Abu Road and Environs.

Birding always brings a sense of adventure and anticipation, and this trip to Abu Road was no exception. I had made my way to my brother-in-law Walter’s place for a four-day birding stint, accompanied by my niece, Crescentia and her sister’s son, Emon. Crescentia, or “Cres” as I fondly call her, has grown into a remarkable birder and photographer, a true ace in the field. During our adventure from January 10 to 14, 2025, we explored and made discoveries but also encountered setbacks.

A Test of Resilience

Tragedy struck early when we lost all our data because of an unfortunate hard disk crash. In a flash, all sightings, photos, and records were gone. This setback might have dampened our spirits, yet it ignited our resolve. With renewed resolve, we retraced our steps, covering the same areas, hoping to reclaim the magic of those sightings.

The Start of a New Expedition

On 11 February 2025, Crescentia arrived to pick me up for another round of birding. The opportunity to seek a rare gem—the Purple-rumped Sunbird—thrilled me. This elusive species had been first recorded in the area by Cres herself and later confirmed by Sahil, another dedicated birder from Mount Abu.

As we drove to Crescentia’s, excitement hung heavy in the air. To my astonishment and delight, I spotted the Purple-rumped Sunbird that very evening! For me, this sighting was a “lifer”–the term birders use to describe their first-ever encounter with a species. Its vibrant plumage and energetic movements were a sight to behold, and it felt like a reward for our perseverance.

Days of Discovery

For several days, we journeyed to different locations near Abu Road, observing the abundant bird life. Mount Abu’s foothills, ranging from vibrant fields to tranquil groves, supported diverse, bustling habitats. Each outing was a lesson in patience and observation, as well as a chance to share moments of wonder with Cres and young Emon.

Those few days before February 14th were full of memorable encounters; I saw flocks of bee-eaters darting and heard the haunting calls of nightjars at dusk. Though the data from our earlier trip remained irretrievable, this experience proved that birding is about more than just records–it’s about the stories, connections, and surprises that make each outing unique.

A Final Reflection

As I returned to Mount Abu, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Despite setbacks, this journey reaffirmed my love for birding and the unyielding beauty of the natural world. The Purple-rumped Sunbird now holds a special place in my birding chronicles, a symbol of resilience and the thrill of discovery.

If you’re ever in Abu Road or the foothills of Mount Abu, take a moment to pause and listen. You never know what feathered wonders might be waiting to share their stories with you.

11 Feb 2025.

Bird of the Day,


Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Crescentia first documented the purple-rumped sunbird in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. She reported her discovery to the eBird forum on February 1, 2025.