Bird Walk at Rancharda Lake, Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad
- 17 October, 2026
- Parth & Paahi Parikh
About Rancharda Lake
Rancharda Lake is a wetland landscape near Ahmedabad surrounded by open agricultural fields, scrub and rural settlements. The lake and its shallow edges provide suitable habitat for a variety of waterbirds, particularly during periods when water levels create exposed mudflats and feeding areas. The surrounding fields add another layer of habitat, attracting birds that forage on insects, seeds and small invertebrates. Early mornings are especially rewarding for birdwatching, when waterbirds are active around the shoreline and smaller species move through the vegetation. The combination of open water, grassy margins and nearby farmland makes Rancharda Lake an interesting location for observing both wetland and terrestrial birdlife.
The lake also forms part of the wider network of wetlands and seasonal waterbodies that are important for biodiversity around Ahmedabad. Such waterbodies provide drinking, feeding and resting sites for resident birds and can become particularly valuable to seasonal visitors when suitable water and food are available. At the same time, wetlands close to expanding urban areas can face pressures from land-use change, encroachment, pollution, waste disposal and disturbance. Protecting the lake’s natural margins and surrounding vegetation is therefore important for maintaining its ecological value. For birdwatchers, Rancharda Lake offers a quieter setting to explore Gujarat’s wetland and agricultural landscape while observing how birds make use of these small but important habitats.
Bird Guide - Parth and Paahi Parikh
With over 25 years of birdwatching experience, he has participated in more than 12 wildlife surveys and contributed two articles to vernacular magazines. He has also appeared in two television interviews on DD Girnar and showcased his wildlife photography through six exhibitions. As an iNaturalist Ambassador for the Ahmedabad region, he actively promotes citizen science and biodiversity awareness. He has also conducted wildlife and birdwatching workshops for schools and colleges, sharing his knowledge and passion for nature with the next generation.
Paahi is a 9 year old bird enthusiast who loves to lead bird walks with her father.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Rancharda Lake
Rancharda Lake offers a diverse wetland habitat surrounded by open areas and vegetation, supporting an impressive mix of waterbirds, raptors and terrestrial species. The lake is particularly productive for wetland birds, with 65 Little Cormorants and 35 Black-headed Ibises recorded, along with Little Egret, Great Egret, Indian Pond-Heron, Oriental Darter and Painted Stork. The presence of River Tern is another notable highlight, while Pied Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher add colour and activity around the water. Open muddy and grassy areas also attract 22 Red-wattled Lapwings, while White-breasted Waterhens can be found around suitable wetland vegetation.
The surrounding landscape adds considerable variety to the birding experience. Oriental Honey-buzzards, Black Drongos and Long-tailed Shrikes make use of the open habitat for hunting, while species such as Grey Francolin, Common Hoopoe, Asian Green Bee-eater and Sykes’s Warbler represent the dry scrub and grassland birdlife. Indian Peafowl, Greater Coucal and Common Tailorbird can be encountered around the vegetation, while several dove species add to the diversity of common birds. The combination of open water, wetland margins, scrub and surrounding open land makes Rancharda Lake an interesting birding site near Ahmedabad, offering opportunities to observe both resident species and seasonal visitors in a single landscape.
Indian Peafowl
Grey Francolin
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Spotted Dove
Laughing Dove
Greater Coucal
White-breasted Waterhen
Red-wattled Lapwing
River Tern
Painted Stork
Oriental Darter
Little Cormorant
Black-headed Ibis
Little Egret
Indian Pond-Heron
Great Egret
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Asian Green Bee-eater
Common Kingfisher
Summary of Walk
Seven birders joined guides Parth and Paahi Parikh at Rancharda Lake near Ahmedabad on 17 October for a walk that began sharp at 7:15 am and was full of warm company and wonderful birds. The group followed the regular path along the periphery of the lake, watching common birds while Parth explained the different beak shapes that go with different foraging habits, and everyone loved the way a Spotted Owlet peeped out from its tree hole. The group recorded 44 species, with the Knob-billed Duck and the Asian Woolly-necked Stork among the highlights, and a Pied Kingfisher, seen from very close, thrilled the participants. Abandoned Baya Weaver nests had been occupied by Silverbills, a charming example of how birds make use of whatever shelter is available, and Indian Cormorants and Little Cormorants were seen fishing together in a lively display. Just after the walk, the group enjoyed khaman and patra together, a delicious Gujarati treat that turned the end of the morning into a small celebration. Before leaving, they saw a huge platform nest of the Woolly-necked Stork, a great finish to a morning of observation. Although the group was compact, the spirits were as high as on any earlier walk, and the closeness of the group made for plenty of conversation and shared discoveries. The participants parted with sweet memories, and a few of them said they would be joining the Manipur Lake walk the next day, a lovely sign that the morning had inspired them to go back for more birding.
Number of Participants
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