Bird walk at Ousteri Lake, Puducherry
- Puducherry
- 6 September, 2026
- Ratheesh Narayanan
About Ousteri Lake
Ousteri Lake, also known as Osudu Lake, is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in the Puducherry region and forms a significant natural landscape on the Puducherry–Tamil Nadu border. Spread across a large area, the wetland comprises open water, shallow margins, marshy stretches and surrounding agricultural and scrub habitats, creating a variety of ecological niches. The lake plays an important role in supporting aquatic biodiversity and is particularly well known for its birdlife. Its open waters provide feeding and resting areas for ducks, grebes, cormorants and other waterbirds, while the shallow edges and wetland vegetation offer suitable habitat for herons, egrets, ibises, waders and rails. During suitable seasons, the lake can also attract migratory birds, adding to its importance as a wetland ecosystem.
The surrounding landscape further increases the habitat diversity of Ousteri Lake, with open fields, vegetation and wooded patches supporting a range of terrestrial and woodland species. The wetland is an important stopover and feeding site for birds moving through the region and also supports resident species throughout the year. Beyond its ecological importance, Ousteri Lake provides valuable opportunities for birdwatching, nature education and environmental awareness in and around Puducherry. Increasing urbanisation, changes in land use, water pollution, invasive vegetation and disturbance can place pressure on wetland ecosystems such as Ousteri. Protecting the lake, maintaining its natural shoreline and wetland vegetation, and promoting responsible recreational activities are therefore important for conserving its biodiversity. Ousteri Lake demonstrates how freshwater wetlands can serve as vital refuges for wildlife while also contributing to the ecological health of the wider landscape.
Bird Guide - Ratheesh Narayanan
A clinical research professional with a strong passion for wildlife and over 15 years of birdwatching experience. An enthusiastic birdwatcher with a keen interest in observing, identifying, and learning about birds and their natural habitats.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Ousteri Lake
Ousteri Lake offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a strong mix of resident waterbirds, wetland specialists and species associated with the surrounding vegetation. The observations recorded a diverse range of birds, with particularly notable numbers of Eurasian Coots, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Little Grebes, Gray-headed Swamphens and Asian Openbills. The wetland also supported Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Oriental Darters, Little Cormorants and Asian Green Bee-eaters. Herons and other water-associated birds included Gray Heron and Purple Heron, while Red-wattled Lapwing added a wader species to the list. Raptors and woodland-edge birds were also represented by Black-rumped Flameback, Ashy Woodswallow and Black Kite. The diversity and abundance of waterbirds highlight the ecological importance of Ousteri Lake as a freshwater wetland and feeding habitat. Its combination of open water, shallow areas and surrounding vegetation provides suitable conditions for both aquatic and terrestrial birds, making it an important birding destination in the Puducherry region.
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Greater Coucal
Asian Koel
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Asian Palm Swift
Eurasian Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Gray-headed Swamphen
Red-wattled Lapwing
Little Grebe
Asian Openbill
Oriental Darter
Little Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Gray Heron
Purple Heron
Asian Green Bee-eater
White-throated Kingfisher
Summary of Walk
Ataavi’s 6 September 2026 walk at Ousteri Lake in Puducherry welcomed four participants — two new to birdwatching and two more experienced birders — for a guided session with Ratheesh Narayanan. The mixed-experience group made for a lively, engaging walk, with Ratheesh tailoring his explanations to suit both newcomers and seasoned birders alike as they moved along the lake’s edge under clear morning skies. The group tallied 35 species by the end of the morning, an excellent count for a small and closely guided outing. The lake’s calm waters and open shoreline made for excellent visibility throughout the walk, with birds visible at a comfortable distance for the whole group.
The undoubted highlight of the walk was a Shikra caught in the act of hunting, swooping down and catching a squirrel right in front of the group — a thrilling, rarely witnessed moment that left everyone talking for the rest of the walk. The group also enjoyed a striking Pied Kingfisher and numerous Little Cormorants scattered across the lake’s open water. Ratheesh’s ability to read the landscape and anticipate activity made for an exciting and memorable morning of birding at Ousteri Lake, one this small group will not soon forget. The newcomers in the group said the morning had completely changed how they thought about birdwatching, calling it far more thrilling than they had expected.
Number of Participants
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