Birding in Bhondsi Nature Park, Gurgaon

Birdwatching, or birding, is more than a hobby. For many, it’s a passion and a way of life. The thrill of spotting a rare species or capturing an elusive bird in action can be an unforgettable experience. If you’re a birding enthusiast, one location you shouldn’t overlook is Bhondsi Nature Park in Gurgaon, India. Situated on the city’s outskirts, this park is an oasis of biodiversity and a haven for some of the most exotic bird species native to India.

Bhondsi Nature Park: An Avian Haven

Bhondsi Nature Park, with its wide variety of habitats, is home to an impressive array of bird species. Throughout the year, the park is alive with the chorus of resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike. The park’s serene environment, lush greenery, and water bodies make it a hotspot for birding.

Among the numerous bird species found in the park, we’ll be focusing on the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, White Bellied Drongo, Fire Capped Tit, Rose Finch, and Verditer Flycatcher. Each of these species presents a unique birding experience, providing an excellent opportunity for photography, especially when using the Canon EOS 90D paired with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens.

Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi)

The Indian Paradise Flycatcher is one of the most sought-after species for birdwatchers. Known for its ethereal beauty, this bird, with its long, ribbon-like tail and striking white or rufous coloration, is indeed a sight to behold. The male of the species is particularly striking, its tail can be nearly twice the length of its body. This species can be spotted in the park from late April to early July, offering photographers the opportunity to capture their mesmerizing flight and elegant form.

Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura)

The Indian Pitta, locally known as the ‘Navrang’ or ‘nine-colored’ bird due to its vivid, multi-colored plumage, is another star attraction at Bhondsi Nature Park. The Pitta’s vibrant mix of blue, green, yellow, and red on its small, stout body sets it apart from other birds, making it a delight to spot and photograph. This species breeds in the park and can be seen from mid-May to late June. Given its elusive nature, it often requires patience to spot and photograph, making a clear shot with a Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm lens a real accomplishment.

White Bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)

The White Bellied Drongo, named for its contrasting white belly against its otherwise glossy black body, is a resident species of the park. This sleek bird is characterized by its forked tail and sharp, curved beak. Present all year round, birders and photographers can always enjoy spotting and capturing the Drongo’s unique silhouette against the sky.

Fire Capped Tit (Cephalopyrus flammiceps)

The Fire Capped Tit is a small bird, making a grand impression with its distinctive fiery-orange ‘cap’. This species usually visits Bhondsi Nature Park during the winter months, from late November to early February. Its bright coloring stands out against the winter landscape, offering a warm and delightful subject for photographers.

Rose Finch (Carpodacus erythrinus)

The Rose Finch, as the name suggests, is celebrated for its beautiful rose-red plumage. The males of this species are particularly colorful, exhibiting a deep pinkish-red hue on their breast and belly. Rose Finches are winter visitors at Bhondsi Nature Park, arriving from late November and staying until early March. The Sigma 150-600mm lens’s impressive zoom range can capture stunning portraits of this charming bird, highlighting its intricate feather patterns and radiant coloring.

Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus)

The Verditer Flycatcher is another seasonal visitor to the park. Known for its bright blue plumage, this bird adds a dash of color to the winter landscape. They are usually seen from late October through March. Despite being a smaller bird, the Verditer Flycatcher’s quick, darting movements can be a challenge to capture, but with the Canon EOS 90D’s advanced autofocus, capturing these movements becomes significantly easier. Some more residents birds you can see are.
Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
Indian Robin
Indian Bulbul
Common Myna
Red-vented Bulbul
White-throated Kingfisher
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Red-wattled Lapwing
Indian Pond Heron
Purple Sunbird
Black Drongo
Common Tailorbird
Indian Silverbill
Greater Coucal (Crow Pheasant)
White-browed Fantail
Asian Koel

Gear Up: Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens

Birding isn’t just about spotting and identifying birds; it’s also about capturing them in their natural habitat. The Canon EOS 90D, known for its exceptional autofocus system, high resolution, and advanced metering system, is an ideal camera for bird photography. It allows for swift focusing, critical in birding, where subjects are often small, fast, and distant.

Pairing the Canon EOS 90D with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens only enhances the birding experience. This lens, with its superb image quality and impressive zoom range, allows for close-ups even from a distance, an essential feature for capturing skittish bird species. The combination of these two gives birders the ability to capture professional-quality photos, whether of a bird in flight or perched delicately on a branch.

Bhondsi Nature Park, a rich depository of avian wonders, offers a thrilling birdwatching and photography experience. The park’s array of resident and migratory birds presents birders with unique opportunities to observe, study, and photograph some of India’s most exotic bird species. To fully experience the joy of birding here, patience and quietness are vital.

Equipped with your Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm lens, you’re all set to explore the incredible avian diversity that Bhondsi Nature Park has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, this park offers something for everyone. So, tread lightly, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, and let the birds take center stage in their full glory.