Sunday, January 4, 2026

December 2025: The Last Three Weeks of Birdwatching in Mount Abu.

A Winter Birding Journey in the Abode of the Gods.

The final three weeks of December 2025 unfolded on the birding trails of Mount Abu. As winter tightened its grip on the Aravalli range, the forests and open skies echoed with the calls of moving raptors and winter visitors, reminding us why this hill station remains a seasonal haven for birds.

One of the most striking observations this winter has been the noticeable increase in buzzard activity. In previous years, I only recorded the Common Buzzard and the Long-legged Buzzard. This season, however, brought an exciting addition—the Himalayan Buzzard, an observation that adds further depth to Mount Abu’s growing raptor list.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk has been another regular presence, patrolling the skies with its swift, purposeful flight. Its frequent appearances suggest a healthy winter hunting ground, reinforcing the ecological richness of the region during this season.

Because of pressing responsibilities on the home front, my birding outings have been fewer than usual. As a result, several winter migrants are still absent from my December records. I have also not visited one of my favourite winter haunts—the Duck Pond—where migrant activity is at its peak.

Despite these limitations, winter wings are very much in full flight. The avian spectacle is still unfolding, and the season has much more to offer. As and when opportunities arise, I will return to the field to reconnect with the wetlands, forest edges, and quiet trails where Mount Abu’s winter migrants gather.

This journey continues, and I will update my birding exploits as the season progresses—so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the slideshows and photographs I've put together, depicting these brief winter moments from the Abode of the Gods.

Bird of the Month.

Himalayan Buzzard - Buteo refectus

Himalayan Buzzard DECEMBER 2025 MOUNT ABU.m4v

Himalayan Buzzard in Action, December 2025, Mount Abu. m4v

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatu

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk December 2025 Mount Abu.mp4

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea DEC 2025 MOUNT ABU

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva winter visitor

Red-breasted Flycatcher December 2025 Mount Abu.mp4

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Mount Abu Birding: 14th to 24th February 2025

Raptors, Warblers, and a Lull in Migration

The second half of February in Mount Abu presented low birding activity among migratory species. After several action-packed birding adventures in the foothills of Mount Abu, the birding scene here seemed to quiet down. I was disappointed that many of our usual winter visitors were absent.

Winter migrants are in a quiet phase.

From the 14th to the 24th of February, the winter migrant activity in Mount Abu was minimal. I only saw a few raptors and fewer warblers then. I missed the vibrant bird migration this year, a noticeable absence compared to the busy earlier season.

A Renewed Urge to Explore

Disappointed by the birding in Mount Abu, I headed back to the plains between February 25th and 28th. These areas, including Abu Road and its surrounding regions, often host a variety of migratory birds that may bypass the higher altitudes of Mount Abu. I will share more about my sightings from this trip in an upcoming post.

A Snapshot of Late February Bird life

Despite the low activity, I’ve put together a small collection of birds observed in Mount Abu during the last ten days of February. Despite the limited diversity, the landscape’s serenity and the occasional appearance of raptors still made it worthwhile.

An Invitation to Birding in Rajasthan

Mount Abu, Abu Road, and the adjoining areas offer a wealth of opportunities for bird enthusiasts. Even during quieter periods, the charm of Rajasthan’s birding spots remains undeniable. I hope this post inspires fellow birders to explore the natural beauty and avian diversity of this region.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I will share sightings from the plains and foothills of Mount Abu.

Bird of the month.