Saturday, September 16, 2023

Mount Abu Misty Adventure, birding in August.

 Exploring the Avian Treasures of Mount Abu.

For bird watchers, August in Mount Abu is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Cloudy and hazy conditions are common during the month. While the first week of August may see some rain, the remainder of the month is expected to be dry. August can be challenging for birders due to cloudy weather and limited light. This time of year, however, provides an opportunity to see a diverse diversity of bird wonders.
A Sombre Canvas for Birders
Birdwatchers often feel perplexed during August due to the cloudy sky and foggy environment. The cloudy sky and foggy environment may be disappointing, as the low light makes taking those ideal photos difficult. This month, birding enthusiasts need to be persistent and informed to find feathered beauty.
The Rain and Haze Dance
While Mount Abu gets a small shower in the first week of August, the rest of the month is dry. The light rain and continuous mist produce slippery woodland trails, adding an element of adventure to the birding experience. Walking on these slippery paths and identifying birds requires agility and identification skills.
August’s Avian Visitors
Despite the dreary weather, Mount Abu in August has a wonderful variety of bird species. Here are some of the feathery friends who visited us during this gloomy month:

1. Yellow Tit in India

The Indian Yellow Tit, with its bright yellow plumage and energetic demeanour, stands out against the foggy background.
"Indian Yellow Tit, resident sittingon a babul bush."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus



2. Cuckoo Pied

The Pied Cuckoo’s beautiful notes echo through the foggy trees, providing a relaxing backdrop to the birding journey.

3. Avadavat in green

The Green Avadavat, a flash of green in the mist, adds a splash of colour to the otherwise neutral surroundings.

4. Fantail with a Spotted Breast

This quick bird with striking markings is difficult to photograph but a sight to remember.

Indian Silverbill 5

I frequently saw the Indian Silverbill bird's gorgeous feathers as it searched for seeds in hills covered in mist.

Robin of the Oriental Magpie

The Oriental Magpie is a bird found throughout Asia. Robin’s melodic song cuts through the mist, a reminder of nature’s persistence in the face of adversity.
"Oriental Magpie-Robin, basking in the appearance of the sun."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis basking


Sykes’ Warbler 7

The mysterious Sykes’ warbler is a harder bird to spot, but it rewards those with a good eye and patience.

"Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama, first for this season."
Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama

August Bird Photography Is a Visual Treat

Mount Abu in August may be a treasure trove for people who enjoy bird photography. The unusual weather and lush green surroundings provide the ideal setting for photographing these bird marvels. For your enjoyment, here is a tiny sampling of bird images shot during this period.

Mount Abu's exceptional birding experience is not diminished on rainy or cloudy days, as we prepare to say goodbye to August and welcome the changing seasons. 

Regardless of the weather, the region’s great avian variety guarantees that every trip to Mount Abu is a net-worthy birding experience. So, take your binoculars and camera and head to this quaint hill station to discover the avian wonders that await you.

"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis, perched on a cable."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis  

"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis , common residence of Mount Abu."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis  

"Brahminy Starling, resident sub adult preched on a branch."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

"Brown-headed Barbet, with pery."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus 

"Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus  Mt Abu August,collage."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus Mt Abu August

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus ,sitting on a fence."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus  

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus,sitting on a branch."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus  

"Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica,sitting on a cable"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,resident perched on a branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit, resident sitting in a bush."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus


"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus Mt Abu August 2023,collage"
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus Mt Abu August 2023



"Laughing Dove , courtship display on a wire cable."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis 

"Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis basking and pruning."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis basking and pruning.

"Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica  perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica  

"Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica  perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica  

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus ,perched on a branch."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus 

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri,perched on a Neem branch."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis,displaying it's fantail."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, resident foraging."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

"Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama, winter visitor the first for this season."
Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama 

|Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama,foraging for insects."
Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama 

"Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama, sitting in a bush."
Sykes's Warbler - Iduna rama 

"White-breasted Waterhen, searching for grubs."
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicuru


Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis Mt Abu August2023.mp4




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