Progressing Spring and Vibrant Vibes All Around.
The second week of March (8–14 March 2026) in Mount Abu unfolded with warm, dry days and noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures. Late nights still carried a wintry whisper, dipping below 10°C, while the days were mild. Spring had arrived.
The forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops seemed alive with energy. Birds, bees, butterflies, and budding trees all joined the quiet celebration of renewal. There was a sense of movement everywhere — of transition, of change, of life stirring forward.
The Duck Pond Visit–8th March
A visit to my favourite haunt, the Duck Pond, revealed the changing season in full effect. The winter migrants had begun their departure. The once bustling waters had quietened, though not entirely.
50 ducks remained, with a modest mix that included a few Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails, alongside several Coots. The majority, however, were Tufted Ducks — around 25 of them still lingering, perhaps reluctant to leave.
Other birds of note added interest to the outing:
White-capped Buntings
Stonechat
Though the numbers had dwindled, the charm of the pond remained — quieter, yes, but still rewarding for those who lingered and observed.
Birding Diary: Day-by-Day–March 2026
Day 9
A lively encounter with the ever-entertaining fantail — a tiny spitfire with boundless energy. It attempted to mob a Long-tailed Shrike, a brave (and comical) effort against a far more formidable bird.
Day 10
A calm, warm evening. The air was still, and bird activity seemed subdued. No migrant sightings today — a reminder that the great seasonal shift is well underway.
Day 11
The skies belonged to the Sparrowhawks. Their presence was dominant, patrolling overhead with quiet authority.
Day 12
Day 13
The Grey Wagtail was active along the rocks and the drying stream below, feeding and moving.
Later in the evening, a pair of white-eyes arrived — subtle, quick, and easy to miss if not watched.
Day 14
The week ended on a quiet note. A gentle close to a week that reflected the slow but steady transition from winter to spring.
Closing Thoughts
This week in Mount Abu was less about abundance and more about transition. The grand spectacle of winter migrants is fading, but in its place comes the subtle beauty of spring — quieter, softer, yet captivating.
For a birder, this is a time of patience and observation — of noticing the minor changes, the shifting rhythms, and the promise of what lies ahead.
Spring is not just a season here; it is a feeling.
Bird of the Week.
