Showing posts with label #Birds of Mount Abu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Birds of Mount Abu. Show all posts

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Discover Mount Abu: A Birdwatcher’s Haven in February 2025

 Birds of Mount Abu in the first ten days of February


February in Mount Abu is a captivating time for birdwatchers, a season when the hill station transforms into a paradise for avian enthusiasts. The unique opportunity to observe resident and migratory birds together is best seen during the first ten days of February. With the winter chill lingering, the landscape becomes an inviting stage for a spectacular display of behaviours, plumage, and diversity. 

The Birds of Mount Abu in Early February

As the first week of February unfolded, my anticipation grew. Would this year bring an increase in the number of migratory birds? The potential for exciting sightings was immense. February in Mount Abu is a time of transition, where winter migrants linger before their return journey and resident birds thrive in the favourable conditions. 

The highlight of birding in Mount Abu during this season is raptors. These majestic birds of prey find the region’s varied habitats—rocky cliffs, open grasslands, and forested patches—ideal for wintering. This year, my sightings included: 

- Common Buzzards soaring over the valleys. 

- Sparrow-hawks darted through the dense canopies with precision. 

- Bonelli’s Eagles command attention with their sheer size and power. 

- A few fleeting glimpses of agile hobbies, adding excitement to the crisp February mornings. 

- An occasional Harrier gliding low over the grasslands, a sight to cherish. 

Each sighting brought a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for Mount Abu as a vital refuge for these birds. 

 A Sneak Peek at What’s Next

This post captures a curated selection of the birds I’ve encountered so far. But the adventure doesn’t end here! Next, I’ll take you to the foothills of Mount Abu, a region that holds its own surprises and promises even more enchanting encounters with nature’s feathered wonders. 

Stay tuned as I continue to explore and share the avian treasures of Mount Abu. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, February is the perfect month to immerse yourself in this vibrant world of birds.
Bird of the week.
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus  


Indian Yellow Tit  Feb 2025 Mt Abu.m4v

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicu

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis


Thursday, December 21, 2023

Birds of Mount Abu in the first week of December. 

Exploring Avian Delights: Birding Adventures at Mount Abu in December

A remarkable spectacle starts to take flight as December spreads its frigid grip over the small hill town of Mount Abu, a hidden jewel in the heart of Rajasthan. While the rest of the world prepares for the holiday season, Mount Abu transforms into a paradise for keen birdwatchers, providing a different type of celebration—the celebration of nature's flying marvels.

This year's first week of December got off to a good start, with nighttime temperatures hovering between 10°C and 0°C. The chilly air and mild winter sunshine set the scene for an exciting birding adventure. Winter on Mount Abu means beginning a daily practice of seeing and photographing migrating birds that make their way to this modest hill resort.

Mount Abu, while not precisely a birding destination, remains blissfully undiscovered by most enthusiasts. The lack of diverse bird species compared to other hilly places may put some birders off, but for those who enjoy the beauty of simplicity, this destination has its own allure. My camera recorded fleeting photographs of winged guests who had chosen Mount Abu as their temporary shelter while I sat leisurely in my private garden, away from the well-trodden trail. Every interaction with these lovely birds seemed like a gift from the natural world.

While Mount Abu may not have the same diverse bird population as other well-known birding spots, it compensates with a more intimate and peaceful birding experience. The solitude of the woods and the lack of tourists in the woods make each glimpse more intimate and satisfying.

Mount Abu gives a unique opportunity to engage with nature on a calmer, more deliberate level for those who explore beyond famous birding spots. The tiny number of species I saw in the first week of December may not compare to the diversity found elsewhere. Still, it shows the peculiar beauty that makes Mount Abu a secret gem for birders. Mount Abu serves as a tribute to the notion that we may sometimes discover the most fascinating experiences in the most unlikely locations when winter spreads its icy grasp. 

Consider Mount Abu for your next avian trip if you're ready to swap the crowded birding destinations for a more quiet and intimate interaction with nature. After all, the delight of birding is found
not only in the variety of species but also in the beauty of the moments they provide, especially on a December morning on this magnificent hill.


"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, winter visitor scanning for bees and other insects."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus


"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus, winter visitor a pair sitting atop a fig tree."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

"Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus,local migrant soaring overhead."
Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

"Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus,Rare visitor to Mount Abu flying above."
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

"Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus,Rare visitor to Mount Abu flying above."
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus, Rare visitor to Mount Abu flying above.

"Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum. resident perched on bamboo shoots."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

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

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

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

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus, gracing Mount Abu sky."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, winter visitor heading for the stream below."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

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

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus, resident staring into the lens, perched on a cable. "
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus, perched on a rose bush."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata , feeding sub adult."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata 

"Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, winter visitor searching for grub on babool tree."
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, winter visitor flying above."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, perched on a cable."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, resident perched on garden fence."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, resident female on the garden floor."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus, resident perched atop radio tower."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus, resident perched on date palm tree."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus


Thursday, March 16, 2023

Birds Mount Abu February 2023.

Birds of Mount Abu in the third week of February 2023.

Overall, February is an engaging month for birdwatching, with the potential to see both resident and migratory birds in their natural environments, showcasing a range of behaviours and plumage.I have indeed spotted many diverse species of birds of prey on Mount Abu during the winter months, making it a popular wintering site for raptors. Among the birds known to migrate to Mount Abu during winter are:

  • Bonelli's Eagle
  • Booted Eagle
  • Common Buzzard
  • Long-legged Buzzard
  • Steppe Eagle
  • Imperial Eagle
  • Tawny Eagle
  • Greater Spotted Eagle
  • Osprey
  • Eurasian Marsh Harrier
  • Pallid Harrier
  • Montagu's Harrier
  • Eurasian Hobby
  • Eurasian Kestrel
  • Eurasian Sparrowhawk
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Changeable Hawk-Eagle


Bonelli's Eagle - winter visitor
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata


Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata).mp4

Common Buzzard - winter visitor
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - winter visitor
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) resident
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus 




Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus with prey .mp4

Egyptian Vulture  Once common now rare
Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus 

Gray Heron -winter visitor
Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea

Gray Heron - not common
Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea

Great Egret - winter visitor
Great Egret - Ardea alba 

Black-rumped Flameback -resident
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Black-rumped Flameback
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Common Chiffchaff - winter visitor
Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Chiffchaff - collage
Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Dusky Crag-Martin - resident
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Hume's Warbler - winter visitor
Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei 

Hume's Warbler
Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei

Indian Robin - reswident
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

Indian Yellow Tit -resident
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Laughing Dove - resident
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Lesser Whitethroat - winter visitor
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca 

Oriental Magpie-Robin - resident
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

Oriental Magpie-Robin - male
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

Rose-ringed Parakeet - resident
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

Spot-breasted Fantail - resident
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spot-breasted Fantail
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - resident
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Yellow-throated Sparrow resident
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


Birds of August 2025–Mount Abu

 A monsoon diary of wings, rain, and resilience. When Abu wears its cloak of mist, the birds sing louder to remind us they are still here. T...