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Bird walk at Pashan Lake, Pune, Maharashtra

About Pashan Lake

Nestled in the western suburbs of Pune, Pashan Lake is a serene urban wetland spread over roughly 40 hectares, offering a vital ecological refuge amid the city’s expanding skyline. Originally created as a reservoir, the lake today supports a mosaic of open water, marshy edges, mudflats, and surrounding scrub making it an ideal habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Aquatic vegetation, reeds, and scattered tree cover provide shelter to resident and migratory birds, while the lake’s nutrient-rich waters sustain fish, amphibians, and insect life that form the base of its thriving food web.

For birders, Pashan Lake is a rewarding hotspot through the year, especially during winter when migratory ducks, waders, and gulls arrive in impressive numbers. Early mornings here are alive with the calls of lapwings, the elegant glide of herons, and flocks of waterfowl resting on calm waters. However, like many urban wetlands, the lake faces challenges such as pollution, eutrophication, invasive plant growth, and development pressure. Ongoing conservation efforts by local authorities and citizen groups aim to restore water quality and protect its biodiversity, making Pashan Lake not just a birding destination, but a powerful example of community-driven urban conservation.

Partnered with

Bird Guide - Yashraj Thakare

Currently pursuing his MS in Wildlife Conservation Action, he has been active in the field for three years and leading trails for the past two. With a deep interest in entomology and herpetofauna, he brings a well-rounded, curious perspective to every nature walk.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Pashan Lake

A morning out in nature unfolds like a living symphony when these birds take center stage. From the cheerful chatter of the Indian White-eye moving through leafy canopies to the graceful stride of the Eurasian Moorhen along quiet wetlands, every corner feels alive. The sharp calls of the Red-wattled Lapwing echo across open grounds, while the elegant Grey Heron stands poised like a sentinel by the water’s edge. Urban spaces hum with familiar companions like the Common Myna, while flashes of color come alive with the shimmering Purple Sunbird and the energetic Ashy Prinia. Near water bodies, the electric blue dive of the Common Kingfisher and the bold presence of the White-throated Kingfisher add excitement, as raptors like the Black Kite glide effortlessly overhead. Melodious notes of the Oriental Magpie Robin mix with the assertive calls of the Black Drongo, while the sky comes alive with swift flyers like the Little Swift and the Eastern Red-rumped Swallow. Bright flashes of green and gold from the Asian Green Bee-eater and the vivid hues of the Small Minivet bring a painter’s palette to life. Ground dwellers like the Laughing Dove and water-loving species such as the White-breasted Waterhen, Pond Heron, Little Egret, and the striking Purple Heron complete this vibrant tapestry—making every bird walk a journey through color, sound, and life.
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Great Egret
Little Cormorant
Indian Cormorant
Grey-headed Swamphen

Eurasian Coot
Red-vented Bulbul
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Large Grey Babbler
Common Tailorbird
Ashy Prinia
Purple Sunbird
Indian White-eye
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Coppersmith Barbet
Black Drongo
Common Iora
Laughing Dove
Rock Pigeon

Summary of Walk

Around 16 participants joined the bird walk at Pashan Lake, creating a lively and engaging group that included several photographers. The session went beyond simple birdwatching, with discussions covering bird behaviour, feeding patterns, habitat use, and the ecological importance of urban wetlands. The presence of photographers added depth to the experience, as participants paid closer attention to movement, colours, and interactions.
Key species observed included Grey Hornbill, Indian White-eye, and Common Iora. The walk also opened meaningful conversations around ecological restoration and the importance of preserving urban biodiversity hotspots. Overall, the session felt like a shared learning experience, with enthusiastic participation and continuous curiosity throughout.
Number of Participants
0
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