Seagulls arrive at Harne-Palande beach in Dapoli, marking start of migratory bird season
Seagulls were sighted on Harne-Palande beach in Dapoli taluka on October 1, the first sighting of the 2026 season.
Migratory seabirds have begun arriving on Harne-Palande beach in Dapoli taluka again this year. The birds are seen every year in the winter season. Seagulls were spotted on the beach on October 1, 2026, their first sighting of the 2026 season.
Fahad Jamadar, a researcher in marine life and habitat conservation, regularly patrols the Harne-Palande shore. While monitoring marine biodiversity, he came across seagulls on the beach and has recorded the observation. This is the preliminary indication that this year's migratory seabird season has begun.
Seagulls come in large numbers to the beaches of Dapoli. They are seen at Dabhol, Kolthare, Burondi, Ladghar, Karde, Murud, Saldure, Palande, Harne, Anjarle, Aade Padle and Kelshi. Tourists also throng to see the birds. The season is thus not confined to a single beach, and its arrival is felt on many of Dapoli's beaches.
The coast around Harne-Palande is considered an important habitat for a variety of marine life, as well as for resident and migratory birds. The number of sea and shore birds is seen to rise here especially in winter. The arrival of migratory birds is considered important for the marine and coastal biodiversity of the area. Regular monitoring, photography and recording of such birds, and conservation of their habitat, are therefore becoming necessary.
Such records could prove useful later for studying biodiversity along the Harne-Palande coast. Bird lovers and those studying marine biodiversity are watching to see which other migratory birds arrive on the Harne-Palande beach along with the seagulls this season.
Seagulls come every year as winter visitors from cold regions, that is, Siberia or northern Europe. They migrate to the Konkan coast in search of food and a favourable climate.
Large numbers of tourists and bird lovers visit the beaches around Harne and Murud-Dapoli every year to watch flocks of these birds. The birds are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and their arrival is used to gauge the health of the coastal environment.
