Birding has been my passion for over three years. Living in Chandigarh, my birding adventures have mostly been confined to the city and its surrounding areas. With nearly 290 species documented, adding new lifers to my list has become increasingly challenging. Every time I see my fellow birders post about rare and exciting birds from other regions, I can’t help but wonder when I will get the opportunity to explore new locations myself. One bird, in particular, had always been on my wishlist—the Flamingo.
Brown headed Gull
Whenever I saw posts featuring Flamingos, I felt a tinge of disappointment, unsure if I would ever get a chance to photograph them since they are not found near Chandigarh. However, in November 2024, I came across reports of a Flamingo sighting at a wetland near Gurgaon. Without a second thought, I contacted a birder friend and planned a visit to Chandu Wetland.
Glossy Ibis
On the chosen morning, we gathered at Sri Burfiwala on Chandu Road, excited for the adventure ahead. Our group comprised six birders from different locations, united by our shared love for birding. We spent nearly five hours exploring Chandu Wetland, encountering numerous lifers and capturing some fantastic shots. However, my eyes were scanning the horizon for that one elusive species—the Flamingo. I kept asking my friends if we had any chance of spotting one, but they were uncertain.
Then, at around 9 AM, one of my fellow birders excitedly pointed out a lone Flamingo in the distance. My heart raced with excitement. Without wasting a second, I jumped out of the vehicle, grabbed my camera, and started taking shots. I was afraid that if I hesitated even for a moment, the bird might fly away. Finally, my dream was realized. I had photographed a Flamingo! The purpose of my visit was fulfilled, and with that sense of accomplishment, I began to enjoy the other bird sightings even more.
Kentish Plover
The experience of birding at a new location, witnessing so many lifers, and bonding with fellow birders made this trip truly special. However, as the saying goes, Dil To Pagal Hai—the heart always desires more. I soon started hoping for another opportunity to improve my shots of the Flamingo and discover even more species.
Temminck’s Stint
Pied Avocets
Luckily, I got two more chances to visit Chandu Wetland, once in December 2024 and again in January 2025. Although these visits were brief, lasting only 1-2 hours each, they were immensely rewarding. Not only did I capture better images of the Flamingo, but I also spotted other incredible species, including Avocets, Kentish Plovers, Marsh Sandpipers, Redshanks, Painted Storks, Gulls, and many more.
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Common Redshank
This winter birding season was truly unforgettable. Each visit to Chandu Wetland deepened my appreciation for the beauty of birding, the thrill of lifers, and the joy of sharing these experiences with like-minded friends.
Marsh Sandpiper
Birding is not just about ticking species off a list; it’s about the thrill of the search, the patience, the camaraderie, and the moments of sheer happiness when a long-awaited sighting happens. My visit to Chandu Wetland was one such experience—an unforgettable trip filled with new friendships, invaluable learnings, and most importantly, the magical sight of a Flamingo in the wild.
River Tern
This journey reinforced my love for birding and my desire to explore even more places. Who knows what the next adventure will bring? I now eagerly look forward to my next adventure, hoping to add more lifers to my ever-growing list.
Greylag Goose
Happy Birding!
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