Saturday, January 10, 2026

Birding in January 2026: Mount Abu’s Winter Wonders.

Chilled feathers, frosty mornings, and the silent thrill of winter birding in the Aravalis.

Before I dive into the world of winged wonders, I would like to extend my heartfelt New Year greetings to all my readers. May 2026 bring you boundless happiness, memorable adventures, and countless moments of awe in nature’s embrace.

Winter’s Icy Embrace

January arrived in Mount Abu with full force, wrapping the hill station in winter’s frosty grip. The landscape wore a crisp, icy charm as night temperatures during the first week hovered between 10°C and a bone-chilling–3°C. The cold was sharp, but for a birdwatcher, it was nothing short of magical.

Winter mornings were quiet and still, the kind that heighten every call and movement. The chill in the air made bird activity more pronounced, turning each outing into a rewarding experience. Mount Abu, nestled in the Aravali range, once again proved why winter is one of the finest seasons for birding here.

Raptors and Winter Visitors

Some impressive raptors dominated the skies and forest edges. The Himalayan Buzzard made its presence felt, sharing the landscape with the Long-legged Buzzard, while the ever-alert Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolled the area with purpose. Alongside these birds of prey, a variety of warblers flitted through the undergrowth, adding life and movement to the otherwise subdued winter scenery.

The first week of January set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of observations. I look forward to continuing my birding journeys, documenting and celebrating the avian life of the Aravali range.

Join me as the winter unfolds—there is much more to observe, record, and share in the weeks ahead.

Until then, keep watching the skies and listening for the whispers of wings.

Bird of the Week.

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor.

Long-legged Buzzard JAN 2026 MOUNT ABU.m4v

Himalayan Buzzard - Buteo refectus

Himalayan Buzzard JAN 2026 MOUNT ABU.mp4

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum winter visitor

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon - Treron phoenicopterus

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Sunday, January 4, 2026

December 2025: The Last Three Weeks of Birdwatching in Mount Abu.

A Winter Birding Journey in the Abode of the Gods.

The final three weeks of December 2025 unfolded on the birding trails of Mount Abu. As winter tightened its grip on the Aravalli range, the forests and open skies echoed with the calls of moving raptors and winter visitors, reminding us why this hill station remains a seasonal haven for birds.

One of the most striking observations this winter has been the noticeable increase in buzzard activity. In previous years, I only recorded the Common Buzzard and the Long-legged Buzzard. This season, however, brought an exciting addition—the Himalayan Buzzard, an observation that adds further depth to Mount Abu’s growing raptor list.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk has been another regular presence, patrolling the skies with its swift, purposeful flight. Its frequent appearances suggest a healthy winter hunting ground, reinforcing the ecological richness of the region during this season.

Because of pressing responsibilities on the home front, my birding outings have been fewer than usual. As a result, several winter migrants are still absent from my December records. I have also not visited one of my favourite winter haunts—the Duck Pond—where migrant activity is at its peak.

Despite these limitations, winter wings are very much in full flight. The avian spectacle is still unfolding, and the season has much more to offer. As and when opportunities arise, I will return to the field to reconnect with the wetlands, forest edges, and quiet trails where Mount Abu’s winter migrants gather.

This journey continues, and I will update my birding exploits as the season progresses—so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the slideshows and photographs I've put together, depicting these brief winter moments from the Abode of the Gods.

Bird of the Month.