Bird Walk at Ucharpi, Mehsana, Gujarat
- Ahmedabad
- 9 November, 2025
- Bhargav Limbachiya
About Ucharpi Wetland
Ucharpi Wetland in Mehsana, Gujarat, is a tranquil freshwater habitat that plays an important ecological role in the region’s semi-arid landscape. Surrounded by agricultural fields and open scrub, the wetland provides a mix of shallow water, mudflats, and emergent vegetation—ideal conditions for aquatic plants, insects, amphibians, and migratory as well as resident bird species. Seasonal water levels shape the wetland’s dynamics, making it a thriving feeding and nesting ground during the post-monsoon and winter months. Its calm environment also supports various reptiles and small mammals adapted to wetland and grassland edges.
The wetland has become a peaceful birding destination where one can observe ducks, herons, stilts, kingfishers, waders, and raptors depending on the season. However, like many wetlands in Gujarat’s expanding rural-urban fringes, Ucharpi faces pressures such as agricultural runoff, habitat disturbance, and encroachment. Maintaining water quality, ensuring sustainable farming practices nearby, and increasing community awareness about the ecological value of wetlands are key to protecting this habitat. Continued interest from nature enthusiasts and local conservation initiatives can help secure Ucharpi Wetland as a haven for birds and biodiversity for years to come.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Limbachiya bhargav pankajbhai
Nature enthusiast and avid birder. For him bird watching and being part of nature and explore nature is not his work but his passion.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Ucharpi Wetland
Ucharpi Wetland supports a vibrant mix of woodland and open–country birds, creating a lively soundscape across the seasons. The trees around the wetland echo with the calls of Rufous Treepie, Coppersmith Barbet, Parakeets, and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, while Asian Bee-eaters sweep gracefully overhead catching insects in flight. Shrubs and hedgerows often host species like the Bay-backed Shrike, Fantail, Greater Coucal, and the ever-curious Common Myna. Resident doves such as Eurasian Collared Dove and Laughing Dove are commonly seen perched on wires or feeding in nearby fields, and House Sparrows and House Crows remain familiar companions around human habitation.
Raptors also add excitement to birdwatching at Ucharpi, with Black-shouldered Kite hovering over fields in search of prey, Shikra darting swiftly through vegetation, and Oriental Honey Buzzard occasionally soaring above the landscape. Flocks of Rosy Starlings and Brahminy Starlings bring seasonal movement and color, especially during migration and winter months. Ravens, along with Large-billed Crows, keep a watchful eye from treetops and open areas, showcasing the site’s mixed habitat appeal. Together, these species highlight the wetland’s role as a thriving refuge that blends wetland edges, farmland, and wooded patches, offering ideal conditions for both resident and migratory birds.
Indian Grey Hornbill
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Rufous Treepie
Scaly-breasted Munia
Red-wattled Lapwing
Coppersmith Barbet
White-throated Kingfisher
Little Egret
Red-vented Bulbul
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Black Kite
Shikra
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Indian Robin
Oriental Magpie Robin
Asian Green Bee-eater
Indian Roller
Indian Pond Heron
Eurasian Coot
Asian Koel
Summary of Walk
A small yet enthusiastic group of 5 participants joined Bhargav for a rewarding bird walk at Ucharpi, Mehsana. The wetland and surrounding habitats were teeming with life as the group recorded an impressive 62 bird species. Highlights of the morning included sightings of a flock of Rosy Starlings, House Sparrows, and a wonderful variety of waterbirds such as the Knob-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Asian Openbill, Cormorants, and Egrets.
During the walk, participants learnt how to identify birds by their size, color, and behavior, and explored the use of the Ataavi app for real-time bird identification and recording observations. The session also emphasized the joy and importance of birdwatching in understanding and conserving local biodiversity. The group left inspired to continue exploring and documenting the rich avian diversity of Ucharpi.
Number of Participants
0
