Delhi Earth Walk at Chandu Budhera with Pankaj Gupta Trip Report

Date: 06-07-025
Location: Chandu Budhera Wetland, Haryana
Walk Leader: Pankaj Gupta
Participants: 16 
Bird Species Spotted: 68

On a pleasant monsoon morning, 16 enthusiastic nature lovers gathered for a Delhi Earth Walk at the beautiful Chandu Budhera wetland, guided by expert birder Pankaj Gupta.

The first few participants arrived as early as 5:30 AM, and by 5:45 AM, the entire group was ready and eager. Before the birding began, we had a brief yet meaningful introduction and discussion about the Delhi Earth Walks initiative, our shared goals for the walk, and the significance of urban biodiversity conservation.

We officially began birding at 6:10 AM, with binoculars and cameras ready. The wetlands were alive with bird activity, and over the next two hours, we explored the mosaic of open water, reeds, and grassland habitats. We concluded the walk by 8:15 AM, with a stunning list of 68 bird species observed – a true testament to the richness of this lesser-known birding haven.

From colorful kingfishers and skulkers like warblers to elegant waders and raptors scanning the skies, the sightings were diverse and rewarding. Everyone, from expert photographers to first-time birders, had something to celebrate.

Our group included a wonderful mix of backgrounds – doctors, photographers, a former Army officer, and even a child who was as curious as any adult. These varied perspectives enriched our conversations and learning moments throughout the walk.

A special thanks to our walk leader, Pankaj Gupta, for his engaging storytelling, species identification tips, and gentle guidance that made the experience both educational and inspiring.

Delhi Earth Walks is more than a birding session – it's a growing movement to reconnect citizens with nature, encourage conservation action, and build community through shared love for the wild.

Join us on the next trail – nature is closer than you think!

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A list of the 68 species-
1.    Lesser Whistling-Duck
2.    Knob-billed Duck
3.    Indian Spot-billed Duck
4.    Indian Peafowl
5.    Grey Francolin
6.    Black Francolin
7.    Feral Pigeon
8.    Collared Dove
9.    Laughing Dove
10.   Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon
11.   Greater Coucal
12.   Pied Cuckoo
13.   Asian Koel
14.   Common Moorhen
15.   Grey-headed Swamphen
16.    White-breasted Waterhen
17.    Sarus Crane
18.    Black-winged Stilt
19.    Red-wattled Lapwing
20.    Greater Painted-Snipe
21.    Pheasant-tailed Jacana
22.    Marsh Sandpiper
23.    Wood Sandpiper
24.    Spotted Redshank
25.    Oriental Pratincole
26.    Greater Flamingo
27.    Painted Stork
28.    Little Cormorant
29.    Glossy Ibis
30.    Black-headed Ibis
31.    Red-naped Ibis
32.    Black Bittern
33.    Cinnamon Bittern
34.    Little Egret
35.    Indian Pond Heron
36.    Eastern Cattle-Egret
37.    Medium Egret
38.    Grey Heron
39.    Purple Heron
40.    Black Kite
41.    Spotted Owlet
42.    Asian Green Bee-eater
43.    White-throated Kingfisher
44.    Indian Roller
45.    Black Drongo
46.    Long-tailed Shrike
47.    House Crow
48.    Delicate Prinia
49.    Yellow-bellied Prinia
50.    Ashy Prinia
51.    Plain Prinia
52.    Zitting Cisticola
53.    Grey-throated Martin
54.    Wire-tailed Swallow
55.    Red-vented Bulbul
56.    Large Grey Babbler
57.    Striated Babbler
58.    Indian Pied Starling
59.    Common Myna
60.    Bank Myna
61.    Indian Robin
62.    Pied Bushchat
63.    Baya Weaver
64.    Black-breasted Weaver
65.    Indian Silverbill
66.    House Sparrow
67.    Sind Sparrow
68.    Paddyfield Pipit

 

Trip Report By
Mahesh Rajpoot