Birding Diary: Day-by-Day–First Week of February.

Mount Abu’s Winter Wonders

The first week of February 2026 unfolded like a gift to every birder who calls home. Clear blue skies stretched above the ; the air carried that familiar winter crispness, and the forests of the “” seemed alive with both winter visitors and faithful resident companions.

For me, it was one of those golden weeks — when every morning walk promised something memorable.

Day 1–A Mixed Bag of Feathers

The week began with our dependable resident birds making their presence known. The ever-busy stitched its way through the undergrowth, while bulbuls and prinia filled the air with soft chatter. Near the water’s edge, the elegant White-breasted Waterhen tiptoed along the bank.

Adding excitement to the day were winter visitors: the majestic soaring above, and the restless flitting through foliage, never still for long.

Day 2–Clear Skies and Raptors

The second morning was all about the raptors. The Himalayan Buzzard returned, patrolling its territory with commanding grace. In the shrubs, the subtle but striking revealed itself — always a rewarding winter sighting.

Day 3–Dominance of the Long-Legged Buzzard

The vast blue canvas of the sky belonged to the powerful . Its broad wings and steady glide made it impossible to miss. The Himalayan Buzzard also appeared, creating a rare and thrilling comparison between the two — a true treat for any keen observer.

Day 4–A Pleasant Surprise

Just when the week seemed predictable, nature surprised me.

A small flock of dazzling appeared — their vibrant plumage glowing in the winter light. It had been a while since I’d encountered them, and their return felt special.

Then, slicing through the silence like an arrow, came the magnificent — our Shaheen Falcon. Its brief but powerful appearance electrified the landscape.

Day 5–The Epic Predator

The forest's mood shifted the moment the Shikra arrived. Smaller birds vanished into dense cover, alarm calls echoed, and stillness followed.

Above, the Long-legged Buzzard once again ruled the thermals, unchallenged in its aerial domain.

Day 6–Brief but Bold Visits

A day of fleeting moments. The Peregrine Falcon made a swift pass, and the Long-legged Buzzard circled before disappearing over the horizon. Some days in birding are about patience — and appreciating even the shortest encounters.

Day 7–Quiet Reflections

The week ended on a calmer note. Activity slowed, but the appearance of a few was a welcome highlight — their first sighting for me this season.

Resident birds dominated the day, and the forest seemed alive not with drama, but with subtle movement — rustling leaves, distant calls, and the quiet reassurance that winter still lingers in Mount Abu.

This first week of February reminded me why winter birding in Mount Abu is so special. The interplay of powerful raptors and delicate warblers, the surprise flocks, the silent hunters —all set against crisp mornings and golden light.

Join me in the coming posts as I share photographs and more detailed observations from this remarkable winter week in our beloved “Abode of the Gods.”

1 Feb 2026.