Bird Walk at Vellayini lake, Kireedam Palam, Trivandrum, Kerala

Name: Bird Walk at Vellayini lake, Kireedam Palam, Trivandrum, Kerala
Start: 2026-09-06T06:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-09-06T08:00:00+05:30

About Vellayini lake, Kireedam Palam

Tucked away near Kireedam Palam in Kerala, Vellayani Lake unfolds as a serene freshwater expanse where land and water blend into a rich mosaic of life. This shallow, rain-fed lake—one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region—supports a vibrant wetland ecosystem fringed with paddy fields, floating vegetation, and patches of reeds. Lotus blooms and water lilies dot the surface, while the surrounding landscape hosts coconut groves and moist deciduous vegetation. Together, these habitats create an ever-changing stage for a remarkable diversity of fauna, especially aquatic birds that thrive in the calm, nutrient-rich waters.

For birders, Vellayani is a quiet treasure. Early mornings reveal flocks gliding across misty waters and waders delicately probing the muddy edges. From resident breeders to seasonal visitors, the lake is alive with movement and calls. However, like many wetlands, it faces mounting pressures—urban expansion, agricultural runoff, invasive plant species, and water pollution threaten its ecological balance. Conservation efforts and responsible tourism are vital to preserve this delicate habitat, ensuring that the rhythms of birdlife and wetland ecology continue undisturbed for generations to come.

Bird Guide: Malavika S Nair

She is a researcher with over three years of experience in ornithological research and is currently working as a researcher at the Wildlife Institute of India – Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore. She has also worked on a vulture conservation project with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and has extensive fieldwork experience in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Beyond her research, she has volunteered in various forest and urban bird surveys across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Her fieldwork has involved bird identification, monitoring and biodiversity assessments across diverse habitats, contributing to wildlife research, ecological understanding and conservation efforts.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Vellayini lake, Kireedam Palam

The birdlife of Vellayani Lake is both diverse and enchanting, offering a blend of elegance, stealth, and spectacle. Tiny gems like the Cotton Pygmy-Goose glide effortlessly between floating vegetation, while the rhythmic calls of Lesser Whistling-Ducks echo across the water at dusk. Waders like Black-winged Stilts and Greater Painted-Snipes add grace to the muddy fringes, while jacanas—with their long toes—appear to walk on water among lotus leaves. Herons and ibises stand poised in patient stillness, and the sudden plunge of a Pied Kingfisher brings bursts of action to the calm surface. Whether it’s the secretive Cinnamon Bittern hiding in reeds or the striking Whiskered Terns skimming low over the water, each species adds a unique thread to the lake’s living tapestry.