Bird Walk at Erayilkadavu Bypass, Kottayam, Kerala

The guided bird walk at Erayilkadavu Bypass, led by Narendran M. M., welcomed 3 participants for a rewarding morning exploring the wetland habitats of Kottayam. The walk focused on introducing participants to the incredible diversity of waterbirds found in Kerala’s backwater ecosystems while discussing bird behaviour, nesting colonies, and wetland conservation. The combination of open water, marsh vegetation, and nearby trees created excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the session. Participants actively engaged in identifying species and understanding their ecological roles, resulting in a total of 33 bird species being recorded during the walk.

Highlights included observing Little Cormorant nesting colonies, Oriental Darter juveniles, and Baya Weavers actively constructing their intricate nests. Participants were also delighted by sightings of Purple Heron, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck, White-throated Kingfisher, and Black-crowned Night Heron, providing an excellent overview of the region’s wetland birdlife. Erayilkadavu’s interconnected waterways and marshes continue to support a remarkable diversity of resident waterbirds, making it an important destination for birdwatching in Kerala. The walk highlighted the ecological significance of healthy wetlands and inspired participants to value and conserve these vital ecosystems.