In the last months of the year, large flocks of Mumbai natives can be seen migrating towards the wetlands of Navi Mumbai and Virar, or into Sanjay Gandhi National Park. You can spot them by their distinct plumage—olive green, khakhi and brown—arranged in the camouflage pattern, many-pocketed photographer’s vests and mammoth tele-lenses.
 
Mumbai’s three days of winter are here, and with it, migratory birds from all over the globe make their way to the mangroves or urban forests in and around the city. Some travelling as many as 16,000 km from Siberia. Three hobbyists remind us there’s wonder, sandwiched between a bursting train station and a crumbling FOB. Just look to the sky.

Amur Falcon
Around Lonavala

The majestic bird stops at the Western ghats before it flies over the Arabian Sea to Southern Africa after making chicks in Siberia. It’s migration timing matches that of dragonflies, which become a travelling larder. The males have reddish brown thighs and a grey body; and the females can be told apart by an orange eye-ring and vermilion feet.