Bird Walk at Bordharan (Bor Dam), Wardha, Maharashtra
- Nagpur
- 29 August, 2026
- Nayanika Bhatika
About Bordharan (Bor Dam)
Bordharan, also known as Bor Dam, is an important reservoir landscape in Wardha district of Maharashtra, surrounded by a mixture of dry deciduous vegetation, scrub, open country and agricultural landscapes. The reservoir creates a variety of aquatic and shoreline habitats, while the surrounding forest and grassland provide additional opportunities for terrestrial birds. Seasonal changes in water levels can expose muddy margins and shallow areas that are particularly useful to waders and other waterbirds. The wider landscape also provides feeding and nesting habitat for raptors, cuckoos, francolins, doves and woodland species.
The diversity of habitats around Bor Dam makes it an attractive birdwatching destination, with both resident species and birds associated with seasonal wetlands. The August observations highlight the importance of the reservoir margins, with Gray-headed Swamphen, Eurasian Moorhen, White-breasted Waterhen, Little Ringed Plover, Greater Painted-Snipe and Green Sandpiper recorded alongside larger wetland birds such as Asian Woolly-necked Stork and Painted Stork. The surrounding open habitats support Painted and Gray Francolins, while cuckoos and Little Swifts add variety to the terrestrial bird community. The area demonstrates the ecological value of reservoirs as multi-habitat landscapes.
Bird Guide: Nayanika Bhatia
Nayanika Bhatia is a certified nature guide and founder of Nagpur Nature Trails, with 4 years of experience and over 100 guided walks across India’s forests,known for her keen eye for birds and the stories they carry.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Bordharan (Bor Dam)
Bordharan supports a particularly varied bird community, ranging from waterbirds and waders to raptors, cuckoos and open-country species. Highlights include Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Painted Stork, Greater Painted-Snipe, Gray-headed Swamphen and Green Sandpiper. Gray Francolin and Painted Francolin represent the dry open habitats, while Pied Cuckoo, Gray-bellied Cuckoo, Common Hawk-Cuckoo and Asian Koel add a strong cuckoo component. The surrounding vegetation and reservoir edges also support Indian Peafowl, Little Swift, White-breasted Waterhen, Little Cormorant and Red-wattled Lapwing.
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Grey Francolin
Painted Francolin
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Red Collared-Dove
Spotted Dove
Laughing Dove
Greater Coucal
Pied Cuckoo
Asian Koel
Grey-bellied Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Little Swift
Eurasian Moorhen
Grey-headed Swamphen
White-breasted Waterhen
Little Ringed Plover
Red-wattled Lapwing
Green Sandpiper
Summary of Walk
Led by Nayanika Bhatia, nine participants took part in what was an ambitious first-of-its-kind bird walk at Bordharan, Bor Dam, marking the start of birding activities in the Wardha region. The group included several regular birdwatchers who travelled in from Nagpur, and everyone was excited to explore this scenic reservoir landscape together.
Despite heavy rain during the walk, the group stayed the course, watching birds from the shade and recording 20 species. The undoubted highlight was the magnificent Woolly-necked Stork, striking in black plumage with an impressive wingspan, along with sightings of Scaly-breasted Munia, Ashy Drongo and Grey Heron. Many participants were so enthused by the experience that they requested future walks be scheduled on Sundays. It was a wonderful start to birding in a new city, with the enthusiasm of the group promising great things for Wardha’s birding community going forward.
Number of Participants
0
