Bird Walk at Sukhna Nature Trail, Chandigarh

About Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake, located at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Chandigarh, is an iconic man-made reservoir created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe stream. Spanning about 3 km², the lake and its surrounding catchment area form a vital wetland ecosystem amidst the urban landscape. It supports a mosaic of aquatic, riparian, and grassland habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds. Over 221 bird species have been recorded here on eBird, including Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Spot-billed Duck, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, and Pied Kingfisher. During winter, Sukhna becomes a significant stopover for migratory waterfowl arriving from Central Asia, making it one of northern India’s best urban birding hotspots. The adjoining Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary also provides refuge to forest birds such as Indian Peafowl, White-throated Kingfisher, Black-rumped Flameback, and Coppersmith Barbet.

Despite its ecological richness, Sukhna Lake faces multiple conservation challenges. Siltation from the Shivalik foothills, eutrophication from urban runoff, and human disturbance due to heavy recreational use threaten its long-term health. Encroachment, boating activities, and festive gatherings often disturb roosting and nesting birds. The Chandigarh Administration and Forest Department have undertaken desiltation projects, catchment afforestation, and pollution control measures to restore the lake’s ecological balance. Continued community involvement, strict pollution management, and regular biodiversity monitoring are crucial to ensure that Sukhna Lake remains both a cherished recreational hub and a thriving sanctuary for waterbirds and urban wildlife.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Trail in Chandigarh offers a diverse birding experience, with a mix of woodland, scrub, wetland and open habitats supporting a wide range of resident and seasonal bird species. The trail around Sukhna Lake and its adjoining green spaces provides excellent opportunities to observe birds in different ecological settings. Water-associated species such as the Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Lesser Whistling Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck and White-breasted Waterhen can be encountered around the lake and wetland edges. The surrounding vegetation also supports colourful species such as the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Purple Sunbird, Indian Golden Oriole and Blue-tailed Bee-eater. The wooded sections of the trail are particularly interesting for observing forest and garden birds, including Black-rumped Flameback, Tickell’s Flycatcher, Ashy Bulbul and Red-vented Bulbul. Parakeets such as the Rose-ringed Parakeet and Alexandrine Parakeet add to the lively bird activity, while raptors and nocturnal species make the area even more interesting. The presence of Indian Scops Owl and Spotted Owlet highlights the value of mature trees and quieter patches along the trail. With its combination of lake, woodland and open habitats, Sukhna Trail is a rewarding destination for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers.