BIRD PARK IN MUMBAI
Nature has always been a beautiful part of my life. Creation invites you to explore its beauty. The way a flower blossoms in all it's glory, the tiny chirps that awaken you in the morning are but blessings in disguise for those of us who grow in the city, especially Mumbai.So when this concrete jungle which is a home to me shows me this beautiful little Bird Park, I just grab this opportunity to rush towards it with my family.
Bird's Park is barely known. But it is a beautiful tiny little place where Birds have been beautifully maintained. The Macaws, Parakeets, Cockatoos, Geese and yes the two magnificent ostriches have been maintained well. So, if you wish to see these, then you can rush towards Gorai, in Mumbai. Gorai is a coastal area, popular for its beach. Essel World and the Water Kingdom are already known entities for Kids and Family. The Bird Park in another feather in the cap. It may not be as huge as other huge zoos and international bird parks, But for starters its well kept and beautiful. Many of the birds are also freely sitting on the branches of trees.
The price is nominal around Rs 400/- (currently in 2019). You are not permitted to carry any food or water inside. The bags have to be kept out in the locker rooms or at the entrance. The entrance does have enough eateries both at the place of Parking and at the entrance where you avail tickets. There are three separate counters for Essel World, Water Kingdom and Bird Park. You will discover the entrance with the sculptures of the Toucan and the macaw welcoming you.
The Place is kept green, clean and cool. The workers and the guards are alert too. You are allowed to click pictures, but you will be constantly reminded not to use your flash as it disturbs the birds.
Birds to watch out for are many. However, look out for these peculiar Geese which I saw for the first ever time. And ind you they are indeed rare for us Indians!
Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
The Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is a large goose named after Cape
Barren Island. These bulky and magnificent creatures were residents from southern parts of Australia.
I actually thought I heard a grunt and turned back to see that it was the sound of these magnificent birds. Their cute beaks with a neon green tinge or Black Bill which would be the correct term with a green cere is what drew me towards them. They looked unfazed by human proximity. A sign that there were maintained well.
Their padded feet are black and appear to be a set of shoes adequately placed with the color of the plumage. The Bird by itself does not have bright colors like the parakeets or the pheasants, with their grey plumage with grayish black spots
over its body. It is said that they feed by grazing and not particularly by swimming. And their ability to consume salty or brackish waters helps them survive in places.
Toucans
The toucan is a bird, I have long desired to see. These are said to be natives of southern Mexico,
south America and the Carribean region. They are forest birds, but what attracts you towards these beauties is the magnificent yellowish orange beaks that with a dash of black at the edge. They were in cages. But well kept, clean ad well looked after. And no, I am not being paid for this article. I was just happy for the well maitained Bird park as compared to some of the Zoos. Where I have got irritated asking people to stop behaving like goons, giggling, making weird sounds and disturbing animals.
There were more, the Parrots, Macaws and the Parakeets are a sight to see. I also loved the finch.
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Blue-headed parrot
Pionus menstruus |
Pheasants
Of course the Pheasants of all colors strutting around you are a sight to behold. There are many varieties including the Golden Pheasant, the silver Pheasant and the Yellow Golden Pheasant, etc.
The colors of the plumage are gorgeous and lustrous. A delight to behold.
Ostriches
Ostriches too were a sight to behold. Ostriches are huge and popular. This bird can't fly. But it sure can run. It is a native of Africa. And to see two well kept ostriches was a delight. However, the place may be a bit too small for these two huge ones. However, they were clean, well-fed and well- maintained.
For more, visit the place. Just one request, Respect Nature. Let us teach our kids not to tease or yell and squeal. Let us learn to be one with them. Be a part of creation, with them not lord it over them, admire them and cherish them.
Happy visiting!
