watchful character, perfectly poised as it scanned its territory.

The Quest for Wolves and Amol’s Expertise in Bhigwan

The next morning, our main mission began: finding Indian wolves. We started our safari at 5:30 am, heading back to Karvanwadi. Despite an extensive search across the dry, rolling landscape, the wolves remained elusive. We figured they were resting deep inside the forest. While the wolves didn’t show, we did spot a watchful Chinkara, or Indian Gazelle, resting calmly in the dry grass, looking directly at us with an alert expression.

Our local guide, Amol, was exceptional. He was incredibly skilled and an excellent driver, navigating challenging terrain. Amol shared deep insights into local wildlife and how borders affect migratory birds. His lived experience was invaluable. Adventure struck during an afternoon search when our car got stuck in a big hole! Souranil and co-passengers quickly came to the rescue, pushing the car and placing boulders under the tire. Within five minutes, we were moving again. By almost 5 pm, with no last-minute wolf sighting, we decided to start our journey back to Pune. Despite no wolves, the trip was a wonderful adventure. The Suyash Palace Lodge offered nice, comfortable beds. Despite the initial cab hiccup, I’d still recommend MakeMyTrip. This adventure, excluding flights, cost us approximately ₹13,500.