he early morning in the Aravallis has its own rhythm. Before the day gets busy, the forest comes alive with bird calls, movement in the trees and the occasional flutter of wings. It was in this setting that participants gathered for a Bird Guide Walk at Bhondsi Forest, Gurugram, on 12th September 2026.
Green Pencil Foundation, in collaboration with Ataavi Bird Foundation, organised the bird walk from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, giving participants an opportunity to explore the natural landscape of the Aravallis and learn more about its rich birdlife.
Exploring Bhondsi Forest in the Early Morning
The group started the morning by exploring different trails through Bhondsi Forest and the Aravalli landscape. Early mornings are an exciting time for birdwatching, and the forest was already active as we began our walk.
Instead of simply walking from one point to another, participants were encouraged to slow down and observe. A sound coming from a tree could lead to a search for its source, while a quick movement in the bushes could reveal another bird.
During the two-hour walk, participants observed more than 30 bird species. Each sighting became an opportunity to learn something new about bird identification, behaviour and habitat.
Learning to Observe Birds
One of the main objectives of the Bird Guide Walk was to introduce participants to practical birdwatching and bird observation skills.
Participants learnt how to look for important field characteristics, listen carefully to bird calls and pay attention to behaviour and habitat. These skills are particularly useful for beginners because birdwatching is not only about having binoculars or knowing the names of species, it is about learning how to observe.
The walk also included bird-based games and interactive activities, which made the learning experience more enjoyable and encouraged participants to stay curious about their surroundings.
More Than Just a Bird Walk
A bird walk can often begin with the simple question, “What bird is that?”
But as the walk continues, that question can lead to many others.
Why is the bird found here? What is it feeding on? Why is it calling? Which trees does it prefer? What happens to these birds when their habitat changes?
These are the kinds of observations that help people understand that birds are not separate from the ecosystem. They are part of a much larger network of trees, insects, water, soil and other wildlife.
For many participants, spending two hours in Bhondsi Forest was also an opportunity to experience the Aravallis away from the noise and routine of everyday life.
Connecting People With the Aravallis
The Aravalli landscape around Gurugram is an important natural habitat and supports a variety of bird species and other forms of biodiversity. With rapid development and changing land use putting pressure on natural spaces, creating awareness about these habitats is increasingly important.
At Green Pencil Foundation, we believe that conservation starts with a connection.
People are more likely to care about a place when they have spent time experiencing it. A bird call heard during a morning walk, a species identified for the first time or simply watching a bird move through the forest can create a lasting connection with nature.
That connection can eventually become awareness, and awareness can become action.
