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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