Bird Walk at Bhondsi Forest, Gurugram, Delhi NCR
- Gurugram
- 26 July, 2026
- Sandy Khanda
About Bhondsi Forest
Bhondsi Nature Park (also called Bhondsi Forest) is a lush patch of the Aravalli foothills about 15 km south of Gurugram city centre, on Sohna Road. It spans roughly 100 acres of forested terrain (although some sources cite up to 558 acres when including adjoining forest land) that includes semi-evergreen woodland, rocky outcrops, scrub, dry foliage, seasonal water bodies, and native tree species like dhak, salai, kadam, and basa. This area is a rich birding spot, hosting nearly 46% of Haryana’s bird species, including both resident birds and seasonal migrants. Notable sightings include the Indian Pitta, Indian Paradise Flycatcher (a summer visitor), Fire-capped Tit (a rarer winter visitor), Grey-winged Blackbird, drongos, kingfishers, and many other warblers and forest-edge species.
However, the park faces several threats. Human intrusion during nesting seasons, especially by photographers who use playback calls or crowd around nests—is causing disturbance and even nest abandonment among ground-nesting species. Other threats include encroachment, road littering, garbage dumping, road-side disturbance, and games or activities being allowed in sensitive bird-nesting zones.
Conservation efforts are underway: forest department efforts have included restoring water bodies, afforestation and removal of garbage, fencing roads to reduce disturbance, and proposals to regulate trekking and visitor movement.
Also, authorities are pushing for better signage and enforcement of rules against disruptive activities (playback calls, approaching nests, etc.).
Bird Guide: Sandy Khanda
He is an enthusiastic bird guide with 2 years of birding experience and a deep passion for wildlife and natural habitats. He strives to make every birdwatching walk educational, enjoyable, and memorable for participants.
Partnered with Green Pencil Foundation
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Bhondsi Forest
Bhondsi Nature Park in Gurugram is a remarkable birding hotspot, with 254 species recorded, making it one of the most bird-rich sites in Haryana. Its mosaic of scrub, dry deciduous patches, water bodies, and forest edges supports both resident and migratory species. Common residents like the Common Myna, Jungle Babbler, Indian Peafowl, Red-vented Bulbul, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and Indian Robin thrive in its varied habitats, while wetland-associated birds such as the Eastern Cattle Egret, Eurasian Moorhen, White-breasted Waterhen, and Little Grebe use its water features. The park also hosts colorful woodland species including Asian Green and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, Rufous Treepie, Brahminy Starling, Ashy Prinia, and Indian Silverbill, adding vibrancy to the landscape. Raptors such as the Shikra, Black Kite, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, and Black-winged Kite indicate a healthy food web, while owls like the Spotted Owlet and Indian Scops-Owl underline the richness of its nocturnal avifauna.
easonal migrants further elevate Bhondsi’s importance, with species like the Greenish Warbler, Hume’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Western Crowned Warbler, and Blyth’s Reed Warbler frequenting the park in winter. Flycatchers such as the Taiga Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, and Red-breasted Flycatcher, along with wagtails and swallows, add seasonal variety. Even rarer or habitat-specialist birds like the Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Gray Hornbill, Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon, and Indian Paradise-Flycatcher have been observed, reflecting the park’s diverse niches.
Common Myna
Jungle Babbler
Indian Peafowl
Eastern Cattle Egret
Asian Green Bee-eater
Spotted Owlet
Coppersmith Barbet
Black Drongo
Eurasian-collared Dove
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Rufous Treepie
Ashy Prinia
Grey Francolin
Eurasian Moorhen
Purple Sunbird
Black Kite
Shikra
Indian Pond Heron
Red-wattled Lapwing
Asian Koel
Summary of Walk
The guided bird walk at Bhondsi, led by Sandy, welcomed five participants for an enriching morning of birdwatching in one of Gurugram’s biodiverse forest landscapes. The walk lasted for over two hours, providing participants with ample opportunities to observe birds while learning about nesting behaviour, habitat preferences, and the ecological importance of native forests. Throughout the trail, the group explored active nesting sites and discovered a thriving Baya Weaver nesting colony, making the experience both educational and engaging. A total of 14 bird species were recorded, with participants appreciating the opportunity to slow down, observe nature closely, and better understand the fascinating lives of birds.
The highlights of the morning included excellent sightings of the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Indian Golden Oriole, and the beautifully woven nests of the Baya Weaver, which captivated everyone on the walk. Participants also observed species such as Rufous Treepie, Oriental Magpie Robin, and Red-vented Bulbul, while discussions centred on nesting strategies, bird behaviour, and conservation. Bhondsi’s mosaic of woodland and scrub habitats continues to support a rich diversity of birds despite its proximity to the city, making it an excellent destination for guided birdwatching. The walk inspired participants to develop a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity and reinforced the importance of conserving these valuable natural habitats for future generations.
Number of Participants
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