Nagpur, bounded by national parks and sanctuaries, is known as the tiger capital of India. But it also plays host to a wide variety of birds – both resident and migratory. Nagpur is paradise for birdwatchers. As many as 350 different species have been recorded in and around the city.
Of course, the best time to go is between October and February, when migratory birds descend upon Nagpur’s lakes and wetlands, although there is no dearth of avian wildlife to observe throughout the year. So, here’s a list of eight of the best birding hotspots in Nagpur. Pack your bags, binoculars and a telephoto lens; it’s always a good time to go.
Ambazari Lake and Garden
Some of the most diverse sightings have been recorded at Ambazari Lake, in the heart of the city. The lake has two approach roads – the first, near the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) office, leads directly to the lakeshore. In the winter, this is birding heaven – waterbirds abound, and the region is good for raptor sightings too. Look out for falcons, ospreys and eagles. The other approach road, closer to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) pump house, takes you through a dense forest to the other side of the lake. The area near the stream is a nesting place for flycatchers in the summer – from ultramarines and canaries to monarchs and paradise flycatchers, you’ll find them all. Dancing peacocks will vie for attention too.
FDCM is located here, and MIDC is here.
Chargaon Lake
Chargaon Lake is around 40km from the city, but it is definitely worth the trip. Birders have been rewarded with amazing sightings of waders, such as the Eurasian Curlew, Ruff, and Curlew Sandpiper. It is also where more than 30 Black Storks were seen together – a record sighting. The lakeshore is always dotted with pratincoles and Kentish Plovers. Approach the birds by car for some splendid photo opportunities. Don’t drive here in the summer, though, as plovers and pratincoles nest on the dry ground.
Chargaon Lake is located here.
Degma Forest
This area has three lakes – Jhilpi, Salaimendha and Bhivkund – and there’s an old stone quarry surrounded by scrubland. The quarry is breathtakingly scenic, and is an interesting place for birding. The White-eyed Buzzard, Blue Rock Thrush, Crested Swift, Great Tit, Crested Bunting and many other avians have been spotted here. If you are lucky, you may find the mesmerising Indian Eagle Owl in the scrubland. It’s advisable not to venture too deep into the forest though: Degma is the forest corridor to the Bor Tiger reserve.
The quarry is located here. Jhilpi Lake is here, and Salaimendha Lake is here.
Gorewada Biodiversity Park
Gorewada Lake, which provides water to the city of Nagpur, is famous for winter sightings of the beautiful Great Crested Grebe and the rare Ferruginous Pochard. Other waterfowls such as Tufted Pochards, Red-crested Pochards and Pintails are commonly spotted here too. The reservoir is surrounded by a small forest, which is lined with many streams that connect to the lake. The area is home to several tiny flycatchers, like the Ultramarine Flycatcher, and you may also find the state bird of Maharashtra, the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, in the vicinity.
Gorewada Biodiversity Park is located here.
Koradi Lake
Not too far from the city, Koradi Lake is a great destination for a short birding trip. This beautiful, reedy wetland is the perfect habitat for elusive bitterns, like the Black Bittern, Yellow Bittern and Cinnamon Bittern. Sightings of Red Munias, Tricoloured Munias and Purple Moorhens are not uncommon here. In winter, the lake is home to many migratory ducks, while in summer, it is a nesting ground for bee-eaters.
Koradi Lake is located here.
Mihan
Formerly known as Shivangaon, Mihan, or the Multi-Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport project, is an industrial area under development today. The scrubland is also home to two waterbodies – Telhara Lake and Dahegaon Lake. Birdwatchers flock here for good reason. There’ve been sightings of the Lesser Florican, European Bee-eater, Bristled Grassbird, Greylag Goose and Imperial Eagle. During the winter, both waterbodies are crowded with migratory ducks. If you are lucky, you might see the brightly coloured Bluethroat at Telhara. Dahegaon Lake is the best place to observe the Red-crested Pochard – photographers will get brilliant close-range shots from here. In summer, the Indian Courser nests in the scrubland. Along a famous track that local birdwatchers call “Courser Road”, you could spot as many as 30 coursers in the vicinity.
Telhara Lake is located here, and Dahegaon Lake is here.
Umred Road Lakes
The state highway that connects Nagpur and Umred is flanked by dams and reservoirs on both sides. Every year hundreds of Bar-headed Geese, our Mongolian visitors, come to congregate around the three lakes here – Paradgaon, Khapri, and Haladgaon (Saiki). While you’re there, look out for soaring raptors – once in a while, you may even find vultures. A few years ago, this area was also home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but now they are nowhere to be seen. Beyond birding, there’s also a good chance to sight the beautiful Blackbuck, and the elusive Indian Wolf.
Paradgaon Lake is located here, Khapri Lake is here, and Haladgaon Lake is here.
Wena Lake
Wena Lake is a huge lake and is the ‘get together’ place for the Red-crested Pochards. Every year around 3,000 of these birds migrate to this lake. It's the most amazing experience to see them fly; the sound of flapping wings feels like a huge wave running through the lake. Apart from this fabulous scene, the lake has also surprised birders with sightings of Red Phalarope, Ruff and snipes. Every year, around May, a pair of Pacific Golden Plovers rests at this place during their return migration. Also in summer, you may find the Oriental Pratincole nesting on the lake shores. The place promises an amazing all round experience.
Wena Lake is located here and here.
