Bird Race at Gorewada Nature Trail, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Nagpur
- 6 September, 2026
- Rs 200 per head (60 slots)
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
About Gorewada Biopark Lake Trail
Set within the expansive green landscape of Gorewada Biopark, the Gorewada Lake Trail offers a refreshing escape into central India’s dry deciduous wilderness. The trail winds along the serene Gorewada Lake, surrounded by a mosaic of forest patches, scrubland, and open clearings that support a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Native trees like teak, tendu, and bamboo form the backbone of this ecosystem, while the waterbody sustains fish, amphibians, and a variety of insects. This blend of aquatic and terrestrial habitats creates a dynamic environment where wildlife thrives, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers.
For birders, the Gorewada Lake Trail is a rewarding hotspot, offering a mix of waterbirds, forest species, and raptors. Early mornings are especially vibrant, with calls echoing through the trees and birds actively foraging along the water’s edge. From kingfishers and herons near the lake to drongos, flycatchers, and barbets in the forest, the diversity keeps every walk engaging. However, increasing visitor pressure, habitat disturbance, and urban expansion around Nagpur pose challenges to this fragile ecosystem. Conserving such spaces through responsible tourism, habitat management, and awareness is essential to ensure that Gorewada continues to serve as both a biodiversity refuge and a vital green lung for the city.
About Bird Race and Rules
Rules
1. One species scores only once per team. Seeing the same species again does not generate another 5/10/15 points.
2. Counts must be actual estimates, not simply writing “many.” Allow exact counts or defensible estimates such as ~30.
3. Behaviour must be meaningful. Entries such as feeding, preening, courtship, territorial calling, hunting, nesting, mobbing, soaring, etc. qualify. Simply writing “flying” or “sitting” for every species shouldn’t automatically earn behaviour points.
4. Rare sightings must be verified. Ideally require a photograph, audio recording, or confirmation by an appointed race marshal/expert. This prevents the +10 bonus becoming contentious.
5. Misidentification = no points for that species. I’d go further: a demonstrably false/unsupported rare-bird claim should carry a −10 point penalty to discourage guessing.
6. The 20-point Ataavi bonus is all-or-nothing: every registered member of the team must make and submit their checklist through the Ataavi App.
7. In case of a tie, I’d use highest number of correctly identified species → highest number of behaviour records → highest number of rare species → earliest valid checklist submission as sequential tie-breakers.

Bird Guide: Devansh Agarwal
He has been passionate about birdwatching and wildlife photography since his teenage years, a journey that began alongside his father. More than 10 years later, he continues to explore nature with him every weekend, strengthening both his connection to wildlife and his appreciation for the outdoors. His long-standing passion is reflected in his dedication to observing, documenting, and sharing the beauty of birds and their habitats.

Bird Guide: Ajinkya Dharaskar
10 years of Birding experience as a birder and photographer.

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 Gorewada Biopark Lake Trail
The birdlife along the Gorewada Lake Trail creates a lively blend of forest and wetland activity, making every walk a rewarding experience. In the trees and scrub, familiar yet charismatic species like the Red-vented Bulbul, Ashy Prinia, and Common Tailorbird keep the surroundings buzzing with movement and calls. The vibrant Coppersmith Barbet and Small Minivet add flashes of colour, while the watchful Black Drongo perches prominently, ever ready to dart after insects. Larger, more striking species like the Indian Peafowl and the elegant Yellow-footed Green Pigeon bring a sense of grandeur to the forested edges.
Closer to the water, the trail reveals a rich wetland community. Birds like the Indian Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, and Little Cormorant glide across the lake, while species such as the Grey-headed Swamphen and Little Grebe move gracefully through aquatic vegetation. The striking Purple Heron and Asian Openbill Stork add elegance to the scene, while flashes of blue from the White-throated Kingfisher brighten the shoreline. Together, these species create a dynamic birding landscape where forest and water meet, offering something exciting at every turn.

Red-vented Bulbul

Ashy Prinia

Common Tailorbird

Black Drongo

Coppersmith Barbet

Small Minivet

White-throated Kingfisher

Indian Peafowl

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

Plum-headed Parakeet

Little Cormorant

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Cotton Pygmy Goose

Grey-headed Swamphen

Purple Heron

Asian Openbill Stork

Little Grebe

Lesser Whistling-Duck

Laughing Dove

Spotted Dove
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
