Saturday, April 22, 2023

Birding in April 2023 Mount Abu.

 Birding in the Third week of April 2023. Mt Abu

April is a wonderful month for birding since it marks the transition from spring to summer in Mount Abu. During the year, we can see many species in breeding plumage exhibiting courting rituals. The woodland is in full bloom, and the bees, like the birds, are humming around. During this season, visitors to Mount Abu may spot many species such as the Indian blackbird, Oriental Honey buzzards, passing migrants common Rosefinch, Blythe's Warbler, Green Avadavat (The Green Munia), and many more.

I've compiled a small collection of birds photographed in the third week of April.

As it is Eid al-Fitr today, Eid ul-Fitr greetings from Mount Abu May, the spirit of peace and compassion, spread across our society. I also wish everyone good health and well-being. Eid Mubarak!

"The Blyth's Reed Warbler is an insectivorous bird of the Acrocephalidae family. It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in southern Asia and Africa after breeding in northern Asia."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum


Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum Mount Abu .mp4

"Measuring at approximately 20 cm and weighing 60 grams, the Brahminy Starling boasts a stunning appearance. With its lustrous blue-black head, neck, and upper body, complemented by a unique white patch on its wings, this bird truly stands out. Its underparts are a soft buff hue, and it features a bill that tapers to a fine point."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

"Wildlife photography in Mount Abu"
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Rosefinch,is a passage migrant during the spring season. Passage migrants are birds that pass through a region during their migration, but do not stay there for an extended period."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch. The male displays vibrant red plumage, while the female has more subdued tones. Distinctive markings on the wings and a small, conical bill."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. Seen perched on a rock in a natural setting."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis 

"Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus), a small passerine bird. The male displays striking black and white plumage with a distinctive red vent. Perched on a rock, the bird exhibits characteristic tail-cocking behavior."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

"Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus), a small passerine bird. The male displays striking black and white plumage with a distinctive red vent. Perched on a low branch, the bird exhibits characteristic tail-cocking behavior."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a branch with its slender beak."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Resident perched on a branch.".
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. With its feathers puffed out."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a twig, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Indian Yellow Tit Mount Abu common local"
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus Mount 

"Laughing Dove courtship display mating plumage"
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis 

"Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) is a medium-sized bird with silky gray-brown feathers. It is distinguished by its pinkish breast and strong black patterns on the neck. Perched on a branch and cooing in a calm and melodic tone."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis 

"Resident raptor with different morphs Mount Abu"
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a tiny and slender passerine bird. Males are distinguished by their remarkable black and white plumage and long tail, whilst females are more subdued. Perched atop a cable, humming a peculiar melody."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a tiny and slender passerine bird. Males are distinguished by their remarkable black and white plumage and long tail, whilst females are more subdued. Perched atop a cable, looking around."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a tiny and slender passerine bird. Males are distinguished by their remarkable black and white plumage and long tail, whilst females are more subdued. Perched atop a cable, scanning for would be raptors."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. During the mating season, it perches on a branch, displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"A medium-sized passerine bird is the red-rumped swallow (Cecropis daurica). Its steel-blue upperparts and rusty-red rump set it apart. In flight, it has a beautiful profile and a forked tail."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"A medium-sized songbird with a striking look, the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus). Its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and pronounced red whisker markings distinguish it. Perched on a branch, chirping on and off."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a branch, showing off its fan-shaped tail and engaged in typical tail flicking behaviour."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"A medium-sized waterbird with unusual plumage, the White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus). It is distinguished by a white breast, black upperparts, and lengthy legs. A pair calling, showing off i=their distinctive markings and thin form."
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

"Mid-air dive of a White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck. The bird's wings are tucked in as it dives towards the water, demonstrating the bird's adept hunting behaviour."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

"Mid-air dive of a White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck. The bird's wings are spread out showcasing blue and wite coloured wings."."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 







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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Friday, April 14, 2023

Birding in April (2023 )Mount Abu Sirohi Rajasthan IN.

 The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is also a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Birding in the second week of April 2023.

If you're a birdwatcher, don't miss out on visiting the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. The second week of April is the perfect time for birding enthusiasts to explore the hills of Mount Abu as summer approaches. With plenty of birding hotspots and various species of birds to observe, Mount Abu is a must-visit destination for any bird lover. 
Remember to bring binoculars and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a memorable birding experience on rough terrain. 
Mount Abu attracts diverse migratory bird species, including the Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Tickell's Blue Flycatcher. Birdwatchers can commonly spot the Green Munia, a vibrant bird with a unique call. Look for other species such as the Red-breasted Flycatcher, Indian Blackbird, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, and White-capped Bunting. I'm posting some snaps taken during this period. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy clicking them.

8 April 2023.

Common Rosefinch - passage migrant
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus. Passage Migrant.

Common Rosefinch - male
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus.

Gray Wagtail -winter visitor
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea


White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis  with prey.mp4

White-throated Kingfisher -with prey
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

9 April 2023.

Paschal Full Moon

Paschal Full Moon Mount Abu.
"HAPPY EASTER"

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis
Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Common Rosefinch - male
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

House Sparrow - with nesting naterial
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Pond-Heron - assuming mating plumage
Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii 

Oriental Magpie-Robin - resident
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

10 April 2023.
Black Kite - Rare visitor
Black Kite - Milvus migrans Rare visitor.

In 1942, McCann discovered that the Black Kite species was "common" in Mount Abu. However, the sudden disappearance of this species in the area raises questions about its plausible reasons. It could be due to a decline in their food source or habitat loss, although both are doubtful. Human persecution is even less likely. Another possibility is that the abundance of Large-billed Crows in the area could have impacted the species through disease or predation, and we need further research and monitoring to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the decline of Black Kites in the area.
Black Kite - rare visitor
Black Kite - Milvus migrans

Black Kite
Black Kite - Milvus migrans

Black Kite - Milvus migrans
Black Kite - Milvus migrans

Brahminy Starling - resident
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Rosefinch - passage migrant
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Indian Yellow Tit - resident
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

Be tuned I will be posting on a regular basis enjoy the selection I'm posting right now. 
11April 2023.

Common Rosefinch - passage migrant
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus  

Jungle Babbler - with prey
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

White-throated Kingfisher - mating display
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

The White-throated Kingfisher is recognised for its captivating courtship behaviour, which often involves displaying its wings and making loud noises to attract a mate. In addition, the male kingfisher presents the female with food during courtship to demonstrate his ability to support her and their offspring. Observing the White-throated Kingfisher's courtship display is an impressive experience, and studying their distinct behaviours and interactions in their natural habitat is always exciting.


White-throated Kingfisher -mating ritual
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis


White-throated Kingfisher - with breeding plumage
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis


White-throated Kingfisher - mating courtship
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

Yellow-throated Sparrow breeding plumage
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

12 April 2023.
Brahminy Starling - local resident
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Rosefinch - passage migrant during the spring season.
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Passage migrant during spring. Large flocks of them have come this year.

It may travel over 6,000 kilometers to reach its wintering grounds
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus.
It may travel over 6,000 kilometres to reach its wintering grounds

Oriental Magpie-Robin - was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher
They reclassified Oriental Magpie-Robin as an Old World flycatcher.

13 April2023.
Brahminy Starling - is a member of the starling family of birds
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brahminy Starling - local resident of Mount Abu
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Rosefinch -passage migrant during spring
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus Passage migrant

Indian Blackbird - Breeding summer visitor
Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus -Breeding summer visitor

Oriental Honey-buzzard - local resident
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Red-wattled Lapwing - with fledglings surviving against all odds
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

Red-wattled Lapwing - with chicks
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

Yellow-throated Sparrow - resident male in breeding plumage
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)  

14 April 2023.
Great Cormorant - status not clear resident?
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

Indian White-eye -

Indian White-eye - resident
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 

To see more on My collection head over to eBird
click the link below







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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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Mount Abu Birds: A January Delight 2025

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