Mayani Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located near Vaduj, in Maharashtra, India. Mayani is well connected from district places like Satara and Sangali, and around 20 km from Vita. It is a market place for near by villages and a developed place with colleges and medical facilities. The dam is an area where water from all over the upper region is collected because of the big wall. The Mayani bird sanctuary is established on an old dam supposedly built by British. The dam is used for irrigation by canals in nearby villages. When the water is suffice and remains after supply for farming, it is useful for birds. There are watch towers and other facilities provided and maintained by forest department. There is park nearby with a play area and guest house. The water, overflows and passes near by Mayani village and forms shape of moon crescent, and hence known as Chand Nadi. There is temple of Shiva known as Sangameshwara located in the riverbed where another small flow of water joins Chandnadi. Many migratory birds pass through the area, such as flamingos from Siberia, which come in large numbers.[citation needed] Approximately 400 migratory birds were reported in 2005.[citation needed] Other birds like the northern shoveller, stork and kingfisher are also found at the sanctuary. Other resident and migratory bird species in the winter season include: coot, brahminy duck, black ibis, painted stork, common spoonbill, etc. The nests of storks are also observed near the lake. Flamingos are regular winter visitors to the place. The flamingos are observed feeding in shallow water. They mainly feed on insects, small fish and crabs. The aquatic plant species Otolisa can be found in shallow waters - flamingos have been observed to feed on these as a food source.[citation needed] Mayani Bird Sanctuary is studied as a typical wetland ecosystem which is rich in flora and fauna.It is observed that, the hydrophytic species like otolia sps grows very well in shallow water. It is the main source of food for aquatic birds. Other food is available viz. small fishes, crabs, water insects etc. also observed. Some efforts have been made for conservation of natural forest near the lake. This region is mainly under drought condition. Some plots have been allotted to local farmers, such as on the lake's dam during summer when the water dries up. There are also some medicinal plants grown in the region. Cactus are also planted nearby the lake. The winter season (November to January) is the best time to visit the Mayani sanctuary.
