Discover Dhanauri Wetland Bird Festival: Celebrate World Wetlands Day

Team L&M

Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, it’s time to plan a visit to the stunning Dhanauri Wetland in Greater Noida, where a special Bird Festival is being celebrated to mark World Wetlands Day on February 2.

Located in Gautam Budh Nagar district, around 45 km from Noida and just 8 km from the Formula One track on the Yamuna Expressway, Dhanauri Wetland has emerged as one of the most important birdwatching destinations near Delhi-NCR. The wetland was officially notified as a protected wetland and Sarus Crane nesting and breeding zone after renowned birder Anand Arya discovered its ecological significance during a birding tour in 2014.

Why Dhanauri Wetland is a Paradise for Birdwatchers

Gautam Budh Nagar  is home to three prominent wetlands — Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Surajpur Wetland, and Dhanauri Wetland. Among them, Dhanauri stands out for its rich biodiversity and thriving bird population.

Surrounded by a lush green buffer zone, this marshland features a 100-acre core wet area and serves as a habitat for nearly 133 species of resident and migratory birds. The wetland is especially known for its thriving population of around 120 Sarus Cranes, India’s tallest flying bird, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Bird Species You Can Spot at Dhanauri Wetland

Dhanauri Wetland offers birdwatchers an incredible opportunity to witness rare and beautiful species, including:

• Sarus Cranes
• Purple Herons
• Hoopoes
• Jacobin Cuckoos
• Bronze-winged Jacanas
• Grey-headed Swamphens
• Bay Weavers
• Egyptian Vultures
• Red-wattled Lapwings
• Indian Robins
• River Terns
• Spot-billed Ducks
• Indian Cormorants
• Egrets
• Common Moorhens

Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual nature lover, Dhanauri offers a remarkable wildlife experience close to the city.

The Significance of World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is observed globally every year on February 2 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, climate regulation, and ecological balance.

The day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, on the shores of the Caspian Sea — an international treaty focused on wetland conservation.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re looking for the best birdwatching spot near Noida and Delhi NCR, the Dhanauri Wetland Bird Festival is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, witness rare avian species, and celebrate wetland conservation.