Bird Walk at Ch. Shivaji Maharaj Udyan, PCMC, Pune
- PCMC, Pune
- 4 October, 2026
- Akshay and Arpit
About Ch. Shivaji Maharaj Udyan
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan, located in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area, is a green urban space with a sizeable water body and wetland-like habitat. While it is primarily used as a neighbourhood recreational park, its combination of open water, wetland vegetation, trees and landscaped areas makes it an interesting spot for observing urban and wetland birds.
The water body and surrounding wetland patches are the main attraction for birders. These areas provide feeding and resting habitat for waterbirds, while the vegetation around the edges offers cover for smaller birds. The park also supports common garden and woodland species, making it possible to see a mix of wetland birds and familiar urban birds during the same visit.
Despite this potential, the site remains relatively less explored from a birding perspective compared with several better-known birding locations around Pune and PCMC. This makes it an interesting place for local birders who want to explore, document and understand the wildlife of an urban habitat that does not receive as much attention.
Early mornings are likely to be the most productive time, particularly around the water body and its vegetated margins. Seasonal changes in water levels and vegetation can also influence the species recorded, making regular visits useful rather than treating the park as a one-time birding destination.
Like many urban wetlands, the long-term value of the site depends on maintaining its water body, protecting natural vegetation around the edges and managing human disturbance. With systematic observation and documentation, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan could prove to be a small but valuable urban wetland refuge within the PCMC landscape.
Bird Guide: Akshay and Arpit
Akshay, a doctor by profession, is a passionate birder with two years of field experience. Inspired and guided by his 8-year-old son Arpit, a young birding prodigy, he brings a unique blend of curiosity and dedication to every walk. Together, they are driven by a shared love for birds and a desire to contribute meaningfully to conservation.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Ch. Shivaji Maharaj Udyan
This neighbourhood park is busy with birds raising families. Tall Gray Herons carry sticks to build their bulky nests, and White-breasted Waterhens lead their fluffy black chicks along the water’s edge. Black-crowned Night Herons sit quietly in the leaves by day and wake at dusk to hunt. The Indian Pond-Heron hides in plain sight until it takes off on bright white wings. Gray-headed Swamphens, glowing purple-blue with red bills, pick their way through the reeds. Eurasian Moorhens and Coots paddle across the water, and Indian Spot-billed Ducks rest nearby. A White-throated Kingfisher flashes electric blue from a perch, and Asian Green Bee-eaters call from the treetops. The Coppersmith Barbet taps out its steady “tuk-tuk”, while Rose-ringed Parakeets streak green across the lawns. Large Gray Babblers forage in noisy groups, Common Tailorbirds and Ashy Prinias call from the shrubs, and the Greater Coucal booms from thick cover. Indian Peafowl call from somewhere nearby, and Black Kites circle overhead.
Grey Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Indian Pond-Heron
Grey-headed Swamphen
White-breasted Waterhen
Eurasian Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Indian Spot-billed Duck
White-throated Kingfisher
Asian Green Bee-eater
Coppersmith Barbet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Large Grey Babbler
Common Tailorbird
Ashy Prinia
Greater Coucal
Indian Peafowl
Black Kite
Large-billed Crow
Common Myna
Summary of Walk
Seven nature enthusiasts joined guides Akshay Narwade and Arpit Choudhary at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan in Pune on 4 October for a two-hour walk of exploring and birding that was full of lively discoveries. The garden’s lake, trees and shaded paths create an inviting habitat, and the group recorded 30 species by the end of the morning. Waterbirds were the stars of the early walk, with cormorants and herons lining the water’s edge, and the Grey Heron, standing tall and patient at the shoreline, drew admiring looks. The Grey-headed Swamphen, with its vivid purple plumage and bright red bill, strode confidently across the reeds, and the White-breasted Waterhen bobbed its tail as it moved along the edge of the water. In the trees, the Ashy Drongo flitted between perches, the Rose-ringed Parakeet flashed its green wings overhead, and the Spot-breasted Fantail, a lively little bird that spreads its tail like a fan, charmed everyone with its dancing movements. The highlight of the morning came when a Black Drongo was heard mimicking the call of a Shikra, a remarkable demonstration of the clever vocal skills of these birds that left the group both amazed and amused. With two guides on hand, participants received plenty of personal attention, and Akshay and Arpit shared fascinating stories about bird calls, behaviour and the way urban green spaces support wildlife. The walk was a lovely reminder that even a city garden can be a thriving habitat, and the group left with great sightings, new knowledge and a lasting affection for the birds of Pune.
Number of Participants
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