Bird Walk at Lonikand Reservoir, Pune, Maharashtra
- Pune
- 17 October, 2026
- Akshay Narwade
About Lonikand Reservoir
Nestled on the outskirts of Pune, Lonikand Reservoir is a serene freshwater expanse that quietly supports a rich and dynamic ecosystem. Surrounded by open grasslands, agricultural fields, and patches of scrub vegetation, the reservoir creates a mosaic of habitats ideal for a wide range of wildlife. Seasonal water fluctuations expose mudflats that attract waders, while deeper sections support fish and aquatic life. Native grasses, reeds, and scattered trees provide shelter for insects, amphibians, and small mammals, making the area a thriving ecological pocket amidst a semi-urban landscape.
For birders, Lonikand Reservoir is a rewarding destination, especially during winter when migratory birds arrive in large numbers. From flocks of ducks and waders along the edges to raptors soaring overhead, the diversity keeps every visit engaging. Early mornings are particularly vibrant, with bird calls echoing across the water and activity at its peak. However, like many peri-urban wetlands, Lonikand faces increasing threats from pollution, encroachment, water extraction, and habitat disturbance. Protecting such wetlands is crucial—not only for birdlife but also for maintaining ecological balance—ensuring that Lonikand continues to serve as a haven for biodiversity and a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Bird Guide - Akshay Narwade
He has 8+ years of experience in bird watching and wildlife photography. Birding is part of his everyday life — he spends each morning and evening in the field, observing and photographing rare and elusive birds. He is a passionate birder who enjoys the thrill of tracking down species that few others get to see, and he brings that same dedication and patience to every walk he leads.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Lonikand Reservoir
The birdlife at Lonikand Reservoir transforms this quiet wetland into a vibrant stage of movement and migration, especially during the winter months. Flocks of waterfowl like the Ruddy Shelduck, Garganey, and Indian Spot-billed Duck glide across the water, while large gatherings of Eurasian Coot and Little Cormorant create constant activity on the surface. Along the muddy edges, elegant waders such as the Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, and various sandpipers—including Common Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper—forage delicately, while the striking Eurasian Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis add a sense of elegance to the wetland scene.
Beyond the water, the surrounding habitat is alive with diverse bird activity. The sharp calls of the Red-wattled Lapwing echo across open ground, while birds like the Gray-headed Swamphen and Little Grebe move gracefully through aquatic vegetation. Raptors such as the Western Marsh Harrier patrol the skies, and flashes of colour appear in species like the Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher. The surrounding scrub and fields host birds like the Long-tailed Shrike, Indian Robin, Siberian Stonechat, and the unusual Eurasian Wryneck, creating a dynamic birding experience where every corner reveals something new.
Ruddy Shelduck
Garganey
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Eurasian Collared Dove
Asian Koel
Eurasian Coot
Gray-headed Swamphen
Black-winged Stilt
Little Ringed Plover
Red-wattled Lapwing
Common Sandpiper
River Tern
Little Grebe
Little Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Eurasian Spoonbill
Little Egret
Eastern Cattle Egret
Gray Heron
Western Marsh Harrier
Summary of Walk
One participant joined guide Akshay Narwade at Lonikand Reservoir and Quarry in Pune on 17 October for an early start at 6:30 am, and the one-on-one walk turned into a personal and rewarding morning of birding. With just two pairs of eyes, the pair moved at their own pace, taking the time to watch each bird properly and to enjoy the changing light over the water. Together they recorded 40 species, a wonderful tally for a reservoir and quarry landscape. The highlights of the walk were two winter migrants, the Western Marsh Harrier, which quartered low over the reeds in search of prey, and the Eurasian Wryneck, a woodpecker relative with beautifully camouflaged plumage that is always a treat to spot. The Common Kingfisher flashed past the water’s edge in a streak of blue, and the Eurasian Spoonbill and Little Ringed Plover added elegant touches among the wetland birds. The mix of open water, rocky quarry edges and scrub gave the pair a rich variety of habitats to explore, and they enjoyed discovering how each draws a different group of birds. Akshay shared identification tips, explained how to tell migrants from residents and talked about how reservoirs and quarries can become valuable wildlife habitats when left undisturbed. The quiet of the morning and the steady stream of sightings made the walk a pleasure from start to finish. It was a lovely example of how a one-on-one walk can turn into a masterclass in birding, and a great reminder that the arrival of winter migrants is one of the most exciting times of the birding year.
Number of Participants
0
