A Morning at Salvador Do Mundo Wetlands

After my first bird walk, I knew one thing for sure I wanted to go out again. So I did some research, spoke to a few people, and marked my next birding spot.
This time, it was Salvador Do Mundo Wetlands.

We left early in the morning on 16.12.25 and reached the location at around 6:30 AM. The place was calm, open, and quietly beautiful. The kind of place that doesn’t demand attention but slowly draws you in.

For anyone unfamiliar, a wetland is essentially an area where land and water meet. These regions hold shallow water either permanently or seasonally and become incredibly important for birds. Wetlands attract everything from resident species to migratory birds, offering food, shelter, and space to rest. In many ways, they are some of the richest birding grounds you can find.

After scanning the area for a bit, I found a spot that felt right. I set up my tripod, adjusted my settings, and settled in. No rush. No overthinking. Just waiting.

And then came the moment that made the day and made me fall in love with birding.

My first encounter was a Common Kingfisher, perched really close to me. Not far, not hidden, just sitting there beautifully. I remember thinking that even if I didn’t see another bird after this, my day was already complete. That sighting alone made the entire trip worth it.

Here is the kingfisher shot that instantly made my day.

Not long after, at the very same spot, a Common Sandpiper landed. And again, it was close. Almost unreal how near these birds were. Watching them from such proximity felt special, like being quietly allowed into their space rather than chasing them.

We stayed there for about half an hour, just observing. After a while, we noticed a trail nearby and could hear bird calls coming from that direction. Naturally, curiosity won.

As we walked the trail, the scene changed slightly. The surroundings felt denser, quieter, and more alive.

We spotted Egrets, elegant and unhurried, moving through the wetland with that familiar calm they carry.

.Another Kingfisher appeared, different from the first, but just as striking. Bright, alert, and absolutely photogenic.

We also spotted Cormorants, perched and drying themselves, completely unbothered by our presence.

One of the more unexpected sightings for me was a Eurasian Collared Dove. At first, I didn’t even realise what I was photographing. I just knew it looked different. It was only later that I understood how uncommon it was for me, which made the sighting feel even more rewarding.

Another lucky moment was spotting a Pond Heron. This bird is a master of stillness. It stands so motionless that it blends perfectly with rocks and surroundings. It’s also incredibly easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Catching sight of it felt like a small win.

Towards the end, we spotted a group of Black-winged Stilts, their long legs and sharp contrast standing out beautifully against the wetland backdrop.

And finally, a Grey Heron, doing what it does best standing absolutely still, patient and composed, as if time doesn’t apply to it.

That was it for the morning.

No chaos. No rushing from spot to spot. Just a series of quiet, meaningful sightings.

Overall, it was a solid day  both for birding and photography. I didn’t miss my shots. I felt more confident. I knew when to wait and when to click. And most importantly, I enjoyed the process without constantly second guessing myself.

This walk felt calmer than my first one. Less anxious. More present. Like birding was slowly becoming familiar.

Watch out for the next bird walk.
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