Bird Walk at Sharda Sagar Dam – Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Buffer Area, Uttar Pradesh
- Pilibhit
- 18 January, 2026
- Akhtar Mian
About Sharda Sagar Dam, UP
Sharda Sagar Dam, located within the buffer zone of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, forms a striking interface between freshwater wetlands and dense Terai forests. Spread across a vast reservoir fed by the Sharda River, the area is surrounded by a rich mosaic of grasslands, riverine forests, marshes and sal-dominated woodland, characteristic of the Terai landscape. This diversity supports an impressive array of flora such as sal, khair, shisham, tall grasses and aquatic vegetation, creating ideal conditions for wildlife. The buffer zone plays a crucial role in supporting mammals like tigers, leopards, swamp deer, nilgai and otters, while the dam itself attracts a remarkable concentration of waterbirds, raptors and migratory species. For birders, Sharda Sagar is especially rewarding during winter, when ducks, geese, waders, storks and fish-eagles transform the reservoir and its edges into a vibrant birding hotspot.
Despite its ecological importance, the Sharda Sagar Dam landscape faces ongoing conservation challenges. Fluctuating water levels, human disturbance, fishing pressure, grazing, and habitat degradation in the buffer zone can impact both aquatic and terrestrial species. Being outside the core area of the tiger reserve, the region requires careful management to balance livelihoods with conservation goals. Continued protection of wetlands, regulation of human activities, habitat restoration and strong community involvement are essential to maintaining the area’s role as a wildlife corridor and bird refuge. With mindful conservation, Sharda Sagar can continue to function as a vital ecological asset within the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve landscape, supporting both biodiversity and the larger health of the Terai ecosystem.
Bird Guide: Akhtar Mian
Basically I am a snake researcher from indore , currently pursuing bsc and during my studies I have been studying birds as many of them feed on snakes and other macrofauna.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Sharda Sagar Dam, UP
The wetlands of Sharda Sagar Dam in the buffer zone of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are alive with waterbirds, making the area a visual treat for birdwatchers, especially in winter. The open waters host elegant swimmers such as Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebes, Red-crested Pochards, Tufted Ducks and a colourful mix of migratory ducks including Lesser Whistling Ducks, Gadwalls, Eurasian Wigeons, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails and Common Teal. Along the reed-fringed edges and shallow marshes, Purple Swamphens, Eurasian Coots and Common Moorhens forage quietly, while Asian Openbill Storks and Red-naped Ibises stride through wet patches in search of prey. Striated and Purple Herons, Darters and Great Cormorants add a dramatic presence as they fish and perch along the banks, and in cooler months the reservoir is often enlivened by flocks of Black-headed Gulls resting on exposed mudflats. Together, these commonly seen species reflect the rich wetland character of Sharda Sagar and underline its importance as a key birding habitat within the Terai landscape.
Lesser Whistling Duck
Gadwall
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Red-crested Pochard
Tufted Duck
Little Grebe
Purple Heron
Oriental Darter
Grey - headed Swamphen
Eurasian Coot
Common Moorhen
Pond Heron
Bronze-winged Jacana
Little Cormorant
Black-headed Ibis
White-throated Kingfisher
Green Sandpiper
Alexandrine Parakeet
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Summary of Walk
A bird walk was conducted at Sharda Sagar Dam, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), led by Akhtar Mian, with 9 participants, on a morning wrapped in dense fog that added a serene and mysterious charm to the landscape. Despite limited visibility, the enthusiasm of the participants remained high, and the event turned into a memorable experience of learning and observation. The group walked nearly seven kilometres along the reservoir, using binoculars and spotting scopes to explore this important winter habitat for resident and migratory birds.
Sharda Sagar Dam revealed an impressive diversity of avifauna, with notable sightings including Indian Peafowl, Lesser Whistling-duck, Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Asian Openbill, Red-naped Ibis, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Darter, Little and Indian Cormorants, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Grey-headed and Red-wattled Lapwings, Brown-headed Gull, Pied Kingfisher, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Jungle Owlet, Greater Coucal, and Hair-crested Drongo, among many others. Although photography was challenging due to fog and distance, the walk strongly highlighted the ecological importance of wetlands in the Pilibhit region and reinforced the value of such programmes in promoting bird conservation and responsible nature appreciation.
Number of Participants
0
