With the onset of winter Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding areas are welcoming the Greater and Lesser Flamingos. These birds migrate from states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, as well as from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Israel. According to reports, their numbers have increased in the past two decades, from at least 10,000 birds visiting Mumbai in 2007 to an estimated 130,000 this year. One of areas they flock to is Thane Creek.

The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) has been given the status of a Ramsar site by The International Wetlands Convention. With this, TCFS is now a part of an "international network, wherein the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources would contribute to sustainable development,&rdquo said Leena Nandan, secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Spread between Vashi and Bhandup,&nbspThane Creek witnessed a record number of flamingos this year. Painting the creeks and mudflats in varied hues of pink, these gentle birds wade through the water to get a fill of their favourite food, blue-green algae. The algae are also why the flamingos (Spanish/Portuguese for &lsquoflame-coloured&rsquo) are pink. The area also sees many other migratory birds here, as well as indigenous animals, and insects.

Besides Mumbai, vast flocks of flamingos have been spotted at Uran, in Navi Mumbai, and Panju Island, in Vasai creek, Palghar district.

Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre

Located near Airoli, Navi Mumbai, it occupies the northern end of the Thane Creek. There is a board walk here and boating facilities for bird watching. However, the arrival of birds is seasonal and it is advisable to check beforehand before planning.

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