A Tranquil Winter Retreat: Birding in the Second Week of January at Mount Abu 2024
Embarking on a birding expedition amidst the serene landscapes of Mount Abu during the winter months is a nature lover’s dream come true. The clear skies and chilly weather create the perfect mood for this soul-soothing activity. In the second week of January 2024, I ventured into the heart of Mount Abu for a unique birdwatching experience, capturing moments with some elusive avian residents.
Exploring Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders: I opted for a more secluded birding experience to avoid the lively flood of tourists. Despite the fewer migratory visitors during this period, the second week of January unveiled a remarkable array of winged wonders. Among the notable sightings were the Common Chiffchaff, the flitting Common Lesser White-throat, the striking Black Redstart, the majestic Long-legged Buzzard, and the agile Gray Wagtail. However, the highlight of my trek was capturing the rare and magnificent Changeable Hawk Eagle in its natural habitat—a sight that made my birding quest unforgettable.
A Glimpse into Mount Abu’s Breathtaking Beauty: Accompanying the avian delights, the scenic beauty of Mount Abu in its winter glory added an extra layer of charm to my birding jaunts. The perfect surroundings and crisp wintry air created a picture-perfect backdrop for each photograph, making the experience even more enchanting.
Looking Ahead to the Third Week: As I anticipate my upcoming birding adventures in the third week, my focus will shift to the water bodies of Mount Abu. Avid birders can expect a delightful journey as the preparations to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya are expected to thin out the crowds, resulting in less crowded roads.
Appreciating the Rarity: I invite fellow bird enthusiasts to appreciate the uniqueness of Mount Abu’s avian species, as each sighting adds to the rich tapestry of its natural heritage. The records of the Common Chiffchaff, Lesser White-throat, Black Redstart, Long-legged Buzzard, Gray Wagtail, and the rare Changeable Hawk Eagle prove the diverse bird life that graces this charming region.
In conclusion, birding on Mount Abu during the second week of January 2024 was a pleasant blend of harmony and discovery. As I await the unfolding chapters of my birding diary in the coming weeks, I encourage fellow nature lovers to explore the hidden gems of Mount Abu’s avian world and appreciate the delicate balance of nature that makes each moment amazing.
Bird of the week
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Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus |
The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, technically known as Nisaetus cirrhatus, usually inhabits the base of Mount Abu. Although considered an uncommon sight in this region, records show no recorded sightings at Mount Abu. Nonetheless, my personal know-how over the years has allowed me to capture and photograph this magnificent eagle several times in the charming environs of Mount Abu.
8 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros common winter visitor. |
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Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto |
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Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto |
Certainly, the pair I photographed are vagrants. Despite their prevalence in the surrounding lowlands, their appearance on Mount Abu is rare. Jugal Tiwari reported seeing a lone bird near Arna in September 2004. Butler's description from 1876 mentions that they found one or two specimens on Mount Abu. This is the first time I’ve recorded their fleeting existence on Mount Abu.
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Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor |
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Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor |
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Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common. |
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White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis common resident
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Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) resident. |
9 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor |
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Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolo |
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Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus |
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Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach |
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Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri |
10 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros |
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Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus |
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Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus |
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Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea |
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Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis |
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Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis |
11 Jan 2024.
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Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica |
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Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca |
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Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis |
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Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri |
12 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros |
13 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros |
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Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca |
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Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus |
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Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus |
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Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident |
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Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident |
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Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident |
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Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common |
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White-breasted Waterhens, Amaurornis phoenicurus, resident common. |
14 Jan 2024.
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Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) Winter common migrant to Mount Abu. |
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Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). |
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Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo).
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The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) appears to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his stay in Mount Abu. It is classified as a vagrant, most likely because it is found outside of its normal habitat. Over the last decade, I've constantly watched and photographed this species. Notably, the Common Buzzard has been reported to remain at Mount Abu throughout the winter. Anticipating it's coming as a winter guest to our picturesque hill station is a wonderful expectation.
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Great Egret - Ardea alba |
The Great Egret - Ardea alba, seems to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his tenure here in Mount Abu.
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Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor |
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Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor |
I look forward to meeting you by the close of the upcoming week, and I'll return with a compilation of the winter visitors I've encountered at our truly outstanding hill station in Rajasthan.
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