Ekana Wetlands Lucknow - Explore 60 Bird Species and Urban Biodiversity
Amongst the green environs of Lucknow: A report of the Lucknow Earth Walks birdwatching trail
Date: 30 August
Location: Ekana Wetlands
Location Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gBqkqKbimxLboVhg8
Walk Theme: Morning Wingbeats
Walk Leader: Dev Vikram Upadhyay
Walk coordinator: Salil Dutta
No. of participants: 18
After the immense success of Earth Walks in different places such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pangot, Gir, Pune and Kolkata, it was the right time to increase the ambition of the walk. Lucknow was chosen for the next location on demand of the people there. On our very first walk, the team of Asian Adventures, Global Wildlife Fair, Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism were pleased to see the massive audience turning up for the walk. The walk leader first began by explaining the geographical importance of the place. Situated on the banks of the Gomti River, the Ekana Wetlands offer a one-of-a-kind combination of marshes, seasonal pools, channels of water, and green environs. Because of this very combination, the area also acts as an important transitional zone supporting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Hence, the avian life that one gets to witness here is nothing less than unique. The walk started with the spotting of the Indian Silverbill, which the walk leader explained was just the starting of the walk. As the participants clicked pictures of the bird, he further explained about the behavioral pattern of the bird and why it has become a common feature in the region. The topic of discussion then shifted towards urban biodiversity. It was a new concept for some people who had joined the walk and definitely for the children who had accompanied them. He explained that these places stand as a prime example how urbanisation and nature can go hand in hand but also marked the clear distinction that it does not mean they can thrive on their own. They need awareness and attention at the same time.
It was in the middle of this conservation that the next sighting of the day was spotted. The blue-tailed bee-eater was spotted. It was hidden amongst the bushes, yet emerged at the right time to give panoramic shots to the participants. The walk acted as a pathway for people to understand that the first step to conservation is conversation. Overall, the walk was a huge success where the participants gor introduced to the concept of Earth Walks and also learnt about a new location in Lucknow. They specifically requested the next walk to be organised at the same location as they want to learn and explore more about it.
You can be a part of Earth Walks and discover the hidden biodiversity gems and places of cultural and historical importance. Click on this link to discover what Earth Walks is organising this week in your city: click here: https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725
Bird List
1. Lesser Whistling-Duck
2. Cotton Pygmy-Goose
3. Indian Spot-billed Duck
4. Indian Peafowl
5. Rock Pigeon
6. Eurasian Collared-Dove
7. Red Collared-Dove
8. Spotted Dove
9. Laughing Dove
10. Greater Coucal
11. Asian Koel
12. Eurasian Moorhen
13. Gray-headed Swamphen
14. Red-wattled Lapwing
15. Bronze-winged Jacana
16. Oriental Darter
17. Little Cormorant
18. Red-naped Ibis
19. Black Bittern
20. Cinnamon Bittern
21. Yellow Bittern
22. Black-crowned Night Heron
23. Little Egret
24. Indian Pond-Heron
25. Eastern Cattle Egret
26. Purple Heron
27. Indian Gray Hornbill
28. Asian Green Bee-eater
29. Blue-tailed Bee-eater
30. Common Kingfisher
31. White-throated Kingfisher
32. Pied Kingfisher
33. Indian Roller
34. Coppersmith Barbet
35. Rose-ringed Parakeet
36. Black Drongo
37. House Crow
38. Large-billed Crow
39. Ashy Prinia
40. Plain Prinia
41. Zitting Cisticola
42. Wire-tailed Swallow
43. Red-whiskered Bulbul
44. Red-vented Bulbul
45. Indian Pied Starling
46. Common Myna
47. Bank Myna
48. Indian Robin
49. Oriental Magpie-Robin
50. Brown Rock Chat
51. Purple Sunbird
52. Indian Silverbill
53. White-browed Wagtail
54. White-breasted Waterhen
55. Black-winged Stilt
56. Pheasant-tailed Jacana
57. Bronze-winged Jacana
58. Common Tailorbird
59. Spotted Owlet
60. Asian Openbill