Bird Walk at Nanda Lake, Goa
- Goa
- 27 June, 2026
- Ankush Sahani
About Nanda Lake
Located on the outskirts of Nagpur, Nanda Lake is a serene freshwater wetland that offers a welcome escape into nature while supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. Surrounded by marshes, open water, grasslands, and scattered native trees, the lake provides a mosaic of habitats for aquatic plants, insects, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and an impressive variety of resident and migratory birds. The seasonal changes in water levels and vegetation make the lake a dynamic ecosystem, attracting wildlife throughout the year and offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photograph
Nanda Lake has become a favourite destination for birdwatchers, with its calm waters and reed beds hosting ducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers, raptors, and numerous other wetland species. During the winter months, migratory waterbirds add to the lake’s remarkable diversity, making every visit unique. Like many urban and peri-urban wetlands, however, the lake faces challenges from pollution, encroachment, habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, and increasing human disturbance. Continued conservation efforts, responsible tourism, and community participation are vital to protecting this valuable wetland and ensuring it remains a thriving refuge for wildlife and future generations.
Bird Guide: Ankush Sahani
With over two years of birding experience, he has documented 357 species across Goa. He feels most at home in the field while observing birds and understanding their habitats. His approach to guiding goes beyond identification, focusing on behavior and deeper connections. His aim is to inspire curiosity and encourage people to care about bird conservation through every walk.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Nanda lake
Nanda Lake offers an excellent mix of wetland and woodland birdlife, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers throughout the year. Along the water’s edge, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Little Egrets, Indian Pond-Herons, and Oriental Darters can be seen foraging in the shallows, while the surrounding vegetation provides refuge for Southern Coucals, Jungle Babblers, and Red-vented Bulbuls. During the breeding season, the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher is a delight to observe, and the vibrant Orange-headed Thrush may occasionally be spotted in the shaded woodland. Adding to the lake’s charm, the majestic Indian Peafowl is often seen in the surrounding scrub, making Nanda Lake an ideal destination for both casual nature lovers and dedicated birdwatchers.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Indian Peafowl
Indian Pond-Heron
Red-wattled Lapwing
Jungle Babbler
Little Egret
Orange-headed Thrush
Oriental Darter
Rock Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Gray-bellied Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
White-breasted Waterhen
Red-wattled Lapwing
Asian Openbill
Lesser Adjutant
Little Cormorant
Common Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Purple Heron
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Nanda Lake brought together seven enthusiastic participants for a highly productive session. The lake and its surrounding habitat created ideal conditions for bird activity, particularly during the monsoon season. The group explored the area with a focus on listening to bird calls, which played a crucial role in identifying species in the dense vegetation. The atmosphere was lively, with constant bird activity keeping participants engaged throughout the walk.
An impressive total of 61 species were recorded, making it one of the most species-rich walks. Highlights included the Fork-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Streaked Weaver, and Blue-faced Malkoha. The abundance of cuckoo species added a unique dimension to the session, as participants learned to distinguish between their calls and behaviours. The walk emphasized auditory identification and seasonal bird activity, helping participants develop deeper birding skills. Overall, the session stood out for its high species count, vibrant bird activity, and the enthusiasm of participants, making it a memorable and rewarding experience.
Number of Participants
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