Date: 20th October’ 24
Location: Chandu Budhera Wetlands
Walk expert: Pankaj Gupta
No. of participants: 23
Theme: Wetland Birding
Summary of the walk:
Pankaj Gupta led this wonderful walk on Sunday, 20th October.
Pankaj Gupta has been deeply engaged in birding since 2008, dedicating nearly 15 years to exploring and documenting avian diversity. As an environmentalist and eBird reviewer for Delhi NCR, he is committed to the conservation of the natural world, particularly the preservation of bird habitats and species. Recently appointed as a Regional Coordinator for BirdCount India, Pankaj is excited to further contribute to bird conservation efforts and community engagement in the region. His journey from the kitchen to the outdoors exemplifies his passion for environmental advocacy.
The participants arrived by 06:30 am at the meeting point near the Chandu - budhera canal area. The walk started with a briefing about Delhi Earth Walks and Asian Adventures. Pankaj ji gave a brief description of the landscape of Chandu Budhera and the amazing biodiversity it holds. He also gave insights into the migratory bird species also which could be encountered during the walk.
The walk started at 06:45 am following the point count method and exploring birds by stopping and walking within the grassland. Participants expressed their enthusiasm during the walk by actively engaging in the discussions on the birds' diversity and behavior. Pankaj ji shared details about the migration status of different birds.
Countless numbers of Martin, bee-eaters, ducks, sandpipers, wagtails, egrets, and stilts greeted the participants. Not just birds but other wonders of nature were also spotted such as the Blue pansy butterfly basking. Surprisingly, a small Indian Mongoose was also sighted chilling on the rocks. The participants were later led toward the Chandu wetland area for final birding. People witnessed beautiful sightings of flamingos, darters, cormorants, ducks and storks.
Photos clicked, light snacks distributed and all left with a big smile on their faces as we ended the walk.
We thank Pankaj Ji for his valuable guidance and a super fun and informative session for all the participants. Participants enjoyed walking between the wetlands of Chandu. It was a walk full of adventure, thrill, and wonderful learning.
List of species spotted during the walk:
We observed species of butterflies, insects, and birds during the walk. Some notable species during the walk were:-
Birds:- White-throated kingfisher, Eurasian Moorhen, White-breasted waterhen, Little Swift, Black Kite, Indian Silverbill, Black drongo, Bluethroat, Wire-tailed swallow, Oriental darter, Asian openbill stork, Long-legged buzzard, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Grey-throated martin, Western marsh harrier, Common sandpiper, Pied avocet, Glossy, red naped and black-headed ibis, Little ring plover, Crested Lark, Black shouldered kite, Red avadavat, Long-tailed shrike, Eurasian wryneck, White wagtail, Yellow wagtail, Citrine wagtail, Lesser whistling duck, Northern Shoveler, Greater Flamingo, Isabelline shrike, Gadwall, Ruff, Osprey, Painted stork, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Delicate prinia, Common starling, Scaly-breasted munia, Rosy Pipit, Greater short-toed lark
Butterfly: Blue pansy, Plain tiger, Striped tiger, Mottled Emigrant, Common Grass yellow, Common leopard.
Mammal: Small Indian Mongoose