Bird Walk at Kavesar Lake, Thane, Maharashtra
- Thane
- 21 February, 2026
- Sukhpreet Kohli
About Kavesar Lake
Nestled in the heart of the rapidly urbanising city of Thane, Kavesar Lake is a remarkable natural wetland spanning about 2.46 hectares, and it stands today as one of the few remaining unpaved water bodies in the area. Once part of a broader network of lakes, Kavesar still supports a rich, functioning ecosystem that includes marshy fringes, reed beds, and open water habitats typical of an urban freshwater wetland. Its calm waters and surrounding vegetation provide essential ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge, micro climate cooling, and natural filtration of pollutants, making it both an ecological treasure and a peaceful green respite within the city landscape.
Despite its ecological importance, Kavesar Lake faces significant conservation challenges. A proposed “beautification” and development plan involving paved walkways, amphitheatres, gazebos, and other constructed amenities has triggered strong opposition from residents and environmentalists who warn that such interventions could disturb nesting sites, disrupt the natural habitat and invite invasive species, ultimately degrading this fragile wetland. There are concerns that heavy infrastructure, increased foot traffic and noise could undermine the very biodiversity that makes the lake special. Activists are calling for recognition of the lake as a protected wetland or conservation reserve, highlighting the need for scientifically informed management rather than cosmetic upgrading.
Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli
He is a passionate birder from Mumbai, has been exploring the city’s rich avian life for many years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and leading engaging bird walks that connect people with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Kavesar Lake
With nearly 70 bird species recorded, Kavesar Lake is a vibrant urban birding hotspot where wetlands meet woodland and open sky. Along the marshy fringes, the stately Gray-headed Swamphen and the lily-treading Bronze-winged Jacana thrive beside flashes of blue from the White-throated Kingfisher. The haunting calls of the Asian Koel echo through the trees, while bright green flocks of Alexandrine Parakeet and Rose-ringed Parakeet streak overhead. Agile insect hunters such as the Spot-breasted Fantail and Ashy Prinia animate the undergrowth, as raptors like the Shikra and Black Kite circle watchfully above. Even familiar city dwellers from the Rock Pigeon and House Crow to the lively Red-whiskered Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul and White-eared Bulbul contribute to the lake’s constant chorus, making every visit a rich and rewarding wildlife experience in the heart of Thane.
Grey-headed Swamphen
Little Cormorant
White-breasted Waterhen
White-throated Kingfisher
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Bronze-winged Jacana
Coppersmith Barbet
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Black Kite
Alexandrine Parakeet
Common Myna
Shikra
Indian Pied Starling
Asian Koel
Greater Coucal
Garganey
Indian Golden Oriole
Black Drongo
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Summary of Walk
At Kavesar Lake, Sukhpreet Kohli led eight participants through a vibrant morning filled with bird calls and dynamic sightings. Early highlights included an Indian Grey Hornbill perched in the canopy and later taking flight after being disturbed by a crow. The air resonated with calls of bulbuls, sunbirds, and mynas, creating a lively natural orchestra.
Wetland residents such as Bronzed-winged Jacana, White-breasted Waterhen, Indian Pond Heron, and White-throated Kingfisher added diversity to the experience. The ultimate showstopper was the male Indian Paradise Flycatcher, whose long ribbon-like tail and graceful flight left everyone speechless. It was a perfect celebration of local biodiversity.
Number of Participants
0
