Birding Diary: Day-by-Day – Second Week of February 2026

Mount Abu’s Winter Wonders Continue

The second week of February in Mount Abu remained pleasant and dry. Crisp mornings gave way to warm, golden afternoons, and the forests echoed with the familiar calls of resident birds while winter raptors continued to patrol the skies. Birding during such weather is pure joy — unhurried, peaceful, and filled with subtle drama.

Here’s how the week unfolded.

Day 8 – A Sparrow’s Courage

The morning began, but not without excitement. A feisty House Sparrow attempted to mob a Brahminy Starling — a bold move from such a tiny warrior!

Apart from this skirmish, activity remained moderate. A lone Ashy Drongo held its usual commanding perch, while a few Indian Yellow Tits flitted through the foliage. The dependable residents — bulbuls, prinia, and tailorbirds — formed the gentle background chorus of the day.

Day 9 – Raptors Rule the Sky

Two majestic hunters — the Himalayan Buzzard and the ever-impressive Long-legged Buzzard — dominated the skies.

They soared on thermals, scanning the valleys below with piercing focus. Watching them glide against Mount Abu’s blue canvas is always a privilege — winter belongs to the buzzards.

Day 10 – A Quiet Visitor

A calm day with mostly residents going about their routines. However, a graceful Little Egret made a brief appearance — a flash of white against the blue sky, bringing a touch of wetland elegance to an otherwise dry week.

Day 11–Romance in the Sunlight

A delightful highlight of the week — a male Purple Sunbird in full breeding plumage.

Glossy, iridescent, and shimmering in the sunlight, he wooed his lady love. Fluttering displays, soft calls, and bold perches — nature’s theatre at its finest. Watching courtship unfold in the wild is always magical, a reminder that spring waits around the corner.

Day 12–Thermals and Togetherness

Once again, the skies belonged to raptors. The Long-legged Buzzard and the Himalayan Buzzard circled high, riding the warm air currents.

On the ground, flocks of Yellow-throated Sparrow (also known as Chestnut-shouldered Petronia) joined local House Sparrows in sharing scattered grain — a peaceful gathering contrasting with the intensity above.

Day 13–The Shikra’s Domain

The agile Shikra dominated the day’s sightings. Swift, alert, and ever-watchful, it moved through the trees with silent authority.

Apart from a handful of resident species, the day carried a quiet, watchful mood — typical of mid-February when winter begins its slow retreat.

Day 14 – Mobbing Mayhem & A Surprise Guest

Drama returned on the last day of the week. A Large-billed Crow mobbed a Long-legged Buzzard, protesting its presence with loud, persistent calls.

Adding to the excitement, the elusive Oriental Honey Buzzard made a brief but thrilling appearance — a fleeting silhouette against the sky, but unmistakable.

Closing Thoughts

The second week of February 2026 may not have delivered overwhelming numbers, but it offered something equally special: balance.

Resident birds are preparing for breeding season, winter raptors are still holding territory, and moments of raw interaction between species. In Mount Abu, even a “quiet” week carries stories of resilience, romance, and survival.

As winter slowly loosens its grip, one can already sense the subtle shift — the promise of changing seasons, new arrivals, and fresh birding adventures ahead.

Until next week — keep watching the skies.

8 Feb 2026.