Friday, November 21, 2025

Birding in the Last Week of October 2025.

Perfect birding weather… until Mount Abu decided to turn October into a monsoon encore!

The last week of October brought yet another spell of unseasonal rainfall to Mount Abu, spilling over into the first days of November. A Western Disturbance and Cyclone Montha caused this unexpected weather, frustrating many Abuites as it once again disrupted the familiar rhythm of the hill station’s seasonal cycle.

But while the townsfolk grumbled, the forest and its intricate ecosystem thrived in the sudden bounty. The hills remained cloaked in lush green, and the streams flowed with renewed vigour—rare sights for this time of year.

Despite the erratic showers, winter migrants have arrived, signalling the approach of a colder season. A few water migrants have also touched down, though their numbers remain modest. Suitable habitat might temporarily limit the water migrants, perhaps explaining their quieter arrival, as most of Mount Abu’s water bodies are full.

Whenever the rain paused and the skies offered a brief window of clarity, I ventured out for my birding. In those fleeting moments, Abu revealed its magic. I have curated a small collection of the birds I photographed during this period—each image a tiny piece of our sanctuary’s living record.

As always, my efforts remain committed to documenting and celebrating our avian visitors, ensuring their stories continue to be told. I'll be back soon with my observations from November. Until then, may the forests remain green and the birds continue to call.

Bird of the week

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei, winter visitor

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, winter visitor

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita, winter visitor

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Oct 2025 Mt Abu.

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor Oct 2025 Mount Abu

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus, winter visitor

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Oct 2025 Mount Abu ..jpg

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, resident

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva, winter visitor

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, resident

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Birding in the Third Week of October 2025

Third week of October — crisp mornings, soft light, and the joy of spotting warblers and flycatchers again in my beloved Mount Abu.

The third week of October brought a calm charm to — the weather that makes pure joy. Mornings were fresh and bright, and the nights whispered of winter’s approach.

This week, I focused my efforts on spotting , especially and , that make brief but memorable stopovers here. The and were busy flitting through the and , while the and added their own soft notes to the woodland chorus. The and the , both dainty and alert, made their graceful appearances — a genuine delight for the patient watcher.

High above, like the and patrolled the skies, a reminder that the was in full swing.

The weather held through most of the week — mild days, crisp evenings, and the soft glow of October light filtering through the trees. It was great for calm walks, photography, and enjoying the forest's sounds.

Then came the last week, one that will go down in the annals of Mount Abu as one of the wettest in memory. The skies opened, drenching the hills and silencing the birds for days. For a place that usually dries out by late October, it was an odd, offbeat twist — nature reminding us, once again, who decides the rhythm.

Still, for me, those few clear days in the third week — with their mix of warblers, flycatchers, and high-flying raptors — remain among the most rewarding moments of this October.

As the rains fade and the chill deepens, November promises new arrivals — , , and raptors from afar. Mount Abu’s birding story continues, and I look forward to sharing the next chapter soon.

Bird of the week