Best Times to Visit Surajpur Wetlands for Incredible Bird Photography
Witnessing the avian wonders - A report of the birdwatching trail at Surajpur Wetlands
Date: 22 March 2026
Location: Surajpur Wetlands
Trail Leader: Mr. Rohit Sharma
Walk Coordinator: Aditi Sharma, Salil Dutta
Trail Theme: Birds & Beyond: A birdwalk at Surajpur
Number of participants: 39
Surajpur Wetlands has always been a hotspot for birders. What makes the spot perfect for a birdwatching trail is an expert like Rohit Sharma leading it. To highlight the importance of this biodiversity arena in the urban landscape, Asian Adventures, in collaboration with the Global Wildlife Fair, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, and Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism, organised an Earth walk in Surajpur Wetlands. The walk began with participants introducing themselves and discussing what had originally interested them in birding and nature trails. These fruitful discussions have helped build a community that shares a genuine passion for biodiversity. Soon after spotting a white-throated Kingfisher, the discussion shifted to much more serious concerns surrounding the wetlands and the actions that have been taken to protect them.
The walk leader explained that earlier water pollution had become a major issue with the nearby factories dumping waste in the wetlands. This issue was highlighted, and a quick response was taken by the Uttar Pradesh Government, which led to the creation of a channel that redirected the waste from the factories to somewhere else. This little initiative worked wonders in restoring the biodiversity in the wetlands. In the middle of this discussion, a striking sight was seen where a Nilgai was skimming through the waters as it was being chased by a pack of wild dogs. It was then that some participants enquired if the wetlands were safe for women who wanted to practice birding alone.
The place was termed very safe by the walk leader, who then explained the simple registration procedure for birding in the wetlands. As the Earth Walk proceeded, the participants were mesmerised to see a pair (male and female) of Black-necked stork basking in the sunlight. They captured this moment with their cameras. It was a noteworthy Earth Walks event, with veteran birders such as Lt. Gen. Arun Chopra and Jaswinder Singh Warich joining us.
After spotting an Indian Gray Hornbill flying across the sky, it was even discussed that for many birders, it was the 2nd or 3rd walk with Earth Walks, as the experience has always been an enriching one for them. After completing the designated path for the birdwatching trail, the Earth walk continued along the scenic natural trail within the wetlands, where species such as the Green Sandpiper and the Glossy Ibis were spotted. Overall, the walk ended on a high note with participants looking for more such opportunities to make the best of their Sundays. Even you can make the best of the weekends and turn them into meaningful and exploratory experiences with Earth Walks. To be a part of this, click here https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725/
Bird List
- Bar-headed Goose
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Northern Shoveler
- Eurasian Wigeon
- Indian Spot-billed Duck
- Tufted Duck
- Garganey
- Gadwall
- Northern Pintail
- Eurasian Coot
- Rock Dove
- Yellow-footed green pigeon
- Indian Peafowl
- Gray Francolin
- Collared Dove
- Laughing Dove
- Greater Coucal
- Common Moorhen
- Gray-headed Swamphen
- White-breasted Waterhen
- Black-winged Stilt
- Red-wattled Lapwing
- Green Sandpiper
- Wood Sandpiper
- Little Grebe
- Black-necked Stork
- Glossy Ibis
- Black-headed Ibis
- Little Egret
- Indian Pond-heron
- Purple Heron
- Shikra
- Black Kite
- Spotted Owlet
- Asian Green Bee-eater
- White-throated Kingfisher
- Indian Roller
- Coppersmith Barbet
- Brown-headed Barbet
- Ringed-necked Barbet
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Black Drongo
- Long-tailed Shrike
- Rufous Treepie
- House Crow
- Large-billed Crow
- Common Tailorbird
- Ashy Prinia
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Common Chiffchaff
- Greenish Warbler
- Large Grey Babbler
- Jungle Babbler
- Indian Pied Starling
- Purple Sunbird
- Western Yellow Wagtail
- Citrine Wagtail
- Paddyfield Pipit
- Indian Gray Hornbill