Thursday, November 9, 2023

Embracing November's Avian Spectacle: Mount Abu is a Birder's Paradise

 Mount Abu is a birder's paradise, especially in November.

Continued: 

November Narratives: Wings Over Mount Abu: A Birder's Haven

The 6th and 7th of November 2023 marked the continuation of the birding expedition in the magnificent lands of Mount Abu, with fresh tales of avian pleasures unfolding. The sanctuary's breathtaking landscape showcased a vibrant bird population, capturing the attention of birding enthusiasts and nature lovers.
However, before getting into the birding adventures, a traveller's advice is issued for anyone considering a journey to this avian paradise in the coming weeks. Thousands of tourists, mainly from Gujarat, are expected to visit Mount Abu as Diwali approaches on November 12th. The hill station evolves into a vibrant centre, like a flame atop the hill, attracting throngs of celebrants and vacationers.
It engulfed Mount Abu in festive fervour during Diwali, creating a vibrant scene. However, it introduces new obstacles for travellers and birders, notably to lodge. More tourists often lead to crowded streets, long traffic delays, and limited parking, which can be stressful for many people. Making lodging reservations in advance is crucial, as the increased number of travellers can make finding a place to stay quite challenging.
From the heart of the Abode of the Gods, I warmly wish for a joyful Deepawali to all my readers and fellow birds. May your recollections of this gorgeous spot live on in your heart forever. For serious birders arranging a trip exclusively for birding, I recommend visiting a week after the joyous Deepawali festivities to enjoy the sanctuary's tranquillity without the busy crowd.
Regarding my bird interactions on November 6th and 7th, the sanctuary revealed a stunning display of avian variety. They filled the refuge with the sounds of many species' songs and flights. Some notable sightings during this time included beautiful Crested Serpent Eagles, stately Bonelli's Eagles, lively Tree Pipits, majestic Black Redstarts, and secretive Sulphur-bellied Warblers. The bright Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, unique Tufted Ducks, and well-dressed Common Pochard are among our winter aqua visitors.  
November is still a great month for birders, with each passing day unveiling new chapters in this ever-evolving avian story.
The sanctuary's bird species are diverse and complex, highlighting the splendour of nature. Stay tuned for more than the Mount Abu avian narrative develops, revealing a tapestry of winged wonders waiting to be uncovered.
6 Nov 2023.
"Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela, Resident soaring above."
Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela 

"Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela, Resident soaring above."
Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela 

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, winter visitor scanning for prey."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus 

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus,winter visitor scanning for prey."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus 

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus, winter visitor soaring above."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata, winter visitor gracing Mount Abu waters."
Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata

"Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata, winter visitor gracing Mount Abu waters."
Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata


Northern Pintail - Anas acuta Mt Abu  6 Nov 2023.mp4

"Common Pochard - Aythya ferina, winter visitor, in a water body fondly named Duck Pond Mt Abu."
Common Pochard - Aythya ferina

"Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra, winter visitor in the background is a moorhen."
Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

"Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra winter visitor."
Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

"Gadwall - Mareca strepera winter visitor few in number."
Gadwall - Mareca strepera

"Gadwall - Mareca strepera, winter visitor."
Gadwall - Mareca strepera

"Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca, winter visitor  female."
Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca

"Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula, winter visitor Male."
Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula

"Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis, resident."
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

"Ducks mixed bag, common Pochard and Tufted ducks."
Ducks mixed bag, common Pochard and Tufted ducks

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros , winter visitor."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor, perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis, resident perched atop a tree."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis, with its flaming red eye staring around."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus,perched on garden fence male."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, resident basking."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, perched on a bamboo shoot."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata  juvenile perched on a cable."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata juvenile 

"Swallow sp, winter visitor Id requested."
Swallow sp ID, please. 

"Shikra - Accipiter badius,resident common."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

7 Nov 2023.
"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata, winter visitor soaring through Mount Abu sky."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata, winter visitor soaring through Mount Abu sky."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata, winter visitor soaring through Mount Abu sky."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea , winter visitor threading on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea 

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach , resident perched on a bamboo stump."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

"Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis, not common winter visitor perched on a wire."
Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

"Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis, not common winter visitor perched on a wire."
Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

"Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis, not common winter visitor perched on a wire."
Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

From the Abode of the Gods, I greet all my readers and fellow birders with a joyful Deepawali.







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