Bird Walk at Sumiran Forest, Sagoni, Sehore, Bhopal, MP
- Bhopal
- 27 September, 2026
- Sarang Mhatre, MPTB and Tarang Ecotours
About Sumiran Forest, Sagoni, Sehore
Sumiran Forest is a 300-acre community-conserved forest and ecological retreat located in Barkheda village near Bilkisganj in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, about a 1 hour drive (40 km) from Bhopal. Once a drought-prone, abandoned plantation, it has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem through extensive rainwater harvesting and water conservation. Features over 80 acres of water bodies, including a large lake and 8 km of natural streams. Home to dense forest patches, diverse flora and fauna, including 200 to 300 species of birds.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Sarang Mhatre
He is a bird expert, naturalist, Master trainer for Anubhuti Eco Camp in MP and a wildlife photographer. He has been working with MP Forest Department since 2016 and is the co-founder of Tarang EcoTours.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Sumiran Forest, Sagoni, Sehore
Sumiran Forest supports a diverse mix of wetland, woodland, scrub, and open-habitat birds. Wetland-associated species such as Woolly-necked Stork, Painted Stork, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Wood Sandpiper, and the two kingfishers make use of nearby water bodies and wet areas. The forest and surrounding vegetation support species such as Black-rumped Flameback, Grey Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Iora, Jungle Babbler, Indian White-eye, Rufous Treepie, and Red-vented Bulbul. Spotted Owlet and Black Kite represent the area’s raptors and birds of prey, while Indian Robin, Common Hoopoe, and Greater Coucal add to the diversity of birds found in open and scrub habitats. Together, these species reflect the variety of habitats around Sumiran Forest and its value for birdwatching.
Asian Woolly-necked Stork
Painted Stork
Spotted Owlet
Common Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Great Cormorant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Indian Pond Heron
Wood Sandpiper
Red-vented Bulbul
Common Iora
Common Hoopoe
Black Kite
Black-rumped Flameback
Indian Robin
Jungle Babbler
Indian White-eye
Grey Hornbill
Greater Coucal
Summary of Walk
Nine participants joined guide Sarang Mhatre, co-founder of Tarang Ecotours, for a refreshing morning bird walk at Sumiran Forest, Bhopal. The group recorded an impressive 33 species, with Egyptian Vulture and Crested Serpent Eagle soaring together in the sky among the standout highlights.
Other species spotted included Golden Oriole, Grey Francolin, Indian Grey Hornbill, Small Blue Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted Munia and Pygmy Woodpecker, along with Grey Heron, Little Egret, Indian Spot-billed Duck and Little Cormorant near the lake. Along the way, Sarang shared insights on birdwatching techniques, effective use of binoculars, identification and conservation, including a chart explaining the different beaks of birds and their uses — blending learning with memorable real-time sightings for a genuinely engaging morning.
Number of Participants
0
