Saturday, September 28, 2024

Monsoon Birding on Mount Abu [September]

 The First Two Weeks of September

When September rains come, Mount Abu becomes a dream destination for birdwatchers. For birders, this is a season of anticipation—September marks the first migratory birds, with the elegant Grey Wagtail as one of the earliest visitors. However, the first two weeks were a challenge for even the most dedicated enthusiasts this year. A constant mist shrouded the hills, and persistent showers made every birding expedition a test of patience.

Catching a clear glimpse of the avian life in such weather was difficult, and snapping a wonderful photograph was even harder. The overcast skies and relentless rain didn’t make things easy. Still, with a little perseverance, I captured a few memorable moments, though some photos may appear dull or grainy—let’s blame that on the moody monsoon ambience.

The Pied Cuckoo and Alpine Swift didn’t make their usual appearances this season. I also captured a rare sighting of the Asian Koel in Mount Abu. Despite these absences, the misty mornings and rain-drenched afternoons brought out a variety of other species that are just as captivating. Among the highlights are the delightful Scaly-breasted Munia, the swift Red-rumped Swallows, the colourful Coppersmith Barbet, the elusive Red Spurfowl, and the vibrant Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.

Each of these birds brings its own charm to the monsoon landscape, making the effort of venturing out in the rain more than worthwhile. Look at these select photos of Mount Abu’s birds during the monsoon season—they’re captivating.

Bird of the fortnight.

"Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus The female of the nominate race is brownish on the crown and has rufous streaks on the head. The back, rump and wing coverts are dark brown with white and buff spots. The underparts are whitish, but is heavily striped.Rare for Mount Abu, here seen sitting on a branch calling."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus


Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, resident here seen scaling a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, seen in flight."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, juvenile perched on a cable."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense


" "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

"Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus,the coppersmith barbet is green with a red head, yellow cheeks and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black.Perched on a dry stump."
Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

"Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus,the coppersmith barbet is green with a red head, yellow cheeks and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black.Perched on a dry stump."
Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus


"A Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perched on a cable overlooking a flowing stream, showcasing its distinctive gray plumage and elegant posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"A Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perched on cement road upagainst a flowing stream, showcasing its distinctive gray plumage and elegant posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, Males have rufous napes, vivid buffs and browns, and beautifully patterned wings. They also wear stylish black bibs. Pale pearly-gray underparts. Females are simply brown.Perched on a branch."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, male eith nesting material."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female with nesring material."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

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

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on the garden floor with nesting material in its beak."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on a thick branch with nesting material."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos n resident perched on a cable."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos 

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a cable calling."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a cable calling."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus , flying with its wings spread out in the misty sky."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica , parched on a cable adult feefing a juvenile."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica 


Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica.  Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata. The adult's brown upperparts and dark brown head are characteristic of grain-eating birds, as is its short, dark bill. The underparts have dark scale marks on a white background. The genders are comparable. The bird is perched on a cable."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata


caly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus,snap taken from a distance bird perched on a cable."
Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus

"Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus,snap taken from a distance bird perched on a cable."
Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus

"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 branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, perched on a branch with its wings open wide basking."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis basking

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, perched on a branch with its wings open wide basking."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis basking

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae






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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Experience Monsoon Magic in Mount Abu during August

 Mount Abu Misty Adventure: The Last Two Weeks of August.

Uncovering the avian gems nestled in Abu’s hills.

Mount Abu undergoes a stunning transformation into a lush green paradise during the monsoon season in August. Waterfalls roar down the hillsides, the air is thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth, and a cool mist wraps around the mountains, creating a ghostly atmosphere. This year’s monsoon felt like a nostalgic journey back to the monsoons of the 1960s. Mist blanketed the hills for days on end, and the sun stayed hidden for what felt like an eternity. While the damp, mushy climate tested the patience of many, especially locals longing for a break from the endless drizzle, it was a mystical and enthralling experience for others.
For birders, however, August presents both challenges and opportunities. The overcast skies and persistent mist make spotting and photographing birds difficult. Yet, the season also brings a unique window into avian life. The monsoon is a time of bustling activity; with many birds busy feeding their young and standing guard against lurking predators. For those willing to brave the elements, this season offers rare glimpses into the secret world of Mount Abu’s bird life.
Personally, I think this monsoon season was far from ideal for birding. The constant drizzle, combined with the overcast skies, kept me grounded more often than I would have liked. The weather may have dampened my outings, but it did not dampen my spirit. Despite the obstacles, I still captured a few cherished moments of avian beauty, and I am excited to share this small collection with you. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Mount Abu’s avian wonders during the enchanting monsoon season.
Bird of the fortnight.

"Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae medium-sized flycatcher, attractive with blue upperparts and orange-and-white underparts, with the most orange on the chest and the throat. Male is more intensely-colored overall than the female. Perched on the garden fence."
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae 

"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

"Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus. "Brown-headed Barbet,a bird of medium size with a robust bill, a striking brown head, and brilliant green plumage." perched on a tree limb, showing off its distinctive look and vibrant characteristics."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

"Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius, warblerlike bird with a green back, a reddish crown, and a long bill. It gets its name from the way in which it builds its nest by stitching leaves together.Here seen perched on a branch."
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius 

"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 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 leafy branch upside down."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus. 

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

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus. A picture collage."
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 o a rose bush, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis, basking atop an electric cable."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

"Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), a medium-sized bird with soft gray-brown plumage. Recognizable by its pinkish chest and distinct black markings on the neck. Here seen in flight."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

"Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis, gliding on the calm water of the pond."
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

"Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica, a picture colllage."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer, doing a jig atop a cable."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus, perched on a mulberry tree."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata The adult has a stubby dark bill typical of grain eating birds, brown upperparts and a dark brown head. The underparts are white with dark scale markings. The sexes are similar. In this photograph the bird is perched on a dry branch."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata The adult has a stubby dark bill typical of grain eating birds, brown upperparts and a dark brown head. The underparts are white with dark scale markings. The sexes are similar. In this photograph the bird is perched on a dry branch."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

"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 branch , displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, a picture collage."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis


"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis , perched atop a tree stump."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis 

"Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae , perched on a cable with its back to the camera,"
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae 


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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...