Birding in December 2022.

Continued.

I have compiled a collection of photos of birds that I took between the 16th and the 24th of December. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for taking the time to appreciate my efforts to record the birds of Mount Abu. If you check my previous December posts, you'll see the type of birds you can expect. Our hills in Abu are a wonderful place to bird-watch, especially if you plan to visit this hill station in Rajasthan one day.

16 Dec - 24 Dec

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen)making an attempt at mating."

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon Mating Attempt Mount Abu Raj India

I saw the Falcon doing a jig around 16:30 p.m. after feasting on the prey and calling to the other bird, just as I had seen her perform before she started a mating ritual. She did this for some time, lifting her tail up and down and spreading her feathers. The male bird sitting above responded to her call and manoeuvre. Taking off from his post, he made a circular flight before approaching the female to mate. It was a graceful sight to behold. The male at the last moment failed to land properly and bailed off. The female waited and at around 17:00hrs began calling and doing the mating ritual once again. She waited until 17:55 and then took off. Hopefully, if I'm here tomorrow and they do return, it will brighten my Christmas. Merry Christmas folks.

"Ashy Prinia - Local resident,sitting on a tree stump."

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"Black Eagle - rare visitor, gracing the Mount ABu sky."

Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis

The Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis) is a species of bird of prey found in South and Southeast Asia. They are These eagles are large and have dark brown plumage. They inhabit forests, hills, and mountainous regions. Primarily on mammals and birds and build large stick nests in trees. Due to a stable population and widespread distribution, they classified the species as least concern by the IUCN.

Over the years, I have observed them here in Mount Abu. I have been photographing this species for a few years now. Its presence is rare in our abode.