MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Monday, July 31, 2023

A Quest for Avian Treasures Among Mount Abu’s Misty Mystique

Birding in the last two weeks of July 2023.

As the calendar turns to July, birders on Mount Abu relish a relatively tranquil month for their favourite pastime. Cloudy skies and sporadic heavy rain are typical during the third and fourth weeks of this month. Devoted birdwatchers search for feathered treasures despite the dreary weather. However, this time of year presents difficulties, with mildew-infested surroundings and a sickening odour dominating the air. Nonetheless, birders continue donning rain gear and setting out on an exciting quest to locate and photograph uncommon bird species.

Mount Abu’s weather in July has a certain appeal, with mist draped over the landscape like a mysterious veil. The steady precipitation dampens garments and leaves the streets muddy, making it a dismal day for most Abuites. Birders, on the other hand, see the foggy environment as an opportunity to see a side of nature that others miss. The ghostly ambience lends an ethereal touch to their birding adventures, giving a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Dark skies make the challenge of finding rare species worse. The thrill of finding birds in Mount Abu keeps birders excited, despite the challenging haze.

Despite these obstacles, birders have captured some magnificent images with their cameras. The munias, especially the Scaly-breasted Munia and the Green Munia, were among the significant sightings during this period. Tiny, colourful birds add bursts of colour to misty surroundings, perfect for bird-watching photos.

Additionally, the Indian Silver Bill and Indian Yellow Tit arrive, displaying their own traits against the hazy terrain. The appearance of the Pied Cuckoo, a migratory bird famed for its melodic sounds, fills the birding community with astonishment and excitement.

July may be a relatively quiet month for birders in Mount Abu, but it presents a fascinating opportunity to explore the misty and mystical side of nature. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, birdwatchers remain undeterred, driven by their passion for avian wonders. The allure of rare sightings and the thrill of capturing these fleeting moments on camera make every expedition into the misty landscape a truly memorable experience. As they navigate through the mist and rain, birders in Mount Abu continue to unravel the secrets of the avian world, leaving behind a trail of enchanting photographs and inspiring others to embark on their own birding adventures.

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata Mount Abu July 23023..mp4

"Black-rumped Flameback , looking for grub on a date palm tree."

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus Mount Abu July 2023.jpg

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Pied Cuckoo - Clamator jacobinus Mount Abu July 2323.mp4

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Climate Changes on Mount Abu Have an Impact on Birding Season

Recent Sightings of birds in the first half of July 2023

Mount Abu has seen drastic climatic changes this year. The region has seen a dramatic metamorphosis in the last six months, with tremendous rains and overcast days dominating. The Cyclonic storm caused destruction, yet it provided an adequate water supply until the next monsoon. Visiting birdwatchers have experienced the effects of these weather patterns.

July Birding Challenges: The first 10 days of July saw strong to extremely high rains, frequently accompanied by thunderstorms. This resulted in rainy and dismal days, providing difficulties for devoted birders. The low lighting, humidity, and hazy environment harmed their equipment. Many terrestrial species sought cover during these severe storms, reducing birding prospects. If there's a brief moment of sunlight, birders may see newly hatched birds.

The climate of Mount Abu makes it an attractive destination for tourists from Gujarat during the monsoon. Unfortunately, the increased foot traffic has left rubbish strewn across routes, sidewalks, and trails. Promote responsible tourism to preserve the region's natural beauty.

Despite the difficulties birders encounter, Mount Abu remains a refuge for avian species throughout this time of year. Many birds, like the munia, Silverbill, Scaly breasted munias, and Green munia, establish nests and forage. These observations highlight the region's ecological importance.

Mount Abu's climate has changed drastically this year, with much rain and cloudy days. The changing weather has made it challenging to observe the birds in the region, but there are still unique chances. Responsible tourism can help preserve Mount Abu's natural beauty, benefiting nature enthusiasts and future generations.

"Jungle Bush-Quail,resident Rare,Tthree birds on a rock 2 male and 1 female."

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica uncommon Rare

"Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica,male and female descending a rock."

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica uncommon Rare

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica July 2023 Mt Abu.mp4

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus.

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus July 2023 Mt Abu.mp4

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Bonelli's Eagle, in flight above scanning for prey"

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Bonelli's Eagle , preparing to plunge at prey."

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Mount Abu Birding in June 2023: A Difficult Month

Birding in June 2023 Mount Abu

The month of June proved to be difficult for birdwatchers at Mount Abu. Gloomy skies and sultry afternoons prevented outdoor activities. Unfortunately, this period also coincided with a personal setback for me. In mid-May, a serious illness compromised my immune system, and I had to be hospitalised. While I was hospitalized, the doctors carried out multiple medical procedures on me and then released me with a week of bed rest.

To make matters worse, in early June, an extraordinary cyclonic storm dubbed Biparjoy battered Mount Abu. The typhoon caused considerable damage and disrupted bird-watching operations in the area. The severe gusts and pelting rains made viewing and recording the bird species in the region much more difficult. If you want to understand more about Cyclone Biparjoy's impact on Mount Abu, you may read about it on my blog:

[Unprecedented Cyclone Biparjoy Devastates Mount Abu]

Despite the hard conditions, I couldn't help but admire Mount Abu's breathtaking splendour. Mother Nature had painted the hillsides with vivid colours of green, producing a captivating spectacle for all who came to see it. Although Mount Abu does not have as many exotic bird species as other hill stations, it has a diverse spectrum of avifauna. This little hill resort attracts people from all across India in June, seeking relief from the blazing summer heat of the plains.

June is an excellent month for birders to photograph the endangered Green Avadavat (Munia). This species is a highlight during this time of year, and lucky observers may also see Indian Yellow Tit, Brown-headed Barbet, Large-billed Crows, Shikra, Rose-ringed Parakeets, Blackbirds, and a variety of Prinia.

Looking ahead to July, the weather will continue a similar trend, with gloomy skies and hazy conditions. Furthermore, the cyclone's aftermath has drawn an unprecedented amount of tourists to Mount Abu, with over 40,000 visiting in the first two days of July alone. Watching how these factors affect birding possibilities in the following weeks will be interesting.

While June was not the best month for birding at Mount Abu, the tenacity of nature and the timeless appeal of this hill station continue to enchant tourists. The weather is improving, allowing bird lovers to enjoy Mount Abu's scenery.