August Birding in Mount Abu: A Tale of Skies, Rain, and Wings.

The third week of August in Mount Abu felt like stepping into a blast from the past, reminding me of the 1960s and 1970s. As expected, the weather delivered the typical experiences of the season: gentle drizzles, intermittent showers, and a magical mist draping the hills like a soft, white veil. Early mornings and late evenings brought foggy horizons, reducing visibility but amplifying the charm of the forest trails.

Meteorologists predict that the last week of August will see heavy rainfall, which is no surprise. Mount Abu’s wettest month, August, provides ample rainfall, sustaining its landscapes.

Despite these weather quirks, birding this month has been anything but disappointing. I have captured some delightful moments in rain-washed forests and meadows that seem alive with activity. The highlight? Our first winter migrant—the Grey Wagtail — announces the seasonal transition that lies ahead.

Here’s a curated glimpse of the feathered beauties spotted and photographed during the week. The tale of flourishing life between the showers and sunshine in Mount Abu is told every August, from residents to early migrants.

Bird of the week.

Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

The Grey Wagtail, a common winter visitor to Rajasthan, typically arrives in the state around late September to early October. This wagtail made its appearance on August 17, 2025. Seeing one arrive so early surprised and elated me. Are we in for a cold winter this year?

Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Mount Abu Aug 2025

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Black Kite - Milvus migrans is not commonly seen here.

Black Kite - Milvus migrans

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit Mount Abu Aug 2025.m4v

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis basking.

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis basking

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus. Looking for spiders.

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata Mount Abu Aug 2025.mp4

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is also a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Birding in the second week of April 2023.

If you're a birdwatcher, don't miss out on visiting the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. The second week of April is the perfect time for birding enthusiasts to explore the hills of Mount Abu as summer approaches. With plenty of birding hotspots and various species of birds to observe, Mount Abu is a must-visit destination for any bird lover.

Remember to bring binoculars and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a memorable birding experience on rough terrain.

Mount Abu attracts diverse migratory bird species, including the Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Tickell's Blue Flycatcher. Birdwatchers can commonly spot the Green Munia, a vibrant bird with a unique call. Look for other species such as the Red-breasted Flycatcher, Indian Blackbird, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, and White-capped Bunting. I'm posting some snaps taken during this period. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy clicking them.

8 April 2023.

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus. Passage Migrant.

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus.

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis with prey.mp4

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

9 April 2023.

Paschal Full Moon Mount Abu.
"HAPPY EASTER"

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Pond-Heron - assuming mating plumage

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

10 April 2023.

Black Kite - Milvus migrans Rare visitor.

In 1942, McCann discovered that the Black Kite species was "common" in Mount Abu. However, the sudden disappearance of this species in the area raises questions about its plausible reasons. It could be due to a decline in their food source or habitat loss, although both are doubtful. Human persecution is even less likely. Another possibility is that the abundance of Large-billed Crows in the area could have impacted the species through disease or predation, and we need further research and monitoring to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the decline of Black Kites in the area.

Black Kite - Milvus migrans

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Be tuned I will be posting on a regular basis enjoy the selection I'm posting right now.

11April 2023.

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

White-throated Kingfisher - mating display

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

The White-throated Kingfisher is recognised for its captivating courtship behaviour, which often involves displaying its wings and making loud noises to attract a mate. In addition, the male kingfisher presents the female with food during courtship to demonstrate his ability to support her and their offspring. Observing the White-throated Kingfisher's courtship display is an impressive experience, and studying their distinct behaviours and interactions in their natural habitat is always exciting.