Bird Walk at Mullur Lake (Sarjapur Road), Bangalore, Karnataka
- Bangalore
- 29 August, 2026
- Rahuldev Rajguru
About Mullur Lake
Nestled on the southeastern edge of Bangalore, Mullur Lake is a quiet mosaic of open water, marshy fringes, and scrubby grasslands that together create a surprisingly rich urban wilderness. The lake’s seasonal water levels shape its character—during monsoons, it expands into a thriving wetland, while in drier months, exposed mudflats and grassy patches attract a different suite of life. Native grasses, acacia scrub, and scattered trees provide habitat complexity, making it a haven not just for aquatic species but also for insects, reptiles, and small mammals. This layered habitat structure is what makes Mullur especially rewarding for birders.
For birdwatchers, Mullur Lake offers a dynamic checklist—waders probing the shallows, raptors scanning from above, and songbirds flitting through the scrub. It’s the kind of place where a morning walk can shift from spotting herons and jacanas to catching glimpses of bee-eaters and shrikes. However, like many urban wetlands, Mullur faces mounting pressures from encroachment, waste dumping, and habitat degradation. Fluctuating water quality and shrinking green buffers threaten its ecological balance. Yet, growing awareness among local communities and birding groups is slowly turning attention toward conservation—highlighting the urgent need to protect such pockets of biodiversity before they fade into the cityscape.
Bird Guide: Rahuldev Rajguru
With over 25 years in software and entrepreneurship, he now focuses on birding, wildlife photography, and conservation, while also writing to inspire people to connect with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Mullur Lake
Mullur Lake unfolds as a vibrant stage where waterbirds, grassland specialists, and urban adapters come together in a constantly shifting spectacle. Rafts of Eurasian Coot and Little Grebe ripple across the water, while elegant Black-winged Stilt pick their way through the shallows with striking precision. Along the edges, the calls of White-breasted Waterhen and Gray-headed Swamphen echo through dense vegetation, revealing the richness of the marsh. Overhead, flashes of movement from Little Swift and the occasional drama of lapwings chasing away predators add energy to the scene, while iconic species like Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis bring a sense of grandeur. Even common birds—from the ever-adaptable Rock Pigeon to the melodious Asian Koel—play their part, making every visit feel alive with stories, behaviours, and seasonal surprises.
Indian Spot-Billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Rock Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Greater Coucal
Asian Koel
Little Swift
Eurasian Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Gray-Headed Swamphen
White-Breasted Waterhen
Black-Winged Stilt
Red-Wattled Lapwing
Bronze-Winged Jacana
Little Grebe
Painted Stork
Little Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Black-Headed Ibis
Little Egret
Summary of Walk
Led by Rahuldev Rajguru, the bird walk at Mullur Lake on Sarjapur Road drew seventeen enthusiastic birdwatchers to this thriving wetland on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Known for its rich mix of open water, marshy edges and scrubland, Mullur Lake has become a favourite haven for both resident and visiting waterbirds, making it an excellent spot for a morning of birding.
The group had a fantastic outing, recording an impressive 51 species over the course of the walk. Highlights included charming Spotted Owlets tucked into tree hollows, industrious Baya Weavers busy at their hanging nests, and striking Black-rumped Flamebacks foraging along the trees. A delightful surprise came in the form of a Common Sandpiper, an unexpected sighting for this time of year that added extra excitement to the walk. Alongside these, participants enjoyed observing numerous wetland species, making for a thoroughly rewarding and memorable birding experience for everyone involved.
Number of Participants
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