Birding Diary: Day-by-Day–Last Week of February 2026.
Mount Abu’s Winter Wonders Continue.
As February drew to a close, the bird world in the peaceful highlands of Mount Abu stirred with renewed energy. Winter was loosening its grip, and the first whispers of spring were already in the air. With birds donning their breeding plumage, courtship activities underway, and the landscape enlivened by new vocalisations, a subtle but definite transformation is happening.
Unfortunately, I could not visit some of my favourite birding haunts this season. This was disappointing, and people easily dwell on what they might have recorded during those missed outings. But birding, like nature itself, teaches patience. There is always another season, another migration, another opportunity waiting. I hope to be back on the trails next winter to compensate for this year's missed opportunities.
Here is how the last week of February unfolded.
Day 22–February 22
A pleasant day began with the appearance of a Red Spurfowl, its earthy calls echoing through the undergrowth. Later, a Little Egret paid a brief visit, an unusual but welcome sight in the hills.
Alongside the familiar resident birds, winter visitors such as the Tree Pipit also brightened the day.
Day 23–February 23
I noticed the ever-alert Ashy Drongo making repeated sorties, catching bees and other flying insects mid-air.
Around it, White-breasted Fantails darted through the branches, while a Common Chiffchaff joined the lively scene, flitting through the foliage.
Day 24–February 24
The sky belonged to the magnificent Himalayan Buzzard circling high above the ridges with effortless grace.
Other birds of note included the Long-tailed Shrike, the cheerful Indian Yellow Tit, and the melodious Oriental Magpie Robin, whose song added music to the morning air.
Day 25–February 25
A pleasant surprise arrived as a single Green Bee-eater, an early hint that warmer days are not far away.
Above, both the Himalayan Buzzard and a watchful Shikra scanned the terrain below, ever alert for movement.
Day 26–February 26
A calm day in the field, though the dependable Himalayan Buzzard once again appeared.
A Common Chiffchaff moving through the trees added interest and ensured the day was far from uneventful.
27 An exciting day observing birds displaying early courtship behaviour—a glimpse of what “Valentine’s Day” might look like in the avian world.
Birds were preparing for the next generation. Raptors soared high above in search of prey, wagtails sang their persistent melodies, and a coucal suddenly took flight, its deep wingbeats echoing through the vegetation.
Nature was alive with the promise of renewal.
Day 28 – February 28
The last day of the month brought a quieter but pleasant mix of Mount Abu’s familiar resident birds.
Even on calmer days, birding in these hills never disappoints — every rustle, call, or shadow overhead holds the potential for discovery.
Closing Thoughts
The last week of February marks a fascinating turning point in Mount Abu’s birding calendar. Winter visitors are preparing for their long journeys north, while resident birds establish territories and prepare for the breeding season. For those who watch, the forest reveals these subtle seasonal shifts day by day.
And so February ends — not with a farewell, but with the promise of spring, migration, and many more birding adventures in the months ahead.
Day 22 Feb.
%200F4A6259.jpg "Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)")
%200F4A6737.jpg "Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis")
%200F4A7297.jpg "Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)")
%200F4A7503.jpg "Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)")
