Bird Walk at Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, New Delhi
- New Delhi
- 25 January, 2026
- Mansi Lodhi and Midori Walks
About Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique urban wilderness on the southern fringe of Delhi, encompassing roughly 32 sq km of the arid Aravalli hill range where scrub forests, rocky ridges, seasonal waterbodies and grasslands create a strikingly diverse landscape. This sanctuary protects some of the last remnants of Aravalli’s native ecology, with thorny scrub, acacias, caper bushes, euphorbias and seasonal grasses dominating the terrain. These habitats support an impressive variety of fauna—from small mammals such as Indian hares and jungle cats to reptiles like monitor lizards and numerous snakes—while its seasonal lakes and ponds provide life-giving water for wildlife and plants alike. For nature lovers, the dramatic sunsets over rugged hills and winding trails offer a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle, making Asola-Bhatti a cherished green lung of the National Capital Region.
For birdwatchers, Asola-Bhatti is a must-visit destination that shines especially in winter when migratory species flock to its wetlands and scrublands. Birdlife ranges from resident raptors like the Shikra and Black-shouldered Kite to iconic grassland species such as Indian Bushlark and Yellow-wattled Lapwing, alongside a host of warblers, pipits, partridges and weavers. Seasonal sightings can include waterfowl, cranes, and passage migrants that stop to rest and feed on insects and seeds. Despite its ecological importance, the sanctuary faces ongoing conservation challenges: encroachment, illegal extraction of resources, quarrying impacts from neighbouring areas, unregulated grazing and pollution from urban runoff all threaten the integrity of its fragile habitats. Conservationists and the local community continue to work toward habitat restoration, waterbody protection and environmental education to ensure that Asola-Bhatti remains a thriving refuge for wildlife and a vibrant natural getaway for visitors.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Mansi Lodhi
Nature educator and birding guide with Midori Walks, Mansi blends ecology and mindfulness to create enriching outdoor experiences in urban green spaces.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a thriving urban birding hotspot, with an impressive 261 bird species recorded, reflecting the rich diversity of scrub, woodland and seasonal wetlands of the Aravalli landscape. Iconic residents such as the Indian Peafowl and Grey Francolin roam the forest floor, while scrub and edge habitats echo with the calls of Laughing Dove, Greater Coucal, Ashy Prinia, Common Tailorbird and winter visitors like Hume’s Warbler and Common Chiffchaff. The skies are especially rewarding, with raptors including Black-winged Kite, Shikra, Oriental Honey-buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard and flocks of Black Kites soaring over rocky ridges. Colourful species such as the Asian Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Brown-headed Barbet and Rose-ringed Parakeet add vibrancy, while woodland birds like Common Woodshrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Black Drongo and the charismatic Rufous Treepie bring constant activity. Together, this rich mix of resident and migratory birds makes Asola-Bhatti a must-visit destination for birdwatchers seeking remarkable biodiversity within Delhi’s city limits.
Indian Peafowl
Grey Francolin
Laughing Dove
Greater Coucal
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Shikra
Black Kite
Asian Green Bee-Eater
White-throated Kingfisher
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Common Woodshrike
Black Drongo
Long-tailed Shrike
Common Tailorbird
Ashy Prinia
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Indian White Eye
Jungle Babbler
Common Myna
Indian Robin
Summary of Walk
A bird walk was conducted at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, New Delhi, led by Mansi Lodhi in collaboration with Midori Walks, with a group of 13 participants. The walk welcomed many first-time birdwatchers, making the experience especially engaging and interactive. The session began with a warm introduction where participants shared which bird they related to the most, and many admitted that their knowledge of birds was limited to familiar species like parrots and mynas. This set the tone for a beginner-friendly walk focused on observation, curiosity, and learning.
Fortuitously, the group soon spotted two female Rose-ringed Parakeets, which became a key learning moment as participants observed their feeding behavior and characteristic way of eating berries. Over the course of the walk, a rich variety of 18 bird species was recorded, including Indian Peafowl, Laughing Dove, Greater Coucal, Black-winged Kite, Steppe Eagle, Black Kite, Ashy Prinia, Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbuls, Hume’s Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Large Gray Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Red-breasted Flycatcher, and Purple Sunbird. The walk proved to be an encouraging introduction to birdwatching, helping first-timers connect with nature and leave with a newfound appreciation for the avian diversity of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Number of Participants
0
