Bird Walk near Doddanekundi Kere, Bengaluru
- Bengaluru
- 2 November, 2025
- Manasvi Rushabh
About Doddanekundi Kere
Doddanekundi Kere is a significant urban lake located in the eastern part of Bengaluru, Karnataka, amidst fast-growing residential and industrial zones. Historically one of the city’s interconnected tanks, it forms part of Bengaluru’s traditional water management system that once ensured groundwater recharge, irrigation, and flood regulation. Today, despite urban pressures, the lake remains an important waterbody, reflecting both the city’s heritage of man-made wetlands and the challenges of sustaining them in a rapidly expanding metropolis.
The lake’s expanse, with its open waters, shallow edges, and vegetated surroundings, creates a rare natural pocket within a dense urban landscape. It not only contributes to groundwater recharge and microclimate regulation but also serves as a green-blue space for nearby communities. Positioned at the intersection of ecological importance and urban development, Doddanekundi Kere continues to be a vital part of Bengaluru’s lake network and holds potential as a restored urban wetland of both environmental and cultural value.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Manasvi Dadbhawala
A 16 year old birder and writer from Bengaluru. She has been birding since last 7 years, using ebird to record all observations. She has written and illustrated a children's novella "Wings Stretched Out" about an Oriole's migration. She has also published a short story "In the Eyes of a pigeon" in anthology by Jane Goodall's roots and shoots foundation. She loves using stories to express her fascination with birds.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Doddanekundi Kere
Doddanekundi Kere is one of Bengaluru’s richest urban wetlands, with over 208 bird species recorded, reflecting its importance as both a resident and migratory bird refuge. The lake supports large congregations of waterbirds such as Great Cormorants, Indian Cormorants, Spot-billed Pelicans, Painted Storks, and Black-headed Ibises, alongside herons and egrets including the Purple Heron, Little Egret, and Eastern Cattle Egret. Wetland specialists like Eurasian Coots, Gray-headed Swamphens, Bronze-winged Jacanas, and Indian Spot-billed Ducks are regularly observed, while smaller species such as Indian Pond-Herons and White-breasted Waterhens thrive along the reedbeds. Raptors including Black Kites, Brahminy Kites, and Shikras patrol the skies, showcasing the strength of the lake’s food web.
Beyond the water’s edge, the diversity expands with colorful residents such as Rose-ringed Parakeets, Alexandrine Parakeets, Asian Green Bee-eaters, Coppersmith Barbets, and Indian Gray Hornbills. The surrounding scrub and urban greenery host insectivores like Ashy Prinia, Common Tailorbird, Zitting Cisticola, and wagtails, while nectar feeders such as Purple Sunbirds and Loten’s Sunbirds add vibrancy. Migratory visitors like Brown Shrikes, Gray Wagtails, and Rosy Starlings highlight the site’s value along seasonal flyways. With such a broad spectrum of wetland, woodland, and migratory birds, Doddanekundi Kere has emerged as a true birding hotspot within Bengaluru, balancing its urban pressures with remarkable avian richness.
Little Cormorant
Oriental Darter
Grey-headed Swamphen
White-throated Kingfisher
Spotted Dove
Little Grebe
Indian Pond Heron
Little Egret
Red-wattled Lapwing
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Bronze-winged Jacana
Pale-billed Flowerpecker
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Common Kingfisher
Brahminy Kite
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Black Drongo
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Summary of Walk
The Doddenakundi Kere Bird Walk in Bengaluru, led by Manasvi and her parents, attracted 21 participants for a lively and informative morning session. The event coincided with Dr. Salim Ali’s birthday/National Bird Day, and the guide shared insights about the legendary ornithologist’s contributions and the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance. The session included a hands-on demonstration using feathers from a peafowl, where participants learned to distinguish between tail, flight, and contour feathers, making the experience both educational and interactive.
The group recorded an impressive 59 bird species, including highlights like the Eurasian Hoopoe, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Rufous Treepie, Indian Golden Oriole, and Grey Wagtail. Participants also discussed the importance and benefits of birdwatching, explored how birding encourages mindfulness and conservation, and learned about the Ataavi App and its role in connecting bird lovers across India. The walk left everyone inspired to continue exploring the natural world with a deeper sense of appreciation.
Number of Participants
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