Bird walk at Dhakuria Lake (Birdwalk and Heronry watch), Kolkata, WB
- Kolkata
- 27 June, 2026
- Tirthankar Roy Chowdhury
About Dhakuria Lake
Nestled in the heart of South Kolkata, Dhakuria Lake—officially known as Rabindra Sarovar—is an urban oasis where nature flourishes amidst one of India’s busiest metropolitan landscapes. Spread across nearly 192 acres, with about 73 acres of open water, the lake is surrounded by mature woodland, flowering trees, bamboo groves, grasslands, and aquatic vegetation that together create a remarkably diverse habitat. This mosaic of ecosystems supports an impressive variety of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles, fish, and small mammals, earning the lake its reputation as the “lungs of South Kolkata
For birdwatchers, Dhakuria Lake is one of eastern India’s finest urban birding hotspots. Resident waterbirds share the lake with an exciting parade of winter migrants and passage visitors, making every season rewarding for both beginners and experienced birders. Its wooded islands, reed-fringed shores, and quiet corners provide vital feeding and roosting sites despite the surrounding city. However, increasing urbanisation, pollution, habitat alteration, excessive beautification, and human disturbance continue to challenge its ecological balance. Ongoing conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and an active local birding community play a crucial role in safeguarding this unique wetland for future generations.
Bird Guide - Tirthankar Roy Chowdhury
By profession he is an IT Engineer, at heart a nature enthusiast. He finds joy in observing life in all its forms- from tiny fungi to soaring birds. He lead nature walks that welcome everyone, inspiring children, underprivileged and especially abled to discover the wonder of nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Dhakuria Lake
Dhakuria Lake is one of eastern India’s finest urban birding hotspots, where tranquil waters, wooded islands, and mature tree cover provide habitat for an impressive variety of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can observe elegant waterbirds such as Grey Herons, Indian Cormorants, Oriental Darters, and Eurasian Moorhens alongside the striking Bronze-winged Jacana gliding across floating vegetation. The surrounding woodland comes alive with colourful Blue-throated Barbets, Coppersmith Barbets, Black-hooded Orioles, and Rose-ringed Parakeets, while kingfishers, owls, raptors, and songbirds ensure every visit offers exciting sightings. With a rich mix of wetland and woodland species, Dhakuria Lake is a rewarding destination for both beginner birders and seasoned naturalists in every season.
Little Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Common Myna
Painted Stork
Indian Cormorant
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Orange-headed Thrush
Asian Koel
Eurasian Moorhen
Oriental Darter
Black Kite
House Sparrow
White-throated Kingfisher
Indian Pond Heron
Grey-headed Swamphen
Coppersmith Barbet
Red-vented Bulbul
Common Tailorbird
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Dhakuria Lake, though attended by only two participants, turned out to be a deeply engaging and memorable experience. The lake’s island habitats supported active nesting colonies, offering participants a rare opportunity to observe heronries up close. The quiet setting allowed for uninterrupted observation, making it ideal for understanding bird behaviour in detail. The presence of wetland birds and other fauna added to the richness of the experience.
A total of 20 species were recorded during the walk. Highlights included Oriental Darters, Grey Herons, and Black-crowned Night Herons nesting with chicks, providing valuable insights into breeding behaviour. A particularly exciting moment occurred when participants observed Black Drongos aggressively mobbing a Shikra, showcasing defensive behaviour in birds. Additionally, an Indian Flapshell Turtle was spotted, adding diversity to the sightings. The walk emphasized behavioural observation and patience, demonstrating that even small groups can have highly rewarding birding experiences. Overall, it was a session filled with learning, rare moments, and close interaction with nature.
Number of Participants
0
