Loading Events

Bird Walk at Kaliyasota Dam River View, Bhopal, MP

About Kaliyasot Reservoir

Kaliyasot Reservoir in Bhopal is a serene retreat where sparkling reservoir waters meet rolling green hills and wooded patches, creating a peaceful escape from the city. The dam is popular among walkers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers who come here for quiet mornings and scenic sunsets over the water. Its calm surroundings and gentle breeze make it a favored spot for picnics, photography, and slow-paced moments by the lakeside. During winter, the water levels and migratory season add to the dam’s beauty, attracting more visitors who enjoy its soothing natural ambiance and open skies.

The habitats around Kaliyasot Reservoir, including wetlands, grasslands, and scattered trees, support a rich diversity of wildlife. Cyclists and joggers often use the trails nearby, and local residents visit regularly for fresh air and relaxation. Efforts to maintain the natural charm and keep the area clean are crucial, as it serves not only as a recreational destination but also as an ecological resource for Bhopal. With its blend of tranquility and biodiversity, Kaliyasot Reservoir stands as a reminder of how urban spaces can coexist harmoniously with nature when nurtured and appreciated.

Bird Guide: Ankit Malviya

He is a naturalist, bird guide, wildlife photographer from Bhopal. Birding since last 7 years and loves to share exciting bird stories and knowledge with everyone.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Kaliyasot Reservoir

Kaliyasot Reservoir is home to a wonderful blend of wetland and woodland birds, offering birdwatchers an exciting variety throughout the year. Along the water’s edge, Indian Pond Herons, Little Egrets, Cattle Egrets, and Little Cormorants are regular sights, while Spot-billed Ducks paddle across the calm surface. The tall grasses and reeds host warblers such as Green Warblers, Hume’s Warblers, and Common Reed Warblers, all flitting restlessly as they forage. The presence of Asian Open-bill Storks and occasional vocal Sarus Cranes highlights the wetland’s importance as a feeding and roosting site for larger waders and seasonal visitors. Red-wattled Lapwings patrol the shoreline, often calling loudly as they defend their territory.

In the wooded patches and scrublands around the dam, an equally rich diversity thrives. Jungle Babblers chatter in groups, Red-vented Bulbuls call from bushes, and Oriental Magpie-Robins and Indian Robins brighten the trails with their songs. Insect hunters like White-throated Kingfishers, Green Bee-eaters, Wire-tailed Swallows, and Indian White-eyes bring movement and colour to open spaces. Raptors such as Black Kites, Black-shouldered Kites, and occasionally soaring cuckoos like Pied and Indian Cuckoos add excitement for keen observers. Seasonal species like Eurasian Wryneck and the brilliant Indian Golden Oriole make birding here even more rewarding. Together, these species make Kaliyasot Reservoir a vibrant hotspot and a cherished site for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts in Bhopal.

White-throated Kingfisher
Little Egret
Red-wattled Lapwing
Paddyfield Pipit
White-breasted Waterhen

Black-winged Stilt
Eastern Cattle Egret
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Little Cormorant
Red-vented Bulbul
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Grey-headed Swamphen
River Tern
Common Iora
Spotted Dove
Black Kite
Great Egret
Oriental Magpie Robin
Black Drongo

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at Kaliyasot Dam, led by Ankit Malviya, brought together 19 enthusiastic participants for an immersive two-hour exploration of its rich mosaic of wetland, riverine, grassland, and plantation habitats. The diverse landscape supported an impressive checklist of 31 bird species, offering excellent opportunities to observe both waterbirds and grassland specialists. Participants enjoyed learning essential bird identification skills, along with fascinating insights into nesting patterns, migration, and bird behavior, making the walk both educational and engaging for beginners and seasoned nature lovers alike.

The wetland was alive with activity, featuring elegant species such as River Terns gliding over the water, Black-winged Stilts wading through the shallows, and the graceful Pheasant-tailed Jacana walking across floating vegetation. Storks and waterfowl, including Asian Openbills, Woolly-necked Storks, Ruddy Shelducks, and Lesser Whistling Ducks, added to the spectacle, while wagtails, pipits, and larks animated the grasslands. A special highlight was the sight of a Painted Stork in flight, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the incredible birdlife that thrives at Kaliyasot Dam and the importance of protecting such vital natural habitats.

Number of Participants
0
Scroll to Top