Bird Walk at Bhoj Wetland, Bhorvan, Bhopal, MP
- Bhopal
- 25 January, 2026
- Sarang Mhatre and MP Tourism
About Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal
Bhoj Wetland, also known as Bhojtal (Upper Lake) and the adjoining Lower Lake, lies on the western side of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Created in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj and later expanded around 1794, this twin-lake system spans approximately 32 km² and drains a catchment of roughly 361 km², much of which is rural with increasing urban pressures.
This dynamic habitat sustains over 238 bird species, including migratory ducks, storks, and cranes, and serves as a critical water source for nearly half of Bhopal’s population. Acting as a natural buffer, Bhoj Wetland plays a key role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and microclimate regulation in the urban ecosystem. Despite rising threats from encroachment, untreated sewage, and siltation, this Ramsar site remains a vital refuge for biodiversity and offers a living example of how urban and ecological priorities can converge in a shared landscape.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Sarang Mhatre
He is a bird expert, naturalist, Master trainer for Anubhuti Eco Camp in MP and a wildlife photographer. He has been working with MP Forest Department since 2016 and is the co-founder of Tarang EcoTours.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Bhoj Wetland
Wetland hosts a vibrant assemblage of waterbirds and terrestrial species, reflecting its ecological richness. Among the most frequently observed birds are the Lesser Whistling-Duck, Little Egret, Red-wattled Lapwing, and Black-winged Stilt, all of which favor the lake’s marshy edges and open waters. Waders like the Eastern Cattle Egret, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, and Bronze-winged Jacana add to the wetland’s dynamic birdscape, alongside the elegant River Tern, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Gray-headed Swamphen.
On the fringes of the wetland, scrub and agricultural zones attract species such as the Paddyfield Pipit, Large Gray Babbler, Indian Pied Starling, Common Woodshrike, and Oriental Magpie-Robin. The presence of forest-edge birds like the Yellow-throated Sparrow, Brahminy Starling, Black Drongo, and Indian Paradise-Flycatcher underlines the habitat mosaic of the region. With occasional sightings of Sarus Crane, Asian Openbill, and Eurasian Spoonbill, Bhoj Wetland remains an important refuge for both common and near-threatened bird species across seasons.
Lesser-whistling Duck
Little Egret
Red-wattled Lapwing
Paddyfield Pipit
Large Grey Babbler
Black-winged Stilt
Eastern Cattle Egret
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Little Grebe
Jungle Babbler
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Grey-headed Swamphen
River Tern
Wire-tailed Swallow
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Bronze-winged Jacana
Great Egret
Oriental Magpie Robin
Yellow-throated Sparrow
Summary of Walk
A bird walk was conducted at Bhoj Wetland, Bhorvan, Bhopal, led by Sarang Mhatre of Tarang Ecotours in collaboration with MP Tourism. The walk brought together 13 enthusiastic participants from diverse age groups, all eager to explore the rich avian life of the wetland. With Sarang’s patient guidance and interactive style, the walk quickly turned into an engaging and educational experience, encouraging participants to observe closely, ask questions, and appreciate the subtle details of birds and their habitats.
During the walk, 32 bird species were recorded across the wetland’s varied landscapes. A striking highlight was the sighting of the vibrant blue migratory Verditer Flycatcher, which captured everyone’s attention, along with two Western Marsh Harriers seen gracefully flying overhead. Regular wetland and woodland residents such as cormorants, egrets, herons, Shikras, White-browed Fantails, and Grey Francolins added to the richness of the experience. Overall, the walk successfully sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for birdwatching, leaving both beginners and experienced participants inspired and more connected to nature.
Number of Participants
0
