Bird walk at Suncity Saltpans, Vasai, Maharashtra

Name: Bird walk at Suncity Saltpans, Vasai, Maharashtra
Start: 2026-03-01T07:30:00+05:30
End: 2026-03-01T09:30:00+05:30

About Suncity Saltpans

Located on the northern fringes of Mumbai in Vasai, Maharashtra, Suncity Saltpans form part of an expansive coastal wetland landscape shaped by traditional salt-making practices. Spread across wide stretches of shallow evaporation ponds, mudflats, bunds, and adjoining mangrove patches, this habitat transforms dramatically with the tides and seasons. What may appear at first glance as simple salt pans is in fact a dynamic ecosystem where saline waters, exposed flats, and grassy edges create ideal conditions for an extraordinary diversity of life. The habitat supports halophytic (salt-tolerant) vegetation, mangroves along creek edges, and seasonal grasses that provide feeding and roosting grounds for birds. For birdwatchers, Suncity Saltpans is a treasure trove. During winter, the landscape comes alive with migratory waders such as sandpipers, stints, plovers, and redshanks, alongside flamingos, herons, egrets, and gulls.

Raptors patrol overhead, while resident species like kingfishers, larks, pipits, and munias occupy the bunds and surrounding scrub. The open visibility makes it an exceptional site for observing feeding behavior, flock dynamics, and migration patterns up close. However, like many urban-edge wetlands in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Suncity Saltpans face increasing pressure from rapid urbanization, land reclamation, pollution, plastic waste, and disturbance from unregulated activities. The decline of traditional saltpan management and habitat fragmentation further threaten the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Conservation awareness, responsible birding, and community engagement are crucial to safeguarding this vital wetland. Suncity Saltpans stand as a reminder that even on the doorstep of a bustling metropolis, nature continues to thrive — if given the space and protection it deserves.

Partnered with

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Suncity Saltpans

The open wetlands, grasslands, and saltpan edges come alive with a vibrant mix of resident and migratory birds that reflect the rich diversity of the landscape. Winter visitors like the elegant Siberian Stonechat perch atop shrubs, scanning the ground for insects, while the ever-alert Red-wattled Lapwing announces its presence with its unmistakable calls. Shrikes — both the bold Long-tailed Shrike and the sandy-toned Isabelline Shrike, sit like sentinels on exposed perches, embodying the drama of the open country. Along the ground, Paddyfield Pipits blend perfectly into the earthy tones, often overlooked until they take short fluttering flights. The wetlands and water channels host a lively congregation of waders and waterbirds. Little Egrets, Cattle Egrets, and Indian Pond Herons stalk patiently through shallow waters, while Asian Openbills and Painted Storks add grandeur with their striking silhouettes. White-breasted Waterhens slip quietly through marsh vegetation, and Little Cormorants dry their wings in the sun. Overhead, Black Kites circle effortlessly, joined by swift-flying Asian Palm Swifts, Little Swifts, and the graceful Barn Swallow. Meanwhile, familiar companions like Black Drongos, Common Mynas, House Crows, Rock Pigeons, and House Sparrows remind us that even the most everyday species play an essential role in this thriving urban-wetland ecosystem.