Bird walk at Rabindra Sarovar Lake (BRC Side), Kolkata
- Kolkata
- 7 December, 2025
- Sounak Dutta
About Rabindra Sarovar Lake
Rabindra Sarovar Lake, located in the heart of South
Kolkata, West Bengal, is a tranquil urban oasis that
offers a rich blend of ecological diversity and cultural
legacy. Originally developed in the 1920s as part of a
large-scale urban beautification project, the lake is
also known as Dhakuria Lake—was named in honor of
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Enveloped by lush greenery and dotted with islands,
the lake has long been a beloved destination for
morning walkers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts. The lake has evolved into a crucial green lung for the
city, supporting a wide range of birdlife, particularly
during the migratory season. With its mosaic of
habitats, calm waters, dense groves, and aquatic
vegetation- the lake sustains a delicate urban
ecosystem. Beyond its environmental importance, the
lake area also houses cultural institutions, historic
clubs, and open-air theatres, reinforcing its role as
both an ecological and cultural landmark. Its tree-lined
paths and reflective waters invite quiet reflection,
community gatherings, and nature appreciation within
the urban bustle.
Partnered with
Bird Guide - Sounak Dutta
Sounak is an academician teaching Chemistry in a college based in Kolkata. As a passion, he does Birding and Nature Photography. From the last year, he has been doing Nature walks with kids and elders.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Rabindra Sarovar Lake
Rabindra Sarovar hosts a rich variety of wetland birds like Little Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron, Painted Stork, Eurasian Moorhen, and Oriental Darter. Occasional visitors include the Stork-billed Kingfisher, Asian Openbill, and Bronze-winged Jacana, making the lake a vibrant spot for waterbird sightings. In winter migration time, many flycatchers visit the lake like Asian Brown Flycatcher, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Indian Paradise Flycatcher.
Its green surroundings attract woodland and garden
birds such as Asian Koel, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rufous
Treepie, and Lineated Barbet. Raptors like the Black
Kite and Shikra, along with Spotted Owlet, Purple
Sunbird, and Oriental Magpie-Robin, make it a
rewarding destination for birdwatchers year-round.
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 Rabindra Sarobar (BRC Side), Kolkata, held on 7th December 2025, was organised with the support of the Ataavi Foundation and led by local bird guide Sounak Dutta along with his team. A diverse group of 19 participants, including four children, gathered at the BRC gate around 7:00 am—an area well known as one of Kolkata’s most vibrant birdwatching spots. Sounak began the session by introducing the work of the Ataavi Foundation, followed by a round of participant introductions. He also familiarized the group with the newly launched Ataavi birding app, adding a digital learning component to the morning’s experience.
The walk began with the sight of a large flock of Painted Storks on the island at the centre of the lake, along with various species of cormorants, herons, and other wetland birds. As the group moved through the adjoining park trails, they observed many urban bird species, ultimately recording around 35 species during the session. The concluding stretch of the walk delivered two special highlights: a vibrant Verditer Flycatcher and a striking Black-naped Oriole, both exciting finds for the participants. Throughout the walk, Sounak enriched the experience with insights into bird behaviour, habitats, and migration patterns. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the morning and shared positive feedback, expressing eagerness to join more such birding experiences in the future.
Number of Participants
0
