Learning Birding In Okhla Bird Sanctuary - A Trip Report By Delhi Earth Walks
Date: 29th September’ 24
Location: Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS)
Walk expert: Deepak Kumar
No. of participants: 18
Theme: Wetland Birds
Brief summary of the walk:
We conducted this wonderful walk on Sunday, 29th September, led by Deepak Kumar. Deepak is a dedicated bird guide with a wealth of knowledge in bird identification, habitat interpretation, and wildlife preservation. Growing up amidst Delhi's rich ecosystems, he has cultivated a deep fascination for avian life and its intricacies. With years of hands-on experience in nature exploration, Deepak has honed his understanding of local species and migratory behaviors. Leading bird-watching expeditions, facilitating educational workshops, and contributing to scientific endeavors, Deepak strives to forge connections between humanity and the natural world. Through patient mentoring and captivating storytelling, he instills in others an appreciation for the beauty and ecological importance of birds. Beyond the field, Deepak delights in sharing their passion through the mediums of writing and photography.
The participants arrived by 7 am at the meeting point, Gate No. 2 of OBS. This walk was special as some participants were visually challenged. Thus, it became important for us to provide them with the utmost support and let them experience the beauty of nature in its purest form. This walk opened a new door where we could plan more such walks dedicated to specially-abled people and help them explore and learn about nature.
The walk started with a brief about OBS. A small discussion about, What wetlands are and how they are important for our ecosystem happened. Information about the Ramsar Convention and Ramsar Sites in India were also shared.
Wetlands have unique ecosystems. They are the biological supermarkets. They provide food, help in water rejuvenation, regulate PM 2.5 level, and on to[p of that biodiversity hotspot. Cities like Delhi and Bhopal depend on wetlands. It is worth noting that Delhi has not just one or two wetlands, but more than 1000 wetlands sites exist in Delhi at present. Wetlands help clean polluted water and restore the health of the ecosystem. They store and release water gradually & holistically, thus are a great insurance against floods.
The walk started by giving information about birds present at OBS. According to the latest reports, OBS hosts more than 300 species of birds, both resident and migratory. It has also been included in Important Birds Areas (IBA). Participants were guided across the sanctuary by Deepak Ji. He shared details about the bird species which we witnessed during the trial. Minute identification details about Raptors, waders, and different bird species were discussed with the bird lovers. A total of 37 species of birds were recorded during the walk. A brief discussion about the menace of Water Hyacinth across the OBS also took place.
The walk ended with sightings of birds like Darter, Cormorant, Painted Stork, Wood Sandpiper, and some colorful species of Butterflies such as Danaid Eggfly, Common Jay, and Emigrant. In the end, people interacted with the specially-abled group. A group photo was clicked and people left with smiling faces and a bunch of colorful memories.
We thank Deepak sir for his valuable guidance and a super fun and informative session for all the participants. Participants enjoyed walking into dense patches of OBS. It was a walk full of adventure, and thrill and filled with wonderful learnings. A special thanks to Visually challenged participants for joining us and allowing us to explore nature and see beyond what our eyes could see.
List of species spotted during the walk:
Species of trees, butterflies, and birds were observed during the walk. Some notable species during the walk were:-
Floral species :- Acacia Sp., Vilayati Kikar, Siris, Kaner, Karanj, Ficus sps. Jungle Jalebi, Elephant Grass, Water Hyacinth
Birds: Indian Spot-billed Duck, Gray - Headed Swamphen, Wood Sandpiper, River tern, Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant, Black - Crowned Night Heron, Gray Heron, Purple Heron, Black - Headed Ibis, Western Marsh Harrier, Shikra, Indian Gray Hornbill, Plain Prinia, Gray - throated Martin, Greenish warbler, Indian pied starling, Purple Sunbird
Butterfly: Danaid Eggfly, Mottled Emigrant, Common Jay, Common Grass Yellow