Bird Walk at Lacchi Wala Forest, Dehradun

The guided bird walk at Laxman Siddh Forest Area (Lachiwala), led by Dr. Garima Singh, brought together three participants for an immersive exploration of the lush Sal forests and natural streams of the Shivalik foothills. Designed as both a bird walk and nature awareness programme, the session introduced participants to ethical birdwatching, bird identification techniques, and the ecological importance of healthy forest ecosystems. Throughout the trail, discussions focused on recognising birds through plumage, calls, flight patterns, and habitat preferences while encouraging participants to appreciate the many ecological services birds provide. The survey recorded 10 bird species, offering an enjoyable introduction to the rich avian diversity of Uttarakhand’s forests. Among the memorable sightings were the White-throated Kingfisher, Red Junglefowl, Grey Hornbill, Black-rumped Flameback, Asian Tit, and Himalayan Bulbul, along with several other characteristic woodland birds. Participants also learned about pressing conservation challenges such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and deforestation, while being encouraged to contribute to citizen science initiatives and support habitat conservation. The scenic forests surrounding Laxman Siddh continue to provide valuable habitat for a wide range of bird species and offer exceptional opportunities for environmental education. The walk concluded with an engaging discussion where participants shared their observations and left with a stronger appreciation for forest biodiversity and conservation.