Birding at Veer Dam and Backwater area

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Veer dam is one of the famous backwater place for bird watching near Pune, which is situated after few kms ahead from Shirwal on Pune-Bangalore National Highway. It is famous for migratory bird like Bar Headed Goose, Grey heron and Brahmin Duck.

Grey Heron with Spoonbill in Veer Dam

As a bird watcher and after visiting Bhigwan, Pashan Lake it was not possible for me to miss out this place in winter. I was not much aware about the dam but later after reading few blog came to know that surrounding area of the veer dam is excellent spot for migratory birds.

How to reach veer dam from Pune
To reach Veer Dam, I travelled on NH4 from Katraj via old tunnel and drive towards Satara/Bangalore side, after crossing Nira River Bridge and Shirwal city drive for around 3 Kms and take a Left turn on Khandala-Loni Rd. Tondal is the village from where Veer dam backwater starts and a small dust road on left take you to birding place.

Here's a map for reference:

I woke up in early morning and left home (Kondhwa) around 6 AM. It was too foggy on NH4 which reduce my speed and reach Tondal village around 7.30 AM.

When I reached that area, I hardy find any ducks except few Brahmin duck and Black Ibis. After keeping safe distance I clicked many photo and enjoyed birding for around 3 hours. Birds which were seen at Veer Dam are Black naked ibis, spoonbill, Brahmin duck, White wagtail, Black drongo, Grey heron, Jungle Babbler.

Siberian Stonechat

Wagtail bird

Brahmin Ducks

Black ibis

Grey Heron and Spoonbill bird

Cormorant

Grey Heron at Veer Dam

Veer Dharan(Dam)

Myself at Veer Dam

On my return journey I always prefer travelling from different route and try to make a round trip, so after take suggestion from few villagers found road towards Pune via Saswad have average road condition. So finally took the road via saswad and enjoy the overall round trip of 130KM in the first half of the day and reached back home at 1 PM.