Sunday, December 31, 2023

Birding in December in Mount Abu.

Explore the world of birds at Mount Abu in the last week of December.

"Explore Mount Abu's Birding Journey: Winged Marvels and December Delights Await."

The last week of December turns Mount Abu's beautiful majesty into a birder's paradise. Migrating birds have transformed the sky into a painting of feathers and flight this year, making the avian display nothing short of spectacular. While many migrants have already passed through, the possibility of seeing pipits and sandpipers continues, extending the birding season to March. I went out on an undertaking to bag a new species, capturing the spirit of Mount Abu’s rich wildlife through interesting presentations and images, eager to close out the year with a feathered flourish. Join me on this photographic adventure as I share the avian beauties that have blessed the town during this enchanted season.

The magnificent presence of buzzards fills the skies as winter wraps its stiff arms around Mount Abu. However, given the sparse knowledge about their taxonomy and habitat in the region, identifying these regal birds remains difficult. The growing population of common and long-legged buzzards has added an exciting dimension to the birding experience, encouraging a deeper look at their habits and habitats. 

The wings of these amazing creatures are in full flight against the backdrop of the winter winds, unleashing an avian spectacle that promises stories inscribed in feathers. Witnessing the beauty of December's bird pleasure transformed the sky into an awe-inspiring painting.

I urge fellow bird watchers to appreciate the species I saw in December. Your excellent eyes and experience are important, and I appreciate any adjustments or insights into species identification to ensure my birding data's correctness.

Let the echoes of “Tweet-Tweet” ring out as the year ends. “Happy New Year” rings out from Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Aside from birds, my genuine goal for 2024 is for global peace and reducing the horrors of climate change. In the next year, may the beauty of nature inspire us all to contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable world.

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus,winter visitor wings outstretched pointing up the the heavens."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

Long-legged Buzzard Mount Abu Dec2023.m4v

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus, resident tking of from the radio tower."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen)  Mt Abu Dec 2023.m4v

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor, gracing the Mt Abu Sky scanning for prey."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor, gracing the Mt Abu Sky scanning for prey."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

“The Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a sleek, medium-sized bird with mostly black plumage that is distinguished by its forked tail and white vent feathers. This Ashy Drongo, perched on a branch against a lush background, illustrates its nimble and acrobatic character in its native habitat.”
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus winter visitor

"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, winter visitor, perched on a bamboo shoot scanning for bees."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, making sorties and snapping up bees."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis. resident, searching for grubs."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis 

"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis. resident, searching for grubs."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum,resident perched on a cable."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

"Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus, resident with grub in it's beak."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor on a rock bobbing it's tail up and down."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea 

"Great Egret - Ardea alba, winter visitor, uncommon flying past in search of a water body."
Great Egret - Ardea alba 

"Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis, searching for food in the bushes."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis,resident, perched in a date palm tree."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, resident eating  Jacranda leaves."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus 

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus, resident found in all the gardes of Mount Abu."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus, female perched on garden fence."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, resident common Adult feeding sub-adult."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, with a large piece of food in it's beak ,ready to take off."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, gliding  through the air."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, female ,resident  perched on garden fence."."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, male perched on a cable."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda, resident sitting on a cable."
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda  

"Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda, taking off froma date palm tree."
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda  

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis, resident perched on a cable overlooking the strem, has a wound in its left side."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) , resident perched on a stump."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) , perched on a dry branch."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

31Dec 2023.
On the last day of the year, I went bird-watching, bringing my 2023 postings to a close. Greetings from the heavenly world, and best wishes for a joyous New Year. May the upcoming year be brimming with love, laughter, and the joy of shared moments.

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros, common winter visitor, the garden is his playground."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros, common winter visitor, the garden is his playground."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus, resident common peering at what appears to be a fild mouse."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, resident perched on a cable."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus,resident perched on a bamboo shoot."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Wnter visitor , the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca  is common looking for grub in babul bush."
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca 

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, regular visitor to my garden."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, winter visitor, feeding of flying bugs."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Once again I wish all my viewers a "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024".
Cheer to Life 🍻

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Exploring Avian Delights:Birding in December in Mount Abu

Birding Adventures in the third week of December at Mount Abu


 Winter Wings Unveiled: Narratives of Birding in Mount Abu's December Delight

The bird residents and winter migrants take the front stage in a spectacular exhibition as December unveils its frigid curtains in the tranquil refuge of Mount Abu. Join me on an adventure during the third week of December—an episode in the aerial extravaganza that graces the sky with wonder-filled wings.

The end of the week delivered a bleak prediction, but the winter frost remained elusive, with nighttime temperatures hovering around zero. On December 15, 2023, I went to the Duck Pond with my niece, Crescentia, and trusted companion, Mohan, restless to capture the season's spirit.

The sandpipers, those striking migrants, had yet to make their appearance, and even the lively wagtails were absent. Perhaps the impending mid-January water level drop, as farmers prepare to irrigate their crops, will reveal fresh bird arrivals, giving captivating close-quarter shooting prospects.

The desire to catch these untamed treasures in their native surroundings grows as I travel the beauty of Mount Abu with my camera in hand. The feathered tapestry that emerges against Mount Abu's calm backdrop provides a visual feast for birding enthusiasts.

Join me in celebrating the avian moments I've collected, a glimpse of the exciting third week of December—an introduction to the enthralling experiences that await as winter tightens its grip on our scenic hill station. Winter wings are in full flight, and the avian extravaganza is still unfolding, promising stories etched in feathers and sky adorned with the beauty of December's bird joy.

"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on garden gate, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Mt Abu Dec 2023, Picture colage."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Mt Abu Dec 2023

"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus,perched on dry bhang tree ,sleek bird with red eyes and forked tail."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

"Acolage of the Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus Mt Abu  Dec 2023,winter visitor."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus Mt Abu  Dec 2023

"Image of a Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), a graceful raptor with predominantly white plumage and striking black wingtips, hovering against a clear sky."
Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

"A flock of 10 birds heading for the neaqrest water body , In Mount Abu."
Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor ,soaring overhead."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"A winter visitor,Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo ,uncommon for his area."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"winter visitors,Common Pochard - Aythya ferina ,a collage of the birds gracing Mount Abu Duck Pond."
Common Pochard - Aythya ferina Mt Abu Dec

"Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), Medium-sized waterbirds with dark plumage and distinctive white frontal shield. Gracefully navigating the water of Mount Abu Duck Pond."
Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra winter visitor.

"Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris, A large, compact, and powerful martin, gray-brown above, with contrasting dark "armpits."winter visitor to Mount Abu."
Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris winter visitor 

"Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris, A large, compact, and powerful martin, gray-brown above, with contrasting dark "armpits."winter visitor to Mount Abu."
Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris winter visitor

"Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris, A large, compact, and powerful martin, gray-brown above, with contrasting dark "armpits."winter visitor to Mount Abu."
Eurasian Crag-Martin- Ptyonoprogne rupestris winter visitor

"Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus,resident not common, swimming in the Duck Pond enroute Achalgarh."
Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

"Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus,resident not common, swimming in the Duck Pond enroute Achalgarh."
Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

"Gadwall - Mareca strepera, a pair winter visitor to Mount Abu gracing the Duck Pond enroute to Achalgrh."
Gadwall - Mareca strepera 

"Gadwall - Mareca strepera, male,winter visitor to Mount Abu gracing the Duck Pond enroute to Achalgrh."
Gadwall - Mareca strepera 

"Common Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus, found throughout Mount Abu, resident, sitting on garden fence."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata feeding sub-adult,resident common."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata feeding sub-adult

Little Cormorant - Microcarbo niger flying above the duck pond, in front of the mahdev ashram."
Little Cormorant - Microcarbo niger flying 

"The Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger) is a beautiful black waterbird with a thin neck and beak that sits on rock at the water's edge. In this natural setting, its gleaming plumage adds to its beauty."
Little Cormorant - Microcarbo niger  Mt Abu Dec 

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

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

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, a close up snap of this sharp eyed ground and aerial  preditor."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Majestic Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) perched on the garden ground, displaying its distinctive black mask and long, elegant tail, with a background of the garden patch."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach


"Graceful Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) in Mount Abu Duck Pond, a slender and elegant duck with a distinctively long tail, floating on calm water surrounded by wetland weeds."
Northern Pintail - Anas acuta 

"Graceful Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) in Mount Abu Duck Pond, a slender and elegant duck with a distinctively long tail, floating on calm water surrounded by wetland weeds."
Northern Pintail - Anas acuta 

"An agile and swift preditor Shikra - Accipiter badius, resident scanning for prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

"Rare, very few recordings for Mount Abu, Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus ."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus 

"Rare, very few recordings for Mount Abu, Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus ."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus 

"ommon resident, scanning for prey in the stream below, White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.

"Front facing view, Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis), common Mount Abu resident."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"Back view of the Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis), common resident perched on a cable."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)
 
As the holiday season approaches, I extend my warmest greetings for a wonderful and Merry Christmas to all of my fans and supporters. Best wishes for a joyful holiday season!From the Abode of the Gods!Cheers.To Life Cheers!






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