Birding in October: Migration, birds of prey, and cloudy skies.

The second week of October this year has been a bit of a letdown for me, with cloudy skies dominating most days. Despite the gloomy weather, the hills of Mount Abu are abuzz with activity, as the much-anticipated winter migrants have arrived. Among the new arrivals, the pipits, Tree Pipits, have turned up in record numbers this season, making it one of the most remarkable migrations I’ve witnessed in Abu. The winter stay has begun for warblers, wagtails, swallows, and martins as they settle in.

Raptors, too, have graced our skies, with sightings of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Bonelli’s Eagle, and several buzzards adding to the excitement.

I’ve selected a small collection of bird photographs captured in the second week of October. Despite a few shots not meeting the expected standards, it is important to note that it is not because of a lack of effort, but because of the challenging weather. I hope that despite this, you still find joy in this visual journey. It has been an exciting journey capturing these moments, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they brought me.

By December, the crescendo of migratory activity will reach its peak, with even more species expected to arrive. However, this natural spectacle will coincide with the influx of tourists as Diwali approaches in just 15 days. If you’re planning a birding trip to Abu during this time, I advise securing your accommodations early. The mad rush of visitors will make it impossible to enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst the hills, with the next fortnight sure to be choc-a-bloc with tourists.

Enjoy the beauty and sounds of birding in October, and maybe think about planning your next visit before the rush of the holidays!

Bird of the week.