ML646626642

Observation details

Group of individuals stranded in the Arabian Sea at Marine Drive. Same group observed once again on 9th Dec 2025, 7 days from initial observation date. This group seems to be stranded in the cove because there's no suitable woodland habitat to roost in nearby - they repeatedly fly in circles around the cove (possibly in the hope of finding some wetland-woodland to roost), only to ultimately land in the water again. Human habitation and associated infrastructure in South Bombay could be a major barrier that these ducks seem reluctant to fly across, in order to to search for roosting habitat inland. Along the coast, the nearest forested patches are Malabar Hill (the coast opposite the ducks' current location) for which the ducks must fly across the Back Bay, and the mangroves of Cuffe Parade further south. Not sure how these events will end for this group. Mortality possible due to starvation (no vegetation in the Arabian Sea) and/or exhaustion from repeated searching flights.