Bird Walk at Lake Reserve Forest Natural Trail, Chandigarh

About Lake Reserve Forest Natural Trail

Lake Reserve Forest Natural Trail in Chandigarh is a green and relatively undisturbed natural space within the city, offering a refreshing contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. The trail passes through a mix of mature trees, scrub, woodland patches, and open areas, creating a varied habitat structure for birds and other wildlife. The vegetation provides shade and shelter, while the open sections allow sunlight to reach the ground and support grasses, shrubs, and seasonal vegetation. The area’s proximity to Chandigarh’s lake and other green spaces also contributes to a broader ecological network, allowing wildlife to move between different habitats. Seasonal changes in rainfall, temperature, and vegetation can alter the appearance of the trail and influence the activity of birds and other animals. Its combination of natural vegetation, quiet trails, and proximity to urban areas makes it an interesting destination for nature walks, birdwatching, and observing local biodiversity.

The forest trail is also an example of how protected and semi-natural green spaces can retain ecological importance within a planned urban environment. Despite its natural character, the area is influenced by surrounding development and recreational use. Human disturbance, litter, invasive vegetation, and changes to the surrounding landscape can gradually affect habitat quality. Maintaining native vegetation, protecting mature trees, keeping waste under control, and managing visitor activity can help preserve the area’s ecological character. Continued conservation of such urban forest patches is important not only for wildlife but also for providing residents with accessible spaces where they can experience and appreciate nature.

Bird Guide: Sandeep Sharma

He has been birding for over 5 years and is certified in Basic Bird Identification and Ornithology through GSDP, WWF-India. He has volunteered with various projects involving WWF-India and Bird Count India, and has participated in bird surveys including winter migratory bird counts near Noida, the Delhi Bird Atlas, and a Campus Bird Count near Ludhiana. His experience in these citizen-science initiatives has strengthened his knowledge and passion for birdwatching and conservation.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Lake Reserve Forest Natural Trail

The Lake Reserve Forest Natural Trail supports a diverse mix of woodland, wetland, and open-habitat birds. Indian Peafowl and Red Junglefowl are notable ground-dwelling species, while Indian Gray Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Rose-ringed Parakeet represent the area’s tree-associated birdlife. Asian Koel and Greater Coucal add to the diversity of larger woodland birds, while Spotted Owlet is a representative nocturnal species. The trail also supports smaller birds such as Black Drongo, Jungle Myna, Indian Robin, Purple Sunbird, and Spotted Dove. Wetland and water-edge habitats nearby attract White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pond-Heron, Red-wattled Lapwing, Lesser Whistling-Duck, Little Cormorant, and Eurasian Moorhen. Together, these species reflect the variety of habitats around the trail and its connection with the wider green and wetland landscape of Chandigarh.