Bird Walk at Ambulor Lake (Verna), Goa
- Goa
- 14 November, 2026
- Rs. 250 per head
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
About Ambulor Lake (Verna)
Tucked away in the village of Verna in South Goa, Ambulor Lake is a quiet freshwater haven that feels worlds apart from Goa’s busy beaches. The lake has a special place in the region’s geography: the River Sal, the lifeline of Salcete, rises on the Verna plateau, flows through the Udear Spring and then into Ambulor before winding its way south to the sea. Around the lake, paddy fields, trees and patches of woodland create a lush, layered landscape, and in season the water is covered with blooming lotuses. Floating vegetation, marshy edges and surrounding fields provide food and shelter for a wide variety of birds. In winter, migrant ducks arrive to join resident whistling ducks, coots and grebes, while ibises, egrets and herons work the margins. Mornings are best, when the lake is calm and the birds are most active.
Yet Ambulor’s peaceful setting is under pressure. Lying just 2 km from the Verna Industrial Estate, it is vulnerable to industrial runoff, land filling, construction and the creeping urbanisation of the surrounding countryside. Downstream, the River Sal suffers from sewage and neglect, and residents have called for its restoration. The local community has stepped up before: in 2019, over 200 villagers came together to protect Ambulor Lake. Their continued care, along with responsible visits, will help keep this wetland thriving.
Bird Guide: Ankush Sahani
With over two years of birding experience, he has documented 357 species across Goa. He feels most at home in the field while observing birds and understanding their habitats. His approach to guiding goes beyond identification, focusing on behavior and deeper connections. His aim is to inspire curiosity and encourage people to care about bird conservation through every walk.
Common birds of Ambulor Lake
Ambulor Lake is a winter favourite for Goa’s birders. Flocks of Lesser Whistling Ducks crowd the water, joined by the striking Knob-billed Duck and winter visitors such as Garganey and the elegant Northern Pintail. Eurasian Coots, Eurasian Moorhens and the tiny Little Grebe move between the lotuses and floating vegetation, while a Wood Sandpiper picks its way along the muddy edge. Little Cormorants dive for fish, and the margins are busy with Glossy and Black-headed Ibises, Little Egrets, Eastern Cattle Egrets and watchful Indian Pond Herons. Raptors add excitement: Black and Brahminy Kites patrol overhead, and a lucky visitor might spot the Greater Spotted Eagle, a vulnerable winter migrant. Along the shoreline, Common and White-throated Kingfishers flash in brilliant blue, Asian Green Bee-eaters sally after insects, and Spotted Doves and Rock Pigeons forage nearby.
Lesser Whistling Duck
Knob-billed Duck
Garganey
Northern Pintail
Rock Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Eurasian Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Wood Sandpiper
Little Grebe
Little Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Black-headed Ibis
Little Egret
Indian Pond Heron
Greater Spotted Eagle
Eastern Cattle Egret
Greater Spotted Eagle
Black Kite
Brahminy Kite
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
