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.