Bird Walk at Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal

Name: Bird Walk at Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal
Start: 2025-07-06T06:30:00+05:30
End: 2025-07-06T08:30:00+05:30

About Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal

Bhoj Wetland, also known as Bhojtal (Upper Lake) and the adjoining Lower Lake, lies on the western side of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Created in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj and later expanded around 1794, this twin-lake system spans approximately 32 km² and drains a catchment of roughly 361 km², much of which is rural with increasing urban pressures.

This dynamic habitat sustains over 238 bird species, including migratory ducks, storks, and cranes, and serves as a critical water source for nearly half of Bhopal’s population. Acting as a natural buffer, Bhoj Wetland plays a key role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and microclimate regulation in the urban ecosystem. Despite rising threats from encroachment, untreated sewage, and siltation, this Ramsar site remains a vital refuge for biodiversity and offers a living example of how urban and ecological priorities can converge in a shared landscape.

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Common birds of Bhoj Wetland

Wetland hosts a vibrant assemblage of waterbirds and terrestrial species, reflecting its ecological richness. Among the most frequently observed birds are the Lesser Whistling-Duck, Little Egret, Red-wattled Lapwing, and Black-winged Stilt, all of which favor the lake’s marshy edges and open waters. Waders like the Eastern Cattle Egret, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, and Bronze-winged Jacana add to the wetland’s dynamic birdscape, alongside the elegant River Tern, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Gray-headed Swamphen.

On the fringes of the wetland, scrub and agricultural zones attract species such as the Paddyfield Pipit, Large Gray Babbler, Indian Pied Starling, Common Woodshrike, and Oriental Magpie-Robin. The presence of forest-edge birds like the Yellow-throated Sparrow, Brahminy Starling, Black Drongo, and Indian Paradise-Flycatcher underlines the habitat mosaic of the region. With occasional sightings of Sarus Crane, Asian Openbill, and Eurasian Spoonbill, Bhoj Wetland remains an important refuge for both common and near-threatened bird species across seasons.