Edition 4 · Pune
Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon 2026
5–12 Nov. One week, one hill, every bird counted. Your sightings become evidence for protecting Pune’s last wild hill.
Starts 5 November, 5 AM
Photo: Ranjeet Rane
What is VTBM?
One week
Bird on Vetal Tekdi any day from 5 to 12 November, 5 AM to 7 PM. It is not a running race: “marathon” means coming back day after day.
One hill
Vetal Tekdi, with Panchavati, Mhatoba Hill and Bavdhan Hill: wetland, grassland, woodland and ridge within walking distance.
Every bird counted
Log complete checklists on eBird and share them with vtbm2026. Points for sightings, more for photo or audio proof.
VTBM 2025 in numbers
- Species in one week
- 164
- eBird checklists
- 92
- Hours of birding
- 274
- Kilometres on foot
- 251
Species per edition: 111 (2023) → 140 (2024) → 164 (2025). The protected Sultanpur National Park near Delhi logs 180–200 species in peak winter. Vetal Tekdi has no protection at all.
Four habitats, one walk
Photo: Ranjeet Rane Wetland
An old quarry holds water year-round: grebes, moorhens, sandpipers.
Photo: Ranjeet Rane Grassland
Open slopes for larks, buntings, wheatears and lapwings.
Photo: Ranjeet Rane Woodland
Shade for owlets, woodpeckers, cuckoos and flycatchers.
Photo: VTBM Ridge and sky
Pune’s highest point inside the city: eagles, buzzards, falcons.
Star sightings
In 2024 birders found Maharashtra’s first European Honey-buzzard here, on the first morning of the marathon.
See the birds of Vetal Tekdi
Why it matters
A road across the hill’s eastern face, tunnels under its wetland and more construction have all been proposed on Vetal Tekdi. Citizens have defended it since the 1980s. Every checklist you log is public evidence that this hill is alive.
Read about the threats and how to helpNew to birding?
Join a free Vetal Tekdi Trail: guided bird walks by VTBKS volunteers on alternate weekends, October to March. Over 50 outings and 1,000+ people of all ages so far. November trails are part of Young Birders Month.
Bring binoculars if you have them, water, a hat, and a phone with eBird or Merlin. Volunteers lend pocket guides, and kids get Bird Bingo.
Trail dates are posted on @VTBKS_Pune
“The joy of birding with the community is, simply put, ever growing.”
Latest in the news
Free Press Journal
Birding trails nurture conservation awareness at Vetal Tekdi in Pune
Prabhat
निसर्गातील नकलाकार
Maharashtra Times
वेताळ टेकडीवर हिवाळी पाहुण्यांच्या स्वागताची तयारी
As featured in
Free Press Journal · Prabhat · Maharashtra Times · Bird Count India · Times of India · Hindustan Times · Lokmat
Read the coverageQuestions
Is it a running race?
No. "Marathon" means sustained effort: you bird on as many of the eight days as you can.
When is it?
5–12 Nov 2026, during Pakshi Saptah (Bird Week), which honours Dr Sálim Ali and Maruti Chitampalli.
Who can take part?
Birders of every level, including children and first-timers. Participation is voluntary and free.
How do I register?
Fill in the registration form: email, name, and agreement to the ethical birding pledge.
Do I need eBird?
Yes. Only eBird submissions count. Share complete checklists and trip reports with eBird ID vtbm2026. New to eBird? eBird India has a getting-started guide.
How is scoring done?
Complete checklists not flagged by eBird reviewers earn 2 points per confirmed sighting, plus 3 for a photo or audio clip showing key ID features. It is not a photo contest, so resolution does not matter.
What can I win?
The VTBM Champion title (a Peacock lapel pin), Best Trip Report, and special mentions. Prizes are books and VTBM keepsakes, not cash.
I'm new to birding. Where do I start?
Join a free Vetal Tekdi Trail. Volunteers lend guidance, pocket guides and Bird Bingo for kids. The Merlin Bird ID app helps with calls.
Where can I bird?
Anywhere in the hill complex, logged to one of four eBird hotspots: Vetal Tekdi (near ARAI), Panchavati, Mhatoba Hill or Bavdhan Hill.
What should I bring?
Binoculars, water, a hat, a phone with eBird, and a camera if you have one. Go early in the morning.
What is ethical birding here?
Stay on paths, no playback or baiting, keep away from nests, and carry back your litter.
Can I take part as a team?
Yes, alone or in teams of up to four. At least one member should know the terrain.
Can I submit more than one checklist?
Yes, as many complete checklists and trip reports as you can.
Are there timing or content rules?
No event birding between 7 PM and 5 AM, and no AI-generated images or audio.
Why does this matter?
Every checklist adds to public evidence of the hill’s value, which VTBKS uses to oppose roads and construction on it.
Who do I contact?
vetaltekdibm@gmail.com · Ranjeet Rane, +91 74200 71818
See you on the tekdi
5–12 Nov 2026 · Free · All levels welcome
Send the marathon to a friend, a school group or your housing society on WhatsApp.