Showing posts with label #Barn Swallow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Barn Swallow. Show all posts

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Birding in November 2025:Mount Abu.

 Raptors, Warblers, and an Unexpected Lifer.

The unseasonal spell of rain that swept across Mount Abu in the last days of October lingered well into the first week of November. Overcast skies hung low, and each morning carried a faint threat of more rain. But in those brief windows when the weather cleared, I made the most of every opportunity to step out and observe Abu’s birds.
 As the nights grew cooler and the days turned pleasant, our winter migrants and passage visitors arrived in full swing. November has always been a rewarding month for birdwatching in Mount Abu, but this week felt especially vibrant.
 I’ve put together a small collection of the birds I spotted and photographed during this period—and what a satisfying week it turned out to be. The biggest highlight was a lifer: the Himalayan Buzzard, a brand-new addition to my Mount Abu checklist and a thrilling encounter I hadn’t expected.
 Alongside this special sighting came a steady parade of raptors—



  Booted Eagle, and

  Eurasian Sparrowhawk—each offering memorable moments in the field.

 The skies and forest were alive with a mix of winter and passage migrants: Barn Swallow, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Chiffchaff, Greenish Warbler, and the ever-charming Sulphur-bellied Warbler. Two more delightful additions to the week’s list were the elegant Eurasian Crag-Martin and the Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher.

 November 2025 reminded me once again why Mount Abu remains such a rewarding birding destination—even when the weather plays its own games.

 My next blog will feature the birds of Abu Road, so keep coming back for more avian beauties from our corner of the Aravalli hills.
Bird of the Week.
Himalayan Buzzard - Buteo refectus A lifer for me


Himalayan Buzzard  November 2025 Mount Abu.m4v

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica winter visitor

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica Nov 2025 Mt Abu

Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malaiensis


Black Eagle November 2025 Mount Abu.m4v

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus 

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus 

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita


Common Chiffchaff November 2025 Mount Abu.m4v

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris winter visitor

Eurasian Crag-Martin - November 2025 Mt Abu

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor


Gray Wagtail - November 2025 Mount Abu.m4v

Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis

Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis

Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus 

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus 

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Sulphur-bellied Warbler - Phylloscopus griseolus


Sulphur-bellied Warbler November 2025 Mt Abu.m4v


My personal Mount Abu checklist compiled over the years.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Birding in January: Mount Abu 2024

Explore the Avian Delights: Birding Adventures in January at Mount Abu. 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery across the stunning landscapes of Mount Abu as we dig into the intriguing world of avian wonders in the last week of January 2024. Despite the chilly and even foggy weather, my birding visits reveal a fascinating variety of both local and migratory birds, each providing a dash of colour to the peaceful surroundings.

Unveil the Spectacular Sightings: Among the bright species photographed via the lens were the stunning Black Redstart, the secretive Asian Koel (a rare visitor to our region), the magnificent Long-legged Buzzard, the graceful Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and the superb Great Egret (a nice surprise as a non-common wanderer). Each sighting expressed the diverse range of bird life that thrives in Mount Abu's calm environment. Looking forward: As I enter the second week of February, I am excited to share more stories from my birding adventures. Stay tuned as I prepare to share more adventures and interactions with the wonderful feathered inhabitants of Mount Abu.

Birding in January at Mount Abu was a pleasant experience, providing insights into the captivating world of birds against a backdrop of breathtaking splendour. As I carry on with my exploration of nature’s beauties, let us bask in the splendour of these winged marvels and treasure the times spent in communion with the bird dwellers of this intriguing hill resort. Stay tuned for more experiences and discoveries in the weeks to come.

Bird of the week.

"Rare the Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus, female, with its flaming eyes sitting on a branch."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Rare not commonly seen.

"Asian Koel,female, with blackish brown with white dots on the wings and strong streaking on head and throat.Red eyes perched on a branch."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Rare not commonly seen.


"Asian Koel,female, with blackish brown with white dots on the wings and strong streaking on head and throat.Red eyes perched on a branch."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Rare not commonly seen.

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros


Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Mt Abu Jan 2024.mp4

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus 

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos 

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta 

 
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus


Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach Mt Abu Jan 2024.jpg

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis 

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensi

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensi

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Sloth bears on a hillock opposite the All India Radio Station.


As I wrap up this blog article, here’s a helpful suggestion for being safe when visiting Mount Abu’s forest paths, whether you’re birding, trekking, or taking a leisurely walk in nature. It’s critical to be aware of your surroundings, with your ears and eyes focused on the terrain. Recent observations have shown that sloth bears are moving closer to the town's locality in quest of food. If you come across these gorgeous beasts, especially if they’re accompanied by cubs, act with care and prioritise your own safety by leaving for a safe spot.


Mount Abu Birding Diary: First Week of May 2026

 A Collection of May’s Avian Wonders from the Hills of Rajasthan. The first week of May in Mount Abu has always carried an air of unpredicta...