Bird Walk at Siswan Forest, Chandigarh

The guided bird walk at Siswan Forest, led by Pushkar Bali, brought together 21 participants for a rewarding morning of birdwatching in one of the Chandigarh region’s most scenic forest landscapes. Nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, Siswan Forest is known for its mix of woodland, scrub vegetation, and seasonal streams, making it an excellent habitat for a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. Throughout the walk, participants explored the forest trails while learning about bird identification, behaviour, and the importance of conserving native forest ecosystems. The pleasant surroundings and rich birdlife created an engaging experience for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. By the end of the session, the group had recorded an impressive 43 bird species, reflecting the remarkable biodiversity supported by this thriving forest habitat.

Among the standout sightings of the morning were the beautiful Blue-throated Flycatcher, the well-camouflaged Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, and the elusive Black Francolin, all of which delighted participants and became the highlights of the walk. These observations offered excellent opportunities to discuss habitat preferences, feeding behaviour, and the ecological role of forest birds within the region. Siswan Forest continues to be an important natural refuge, providing ideal conditions for birdwatching while promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for local biodiversity. The walk served as a wonderful reminder that spending a few hours in nature can deepen our understanding of wildlife and inspire greater efforts toward conserving these valuable green spaces for future generations.