MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Showing posts with label #Bird of the Fortnight. Show all posts

Friday, January 17, 2025

December 2024’s last two weeks of birdwatching.Mt Abu.

Birding in the last two weeks of Dec 2024.

The last fortnight of December often marks an exceptional period for birding, with winter migrants and raptors painting the skies and landscapes. This year’s birdwatching in Mount Abu, however, wasn’t quite what I expected.

The absence of the usual raptors was stark. The Eurasian Sparrowhawk stood out as the only active raptor in the area, patrolling the skies. Warblers and flycatchers, often seen flitting about during this season, were also scarce. Climate shifts or habitat disruption may explain the changes in bird behaviour I’ve observed this year, which is a thought on my mind. Regardless, I’m hopeful I’ll spot a new species before the year ends.

As we transition into the new year, I have set my sights on a location I call “The Duck Pond,” which is a must-visit spot for birders. This miniature Thol, nestled near the Mahadeva Temple en route to Achalgarh, offers a serene retreat for waterfowl and other bird species. For a great birding experience, visit this hidden gem in the first or second week of January 2025.

Let me take you on a brief journey to this favourite haunt of mine. The Duck Pond is a small yet picturesque water body surrounded by verdant greenery. It’s a place where patience and quiet observation often yield delightful surprises. From ducks and waders to an occasional kingfisher darting across the water, the diversity of bird life here is a joy to witness.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post detailing my exploits at The Duck Pond. Until then, I invite you to enjoy the slideshows and photographs I’ve curated for your viewing pleasure. Here’s to celebrating the beauty of nature.

Bird of the Fortnight

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus.mp4

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus Dec 2024 Mt Abu.mp4

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Rare visitor

Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus Winter visitor

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus Local migrant.

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum Resident.

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus Territorial dispute

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schac Dec 2024 Nt Abu.mp4

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis.

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri Mt Abu

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Monsoon Birding on Mount Abu [September]

Observing birds in late September.

As September drew to a close, the overcast skies and relentless rain seemed unyielding. The mist and fine drizzle persisted, challenging birders like me. Protecting gear from the elements and adjusting camera settings to accommodate the changing light conditions was no easy feat. Despite that, we were fortunate to experience a few days of sunny and clear weather last week, which lifted our mood.

With a brief respite from the rain, I checked the water bodies for early winter guests. A handful of Green-winged Teals and a few other winter migrants appeared, marking the migration season's beginning.

On the 24th of September, Mohan and I ventured to the Achalgarh area. A fellow birder had seen a Black-headed bunting there, and since it was the first sighting in Mount Abu, I was excited to see it too. Even though we didn’t find the bunting, I made an exciting discovery—a new species for Mount Abu called the Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark. This rare sighting is now recorded as a significant addition to the local avifauna.

Throughout the last two weeks, I also kept an eye out for the Alpine Swift, hoping to glimpse these impressive aerial acrobats. Whether I missed them or they skipped their usual visit to Mount Abu this year, they eluded me. However, I captured other notable species through my lens, including the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, a few eagles, and even a harrier.

The beauty of birding lies in the pursuit of new species and the quiet moments spent observing the natural world in all its unpredictable glory. Despite the challenges, these last two weeks offered many memorable moments, and I’m excited to share my favourite bird photographs from September with you. Enjoy a glimpse into the world of monsoon birding in Mount Abu.

Bird of the fortnight.