Nearly 118 years ago in this city, a young boy named Salim Ali walked into the Bombay Natural History Society. His obsession with a Yellow-throated Sparrow he’d shot down with an air gun, sparked a lifelong commitment to the avian species for Ali, who grew up to be the Birdman of India. While there might be fewer birds, and more birders today than 1906, finding that spark is still as easy as walking into the right places. Here’s your guide to celebrate National Bird Week in Mumbai’s green oases.

Dr Salim Ali. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS