Bird watching experience in the Western Ghats with diverse species

Bird Watching & Nature's Aerial Ballet

Experience the rich avian biodiversity of Pavana through our eco-friendly bird hides and guided photography tours

Premier Birding Destination in the Western Ghats

Our riverside setting attracts diverse bird species year-round, with winter months bringing spectacular migratory visitors

The Glen Woods offers an unrivaled bird watching experience in the heart of the Western Ghats. Our strategic location along the Pavana River creates a diverse ecosystem that supports over 200 documented bird species, making it a paradise for both novice and experienced birders.

Eco-Friendly Bird Hides

Strategically positioned observation points for optimal wildlife viewing

Sustainable Wildlife Observation

Our discreet bird hides are thoughtfully positioned along the river, blending into the landscape to provide an unobtrusive vantage point for observing local avian life. These eco-friendly shelters, constructed from sustainable materials, allow guests to witness nature's aerial ballet without disturbing natural routines.

Strategically positioned along the river
Sustainable bamboo construction
Minimal wildlife disturbance
Optimal photography angles
Eco-friendly bird hide constructed from bamboo positioned along the river

Year-Round Resident Species

Our diverse resident birds provide exceptional viewing opportunities throughout the year

White-throated Kingfisher perched on branch with distinctive blue wings and white throat

White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis

Large-headed, predominantly brown kingfisher with electric-blue back and wings, heavy red bill, and snow-white patch from throat through breast. Common both near and away from water; frequently seen perched on fence posts and telephone lines.

Near Water
Red-vented Bulbul with characteristic black crest and sleek appearance

Red-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

A dark, sleek, medium-sized bird with a black crest and a white rump. The red color under the tail is often difficult to see. Eats fruit, flower buds, and insects. Conspicuous and sometimes gregarious.

Fruit Eater
Purple-rumped Sunbird male with iridescent green and purple plumage

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Leptocoma zeylonica

A colorful sunbird; the male has a green metallic crown and shoulder patch, a dark brown body with purple rump, a purple throat, lemon-yellow underparts, and whitish flanks. Often seen hopping and hovering around flowers.

Nectar Feeder
Common Kingfisher with brilliant blue and orange plumage perched near water

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

Beautiful little blue-and-orange bird with a long, pointed bill. Often rather shy and inconspicuous despite bright plumage. Found along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Most often seen in very fast low flight as a turquoise flash over the water.

Riverine
Indian Robin male with black plumage and distinctive white shoulder patch

Indian Robin

Copsychus fulicatus

A nondescript robin; males are primarily black with chestnut bottom feathers. Males also have a white shoulder patch and a relatively long tail. They are generally seen in pairs, foraging on the ground with the tail cocked up.

Ground Forager
Black Drongo perched on branch showing characteristic forked tail

Black Drongo

Dicrurus macrocercus

A small black passerine bird with a distinctive forked tail. Known for its aggressive behavior towards larger birds and its acrobatic flight patterns. Often seen perched on wires and posts in open areas.

Insectivore

Riverine & Aquatic Species

The river ecosystem supports a rich variety of water birds and wading species

Indian Spot-billed Duck swimming with distinctive spotted bill visible

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Anas poecilorhyncha

A large grayish-brown duck with a diagnostic yellow-tipped black bill and a red spot at the base of the bill. In flight, note the green panel in the wing that is bordered in white. Often seen in small groups dabbling in shallow water.

Dabbler
Freshwater
Little Egret wading in shallow water with elegant white plumage

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

An elegant white heron with a long, thin neck and sharp yellow bill. During breeding season, develops ornate plumes on the back. Often seen wading in shallow water, using its bill to catch fish and other aquatic prey.

Wader
Fish Eater
Grey Heron standing tall in water showing impressive size and hunting posture

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

A large wading bird with long legs and neck. Grey and white plumage with black markings on the head and shoulders. Patient hunter that stands motionless in shallow water waiting for fish to come within striking distance.

Large Wader
Patient Hunter
Little Cormorant swimming with characteristic low body posture in water

Little Cormorant

Microcarbo niger

An all black ducklike waterbird with a distinctive flattish head and a bill that is sharply hooked at the tip. Frequently seen swimming with its body low in the water and suddenly disappearing underwater to catch fish.

Diving Bird
Fish Hunter
Common Moorhen displaying characteristic red bill and dark plumage

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Distinctive dark waterbird that resembles a cross between a duck and a chicken. Adults have a bright red bill with a yellow tip. Note big white oval patches under the tail, and white streaks along the flanks.

Marsh Bird
Vegetarian

Winter Migratory Visitors (Oct-Mar)

Seasonal visitors that make winter the peak birding season at The Glen Woods

Indian Pitta showing spectacular array of colors including green, blue and red

Indian Pitta

Pitta brachyura

A colorful visitor with a vibrant mix of green, blue, and red, arriving in winter to escape colder northern regions. Known for its secretive nature and beautiful, melodious calls during dawn and dusk.

Secretive
Dawn/Dusk Active
Colorful
Northern Pintail duck showing elegant profile and distinctive markings

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

A graceful duck that migrates to Pavana's waterways, adding elegance to the winter landscape. Males have distinctive long pointed tails and elegant neck patterns during breeding season.

Graceful
Large Duck
Common Sandpiper foraging along riverbank during winter migration

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

A small wader that bobs along the riverbanks, a frequent winter guest. Known for its characteristic tail-bobbing behavior and distinctive flight pattern low over water.

Tail-bobber
Small Wader
Forest Wagtail in winter habitat showing characteristic tail wagging behavior

Forest Wagtail

Dendronanthus indicus

A delicate bird with a distinctive wagging tail, spotted in wooded areas near the river during the colder months. Has unique undulating flight pattern and prefers forest edges.

Tail-wagger
Forest Edge
Greenish Warbler perched among winter foliage showing olive-green coloring

Greenish Warbler

Phylloscopus trochiloides

A subtle, olive-hued songbird that enlivens the winter soundscape with its distinctive calls. Small and active, often seen flitting through the canopy in mixed feeding flocks.

Canopy Dweller
Mixed Flocks
Small

Bird Photography & Observation Tips

Essential techniques for capturing stunning bird photographs and successful wildlife observation

Golden Hour Magic

Best lighting occurs during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, providing warm, soft light perfect for bird photography.

Stay Quiet & Patient

Move slowly and avoid sudden movements. Birds are sensitive to noise and disturbance. Patience is key to capturing natural behavior.

Use Telephoto Lens

A 300mm+ telephoto lens allows you to capture detailed shots while maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife.

Respect Wildlife Distance

Maintain appropriate distance to avoid stressing birds. Use bird hides and natural cover to get closer without disturbance.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal birding guide for optimal wildlife viewing experiences

Peak Season vs Year-Round Birding

Our riverside setting makes it a prime spot for birdwatching year-round, with the winter months (October to March) marking the peak season as migratory species join the resident population. The strategically placed hides enhance the experience, offering ideal angles and natural light for photography while keeping disturbance to a minimum.

Peak Season (Oct-Mar): 200+ species including migrants
Year-Round: 150+ resident species always present
Early Morning: 6:00-9:00 AM highest activity
Late Afternoon: 4:00-6:00 PM optimal lighting
Seasonal bird watching calendar showing migratory patterns and peak viewing times

Experience Eco-Luxury Accommodations

Stay in thoughtfully designed spaces that blend comfort with sustainability. Each accommodation features eco-friendly materials, natural ventilation, and stunning views of our preserved landscapes.

Garden-level accommodation surrounded by lush botanical gardens at The Glen Woods

Garden Glade Getaways

Botanical Retreats

Simple, accessible ground-floor retreats nestled in vibrant gardens perfect for couples seeking tranquil intimacy.

Eco-Friendly
Garden Views
Ground Floor
Two-story luxury suite with panoramic views of river and fruit plantations

Canopy Suites

Premium Two-Story Living

Elevated luxury with sweeping river and plantation views, featuring spacious layouts ideal for families.

Eco-Friendly
Two-Story
Plantation Views
Waterfront accommodation directly above the river with open windows to nature

River's Edge Retreats

Waterfront Serenity

Exclusive riverside rooms where gentle river sounds create nature's perfect lullaby for ultimate relaxation.

Eco-Friendly
River View
Waterfront
Budget-friendly eco-lodge accommodation perfect for adventure travelers

Traveler's Eco-Nests

Adventure Lodges

Flexible, budget-friendly spaces perfect for long-term explorers and adventure seekers.

Eco-Friendly
Budget-Friendly
Adventure Base

Nearby Attractions

Explore ancient heritage sites, adventure treks, and natural wonders all within easy reach of the resort.

Peaceful Bedse Caves Buddhist monastery complex
5.2 km from resort

Bedse Caves

Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Tranquil 1st century BCE Buddhist caves with preserved prayer halls and meditation spaces carved into natural rock.

Buddhist Site
1st Century BCE
Prayer Halls
Serene Pavana Dam lake surrounded by green hills
5.7 km from resort

Pavana Dam

Serene Lake Retreat

Scenic reservoir surrounded by hills, ideal for water activities, boating, nature walks, and beautiful sunset views.

Water Activities
Boating
Sunset Views
Tikona Fort trekking trail with panoramic valley views
11.8 km from resort

Tikona Fort

Scenic Triangle Trek

Triangle-shaped historic fort offering panoramic valley views and moderate trekking trails suitable for most fitness levels.

Trekking
Valley Views
Moderate Level
Historic Lohagad Fort with scenic valley views near Pune
18 km from resort

Lohagad Fort

Historic Maratha Fortress

Magnificent hill fort from the 18th century, famous for its iron-strong defenses and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Pawna Dam.

Historic Fort
Maratha Heritage
Valley Views
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut Bhaja Caves near Lonavala
25 km from resort

Bhaja Caves

Ancient Buddhist Monastery

Ancient Buddhist caves from 2nd century BCE with intricate carvings, stupas, and prayer halls offering glimpses into monastic life.

Heritage Site
2nd Century BCE
Rock Carvings
Scenic Lonavala hill station with mountain views
29.2 km from resort

Lonavala Hill Station

Famous Market Town

Famous hill station with local markets, scenic viewpoints, traditional chikki shops, and the iconic Tiger Point.

Hill Station
Local Markets
Tiger Point
Tung Fort mountain views of Sahyadri range
31.3 km from resort

Tung Fort

Mountain Adventure Trek

Scenic mountain fort trek with breathtaking views of Sahyadri range, perfect for adventure and photography enthusiasts.

Adventure
Sahyadri Views
Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about bird watching at The Glen Woods