Trip Report for Tim Williams, February 2025
Destination: Ahmedabad, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutchh (LRK), Bhuj Region (Kutchh Grasslands & Scrublands), Jamnagar, Gir National Park, Velavadar National Park
Guide: Mahesh Rajpoot
From flamingos to lions, February 2025 turned out to be a sensational month for birding and wildlife in Gujarat! I had the pleasure of guiding Tim Williams on a two-week journey across western India’s most captivating habitats—wetlands, salt flats, desert grasslands, and dry deciduous forests.
Nalsarovar – Flocks & First Highlights
Our adventure began in Ahmedabad and quickly led us to Nalsarovar, a wetland paradise teeming with birdlife. Greater and Lesser Flamingos shimmered in the early light, joined by Demoiselle and Common Cranes, and flocks of Red-headed Buntings flying low over the scrub. Among the rare treats were Sociable Lapwing, Hume’s and Tawny Larks, an early indication of the bird-rich days ahead.
Little Rann of Kutchh – Salt Flats & Wild Asses
Next stop: the surreal salt wilderness of the Little Rann of Kutchh (LRK). This unique landscape brought some of the trip’s most memorable sightings—Sykes’s Nightjar, Jungle Prinia, Sykes’s Warbler, Indian Courser, and a regal Imperial Eagle, which stood out as Tim’s personal favorite. Indian Wild Asses added drama to the vast horizon, while Short-eared Owls blended cleverly into the scrub.
Bhuj Region – Grasslands & Raptors
In the grasslands near Bhuj, we were treated to a medley of specialties: White-tailed Iora, White-naped Tit, Small Minivets, and Grey-necked Bunting. Raptors kept the skies thrilling—Montagu’s Harrier, Indian Spotted, Tawny, and Greater Spotted Eagles all put in appearances. A very vocal Eastern Orphean Warbler also gave us some unforgettable views.
Jamnagar – Coastal Birding Paradise
Jamnagar delivered coastal magic in spades. Shorebirds and terns dazzled us with variety and number—Lesser Black-backed Gull, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Greater and Tibetan Sand Plovers, Pacific Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Terek Sandpiper, and the ever-charismatic Crab-Plover. One of the trip’s top moments: Indian Skimmers gracefully slicing the water alongside Lesser Crested Terns.
Gir National Park – The King Appears
Gir gave us our mammal moment of the trip—an unforgettable sighting of the Asiatic Lion in the wild. That majestic stare never loses its power. Supporting the experience were sightings of Indian Grey Mongoose, Forest Wagtail, Mottled Wood Owl, Sirkeer Malkoha, and a surprise flock of Tawny-bellied Babblers.
Velavadar – Wolves, Hyena & Blackbuck
Our grand finale at Velavadar National Park featured a textbook blend of mammal and bird sightings. Blackbuck bounded across the open plains, Wild Boars foraged nearby, and we were lucky to spot a pair of Indian Wolves trotting past, with a Striped Hyena making a brief dawn appearance. Birding highlights included Common Quail and more owl encounters to round off the checklist.
With Tim’s sharp eyes and boundless enthusiasm paired with my local
knowledge, this journey through Gujarat was a seamless blend of learning, adventure, and awe. Few places offer such a mix—flamingos at sunrise, larks in the desert, Skimmers on the shore, and lions in the grass—all in one unforgettable trip.
Thinking about a birding and wildlife tour that delivers it all?
Gujarat in February is unbeatable—join me, Mahesh, for the experience of a lifetime!