Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Birds of Mount Abu in April.(2024)

 Discovering the Avian Gems of Mount Abu in April

The tranquil views of Mount Abu host a superb display of avian diversity in April. As the month ends, birdwatchers treat themselves to sightings of some of the most sought-after species in the region, such as the magnificent Oriental Honey-buzzard, the royal Crested Serpent Eagle, and the melodic Indian Blackbird. The gorgeous Indian Paradise Flycatchers, whose ethereal beauty is a pleasure to behold amidst the lush vegetation, add to the charm. Meanwhile, the vivid colours of the Common Rose Finches and the attractive Green Avadavats draw attention to the serene surroundings. 

Despite the usual April heat, the last week of April was cool for birdwatchers. Although the meteorologist predicts a hot summer, there is still hope for sporadic thunderstorms to reduce the risk of forest fires, which was a major concern last summer. A word of caution to fellow birders: avoid weekends in Mount Abu, as tourist influx can reach overwhelming levels, leading to traffic snarls and outrageous tariffs at accommodations. Travel light and bring only the essentials to ensure a pleasant experience.

Come enjoy a chosen assortment of Abu’s avian riches, which are a testament to the abundant biodiversity in this charming hill station. I hope these images will make you appreciate and be in awe of nature’s beauty, and that they will motivate all to treasure and save these delicate ecosystems for future generations. 

Bird of the week

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus resident

22 April 2024.

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female perched on a dry stump with nesting material in her beak."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in the snap is seen climbing up a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus.resident perched in the shade of a Jacaranda tree."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, perched on a date palm tree calling."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Full moon, also know as the Pink Moon in April 2024"
Full moon, also called the Pink Moon in April 2024

23 April 2024.
"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, perched on a branch of the tree flame of the forest."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Shikra - Accipiter badius resident flying through the air seeking a prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

24 April 2024.

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus, perched on a rock staring into the sky."
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri , in flight."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri in flight."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

25 April 2024.

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, perched on a branch cleaning its beak."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 


Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus April 2024 Mt Abu.mp4


"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a cable,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch, chirping a melody."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus, flying through the air in an agitated mood."
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

26m April 2024.

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring.Perched on a thick branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a thick branch with grub in its beak,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Perched on a branch"
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a cable."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

27 April 2024.

"The Brahminy Starling boasts a stunning appearance. With its lustrous blue-black head, neck, and upper body, complemented by a unique white patch on its wings, this bird truly stands out. Its underparts are a soft buff hue, and it features a bill that tapers to a fine point.Perched on a cable with its tail fanned out."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, female perched atop a mulberry tree."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"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. Perched on a bamboo shoot"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

28 April 2024.

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla.Perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

29 April 2024.

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a sable, as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla.A pair perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus a collage."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on a branch, displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on a branch, displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

30 April 2024.

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos, flying overhead displaying it's torn and tattered wings."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a branch."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus


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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Birding Highlights: Exploring Mount Abu in the Third Week of April 2024

 Exploring Mount Abu: Birding Highlights in the Third Week of April 2024.

As the third week of April progressed, Mount Abu welcomed us with a little temperature rise. Despite this, birding was enjoyable thanks to the gentle breezes and cloud cover. Among the many bird wonders that graced Mount Abu at this time, the imposing Honey Buzzards stole the show with their majestic appearance. The lovely Common Rosefinch, whose vivid colours added a pop of colour to the lush surroundings, joined them. The excitement of my birdwatching experiences grew when I recorded the elusive Blyth’s Reed Warbler. Be sure to witness the enchanting Black-rumped Flameback, a sight that never ceases to fascinate.

I compiled bird images taken during the third week of April to celebrate my avian encounters. Each picture is a visual tribute to the special birds that reside in this Rajasthan hill town. Join me in admiring the beauty and diversity of these feathered creatures as we celebrate the magical world of birding on Mount Abu. Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher or simply love nature, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience.

Bird of the week

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in this snap seen scaling the trunk of the Jacaranda tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

15 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense,preening itself on a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a mulberry twig, showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"Male Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) are primarily black with chestnut bottom feathers, Males also have a white shoulder patch and a relatively long tail.Perched on a dry branch attired in mating plumage feathers."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus,soaring overhead."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

16 April2024.
"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, with its beak filled with mulberries perched on a mulberry tree,"and the background features a mix of green leaves and branches, indicating a natural habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis, a pair perched on an electric cable."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis , with nesting material perched on a black cable."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis 

17m April 2024.
"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden floor."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant

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"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden floor."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant

18 April 2024.
"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense April 2024 Mt Abu, a cooage."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense April 2024 Mt Abu

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden fance."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden fance."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum


"The Brahminy Starling has an impressive appearance. This bird really sticks out with its glossy blue-black head, neck, and upper body, accented by a distinctive white patch on its wings.Perched on a bamboo stalk singing."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, perched on a baboon bush."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus


"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor. flying overhead redident."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

"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. Perched on a cable"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a cable."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosu

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosu,collage."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosu

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus collage."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Perched on a thick branch"
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a branch,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

tail." "Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a branch.",
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

19 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, scaling a date palm trunk looing for grub."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"The Blyth's Reed Warbler is an insectivorous bird of the Acrocephalidae family. It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in southern Asia and Africa after breeding in northern Asia.Here in the picture it is perched on a garden fence"
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"The Blyth's Reed Warbler is an insectivorous bird of the Acrocephalidae family. It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in southern Asia and Africa after breeding in northern Asia.Here in the picture it is perched on a garden fence"
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female agitated ny a male making to woo her."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female agitated ny a male making to woo her."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"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. Perched on a dry branch"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a branch"
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a cable."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"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, is perched on a branch, displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a branch.",
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus 

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis , with nesting material perched on a black cable."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

20 April 2024.

"A perched Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis) rests on a worn stump, its delicate grey plumage blending in with the surroundings' subdued tones. The bird's slim body and long tail may be seen as it perches alertly."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the baboon bush."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"Turdus simillimus is an Indian blackbird. Dark thrush with a brilliant orange beak. Male is slightly darker than female and perched on an electric cable."
Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

"Turdus simillimus is an Indian blackbird. Dark thrush with a brilliant orange beak. Male is slightly darker than female and perched on an electric cable."
Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

"A female Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) with brown plumage perched on a branch, displaying its distinctive features."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a cable."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus 

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

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis. 

21 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, collage."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant perched on a dry branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched atop mulberry twig, showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"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. Perched on a branch"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus collage."


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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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A Birder’s Lens: Capturing the Beauty of Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders

 A Birder’s Lens: Capturing the Beauty of Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders. Introduction Mount Abu, a serene hill station in the Aravalli Range, is...