Bird Walk at Sukhna Lake, Aurangabad, MH
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- 7 September, 2025
- Shravan Paralikar
About Sukhna Lake
Nestled in the semi-arid expanse of central Maharashtra, the Sukhna Lake/Dam near Aurangabad is a serene ecological refuge that blends utility with natural charm. Built as a small irrigation structure, the reservoir now forms an important aquatic ecosystem surrounded by scrublands and agricultural fields. The lake attracts a wide range of birdlife, from resident species such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers to seasonal migrants including storks and various ducks, making it a quiet hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its waters also sustain freshwater fish and amphibians, while the surrounding vegetation provides habitat for reptiles, small mammals, and pollinators.
Beyond its biodiversity, Sukhna Lake plays a vital role in local livelihoods by supporting agriculture and acting as a source of water for nearby villages. The lake’s calm environment has made it a favored spot for morning walkers, students, and families seeking respite from Aurangabad’s urban bustle. In recent years, community-led efforts and eco-awareness drives have highlighted the importance of conserving this fragile wetland, especially as pressures from encroachment and pollution grow. Much like a living classroom, Sukhna Lake invites visitors to witness the harmony between people and nature while underlining the need to safeguard freshwater habitats in dryland regions.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Shravan Paralikar
An ecological consultant, biodiversity researcher, a passionate birder and a wildlife enthusiast. Currently working on a funded project at Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary for creating a wildlife management plan.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Dam in Aurangabad hosts a remarkable diversity of wetland and woodland birds, making it a vibrant hotspot for birdwatchers. The reservoir attracts large flocks of waterbirds such as Black-winged Stilts, Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibises, and Indian Pond-Herons, while elegant waders like Green Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, and Common Sandpipers forage along the shallow edges. Egrets and herons, including Gray Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, and Great Egret, add to the spectacle, while Little Cormorants, Indian Cormorants, and Glossy Ibises highlight the lake’s rich aquatic habitats. Ducks such as the Indian Spot-billed Duck and winter visitors like the Ruddy Shelduck further underline the site’s role as a seasonal refuge.
Complementing these wetland specialists is a colorful mix of terrestrial and arboreal birds that thrive in the dam’s surrounding scrub and fields. Species such as the Red Avadavat, Baya Weaver, Indian Robin, Ashy Prinia, and Rufous-tailed Lark animate the grasslands, while Common Mynas, House Sparrows, and Eurasian Collared-Doves frequent the settlements nearby. Raptors and open-country birds like the River Tern, Black Drongo, and Long-tailed Shrike can also be observed, while the arrival of migrants such as Wood Sandpiper and Paddyfield Pipit reflects the dam’s importance along seasonal flyways. With charismatic residents like the Indian Peafowl, White-throated Kingfisher, and Purple Sunbird, Sukhna Dam offers an impressive blend of wetland, woodland, and migratory species in one dynamic landscape.
Black-winged Stilt
Painted Stork
Black-headed Ibis
Indian Pond Heron
Common Myna
Eurasian Moorhen
Grey Heron
Grey-headed Swamphen
Red-vented Bulbul
Ashy Prinia
Indian Pied Starling
White-throated Kingfisher
Red-wattled Lapwing
Asian Koel
Grey Francolin
Baya Weaver
Indian Robin
House Sparrow
Purple Heron
Common Myna
Summary of Walk
At Sukhna Lake in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 24 enthusiastic participants gathered for a bird walk guided by Shravan Paralikar. Among them was a lively family of nine, including kids and elders, whose energy and curiosity added extra joy and warmth to the morning. The setting of the lake, with its calm waters and surrounding greenery, provided the perfect backdrop for both learning and experiencing the wonders of birdlife together.
Shravan led the group through an engaging session on the many benefits of birdwatching—not just as a recreational activity but as a practice that sharpens observation skills, connects people to nature, and fosters mindfulness. He explained how to identify birds through their physical features, calls, and behavior, while also emphasizing the importance of conservation and the role of citizen science in protecting avian diversity.
The walk turned into a memorable shared experience for both individuals and families, where beginners discovered the thrill of spotting birds and children learned to see nature with fresh eyes. By the end, participants left with a deeper understanding of how small actions, like recording bird sightings, contribute to larger conservation goals. It was a morning of knowledge, discovery, and community spirit by the lake.
Number of Participants
0
