Monday, February 26, 2024

February Birdwatching Adventure: Exploring Mount Abu in 2024

 February Birding in the Abode of Gods: 

A Photographic Journey

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February goes, leaving a tapestry of avian wonders at the Abode of Gods. Surrounded by stunning scenery, this month offers a stunning spectacle for those who love birdwatching. Throughout the third week of February, I was blessed with many sightings that showcased nature's brilliant palette.

 February, noted for its moderate weather, provides an excellent opportunity to see birds in their breeding plumage. Fluttering around, you may see sunbirds, robins, sparrows, herons, and a variety of other birds, each dressed to the hilt.

 One noteworthy observation around this time is the return of certain resident birds after a brief absence. The Spot-breasted Fantail, Green Munia, Indian Silverbill, Indian Yellow Tit, and Scaly-breasted Munia go on a seasonal migration, but they always come back to us in January to their original habitats.

Capturing these bird interactions is not a mere pastime, but a passion that runs deep within me. In February's third week, I set off on a trek, armed with my camera, to capture the fleeting beauty of birds. The wonders of nature never ceased to amaze me, as each day presented fresh surprises and joys, from the magnificent wings of raptors to the complex plumage of songbirds.

Feast your eyes on the breathtaking avian wonders I photographed during this lovely time:

Bird of the week

"A big raptor soaring in the sky is the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata). It is distinguished by its dark plumage, robust body, and striking white patterns on the wings and tail. Capturing the spirit of this beautiful bird of prey in flight with outstanding aerial prowess."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata winter visitor?

15 Feb 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on garden fence, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros. Common winter visitor.

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a rock. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, soaring high above winter visitor."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo winter visitor

"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor, An overall dark brown Martin with paler underparts. It has a square tail with a white spot on each tail feather, making a white speckled band of sorts.Flying above.""Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor, An overall dark brown Martin with paler underparts. It has a square tail with a white spot on each tail feather, making a white speckled band of sorts.Flying above."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a stump, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast.Returned from a seasonal migration , perched on a branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis.

16 Feb 2024.
"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica,winter visitor, flting overhead the All India Radio tower."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica winter visitor

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros perched on garden floor,displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu.A picture collage."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, resident a pair perches aop a large rock."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, resident perched on a cable with a prey in its beak."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast.Returned from a seasonal migration , perched on a cable"
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis.

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a stump, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a stump, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

17 Feb 2024.
"A big raptor soaring in the sky is the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata). It is distinguished by its dark plumage, robust body, and striking white patterns on the wings and tail. Capturing the spirit of this beautiful bird of prey in flight with outstanding aerial prowess."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata  winter visitor


Bonelli's Eagle  Feb 2024 Mount Abu.m4v

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. Is perches on a a cluster of flowers, drawing nectar and displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

18 Feb 2024.
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis), perched on a bamboom shoot displaying its yellow throat."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

19 Feb2024.
“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, taking off from winter ravaged mulberry tree branch."on a branch against a lush background, illustrates its nimble and acrobatic character in its native habitat.”
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus winter visitor

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream,displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor

"Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) The resident, common, has a conical silver-grey beak, buff-brown upper body, white underbody, buffy flanks, and dark wings. The tail is black, and the wings are dark, contrasting with the white rump."
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor


Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus Feb 2024 Mt ABu.mp4

20 Feb 2024.

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, a collage with different flying postures."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo winter visitor

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a cable, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus  

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, apicture collage of the shrike perched on a thorny branch."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, perched on a mulberry branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) A collage with different postures."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

21 Feb 2024.

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

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

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, with ruffled feathers perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Great Egret - Ardea alba, rare probably vagrant seen in winter. Flying gracefully in the Abu sky."
Great Egret - Ardea alba

“This is a small species the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca,with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat.A common winter migrant.”
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, common winter visitor

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a branch peering at the camera lens."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis., perched on a watering bowl in the garden."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis.

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched sideways on a thin branch."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

As another February draws to a close, it serves as a reminder of how short-lived these moments are. However, via the lens of my camera, I’ve captured a moment in time, a witness to the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us in the Abode of Gods. Every birdwatcher who visits these sacred grounds will hold onto these memories until the birds return in February.


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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

February Birdwatching Adventure: Exploring Mount Abu in 2024

 Discover Mount Abu through a birdwatching trip in February 2024.


Abu had the perfect winter experience in the second week of February, with freezing temperatures at night and warm temperatures during the day. The setting was ideal for birding - not too demanding, with just the right amount of adventure and serenity.

While the raptors appeared to be taking it easy at this time, I could still get some magnificent images of these majestic birds. Among them were the Common Buzzard, the Long-legged Buzzard, the native shikras, and the wonderful Eurasian Sparrowhawk, all on their yearly visit to the region.

I've put together a brief assortment of my daily encounters with these magnificent birds to bring you joy. Join me as we explore the exciting world of birding in the tranquil settings of Mount Abu.

Bird of the week

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus, local migrant


9 Feb 2024.
"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros, winter visitor eying a ladybug as a potential meal."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

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

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a rock. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca resident

"A Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) captured perched along the streams edge, showcasing its mottled brown plumage with a white underbelly. Its slender body and long bill are characteristic of this elegant wading bird."
A Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) winter visitor

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus resident, perched atop a datepalm tree."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus resident

“This is a small species the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca,with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat.A common winter migrant.”
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

"A Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) perched on a concrete road, its distinctive black mask and hooked bill contrasting against the pale background. The bird's long tail and upright posture are characteristic as it scans its surroundings."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a garden fence, the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

9 Feb 2024.
"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus,passage migrant perched on a Prickly sowthistle,feasting on it's seeds."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage ,winter migrant

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus,passage migrant perched on a Prickly sowthistle,feasting on it's seeds."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage ,winter migrant

"Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius,perched on a Prickly sowthistle, feeding og the tiny insects on the plant."
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor


 Long-legged Buzzard mobbed by Shikra Feb 2024 Mt Abu..m4v

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck.Sitting on a cable above a stream with a crab in it's beak."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

"Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica, resident, perched atop a cactus with a sky blue background,"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica, resident

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

10 Feb 2024
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched in the garden, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros common winter visitor

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, winter migrant feedin of Prickly sowthistle seeds."
"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, winter migrant feedin of Prickly sowthistle seeds."
"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, perched on a wild plant stem, displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream,scratchin itself and displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri, displaying a remarkable green head, with a red curved beak."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a branch, showing off its fan-shaped tail and engaged in typical tail flicking behaviour."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

11 Feb 2024.

"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 

"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 

"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 

12 Feb 2024.

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus  Mt Abu Feb 2024.mp4

"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

"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

"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

"A collage of Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus Feb 2024 Mt Abu.jpg."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus  Feb 2024 Mt Abu.jpg

"A medium-sized songbird with a striking look, the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus). Its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and pronounced red whisker markings distinguish it. Perched on a branch."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

13 Feb 2024.
"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. During the mating season, it perches on a branch, displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus.

"Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva ,winter visitor pereched on a branch in the setting sun."
Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva 

"Mid-air dive of a White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck. The bird's wings are tucked in as it dives towards the water, demonstrating the bird's adept hunting behaviour."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

14 Feb 2024.
"A Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) glides into the sky, wings spread. The stork's sleek black plumage contrasts with the white feathers on its belly and under wings. Its long neck extends forward, and its pointed bill may be seen as it cuts through the air. The stork's magnificent presence is captured as it flies easily across a beautiful sky."
Black Stork - Ciconia nigra  winter visitor rare.

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, caught in flight , while hunting on the wing , impressive show of open wings,"
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri, beautiful show of outstretched wing after take of from perched position."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 



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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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