MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Birding in May on Mount Abu \[May 2025]

A Collection of May’s Avian Wonders

The month of May in Mount Abu brought with it a variety of challenges and rewards for birding enthusiasts. A ten-day cool-down ended abruptly with a surge in summer heat, forcing even avid bird watchers to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. However, for those who ventured out in the early mornings and late evenings, May 2025 proved to be an extraordinary time to connect with the region’s avian life.

Between May 11 and May 31, 2025, I observed many impressive bird species, including some unforgettable ones:

#### 1. Black Bittern

* *A Lifelong Memory*: Spotting the elusive Black Bittern was not only a lifer for me, but also a significant record for Mount Abu. The surprising appearance of this secretive species, with its beautiful feathers and love for waterside habitats, was a breathtaking sight.

#### 2. Indian Paradise-Flycatcher

* *An Icon of Elegance*: The male’s long, ribbon-like tail feathers shimmered as it flitted among the trees. This species, with its ethereal beauty, symbolizes the charm of birding in Mount Abu during May.

#### 3. Common Iora

*A Burst of Color*: A flash of vibrant yellow and black – the Common Iora – punctuated the green landscape, showcasing nature’s vibrancy even in the harsh summer heat.

#### 4. Green Avadavat

* *A Rare Jewel*: This endangered species, often sought after by birdwatchers, was a delightful surprise. Its green and yellow hues contrasted against the sunburnt terrain, making every sighting feel like a treasure hunt.

#### 5. Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen)

* *A Master of the Skies*: The Peregrine Falcon, known as the Shaheen, soared over the rugged cliffs of Mount Abu. Witnessing its incredible speed and precision was a thrilling reminder of the apex predators that grace the skies.

Reflections on May Birding

Birdwatchers saw lots of amazing birds in May, despite the heat. The early mornings, filled with the melody of birdsong, and the tranquil evenings under the crimson sky, offered moments of pure magic. Each sighting was a story, a memory etched in time, and a reason to keep exploring.

Birders visiting Mount Abu in May should be prepared for challenges, but the birding is rewarding. Here’s to many more such adventures in the months and years to come!

Bird of May 2025.

Black Bittern - Botaurus flavicollis

Black Bittern - Botaurus flavicollis Mt Abu May 2025.mp4

Checklist Mount Abu birds updated.

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Indian Paradise-Flycatcher - Terpsiphone paradisi

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) MOUNT ABU May 2025. m4v

Common Iora - Aegithina tiphia

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown-capped Pygmy WoodpeckerYungipicus nanu

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutoriu

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus.

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Little Cormorant - Microcarbo nige

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis.

Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala

Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosu

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

Spotted Owlet - Athene brama

Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Birding in May 2025: Mount Abu.

An Unpredictable Start to Summer.

May ushers in a dry, sunny season in Mount Abu, with clear skies and warm days. In contrast, 2025 has presented an unusual situation, with altered weather patterns causing widespread disruption to the community and ecosystem. The natural seasonal cycle seems broken, and birds, bees, and trees are acting unexpectedly.

An Unexpected Pre-Monsoon Event

The weather marked the first ten days of May more akin to a pre-monsoon season than the scorching heat one might expect. Thunderstorms, coupled with hailstorms, swept through Mount Abu, transforming the predictable May climate into an unpredictable spectacle. The usual summer heat gave way to a pleasant surprise: cool weather.

Challenges and Rewards of Birding

For birding enthusiasts, these conditions brought both challenges and opportunities. May’s unusual mist veiled the scenery in mystery, hindering efforts to produce crisp, vivid photos. Although there were setbacks, the unique weather conditions created an unusual birding experience, showcasing behaviours and movements typically seen at this time of year.

A Collection of May’s Avian Wonders

During this period, I observed a fascinating array of bird species. Here’s a glimpse into some of the avian activity:

1. Eastern Red-rumped Swallows: Darting through the misty skies, their agility was a marvel to watch despite the damp conditions.

2. Indian yellow Tit: Is a striking black and yellow bird with a prominent crest, a residential bird of Mount Abu.

3. One can see yellow-eyed babblers foraging in small groups within bushes.

4. Pied Cuckoo: A welcome harbinger of the monsoon, yet to appear in Abu.

5. Crested Bunting: Its vivid plumage and spiky upright crest added a splash of colour to an otherwise mist-muted palette.

Reflections on a Changing Climate

As a lifelong resident of Mount Abu, I’ve grown accustomed to the rhythms of nature here. But this May, we “Abuties” experienced a climate unlike anything we’ve known. These disruptions serve as a stark reminder of the broader shifts happening in our environment, prompting deeper reflection on how we interact with and impact the natural world.

For now, I invite you to join me in celebrating the resilience and beauty of the birds that grace Mount Abu, even amidst unpredictable conditions. The first ten days of May 2025 may have been a rollercoaster, but they have also been a testament to the adaptability and wonder of nature.

Bird of the Day.