Bird Walk at Sukhna Nature Trail, Chandigarh
- Chandigarh
- 26 August, 2026
- Sukhpreet Kohli
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 Guide: Gagandeep Singh
His birding and nature documentation work began in 2019, covering a wide geographical area that includes Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Solan, Sirmaur, Morni Hills, Dehradun, and other nearby locations.
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.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Purple Sunbird
Common Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Indian Peafowl
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrine Parakeet
Pied Cuckoo
Purple Heron
Lesser Whistling Duck
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Golden Oriole
Black Bittern
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Spotted Owlet
Indian Scops Owl
Black-rumped Flameback
Tickell's Flycatcher
Red-vented Bulbul
Asian Green Bee Eater
Summary of Walk
Guided by Gagandeep Singh, this bird walk along the scenic Sukhna Nature Trail in Chandigarh brought together eleven enthusiastic participants for a memorable morning of birding. Fringed by the Shivalik foothills, the trail around Sukhna Lake is one of the region’s best-loved green spaces, offering a mix of open water, reeds and wooded pathways that support a wide variety of birdlife. The walk began with a fun, hands-on session where participants examined different types of feathers, a perfect icebreaker for a diverse group that included a few butterfly and moth enthusiasts eager to learn about birds too.
The group recorded an impressive 38 species during the walk. Everyone was thrilled to spot a majestic Peregrine Falcon perched high on a tower, along with two Paradise Flycatchers and a pair of Shikras. A true highlight came when the group stood in one spot and counted at least ten Indian Grey Hornbills together, an incredible sight that made the outing a huge success. Other notable sightings included a sub-adult Lesser Whistling Duck and a female Common Cuckoo, rounding off a wonderfully rich and engaging birding experience for all.
Number of Participants
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