Thursday, April 25, 2024

Birding in the second week of April 2024. Abu Road Rajasthan IN

 Birding Adventures: Exploring Abu Road in April 2024.


The second week of April delivered unexpected joys to my door as an invitation from my niece, Crescentia. It was a casual Saturday evening, and as we sat in the garden, we could hear the quiet hum of bees and birds chirping. Crescentia had just returned from a school conference, and her unexpected declaration altered the course of my preparations.

“Uncle, pack your suitcase,” she said with a malicious twinkle in her eye. “you’re coming down to Abu Road for a few days. We missed you and Aunty around Christmas, so it’s about time you paid us a visit!“Jennifer, my daughter, joined in with equal passion, arguing that it was time for me to take a break and that they would not allow me to leave until they spoiled me.”

Although I had missed the winter birding season, the promise of discovering the avian delights of Abu Road was too appealing to pass up. Crescentia and I couldn’t resist doing some impromptu bird-watching on the way down. Luck was on our side as we spotted the elusive Cinereous Tit and the beautiful Common Wood shrike along the route.

The following week was nothing short of wonderful. I spent my mornings and evenings birdwatching, immersing myself in the tranquil environs of Abu Road. After school, Crescentia joined me for drives throughout the neighbourhood, eager to learn about the feathered creatures who call this home.

We revisited familiar sites, each time discovering fresh avian marvels. With most migratory leaving for the season, we concentrated on the local wildlife, capturing avian grace and beauty images. The Asian koels’ beautiful calls and the Shikra’s regal presence were reminders of nature’s complex tapestry.

 I invite you to appreciate the images taken between April 7th and 14th, 2024. All shot tells a unique narrative, providing a glimpse into the rich world of Abu Road’s avifauna at this wonderful time of year. Join me on this visual trip through April as we enjoy the joys of birdwatching in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

Bird of the week.

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable."
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

7 April 2024

"Great Egret - Ardea alba A large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs aid to differentiate from other egrets.Seen perched atop a tree."
Great Egret - Ardea alba

"Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Small snow-white heron with a thin dark bill, blackish legs, and yellowish feet. Breeding adults have two long wispy head plumes and a spray of white plumes on their lower backs.This photo was taken while perched atop a babul tree."
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta

"Purple Heron Ardea purpurea , Snapped flying high at dawn."
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 

"Shikra - Accipiter badius. close up snap of iy perched on a branch scanning for prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on an electric cable, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet - Athene brama

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

8 April 2021

A Day Among Nature’s Giants: Exploring Madhusudhan Temple Grove.

Crescentia and I spent the evening of April 8th exploring the woodland near Madhusudhan Temple. Sadly, the sight of some towering trees being sawed off was a sharp reminder of our environmental challenges. Despite this, we went in, recalling the area’s abundant bird life in the winter. Although quieter now, we were delighted to witness the Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Spotted Owlets, and the festive Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.  The flying fox colony appeared to have multiplied, with their active presence ringing throughout the woodland.
Enjoy the bird collection I’ve posted from this location, which illustrates nature’s perseverance in the face of change. Despite the hurdles, Madhusudhan Temple Grove is a refuge worth cherishing.

"Great Egret Casmerodius albus, standing tall along a dried up stream."
Great Egret Casmerodius albus

"House Crow Corvus splendens.taking a nap on a thick branch high up on a tree."
House Crow Corvus splendens

"Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala with its vivid colours perched on a branch high up on a tree."
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala 

"Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum, perched on a castor tree."
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

"Little Egret Egretta garzetta, a small flock looking for grub in a dary sandy riverlet."
Little Egret Egretta garzetta

"Little Egret Egretta garzetta, taking off on being distrbed."
Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

"Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri , a pair engrossed in a mating ritual."
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 

'Spotted Owlet Athene brama , on a huge tree trunk staring at the lens."
Spotted Owlet Athene brama 

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on a huge tree trunk, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet Athene brama 

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera

9 April 2024

"Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia Decaocto, Large pale dove with a black crescent on its neck. Slightly smaller and paler than the Rock Pigeon, with a correspondingly longer, square-tipped tail resting on an electric cable."
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi 

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

10 April 2024

"Image of a Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), a graceful raptor with predominantly white plumage and striking black wingtips, Perched on a tree in the distance."
Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

"The Brahminy Starling has an impressive appearance. This bird really sticks out with its glossy blue-black head, neck, and upper body, accented by a distinctive white patch on its wings. This bird has Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD), and its underparts have a delicate beige colour."
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

This bird has Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD)

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable. lookig over its shoulder"
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable."
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

"Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia Decaocto, Large pale dove with a black crescent on its neck. Slightly smaller and paler than the Rock Pigeon, with a correspondingly longer, square-tipped tail resting on an electric cable."
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

"A Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) is taken in mid-stride along the water's edge, displaying its mottled brown plumage and distinguishing greenish-yellow legs. This attractive wading bird has a slim body and a long beak."
Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus 

"Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatusIndian Peafowl, perched on a rock high up."
Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatusIndian Peafowl

"Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis, a pair seen in the distance sitting on a date palm stump."
Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis

"Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia,foraging at the waters edge."
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx




"Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)A beautifully coloured parakeet; males have a plum-colored head while females have a grayish-blue head. This female is sitting on a branch from the flame of the forest tree."
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla. A flock sat on the cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica  

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla. A flock sat on the cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica  

"Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) A medium-sized brownish wader with a white belly, varying light markings, and spangling on the back. In flight, the upper wings are simple, with a square white rump patch. Legs are greenish yellow this bird is seen foraging in shallow water."
Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola

"Yellow-Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense An unusual-looking babbler, brown above and white below, with rufous wingtips. Red eyering is unique, as is foraging among bushes and date palm fronds."
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense 

"Yellow-Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense An unusual-looking babbler, brown above and white below, with rufous wingtips. Red eyering is unique, as is foraging among bushes and date palm fronds."
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense 

11 April 2024

"Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus): A sleek, medium-sized bird with predominantly dark plumage, known for its distinctive forked tail and white vent feathers. Perched on a cable against a rural background, this Ashy Drongo exemplifies its agile and acrobatic nature in its natural habitat."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 

"Shikra: Accipiter badius.The shikra is a tiny raptor with short rounded wings and a slender, fairly long tail. Adults have a whitish underside with tiny rufous streaks, and grey upperparts. The lower tummy is less barred, and the thighs are white. The bird in the snap is gliding overhead."
Shikra - Accipiter badius 

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on a large girder, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet - Athene brama

12 April 2024

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. Is perches on a branch with prey in its beak."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus 

" Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) female,hanging upside down drawing nectar from a purple flower."
 Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) female

"Rose-colored The parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. Brightly coloured parakeet with a long, thin tail and a bright red bill.Perched on a babool tree branch."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

13 April 2024.
"Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceushe Asian koel is a large and long-tailed cuckoo.The male is glossy bluish-black, with a pale greenish grey bill, the iris is crimson, and it has grey legs and feet.Perched on a thorny bush with its back to the lens."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis),perched on a branch facing the camera."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis),perched on a cable side view in the setting sun."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

14 April 2024.
"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, hovering over some flowers."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, male feeding juvenile perched on a branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, juvenile awaiting to be fed perched on a branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) taking off from its perched position."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


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Location: Abu Road, Rajasthan 307026, India

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Birding In April Mount Abu

Birding Delights in the first week of April 

An overview of Abu’s birding pleasures in April.


April in Abu greets birders with open arms, offering a pleasant transition into the impending summer. In the mornings and evenings, especially during the warming days, the tranquil area becomes an ideal spot for birdwatchers.
 The initial days of the month brought a surprising cold spell, breaking the typical April heat. Clouds dominated the sky, as gentle winds created a tranquil atmosphere for birds and birdwatchers.
 For those familiar with Abu’s bird life, this period marks the departure of most winter migrants, who bid farewell until the next season. However, the scenery is not devoid of avian attractiveness. The Green Avadavat, Cinereous Tit, Common Rosefinch, Indian White-eye, and the last sightings of returning Buzzards and Eurasian Sparrowhawk adorn the sky and forests.
 April is also a busy month for birds, with nesting activities underway and young ones being cared for around the area. It’s an emotional reminder of nature’s cycles, with life flourishing in every nook.
Avoid weekends if you plan to go birdwatching in Mount Abu around this time. The tourist influx hits its zenith, causing hotel and lodging prices to skyrocket. Without previous reservations, be prepared to loosen your purse strings for accommodations.
 Enjoy my collection of bird photos from the first six days of April. Each photograph conveys a story about nature’s splendour and the colourful bird life that calls Abu home. So take your binoculars, bring your camera, and prepare to be wowed by Abu’s avifauna display in April.

Bird of the week
"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus,endemic to Mt Abu, taking off displaying it's underbelly and outstretched wings."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

1 April 2024.
"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus, perched atop a rock ."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus,endemic to Mt Abu, taking off displaying it's underbelly and outstretched wings."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, resident female landing on a babul branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

2 April 2024.


"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis, resident perched on a cable singing a song."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis


"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, winter visitor gliding above."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in the snap is seen flying with its wings outstretched."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream,scratchin itself and displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

3 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, a pair perched on a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, one perched on the date palm tree and the other taking off."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

'Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor flying above saying adeo to Mount Abu ready to leave for home."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, soaring above chased by a swallow."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

4 April 2024.

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a brach, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus, resident zooming through the sky."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a branch,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer,perched on a cable doing a gig."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri,Vibrantly bright green parakeet,Note the very long slender tail and bright red bill, taking off from a slender twig displaying its outstretched wings."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck.Sitting on a cable above a stream."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

5 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense April 2024 Mt Abu. Picture collage birdn searching for grub on a date palm trunk."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a cable,showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches of mulberry trees, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a cable,showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches of mulberry trees, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus. April 2024 Mt Abu. A collage of an vulture flying in the Abu sky."
Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus.


"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Cute juvenile House Sparrow - Passer domesticus. perched on a cable with all its feathers ruffled."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus


Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus April 2024 Mt Abu.mp4


"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer April 2024 Mt Abu.jpg. Picturecollage of bird with nesting mterial."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer 

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer.perched on dry branch doing the gig."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

6 April 2024.
"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus) A plain grey, black, and off-white tit of light forests. Males and females have a white cheek patch, a grey back, and a white wingbar. A wide black centre line goes from the throat to the lower belly."
Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus)

"Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus) A plain grey, black, and off-white tit of light forests. Males and females have a white cheek patch, a grey back, and a white wingbar. A wide black centre line goes from the throat to the lower belly."
Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus)Resident uncommon 

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, passage migrant female perched on a thin branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant

"Common Woodshrike (Ephrodornis pondicerianus) This medium-sized woodshrike has grayish-brown upperparts, a black facial mask, a white rump, and a grey tail with white outer tail feathers. Bill is sharply hooked and dark greyish brown in colour. Underparts are whitish.Mount Abu is a unique place for these residents."
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus resident uncommon

"Common Woodshrike (Ephrodornis pondicerianus) This medium-sized woodshrike has grayish-brown upperparts, a black facial mask, a white rump, and a grey tail with white outer tail feathers. Bill is sharply hooked and dark greyish brown in colour. Underparts are whitish.Mount Abu is a unique place for these residents."
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus 

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, winter visitor soring through the Abu sky bidding bye till next season."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Shikra: Accipiter badius.The shikra is a tiny raptor with short rounded wings and a slender, fairly long tail. Adults have a whitish underside with tiny rufous streaks, and grey upperparts. The lower tummy is less barred, and the thighs are white. The bird in the snap is gliding overhead."
Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Will post Birds of Abu Road in my next blog, enjoy the selection I've just posted.
Cheers to Life! and Birding.
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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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Birding in the second week of April 2024. Abu Road Rajasthan IN

 Birding Adventures: Exploring Abu Road in April 2024. The second week of April delivered unexpected joys to my door as an invitation from m...