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: 

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.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense,sitting on a tree trunk"
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

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

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, matching the brown hillside where it is photographed."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo, flying over head."
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

"Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo,in flight".
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

"Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo, landing on date palm tree."
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus .chirping on amaltash tree"
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,sll puffed out sitting on a branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus ,a closeup in the garden,"
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Indian Yellow Tit,pearched on the gate handle."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Indian Yellow Tit ,displaying his hood."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

:Jungle Babbler , carrying food to feeed the juveniloe in the box."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Jungle Babbler,with food for the young one in the box."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Jungle Babbler, carrying nesting material a strand of plastic."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Jungle Babbler ,- only survivor of the snake attack reared in a box"
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Jungle Babbler , makes it's maiden flight."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata maiden flight.

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus, scanning for prey from above."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus


Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis  Mt Abu June 2023.mp4


Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus Mt Abu June 2023.mp4

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, mating display maneuver."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus,perched atop a twig."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus,on a rock looking around."
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus


Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus Mt Abu June 2023.mp4

"Shikra - Accipiter badius, in flight above."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

"Shikra - Accipiter badius,scanning for prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

"Spotted Dove ,Sub adult,on a branch."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis subadult 

"Spotted Dove, perched on a wire."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis subadult 






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