Thursday, March 20, 2025

Mount Abu Birding: 14th to 24th February 2025

 Raptors, Warblers, and a Lull in Migration


The second half of February in Mount Abu presented low birding activity among migratory species. After several action-packed birding adventures in the foothills of Mount Abu, the birding scene here seemed to quiet down. I was disappointed that many of our usual winter visitors were absent.

Winter migrants are in a quiet phase.

From the 14th to the 24th of February, the winter migrant activity in Mount Abu was minimal. I only saw a few raptors and fewer warblers then. I missed the vibrant bird migration this year, a noticeable absence compared to the busy earlier season.

A Renewed Urge to Explore

Disappointed by the birding in Mount Abu, I headed back to the plains between February 25th and 28th. These areas, including Abu Road and its surrounding regions, often host a variety of migratory birds that may bypass the higher altitudes of Mount Abu. I will share more about my sightings from this trip in an upcoming post.

A Snapshot of Late February Bird life

Despite the low activity, I’ve put together a small collection of birds observed in Mount Abu during the last ten days of February. Despite the limited diversity, the landscape’s serenity and the occasional appearance of raptors still made it worthwhile.

An Invitation to Birding in Rajasthan

Mount Abu, Abu Road, and the adjoining areas offer a wealth of opportunities for bird enthusiasts. Even during quieter periods, the charm of Rajasthan’s birding spots remains undeniable. I hope this post inspires fellow birders to explore the natural beauty and avian diversity of this region.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I will share sightings from the plains and foothills of Mount Abu.

Bird of the month.
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros


Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros  Feb 2025 Mt Abu..mp4

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica  Winter visitor

Black Kite - Milvus migrans   Local migrant

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus Feb 2025 Mt Abu

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca 

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca 

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus 

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis. 

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis. 

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

I wish all my viewers a fabulous weekend! Wish me luck I'm headed for Plains. Cheers to Life!

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Birding on the Foothills of Mount Abu: 13 February 2025

Abu Road and Environs 

Early morning preparations set the tone for an exciting day as we embarked on a birding adventure to the Banas Dam. Our ambitious goal was to explore the Dhanari area extensively. But before diving into our primary destination, let me share some wonderful sightings that made the start of our journey delightful.
The day began on a high note with the Purple-rumped Sunbird, Coppersmith Barbet, and Yellow-throated Sparrow gracing our lenses. These vibrant species added a splash of beauty to the crisp morning air.

On our way to Banas Dam, we took a detour to a lesser-known area called Patumburi. This charming spot turned out to be a treasure trove of avian activity. Here, we captured several fascinating species, including:

Pied Kingfisher

Common Sandpiper

Great Cormorant

Little Egret

Great Egret

Purple Heron

Shikra

Following a rewarding birdwatching experience near Patumburi, we continued our trip towards the Banas Dam. The landscape here brought back memories of my trips to Kheda in Gujarat. The wetlands by the dam provided a superb haven for wintering birds, including many migratory ducks and waders. With Bird, life teemed in the picturesque setting created by the receding dam waters.

Having visited this location before, we wasted no time in setting up our gear and capturing the magnificent migratory birds in their natural habitat. The result was a fantastic collection of photographs that showcase the rich diversity of avian species in this region.

Special thanks to Cres, whose dedication and skill contributed to this collection. Our friend Mohan also came on this wonderful trip with us. Our efforts aim to celebrate and share the avian wonders of Dhanari with fellow birding enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore this remarkable area. Your encouragement means the world to us, so don’t forget to give us a thumbs-up!

Bird of the Day.
Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica 

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica.Record observation for Sirohi.

RECORDS OF PURPLE-RUMPED SUNBIRD NECTARINIA ZEYLONICA IN Sirohi, Rajasthan, India.

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonic Feb 2025 Abu Riad .mp4

Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis 

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


Birds photographed in  Patumburi.

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta


Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis121 13 Feb .mp4

Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Welcome to the avian wonders of Dhanari, Banas Dam.

BIRD OF THE DAY.
Spotted Crake - Porzana porzana. FIRST RECORD FOR Sirohi

RECORDS OF Spotted Crake - Porzana porzana. FIRST RECORD FOR SIROHI IN SIROHI, Rajasthan, India; A "LIFER" FOR ME.

Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus 

Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica 

Citrine Wagtail - Motacilla citreola 

Citrine Wagtail - Motacilla citreola 

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Crested Lark - Galerida cristata

Crested Lark - Galerida cristata 13 Feb 2025 Banas Dam

Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla

Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus 

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea 

Gray-headed Swamphen - Porphyrio poliocephalus 

Great Egret - Ardea alba 

Great White Pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus 

Indian Pied Starling - Gracupica contra 

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha 

Indian Thick-knee - Burhinus indicus

Large Grey Babbler- Argya malcolmi 

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca 0

Little Cormorant - Microcarbo nige

Little Cormorant - Microcarbo nige

Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata

Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata

Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata

Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis

Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala

Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala

Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea

Red-naped Ibis - Pseudibis papillosa

Ruddy Shelduck -Tadorna ferruginea

Ruddy Shelduck -Tadorna ferruginea

Ruddy Shelduck -Tadorna ferruginea

Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus

Spotted Crake - Porzana porzana

Spotted Crake - Porzana porzana

Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama 

Western Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus


Western Marsh Harrier  13 FEB 2025 BANAS DAN.m4v
Click tp see this majestic raptor.

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.

Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore this remarkable area.

Mount Abu Birding: 14th to 24th February 2025

 Raptors, Warblers, and a Lull in Migration The second half of February in Mount Abu presented low birding activity among migratory species....