Backyard Birding in Abu Road.

On the 24th and 25th of March, I indulged in some delightful backyard birding at the house in Abu Road. The birds captivated me as I visited Cres’s garden while she worked on her schoolwork. Armed with my camera, I spent my time documenting the vibrant bird life that turned up. Two highlights were the colourful and melodic Purple-rumped Sunbird and Coppersmith Barbet, which enlivened the tranquil garden.

Exploring the Santpur Area: The Offbeat Fisherman’s Lair

The evening of the 25th, free from her commitments, Cres and I visited our serene, secluded water spot, “The Offbeat Fisherman’s Lair.”

Our birdwatching trip began a few days prior, on March 22nd, with a significant sighting. We were fortunate to spot and document two Pied Avocets while going to Santpur late in the evening. This marked the first-ever photographic record of this species for the Sirohi district—an exhilarating discovery for us and the local birding community.

The excitement didn’t end there. On the same day, we recorded another remarkable sighting: two Greater Painted Snipes. Known for their elusive nature, these birds are a rarity in the area, with only one prior record for Sirohi. Capturing these moments through our lenses was nothing short of magical.

An Invitation to Explore

The Santpur area, along with the charming backyard garden at Abu Road, holds a special place in my heart as a birding enthusiast. The diversity of species and the thrill of unexpected sightings make these locations unique. I hope our selection of birds from this trip inspires you to explore these hidden treasures for yourself.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, the foothills of Mount Abu offer an experience that’s both enriching and unforgettable. Until my next blog, where I’ll share more tales of our feathered friends, it’s adios!

24 March 2025.

Bird of the Day

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

25 March 2025.

Exploring the Santpur Area: The Offbeat Fisherman’s Lair

Bird of the Day

Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta
Cres and I hold the first photographic observation of this species in Sirohi, Rajasthan

Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta March 2025 Santpur Abu Road

Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos

Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago

Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago March 2025 Santpur Abu Road

Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea March 2025 Santpur Abu Road.mp4

Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha

Large Gray Babbler - Turdoides malcolmi

Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Wire-tailed Swallow - Hirundo smithii

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Identify this small wader, please!

Exploring the Banas Riverbed at Abu Road.

The Banas Riverbed in Abu Road offers birding enthusiasts a unique and rewarding experience. While it may not boast the abundance of bird life found at West Banas Dam, this tranquil spot holds its charm. The riverbed’s drying pools support a rich diversity of birds, making it a captivating place for discovering nature’s hidden wonders.
A Mixed Bag of Avian Discoveries
During our March visit, we saw larks, pipits, and waders, along with a mixed assortment of other bird species inhabiting this semi-arid landscape. Summer’s arrival didn’t stop the riverbed from showing off its unique ecosystem.
The dwindling water and rising temperatures are causing many birds to leave early. By the peak of summer, the riverbed will be barren and silent, a stark contrast to its vibrant activity during the cooler months.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit
Reflecting on our visit, it is clear that the Banas Riverbed is a winter wonderland for bird watchers. The milder weather and the availability of water attract a wider variety of species, making it an ideal season to explore this area.

We’re already looking forward to returning next winter. The anticipation of fresh discoveries fuels our enthusiasm on each expedition, and we trust this riverbed will continue to yield surprising avian finds.

Birding Highlights at the Banas Riverbed

Larks and pipits: A delightful array of these ground-dwelling species.

Waders: Observed at the remaining patches of water.

Winter Visitors: Seasonal migrants that add vibrancy to the landscape.

Join Us in Celebrating Nature’s Beauty

Our combined efforts to document the winter, passage, and resident species from this area aim to inspire more birders to explore the Banas Riverbed. It’s a humble reminder of how even lesser-known locations can hold immense value for birding enthusiasts.

If you’re planning your next birding adventure, consider adding this hidden gem to your itinerary. Summer may not show mercy, but the winters here guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Bird pf the Day