Birding in December 2024: Winter Migrants in Mount Abu.

Beginning on November 14, 2024, the onset of winter and its crisp, chilly air greeted Mount Abu, setting the scene for an exciting bird-watching opportunity. During the first two weeks of December, nighttime temperatures ranged from 5°C to -5°C, with daytime temperatures staying cool and enjoyable — ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy the winter sunlight.

There’s nothing as refreshing as winter birding in Mount Abu. The region attracts an array of migratory birds, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers. This time of year, Abu becomes a haven for transient waterfowl, with sightings of the Common Pochard, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Moorhen, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper, and Common Snipe. Several varieties of sandpipers, wagtails, and cormorants also make their brief stop here, offering prime photo opportunities.

December is the time to observe a variety of warblers, flycatchers, and raptors in motion, adding elegance and charm to the landscape.

During the period of December 1st to 15th, I captured an amazing assortment of birds, highlighting Mount Abu’s allure to migratory species. Use the comment section below if you want to learn more about the birds of Mount Abu or share your own experiences.

Engage, share your thoughts, and discuss the fascinating world of birds in our beloved hill station!

Bird of the fortnight.

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard Dec 2024 Nt Abu.m4v

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus

I have included this hazy snap to show that this species in not common in Abu.

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat Dec 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Common Hawk-Cuckoo - Hierococcyx varius

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotu

Indian Yellow Tit Dec 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhyncho

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach Dec 2024 Mt Abu.

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis

Birding in November: Post-Diwali Delights

The second week of November brought a delightful variety of migratory birds to Mount Abu, despite the town still buzzing with Diwali holiday crowds. While the popular tourist spots remained lively, the hillside offered some rewarding birding moments for those willing to brave the rush.

Among the notable sightings this week were the Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Drongos, and a charming array of warblers, pipits, and wagtails. These avian visitors added vibrant life to the cooling landscape, offering glimpses of the winter spectacle unfolding.

For birders planning a visit to Mount Abu this winter, be prepared for frosty mornings and biting cold. The temperature has been dropping, inching closer to the zero-degree mark—a hallmark of Abu’s winter charm.

As the week progressed, the festive crowds thinned out, making way for quieter trails and less congested viewpoints. However, weekends remain busy, as the hill station continues to draw its share of visitors escaping the plains.

By the end of the second week, migratory ducks became more apparent, though their numbers are still growing. It’s always a joy to witness these seasonal visitors gracing our waters, a testament to nature’s rhythms in the face of changing climates.

I’ve curated select bird photographs captured during this period to showcase the beauty of November birding in Mount Abu. Stay tuned as we delve into the birding highlights of the third week of November!

Bird of the week