“Watching a Birder Take Wing: Abu Road with Crescentia”

In the second week of November, I stepped away from my familiar birding trails of and headed down to the plains of . Accompanied by my niece, , the visit doubled as both a short family break and an opportunity to explore the bird-life in and around Abu Road—a region that offers a refreshing contrast to the forests and elevations of the hills.

The plan was simple: a few days of relaxed birding, unhurried mornings, and discovering what the had brought into the wetlands, fields, and scrublands of the area. Mostly, everything went as planned. Unfortunately, a sudden emergency back home meant that I had to cut my stay short and return to Mount Abu midweek. Still, the days we managed, from 10th to 13th November 2025, proved to be rewarding.

This blog showcases a curated selection of birds observed during that brief window. A significant number of the sightings and photographs are Crescentia’s work. She has come a long way in her birding journey and now shows the confidence and instinct of a seasoned observer. Watching her scan habitats, pick out subtle movements, and identify species has been satisfying. She’ll start a blog focused on the birds around Abu Road.

Highlights from the Trip:

Some of the standout sightings from our birding sessions included:

–active and camouflaged along the water’s edge

–a reliable winter visitor.

–elegant and unmistakable, active after a successful dive

–subtle, restless, and an accurate test of patience

–tail bobbing along the banks

–a striking presence in the wetland landscape

–always impressive, especially when seen well

Each encounter added depth to our short outing and reaffirmed just how rich Abu Road becomes during the winter and passage migration period.

Though my stay was shorter than planned, these few days were enough to remind me that stepping away from familiar ground often brings fresh perspective—and new birds. I will be posting about the rest of November as soon as I complete editing the remaining photographs.

Until then, I hope you enjoy this glimpse into birding the plains below Mount Abu, and a small chapter in Crescentia’s growing story as a birder.

Bird of the week.