Monday, December 16, 2024

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 a haven for nature enthusiasts and a paradise for birdwatchers. Its diverse habitats, from lush forests to rocky outcrops, host an incredible variety of avian species. To celebrate this feathered splendor, we present the 2025 A Birder’s Lens Calendar, featuring stunning photographs by local photographer Ainsley Priestman.

A Glimpse into the Calendar

The 2025 A Birder’s Lens Calendar takes you on a visual journey through the avian wonders of Mount Abu. Each month showcases a different bird species, captured in its natural habitat. From the vibrant plumage of the Red-whiskered Bulbul to the majestic flight of the Crested Serpent-Eagle, every page is a tribute to the remarkable diversity of bird life in this picturesque region. Insightful descriptions accompany each photograph, offering a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures.

 Why You Should Own This Calendar

Owning this calendar is more than adding a decorative item to your wall. Here are a few reasons it deserves a place in your home:

A Visual Treat: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Abu’s bird life, captured in vivid detail.

Educational Value: Gain insights into various bird species, their behaviours, and their habitats.

Support Local Talent: By purchasing this calendar, you support the work of Ainsley Priestman, a passionate photographer dedicated to showcasing Mount Abu’s natural beauty.

The Perfect Gift: Delight a fellow birdwatcher or nature lover with this thoughtful and unique gift.

 How to purchase?

Contact Crescentia to own a copy of the 2025 A Birder’s Lens Calendar. Hurry, because only a few copies are available!

Get your 2025 calendar of Mount Abu birds—order now!

Conclusion
The  2025 A Birder’s Lens Calendar is more than just a collection of stunning images; it’s an invitation to explore and cherish the enchanting world of Mount Abu’s birds. Nature enthusiasts and experienced bird watchers alike will find inspiration and joy in this calendar all year.

A sneak peek at the calendar

A sneak peek at the calendar

A sneak peek at the calendar

I invite all my readers to share this post and tag your friends. By spreading the word through your social media channels and websites, you can help promote this calendar and ignite interest among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of Mount Abu’s avian wonders together!

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Birding During the Last Week of November 2024

 Birding During the Last Week of November 2024: A Quiet Affair 

In Mount Abu’s peaceful hills, the last week of November sees increased bird activity from migrating species travelling south. In contrast to previous years, this year’s experience was low-key. While I had hoped to encounter a diverse array of warblers, raptors, buntings, and pipits, the numbers fell short of expectations. 

  A Week of Contrasts 

The weather couldn’t have been more inviting. Clear skies, mild temperatures, and golden sunlight bathing the hills filled the day. Nighttime lows ranged from 0°C to 5°C, signalling winter’s approach. With the festive Diwali rush fading, Mount Abu embraced a tranquil lull, broken only by the usual weekend crowds every hill station welcomes. 

  Birding Highlights 

Despite their scarcity, I captured a delightful, albeit small, selection of birds. These feathered companions offered solace, proving that even a quieter week can yield moments of joy for a patient birder. 

  Looking Ahead 

I hope to see water birds, raptors, and a few elusive buntings as December rolls in. The exciting prospect of the coming weeks is the expected influx of winter visitors to the now-replenished lakes and streams. 

For the time being, take pleasure in the photographs of this serene birding week. Every sighting, after all, is a story waiting to be told—and sometimes, nature’s silence speaks volumes. 

Bird of the week.

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, atop a bamboo shoot ready to pounce on a prey."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach Mt Abu Nov 2024.m4v


"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Winter visitor Mt Abu Dec 2024.mp4

"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica winter visitor, picture collage."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica winter visitor

"Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis . gracing the Abu sky."
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis 

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, a solitasy bird on a mulberry branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor, a resident making sorties."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

"Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides, winter visitor perched on a branch."
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

"Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides, winter visitor perched on a branch."
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

"Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides, winter visitor perched on a branch."
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus , having a mud bath in my garden."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus 

"Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus, perched on the garden fence  displaying its distinctive features."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus Mt Abu Nov 2024.m4v

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus , hovering in search of grubs on a date palm tree."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus 

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus Mt Abu Nov 202

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri pached on a date palm trunk."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

"Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda,clinging on to a date palm leat displaying its arrays of feathers."
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

"Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda, perched on a cable with grub in its beak."
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda



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...