Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Birding in the Third Week of November 2024 .

 Birding During the Third Week of November 2024

Mount Abu experienced a cold snap in the third week of November 2024, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees as winter set in. Winter has arrived early this year, but the daytime weather has been delightful—clear blue skies and warm, golden afternoon sun, perfect for birding adventures. 

Mount Abu is once again home to the magnificent raptors. This week’s sightings included the Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle, and Spotted Eagle, each a thrilling sight in the skies. Joining them are the smaller but captivating visitors—flycatchers, pipits, warblers, and buntings, filling the landscape with life and movement. 

The hills are calm again, as the Diwali crowds have dispersed. The streets, once vibrant with traffic and music, are now quiet and serene. Mount Abu feels like itself again—a tranquil sanctuary, perfect for both birds and birders. 

This serene backdrop sets the stage for an unforgettable birding experience. For those lucky enough to visit during this time, the hills promise a spectacular avian extravaganza. As a passionate birder, I’ve captured a modest selection of feathered visitors during the third week of November. I hope you enjoy these glimpses of Mount Abu’s vibrant bird life. 

Winter birding here is magical—don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible haven during the season!

Bird of the week

"Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla, rare winter visitor ."
Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis 

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense  

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense  

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense  

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense  


Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo November 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla

Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

ID Please anyone

ID Please anyone

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus  Nov 2024 Mt Abu

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach  

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticu


Rock Pigeon - Columba livia Territorial dispute Nt Abu.mp4

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Birding in November: Post-Diwali Departure

 Birding in November: Post-Diwali Delights

The second week of November brought a delightful variety of migratory birds to Mount Abu, despite the town still buzzing with Diwali holiday crowds. While the popular tourist spots remained lively, the hillside offered some rewarding birding moments for those willing to brave the rush. 

Among the notable sightings this week were the Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Drongos, and a charming array of warblers, pipits, and wagtails. These avian visitors added vibrant life to the cooling landscape, offering glimpses of the winter spectacle unfolding. 

For birders planning a visit to Mount Abu this winter, be prepared for frosty mornings and biting cold. The temperature has been dropping, inching closer to the zero-degree mark—a hallmark of Abu’s winter charm. 

As the week progressed, the festive crowds thinned out, making way for quieter trails and less congested viewpoints. However, weekends remain busy, as the hill station continues to draw its share of visitors escaping the plains. 

By the end of the second week, migratory ducks became more apparent, though their numbers are still growing. It’s always a joy to witness these seasonal visitors gracing our waters, a testament to nature’s rhythms in the face of changing climates. 

I’ve curated select bird photographs captured during this period to showcase the beauty of November birding in Mount Abu. Stay tuned as we delve into the birding highlights of the third week of November!

Bird of the week

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita 

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita 

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei 

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii 

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Western House-Martin Delichon urbicum

Western House-Martin Delichon urbicum

Western House-Martin Delichon urbicum

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis





A Birder’s Lens: Capturing the Beauty of Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders

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