Bird Walk at Hardi Dam Chhattisgarh
- Bilaspur
- 21 December, 2025
- Rahul Gupta and Ratnesh Gupta
About Hardi Dam
Hardi Dam, located near Bandh (Pondi) in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, is an important freshwater reservoir that supports both local livelihoods and regional biodiversity. Surrounded by a mosaic of agricultural fields, open scrub, and patches of natural vegetation, the dam creates a productive wetland ecosystem, especially during and after the monsoon. The shallow water zones, exposed mudflats, and emergent vegetation provide ideal feeding and roosting habitats for a wide range of aquatic and semi-aquatic species, making the area ecologically significant within the landscape.
The reservoir is particularly known for its rich birdlife, attracting resident waterbirds as well as migratory species during winter. Ducks, geese, waders, herons, and raptors are commonly observed, highlighting the dam’s role as a seasonal refuge for avifauna. However, increasing human pressure from fishing activities, water extraction, agricultural runoff, and disturbance along the shoreline poses potential threats to habitat quality. Promoting responsible water use, minimizing disturbance during the breeding and wintering seasons, and involving local communities in conservation awareness can help ensure that Hardi Dam continues to function as an important wetland and birding site near Bilaspur.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Rahul Gupta
Electrical Engineer by profession, bird guide by passion — blending circuits and songbirds with equal precision.
Bird Guide: Ratnesh Gupta
Nature lover & bird watcher spreading awareness one chirp at a time. Discover, learn, and connect with the wild around you.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Hardi Dam
Hardi Dam supports a diverse assemblage of common wetland and open-country birds, reflecting the healthy mix of water, mudflats, grassland, and human-influenced habitats around the reservoir. Typical sightings include Spot-billed Duck, Indian Pond-Heron, Great, Intermediate, and Little Egrets, Indian Cormorant, Oriental Darter, and White-breasted Waterhen, while waders such as White-winged Stilt, Ruff, Common Snipe, and Red-wattled Lapwing frequent the shallow edges. The open skies and water attract River Tern, and the surrounding scrub and farmland host birds like Green Bee-eater, Long-tailed Shrike, Greater Coucal, Ashy Prinia, Indian Robin, Indian Chat, Bush Lark, Sparrow Lark, and Wire-tailed Swallow. Human-dominated areas add to the diversity with Rock Pigeon, Laughing Dove, House Sparrow, Common Myna, Pied Starling, Scaly-breasted Munia, Red Munia, Indian Silverbill, and the striking White-throated Kingfisher, making Hardi Dam a rewarding site for observing common yet ecologically important bird species.
Tufted Duck
Scaly-breasted Munia
Red Avadavat
Eurasian Hoopoe
House Sparrow
Asian Green Bee-eater
Bronze-winged Jacana
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Eurasian Coot
Lesser Whistling Duck
Shikra
Baya Weaver
Asian Openbill
Brown Shrike
Wire-tailed Swallow
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Red-wattled Lapwing
White-breasted Waterhen
Indian Roller
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Hardi Dam, led by Rahul Gupta and Ratnesh Gupta, was attended by seven participants and offered a rich learning experience in a wetland setting. The group recorded a diverse range of species, including Western Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Stilt, Spot-billed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, cormorants, Black Kite, and several waders such as Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, and Common Sandpiper. Smaller passerines and other birds like Grey and Yellow Wagtails, Common and White-throated Kingfishers, Intermediate Egret, Pond Heron, Green Bee-eater, Bay-backed Shrike, Pied Myna, Brahminy Myna, Black Redstart, Red Avadavat, and Booted Warbler further added to the impressive checklist.
One of the most touching highlights of the walk was a father introducing his young son to the world of birds, turning the outing into a meaningful learning moment. The large flocks of Red-crested Pochard and Gadwall created a natural open-air classroom, helping participants understand waterfowl behavior and identification. The walk concluded on a warm and memorable note, reinforcing how birdwatching can connect generations while fostering appreciation for wetland ecosystems and their avian diversity.
Number of Participants
0
