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Bird walk at Pashan Lake, Pune, Maharashtra

About Pashan Lake

Nestled in the western suburbs of Pune, Pashan Lake is a serene urban wetland spread over roughly 40 hectares, offering a vital ecological refuge amid the city’s expanding skyline. Originally created as a reservoir, the lake today supports a mosaic of open water, marshy edges, mudflats, and surrounding scrub making it an ideal habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Aquatic vegetation, reeds, and scattered tree cover provide shelter to resident and migratory birds, while the lake’s nutrient-rich waters sustain fish, amphibians, and insect life that form the base of its thriving food web.

For birders, Pashan Lake is a rewarding hotspot through the year, especially during winter when migratory ducks, waders, and gulls arrive in impressive numbers. Early mornings here are alive with the calls of lapwings, the elegant glide of herons, and flocks of waterfowl resting on calm waters. However, like many urban wetlands, the lake faces challenges such as pollution, eutrophication, invasive plant growth, and development pressure. Ongoing conservation efforts by local authorities and citizen groups aim to restore water quality and protect its biodiversity, making Pashan Lake not just a birding destination, but a powerful example of community-driven urban conservation.

Bird Guide - Samay Srivastava

He is a passionate young birder from Pune Maharashtra. He has been birding for nearly 7 years, and documented 750+ bird species across the world. His goal is too see all the birds of the world and inspire fellow birders and Naturalists.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Pashan Lake

A morning out in nature unfolds like a living symphony when these birds take center stage. From the cheerful chatter of the Indian White-eye moving through leafy canopies to the graceful stride of the Eurasian Moorhen along quiet wetlands, every corner feels alive. The sharp calls of the Red-wattled Lapwing echo across open grounds, while the elegant Grey Heron stands poised like a sentinel by the water’s edge. Urban spaces hum with familiar companions like the Common Myna, while flashes of color come alive with the shimmering Purple Sunbird and the energetic Ashy Prinia. Near water bodies, the electric blue dive of the Common Kingfisher and the bold presence of the White-throated Kingfisher add excitement, as raptors like the Black Kite glide effortlessly overhead. Melodious notes of the Oriental Magpie Robin mix with the assertive calls of the Black Drongo, while the sky comes alive with swift flyers like the Little Swift and the Eastern Red-rumped Swallow. Bright flashes of green and gold from the Asian Green Bee-eater and the vivid hues of the Small Minivet bring a painter’s palette to life. Ground dwellers like the Laughing Dove and water-loving species such as the White-breasted Waterhen, Pond Heron, Little Egret, and the striking Purple Heron complete this vibrant tapestry—making every bird walk a journey through color, sound, and life.
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Great Egret
Little Cormorant
Indian Cormorant
Grey-headed Swamphen

Eurasian Coot
Red-vented Bulbul
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Large Grey Babbler
Common Tailorbird
Ashy Prinia
Purple Sunbird
Indian White-eye
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Coppersmith Barbet
Black Drongo
Common Iora
Laughing Dove
Rock Pigeon

Summary of Walk

Pashan Lake in Pune hosted one of the richest walks of the weekend on 12 September, with 21 participants led by guide Samay Srivastava. The session began with a briefing on the history of Pashan Lake, birding guidelines, and Ataavi’s conservation initiative, before the group set off along the peaceful forest trail that hugs the water’s edge. The walk turned out to be exceptional, with the group recording an impressive 60 species, including the Purple Heron, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Painted Stork. The guide shared detailed identification pointers, facts, and fun stories about each species along the way. The morning also included a conservation-focused conversation about the lake, and the group crossed paths with university students mapping the density of invasive versus native plants — a nice reminder of the many people working to protect Pashan Lake’s ecosystem.
Number of Participants
0
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