A Journey Through Mount Abu's Scorching Summer: Birding in May.

Birding in May has always been a challenging experience for me in Mount Abu. This year the summer came with a mixed bag of moods. The first week was hot and dry. Followed by some thunderstorms and not-so-pleasant weather in the second week. The third week of May experienced the hottest period ever witnessed. The heat wave started in mid-May and has been the hottest on record for this century, with temperatures in the area reaching a scorching 40°C+.

It was during this time of the year I once again suffered from my Immune system going berserk. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I began my treatment promptly and avoided being hospitalized. I did my stint of birding late in the evenings.

I have put together a collection of birds observed and photographed during this period.

If one is birding during summer in Abu times, remember to stay hydrated, spend as much time inside and only venture out early mornings and late evenings as the UV in Abu is very high.

Bird of the Month

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogulari

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"A collage of Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense , in flying and perched positions."

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense Mt Abu May

"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 branch."

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum Mt Abu May 2024.mp4.

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

"The green avadavat, known as the green munia (Amandava formosa), is an Estrildid finch with a green and yellow body, a vivid red beak, and black "zebra stripes" on its sides. They are indigenous to Mount Abu.The photograph depicts a bird on a black cable."

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

In my area, I’ve noticed several sparrows missing their tail feathers over the years. I thought predators might have attacked them, as moulting during the mating season seemed unlikely. After seeking information, I came to know that house sparrows often attempt to build nests inside our homes when they are at their busiest nesting period. To stop this annoyance, certain locals capture sparrows and remove their tail feathers as a deterrent.