Date: 27th October’ 24
Location: Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS)
Walk expert: Rohit Sharma
No. of participants: 25
Theme: Winter migratory Birding
Brief summary of the walk:
Rohit Sharma led this wonderful walk on Sunday, 27th October.
From conducting bird surveys with the Forest Department to organising nature walks for students, Rohit Sharma's extensive environmental work is no small feat, making him a true eco-warrior!
The participants arrived by 06:45 am at the meeting point gate no.2 of Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The walk started with a briefing about Delhi Earth Walks and Asian Adventures. Rohit sir gave a brief description about the landscape and biodiversity of Okhla Bird Sanctuary. He gave insights on the migratory bird species that could be encountered during the walk such as Hobby.
The walk started at 07:00 am following the point count method and exploring birds by stopping and walking across the sanctuary. Participants expressed their enthusiasm during the walk by actively engaging in the discussions on the birds' diversity and behavior. Rohit Ji shared details about the migration status of different birds. He also shared the management issues at the sanctuary and the reason behind lesser number of birds this year. The possible reason was the delay in releasing water in the wetland due to which birds might have gone further in Haryana without making a stop at OBS. Stories of birds such as the story of Jung Bahadur (a Peregrine falcon named by birders) around OBS were also shared by Rohit sir.
Flocks of red-whiskered bulbuls, egrets, sandpipers, black kites, and stilts greeted the participants. Not just birds but other wonders of nature were also spotted such as the Danaid eggfly butterfly basking. Great white pelicans were observed fishing. Egyptian vultures were recorded within the flock of black kites. People witnessed the beautiful sightings of pelicans, storks, darter, cormorants, ducks, and vultures.
Photos clicked, light snacks distributed and all left with big smile on their faces as
we ended the walk.
We thank Rohit Ji for his valuable guidance and a super fun and informative session for all the participants. Participants enjoyed walking between the grasslands of OBS. 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, Oriental darter, Great white pelican, Common sandpiper, Red-naped and black-headed ibis, Shikra, Painted stork, Egyptian vulture, Indian Grey Hornbill, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Coppersmith barbet and Brown-headed barbet
Butterfly: Danaid eggfly