Bird Walk at Surajpur Wetland and Natural forest 2, Noida, UP

  • Noida
  • 17 October, 2026
  • Prajjwal Kumar

About Surajpur Wetland

Surajpur Wetland, officially protected as the Surajpur Wetland Bird Sanctuary, is one of the most important urban wetlands in the National Capital Region. Located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, this freshwater wetland is surrounded by marshes, shallow lakes, reed beds, grasslands, scrub vegetation, and patches of woodland, creating a rich mosaic of habitats that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The sanctuary serves as a crucial refuge for both resident and migratory birds, attracting thousands of waterbirds during the winter while remaining active with breeding species throughout the year. Well-maintained walking trails, watchtowers, and peaceful surroundings make it one of the finest birdwatching destinations near Delhi and Noida, suitable for beginners, photographers, and experienced birders alike.
Beyond its remarkable bird diversity, Surajpur Wetland plays a vital ecological role by recharging groundwater, filtering water, regulating local climate, and supporting aquatic biodiversity. The wetland also provides habitat for reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies, and numerous plant species adapted to marsh ecosystems. Despite its protected status, the sanctuary faces ongoing challenges from urban expansion, pollution, invasive aquatic vegetation, and fluctuations in water availability. Continued habitat restoration, responsible tourism, scientific monitoring, and community participation are essential to conserving this urban biodiversity hotspot and ensuring it remains a thriving sanctuary for birds and wildlife in the rapidly developing NCR region.

Bird Guide: Prajjwal Kumar

He is an Ornithologist having a Post-graduate Degree in MSc. Wildlife Science (Ornithology) from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural history

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Surajpur Wetland

Surajpur Wetland offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with an impressive mix of ducks, waders, herons, storks, rails, and woodland birds. The calm waters support flocks of Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, and the striking Knob-billed Duck, while marsh vegetation shelters Gray-headed Swamphens, White-breasted Waterhens, and breeding Black-crowned Night Herons. Mudflats and shallow pools attract elegant Black-winged Stilts, Pied Avocets, and Red-wattled Lapwings, providing excellent opportunities to observe feeding behaviour up close.

One of the sanctuary’s biggest highlights is the large congregation of Asian Openbills, often seen foraging alongside Black-headed Ibises, Oriental Darters, Little Cormorants, Little Egrets, and Indian Pond-Herons. Around the woodland edges, birders can encounter Indian Peafowl, Black Francolin, Yellow-footed Green-Pigeons, Greater Coucals, Pied Cuckoos, Asian Koels, and Common Hawk-Cuckoos, adding remarkable diversity beyond the wetlands. Raptors, kingfishers, and numerous passerines further enrich every visit, making Surajpur one of North India’s premier birding destinations. Whether exploring during the breeding season or the peak winter migration, the sanctuary consistently rewards visitors with close encounters, spectacular bird activity, and an ever-changing variety of species across its wetlands and surrounding habitats.

Asian Koel
Asian Openbill
Black Francolin
Black-crowned Night Heron
Black-headed Ibis

Black-winged Stilt
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Gray-headed Swamphen
Greater Coucal
Indian Peafowl
Indian Pond-Heron
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Knob-billed Duck
Laughing Dove
Lesser Whistling-Duck
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Oriental Darter
Pied Cuckoo

Summary of Walk

Three birders joined guide Prajjwal Kumar at Surajpur Wetland and Natural Forest in Greater Noida on 17 October for a walk that began with a wildlife surprise and ended with a splendid tally of 61 species. The morning started on a thrilling note when three Golden Jackals were seen running from the road towards the park, a sight that set the tone for the day. The group was fairly lucky with raptors: the Oriental Honey-buzzard and the Eurasian Hobby, a fast, falcon-like hunter with a dashing profile, made the day for the birdwatchers, and the Oriental Turtle-Dove, with its handsome, scaly back, gave excellent views as well. Red Avadavats added bright red sparks in the grass, and the mix of wetland, grassland and woodland gave the group a lovely variety of birds to enjoy as they moved along the trails. With such a small group, there was plenty of time to stop, watch, listen and discuss every sighting in detail, and the conversation moved easily between identification tips, bird behaviour and the importance of the wetland to the migratory season. Prajjwal guided the walk with a calm and knowledgeable style, helping participants spot birds by shape, flight and call. Surajpur is one of the finest places near Delhi NCR to see a great variety of birds in one morning, and 61 species is a tribute to the richness of the habitat. The walk was a lovely reminder that an intimate group and a rich wetland can make for a day of real discovery.
Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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