Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon Records 175 Bird Species, a New High; Steppe Eagle Among First Sightings
Volunteers logged a record 175 bird species across Vetal Tekdi and the Bavdhan-Chaturshringi hills during Pune’s fourth birding marathon in Bird Week.
Photo: Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 14th November 2026: Birdwatchers recorded 175 bird species on Vetal Tekdi and the connected hills from Bavdhan to Chaturshringi during this year’s Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon, the highest count in the event’s four editions, The Free Press Journal reported. The count was 164 in 2025, 140 in 2024 and 111 in 2023.
The eight-day survey ran from November 5 to 12, during Maharashtra’s Pakshi Saptah (Bird Week), and was organised by the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti.
The marathon in numbers
| Measure | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Species recorded | 175 (record) |
| Bird families | 59 |
| eBird checklists | 151, from 58 birders |
| Individual sightings | 6,954 |
| Hours of birding | 350 |
| Distance walked | 392 km |
| Photos and audio clips | 3,042 photos, 362 recordings |
Every sighting was checked twice: by the organisers’ reviewers and through eBird’s global review system, the report said.
The standout birds
The tricoloured bunting, red-necked falcon, steppe eagle, European roller and common cuckoo were among the highlights. The European roller, a passage migrant that usually moves through around late September or early October, was seen almost every day this year.
Twenty-four species were recorded for the first time in the marathon’s history, including the steppe eagle, Indian spotted eagle, striolated bunting, ultramarine flycatcher and orange-headed thrush. Seven species were flagged as rare for Pune, among them the brown shrike and Blyth’s pipit.
The most common birds were the Asian green bee-eater and red-vented bulbul, each seen on 91% of checklists, followed by the black drongo, common myna and black kite.
Why the hills matter
The survey covered the whole unbroken stretch of hills from Bavdhan to Chaturshringi, including Mhatoba hill and Panchavati. Over the years these hills have recorded more than 280 bird species, said Ranjeet Rane, a volunteer with the group. They are among the last large green patches in the middle of the city, between Kothrud, Pashan, Law College Road and Senapati Bapat Road.
Residents have long opposed road projects that would cut through the hill, and data from surveys like this is used in those arguments.
How to go birding on Vetal Tekdi
- Go early, between 6:30 am and 9 am, when birds are most active and the air is cool.
- Enter from the ARAI side, Panchavati or the Law College Road and Kamla Nehru Park side.
- Carry water, wear dull colours, and stay on paths.
- Log what you see on the free eBird app to add to Pune’s bird records.
For other green spots, see our gardens, lakes and hills in Pune guide, and check Pune AQI today before an early walk.
Frequently asked questions
How many bird species were recorded on Vetal Tekdi this year?
A record 175 species were recorded during the 2026 Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon, held from 5 to 12 November.
Who organises the Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon?
The Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti, with volunteer birders logging sightings on eBird.
Which rare birds were seen?
The tricoloured bunting, steppe eagle, red-necked falcon, European roller and ultramarine flycatcher were among the notable sightings.
What is the best time for birding on Vetal Tekdi?
Early morning, roughly between 6:30 am and 9 am, is best.
