A Challenging Start to the Season: Birding in November

The first week of November brought a rather muted start to birding this year. With Diwali in full swing, Mount Abu was teeming with tourists. The bustling holiday crowds, while beneficial to local businesses, made it challenging to reach my favourite birding areas. This chaotic holiday rush stretches for about two weeks, so my birding efforts must be restrained.

One thing I look forward to each November is migratory ducks. Sadly, their numbers seem lower than in previous years. While there are a few early birds, the large numbers from ten years ago are gone, showing a worrying shift. I’m optimistic that their numbers will increase throughout the season.

Raptors, another highlight of winter birding, have also been harder to spot this year. I’ve photographed and documented a handful, though they too seem fewer. Although I haven’t had many chances to see them, I’ve gathered my observations of our winter guests and can’t wait to update my list in the coming weeks.

As for the climate, winter has set in with a sharp drop in temperatures—last night, the mercury dipped to 5 degrees. The crisp winter air stirs anticipation for the plentiful birdwatching opportunities ahead. I’ll be following the arrivals and updating you as the season progresses, including what I discover in the second week of November.

Bird of the Week.