Showing posts with label # Bonelli's Eagle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # Bonelli's Eagle. Show all posts

Monday, February 26, 2024

February Birdwatching Adventure: Exploring Mount Abu in 2024

 February Birding in the Abode of Gods: 

A Photographic Journey

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February goes, leaving a tapestry of avian wonders at the Abode of Gods. Surrounded by stunning scenery, this month offers a stunning spectacle for those who love birdwatching. Throughout the third week of February, I was blessed with many sightings that showcased nature's brilliant palette.

 February, noted for its moderate weather, provides an excellent opportunity to see birds in their breeding plumage. Fluttering around, you may see sunbirds, robins, sparrows, herons, and a variety of other birds, each dressed to the hilt.

 One noteworthy observation around this time is the return of certain resident birds after a brief absence. The Spot-breasted Fantail, Green Munia, Indian Silverbill, Indian Yellow Tit, and Scaly-breasted Munia go on a seasonal migration, but they always come back to us in January to their original habitats.

Capturing these bird interactions is not a mere pastime, but a passion that runs deep within me. In February's third week, I set off on a trek, armed with my camera, to capture the fleeting beauty of birds. The wonders of nature never ceased to amaze me, as each day presented fresh surprises and joys, from the magnificent wings of raptors to the complex plumage of songbirds.

Feast your eyes on the breathtaking avian wonders I photographed during this lovely time:

Bird of the week

"A big raptor soaring in the sky is the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata). It is distinguished by its dark plumage, robust body, and striking white patterns on the wings and tail. Capturing the spirit of this beautiful bird of prey in flight with outstanding aerial prowess."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata winter visitor?

15 Feb 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on garden fence, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros. Common winter visitor.

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a rock. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, soaring high above winter visitor."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo winter visitor

"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor, An overall dark brown Martin with paler underparts. It has a square tail with a white spot on each tail feather, making a white speckled band of sorts.Flying above.""Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor, An overall dark brown Martin with paler underparts. It has a square tail with a white spot on each tail feather, making a white speckled band of sorts.Flying above."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a stump, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast.Returned from a seasonal migration , perched on a branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis.

16 Feb 2024.
"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica,winter visitor, flting overhead the All India Radio tower."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica winter visitor

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros perched on garden floor,displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu.A picture collage."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, resident a pair perches aop a large rock."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, resident perched on a cable with a prey in its beak."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast.Returned from a seasonal migration , perched on a cable"
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis.

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a stump, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a stump, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

17 Feb 2024.
"A big raptor soaring in the sky is the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata). It is distinguished by its dark plumage, robust body, and striking white patterns on the wings and tail. Capturing the spirit of this beautiful bird of prey in flight with outstanding aerial prowess."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata  winter visitor


Bonelli's Eagle  Feb 2024 Mount Abu.m4v

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. Is perches on a  a cluster of flowers, drawing nectar and displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

18 Feb 2024.
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis), perched on a bamboom shoot displaying its yellow throat."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

19 Feb2024.
“The Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a sleek, medium-sized bird with mostly black plumage that is distinguished by its forked tail and white vent feathers. This Ashy Drongo, taking off from winter ravaged mulberry tree branch."on a branch against a lush background, illustrates its nimble and acrobatic character in its native habitat.”
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus winter visitor

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream,displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor

"Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) The resident, common, has a conical silver-grey beak, buff-brown upper body, white underbody, buffy flanks, and dark wings. The tail is black, and the wings are dark, contrasting with the white rump."
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor


Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus Feb 2024 Mt ABu.mp4

20 Feb 2024.

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on a cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, a collage with different flying postures."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo winter visitor

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a cable, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus  

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, apicture collage of the shrike perched on a thorny branch."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, perched on a mulberry branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) A collage with different postures."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

21 Feb 2024.

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros perched on garden floor,displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros perched on garden flower pot,displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, with ruffled feathers perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Great Egret - Ardea alba, rare probably vagrant seen in winter. Flying gracefully in the Abu sky."
Great Egret - Ardea alba

“This is a small species the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca,with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat.A common winter migrant.”
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, common winter visitor

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a branch peering at the camera lens."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis., perched on a watering bowl in the garden."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis.

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched sideways on a thin branch."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) 

As another February draws to a close, it serves as a reminder of how short-lived these moments are. However, via the lens of my camera, I’ve captured a moment in time, a witness to the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us in the Abode of Gods. Every birdwatcher who visits these sacred grounds will hold onto these memories until the birds return in February.


Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Embracing November's Avian Spectacle: Mount Abu is a Birder's Paradise

Mount Abu is a birder's paradise, especially in November.

 November brings a spectacular moment for birding enthusiasts as the icy grip of winter falls on Mount Abu. The steady drop in temperature, which begins at the end of October, sets the setting for a stunning bird extravaganza. This time of year, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled inside the scenic limits of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, reveals a treasure trove for birds that trek to this heavenly "Abode of Gods."

The sanctuary's lush expanse teems with activity in November when the sky is crisply bright. The thick vegetation, trickling streams, and mild chill in the air create an enticing atmosphere that lifts the spirits of everyone who walks the jungle pathways in search of bird encounters.

Migrating birds is one of the most intriguing parts of this season. The sanctuary serves as a temporary home for a wide variety of flying visitors, including raptors, wild ducks, and a few rare species. Their presence enhances the sanctuary's already thriving resident bird population, bringing an additional layer to the sanctuary's biodiversity.

During the first week of November, I ventured into the forest for short birding excursions in my immediate surroundings. The brilliant colours of visiting species—Eurasian Sparrow-hawks, Red-breasted Flycatchers, Eurasian Crag-Martins, Greenish Warblers, Hume's Warblers, Common Buzzards, and Grey Wagtails—brought the surroundings to life.

I saw a significant rise in the number of migrating birds from my observations made in October.

Around 80 of these exquisite birds decorated the Duck Pond, and with the prospect of lowering water levels and more abundant food supplies, I foresee this number will increase by December.

The changing seasons alter the terrain, resulting in an ever-changing tapestry of bird life. As November approaches, the refuge draws both seasoned birders and beginners, providing a fascinating sight of nature's wonders.

For birders, Mount Abu in November is a monument to the harmony between the shifting seasons and the mesmerising ballet of migratory birds. Nature's canvas is being painted with colourful strokes of life, calling everybody to experience and treasure this transient yet exquisite avian symphony.

Enjoy my collection of birds spotted and recorded on an everyday basis during the first week of November 2023.

1 Nov 2023.

"Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis, uncommon, rare soaring in the Abu sky."
Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis

"Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis, uncommon, rare soaring in the Abu sky."
Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor gracing Mount Abu sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo


Common Buzzard aerial combat Mount Abu 1 Nov 2023.m4v


"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, uncommon winter visitor flying above."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos, calling on a date palm tree resident."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos 

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, in action plucking a spider of the cable."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

2 Nov 2023.
"Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops , uncommon perched atop a rock."
Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops 

"Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops , uncommon perched atop a rock."
Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops 

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus,winter visitor by no means common scanning for prey."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, peering from a cable resident."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus,landing on the tower with prey."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus with prey

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus, feeding on prey on the radio tower."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

3 Nov 2023.
"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata,scanning for prey."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor descending."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, descending atop a tree winter visitor."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor ready to land on a tree."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, perched on a rock overlooking the stream winter visitor."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, resident perched on a branch looking upwards."

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, perched on abranch."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, resident perched on garden fence."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Taiga Flycatcher - Ficedula albicilla, rare uncommon winter visitor perched on a branch."
Taiga Flycatcher - Ficedula albicilla

4 Nov 2023.
"Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei, winter visitor ready to take off."
Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei 

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, perched on a babul bush."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis 

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis, perched on a wire cable."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

5 Nov 2023.
"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor soaring Abu skies."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor gracing Abu sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor sitting on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

|Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, sitting on an iron cable winter visitor."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

I'll upload some of the water migrants tomorrow; in the meantime, enjoy and appreciate the selection I've provided above.

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