Discover the Fascinating Avian Migrations in Mount Abu in January's Third week.
In the thick of January 2024, when winter’s frost gripped Mount Abu in its calm grasp, birding enthusiasts Mohan and I set out on an avian trip to discover the migratory marvels that live in the lap of this quiet hill resort. Our trip, captured on January 17th, brought us to two tiny bodies of water on the way to Gurushikar, providing a panorama that nature lovers could only imagine.
We observed an enchanting flock of about fifty migrating ducks just below Gurushikar, in the Jawai catchment region. Among the highlights of this bird display were the impressive Northern Pintails and the exquisite Green-winged Teal. As we continued our quest, we came to the Duck Pond of Mount Abu, a hidden gem on the road to Achalgarh.
The peaceful pond provided refuge for different duck species, such as the Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Coots, Gadwals, Northern Pintails, and Northern Shovelers. Yet I noticed the absence of sandpipers and the deficient number of wagtails.
The week occurred against a backdrop of cold weather, with daytime highs ranging between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and overnight lows hanging around zero, plunging to a bone-chilling -3 degrees Celsius on January 15, 2024. Weather forecasters projected that frigid weather would remain in the first week of February. Mount Abu’s uniqueness stems not only from its stunning landscapes but also from its confined and scarce water sources, which provide a valuable haven for these aquatic migrants. Grateful for this special haven in the heart of Rajasthan, I kept a daily record of the native and migratory birds that make Mount Abu home during the season.
Once I wrap up my birding adventure in January, I'll have more insights about the wild birds in the Abode of the Gods. Continue to follow along as I uncover the secrets and marvel at the beauty of bird life in this picturesque part of the world.
Bird of the week
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| Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea |
Grey herons inhabit wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, and coastal environments. While Mount Abu has a few sources of water, it does not provide an optimal home for grey herons. Considered an uncommon sight (vagrant) in this region, records show scanty recorded sightings at Mount Abu. My personal know-how over the years has allowed me to capture and photograph this magnificent heron several times in the charming environs of Mount Abu. The noted birder Butler (1875), during his tenure on Mount Abu, failed to observe the Grey Heron.
15 Jan 2024.
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| Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus |
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| Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus |
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| Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum |
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| Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda |
16 Jan 2024.
17 Jan 2024. Will be back tomorrow to post our winter migrants. I'll return with a compilation of the winter visitors I've encountered at our Duck Pond.
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