Birding in December 2022

It’s been a cool third week of December. Frost has blanketed fields and automobiles every night for the last few days. Birding has not been too bad. I am delighted to see so many more visitors have arrived for the winter. The number of Green-winged teal, Pochard, Eurasian Coot, Gadwall, Northern pintail, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, and Common Sandpiper has significantly increased. Hopefully, I will see their figures grow by mid-January.

15 Dec 2022.

I observed local and migratory birds on 15 Dec 2022.

I saw water migratory birds at our favourite Duck pond en route to Achalgarh. Enjoy the selection of our Abu Birds in December.

"Crested Serpent-Eagle, local resident taking off."

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

"Black Stork, rare winter visitor in flight."

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra

The black stork is a migratory bird species that breeds in Europe and Asia. During the winter months, it migrates to warmer regions, including parts of Africa and India. In Rajasthan, India, the black stork is known to migrate to the Keoladeo National Park and the surrounding areas. Every winter I have recorded a few of them visiting our small hill station, Mount Abu In Rajasthan.

"Black-rumped Flameback resident, on a date palm tree."

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"White-breasted Waterhen - Sub adult, edge of the stream."

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicuru

"Rufous Treepie - resident, sitting on a date palm stump."

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

"Black-winged Stilt, on the bank of the duck pond Achalgarh road."

Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus

"Common Pochard - migratory duck, a pair."

Common Pochard - Aythya ferina

"Eurasian Coot - winter visitor, feeding on the duck pond."

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

"Eurasian Coot, common winter visitor to Mount Abu."

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

Gadwall - Mareca strepera

Gadwall - Mareca strepera

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta

"Northern Pintail, in flight on the duck pond, off the Achalgarh road."

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta

"Northern Pintail, winter visitor taking off."

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta

"Northern Shoveler, winter migrant, to Mount Abu."

Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata

Monday, December 27, 2021

Birding in the last month of the year 2021 in Mount Abu mountabubirds.blogspot.com

Birding in December Mount Abu.

Continuing:

18 Dec 2021.

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

I have observed this behaviour of the Red-vented Bulbul commonly during its mating period. They also do this. I have noticed when some new birds make this appearance. It looks like a display of possession. This is my personal expression. I could be wrong.