Monday, April 21, 2025

Birding on the Foothills of Mount Abu [ March 21, 2025]

 Discovering West Banas Dam, Sirohi.

Bird watchers will find a hidden gem at West Banas Dam in Sirohi, nestled in the peaceful foothills of Mount Abu. While places like Jawai Dam, a mere 60 kilometres away, often steal the limelight because of their widespread exposure and portrayal of wildlife, West Banas Dam offers an, if not more, exquisite birding experience.

Compared to my many trips documenting birds at Jawai Dam, West Banas Dam offers a more peaceful and diverse birding experience. What makes this undisturbed place so captivating is its peaceful mood and the wealth of bird life.

Birdwatchers’ Paradise

Cres and I have grown fond of birding at West Banas Dam. Unlike the bustling tourist spots, this location remains less crowded, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of nature. Together, we’ve documented a remarkable array of bird species, from residents to winter migrants and passage birds, making this site a treasure trove for bird lovers.

Another birder from Mount Abu, Sahil, has expanded the area's bird records, documenting over 100 species. Our collective efforts aim to shed light on the potential of the West Banas Dam as a prime birding destination in Rajasthan.

Why West Banas Dam Should Be on Your List

If you seek an off-the-beaten-path birding experience, West Banas Dam will not disappoint. The blend of its serene environment, stunning landscapes, and diverse bird life makes it a must-visit for any birder. For all birders, from novice to expert, this location guarantees a rewarding experience.

Birding Highlights

Migratory Birds: Witness winter visitors resting in this tranquil habitat.

Passage Birds: Discover species stopping over during their long migratory journeys.

Residents: Observe the fascinating behaviour of year-round avian inhabitants.

A Call to the Birding Community

Through consistent documentation and exploration, Cres, Sahil, and I hope to draw more birders to this unique and underappreciated location. Every trip to West Banas Dam brings new discoveries, strengthening our belief in its untapped potential.

So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and add West Banas Dam to your birding bucket list. Trust me, it’s a destination that will leave you inspired and eager for your next visit.

Bird of the Day
Sarus Crane - Antigone antigone

Sarus Crane - Antigone antigone

Sarus Crane - Antigone antigone

Sarus Crane - Antigone antigone Narch 2025 West Banas Dan


Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark- Eremopterix griseus  March 2025 West Banas Dam.mp4

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark- Eremopterix griseus

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark- Eremopterix griseus

Bank Myna - Acridotheres ginginianus

Bar-headed Goose - Anser indicus 

Bar-headed Goose - Anser indicus 

Bar-headed Goose - Anser indicus 

Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa

Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa

Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos 


Crested Lark - Galerida cristata March 2025 Banas Dam Sirohi.mp4

Eurasian Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto 

Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia

Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia

Garganey - Spatula querquedula 

Grey-headed Swamphen - Porphyrio poliocephalus Busy nest building

Graylag Goose - Anser anser

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Great White Pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus

Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus March 2025 Banas Dam Sirohi

Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha

Indian Thick-knee - Burhinus indicus

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis nest building

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach  

Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata


Osprey - Pandion haliaetus   March 2025 West Banas Dam Sirohi.m4v

Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus nest building


Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus  March 2025 West Banas Dam Sirohi.mp4

Paddyfield Warbler - Acrocephalus agricola

Paddyfield Warbler - Acrocephalus agricola

Paddyfield Warbler - Acrocephalus agricola

Painted Stork -Mycteria leucocephala Sub-adult

Pallas's Gull - Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus

Pallas's Gull - Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus

Pheasant-tailed Jacana - Hydrophasianus chirurgus 

Red-naped Ibis - Pseudibis papillosa

River Tern - Sterna aurantia 

River Tern - Sterna aurantia 

River Tern - Sterna aurantia 

Spotted Owlet - Athene brama 

Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola March 2025 Banas Dam Sirohi

Western Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava

Western Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava

White Wagtail - Motacilla alba 

Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola

Yellow Wagtail—Motacilla flava

Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense

Before I conclude this blog post, let me show you a rare species in the Sirohi district.

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeyloni

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeyloni

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeyloni

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeyloni

To know more about this species, click the link below.

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