Alibaug Field Visit

This is about first field visit in the basic course of ornithology, organized by Ela foundation, Garware college. This field visit happened at Rewas, Alibaug beach. It was to watch pelagic birds along the seashore mostly waders. Alibaug

is known to be a populous place for various species of birds. Around 100+ species of birds are found in Alibaug and that include migratory birds in large numbers.

Bird sightings:

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

White bellied Sea eagle Juvenile (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Oyster catcher (Haematopus palliatus)

Oyster catcher (Haematopus palliatus)

We then visited a place at Karpewadi to see Mangroves cultivation done by team of ELA foundation. A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. Here are some photographs that I clicked on field,

Mangroves plantation

The mangroves are very good shore line protectors in the coastal saline water. Mangrove swamps protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge & tsunamis because of their tangled root system.

They also provide homes for several species of plants and animals. Many bird species do nesting and roosting (temporary rest or sleep) in mangroves as there is a less chance of predation.

Also, these mangrove wood carry high calorific value due to which it was widely used as a fuel for domestic purposes. Now, Due to easy availability of LPG Cylinders the cutting down of mangroves had declined.

Thanks to Dr. Satish Pande sir for organizing this introductory field visit to watch seashore birds and to let us know about mangroves tree plantation.