MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Monday, October 27, 2025

Birding in October 2025 — Unusual Rains and Early Migrants.

Part of the “Mount Abu Birding” series.

An unusual October in — extended monsoons, dramatic skies, and early winter migrants. Nature, as always, kept birders guessing.

October in Mount Abu marks the shift from the lush landscape to the golden hues of early winter — a favourite time for birders. But this year’s transition was unlike any other, as the rains lingered far longer than expected, creating rare weather patterns and unusual birding conditions.

The monsoon season this year has been unpredictable. I always look forward to my October birding excursions in Mount Abu — a time when the air turns crisp, the skies clear, and the first wave of arrives. But this October was far from ordinary.

The first week of October brings mild weather, perhaps a brief shower or two. This year, however, the rains refused to leave. The monsoon dragged well into the first week — something Mount Abu has never experienced before. It will go down in the as one of the most remarkable starts to October in years.

Birders like me had to make peace with overcast skies, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. The constant shifting of light made photography challenging, but nature rewarded persistence. Even in this unpredictable weather, October remained one of the most exciting months for birders — a time to witness on their journey south and early winter visitors settling in for the season.

Birds Observed and Photographed in the First Week of October:

Each sighting felt like a reward for braving the elements — proof that even when the weather defies expectations, the continues undeterred.

Stay tuned for my next update on birding during the second week of October, where I’ll focus on the various that have arrived in good numbers across Mount Abu’s woodlands and valleys.

My photos were all taken at the .

Written and photographed by Ains.

Bird of the week.

Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

The Indian Blackbird, also known as the or , visits Mount Abu and other regions of India in the summer. It breeds in the summer and then migrates to lower elevations as winter approaches. Dropped in to say see you next season, Ains.

Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus Oct 2025 Mt Abu..mp4

- Merops orientalis

Asian Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

- Elanus caeruleus

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata Oct 2025 Mt Abu

- Ptyonoprogne concolor

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Oct 2025 Mt Abu

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei, October 2025, Mt Abu. mp4

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

- Apus affinis

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach with prey

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

- Copsychus saularis

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis October 2025 Mt Abu..mp4

Western House-Martin, October 2025, Mt Abu. m4v

Monday, October 6, 2025

Monsoon Birding: The Last Two Weeks of September, Mount Abu

Birding & Weather Highlights Mount Abu.

As the monsoon wound down, I spent the last weeks of September exploring Mount Abu’s rain-drenched trails and forest edges — a time when the hills are still lush, the skies moody, and bird life stirring beneath the mist.

Observing Birds in Late September

As September drew to a close, Mount Abu remained under overcast skies and steady rain. The mist and fine drizzle persisted, making birding a test of patience and adaptability. Adjusting camera settings to cope with low light and changing conditions became a routine task.

Despite the damp and grey weather, a few clear days appeared toward the end of the month, offering much-needed relief. The forest awakened in those short bursts — sounds, wings, and a renewed feeling.

Monsoon birding in September is about more than just sightings. It’s about persistence, observation, and quiet appreciation of the natural world in transition. As the rains subside, we notice slight changes in bird behaviour; some prepare to leave, while others remain for a while.

Below are the highlights from the last two weeks of September — a rewarding mix of residents and early migrants that added colour to an otherwise subdued landscape.

Highlights of the Fortnight

Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)

Jungle Bush-Quail (Perdicula asiatica)

Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides)

Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius)

Asian Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)

Brown-headed Barbet (Psilopogon zeylanicus)

Dusky Crag-Martin (Ptyonoprogne concolor)

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica)

Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus)

Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)

Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis)

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Each sighting brought its own reward — from the restless energy of the wagtails by the streams to the brief, shy appearances of the Jungle Bush-Quail along forest trails. Late September in Mount Abu may be damp and unpredictable, but it remains one of the most fascinating periods for observing bird life in its natural rhythm.

As the clouds lift and the skies clear, October promises new arrivals and fresh excitement — a time when the first winter visitors return to the hills. Stay tuned for my October birding notes, where migration takes centre stage and Mount Abu’s landscape shifts from monsoon mist to crystal-blue mornings.

Bird of the Fortnight.