Saturday, January 10, 2026

Birding in January 2026: Mount Abu’s Winter Wonders.

Chilled feathers, frosty mornings, and the silent thrill of winter birding in the Aravalis.

Before I dive into the world of winged wonders, I would like to extend my heartfelt New Year greetings to all my readers. May 2026 bring you boundless happiness, memorable adventures, and countless moments of awe in nature’s embrace.

Winter’s Icy Embrace

January arrived in Mount Abu with full force, wrapping the hill station in winter’s frosty grip. The landscape wore a crisp, icy charm as night temperatures during the first week hovered between 10°C and a bone-chilling–3°C. The cold was sharp, but for a birdwatcher, it was nothing short of magical.

Winter mornings were quiet and still, the kind that heighten every call and movement. The chill in the air made bird activity more pronounced, turning each outing into a rewarding experience. Mount Abu, nestled in the Aravali range, once again proved why winter is one of the finest seasons for birding here.

Raptors and Winter Visitors

Some impressive raptors dominated the skies and forest edges. The Himalayan Buzzard made its presence felt, sharing the landscape with the Long-legged Buzzard, while the ever-alert Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolled the area with purpose. Alongside these birds of prey, a variety of warblers flitted through the undergrowth, adding life and movement to the otherwise subdued winter scenery.

The first week of January set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of observations. I look forward to continuing my birding journeys, documenting and celebrating the avian life of the Aravali range.

Join me as the winter unfolds—there is much more to observe, record, and share in the weeks ahead.

Until then, keep watching the skies and listening for the whispers of wings.

Bird of the Week.

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor.

Long-legged Buzzard JAN 2026 MOUNT ABU.m4v

Himalayan Buzzard - Buteo refectus

Himalayan Buzzard JAN 2026 MOUNT ABU.mp4

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum winter visitor

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon - Treron phoenicopterus

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Birding in the First Week of August 2025–Mount Abu

Birding Between the Raindrops

From Green Avadavats to flitting flycatchers, August in Mount Abu is alive, rain or shine.

Following the misty, rain-soaked charm of July, August in has opened with a refreshing twist. This week brought a welcome break in my 2025 birding schedule, as the took a pause, clearing the air.

The first week of August 2025 brought clearer skies and more comfortable weather, a rare and welcome gift in the heart of the monsoon season. The heavy fog lifted, sunlight spilt through the clouds, and the air took on that clean, rain-washed scent that makes every step outdoors feel rejuvenating. For birders, this meant better visibility, gentler breezes, and endless opportunities to spot and photograph the rich diversity of species that call Abu home.

Movement filled the hills, with flashes, songs, and fledglings. The forest rewards your patience tenfold when the weather breaks, even though the monsoon may hide birds in misty veils.

As we step into the second week of August, the forecast suggests a return to form: thick clouds, frequent rain, and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the pleasant low-to-high 20s, though the humidity will rise. For birders, this means shifting strategies: keeping equipment dry, working with softer light, and letting the forest’s rhythm guide you.

And there is much to look forward to. The monsoon is a time of renewal — fledglings finding their voice, juveniles exploring their surroundings, and the forest thick with life. Keep your eyes peeled for Mount Abu’s iconic , as well as busy , calling barbets, and graceful flycatchers. These damp days might demand patience, but they also deliver moments of magic — the kind that keep us coming back, season after season.

August has only just begun, and if the first week is any sign, the rest of the month promises a captivating mix of challenges and rewards. Stay tuned for my second-half-of-August notes, when the monsoon reaches its full, dramatic glory — and the hills of Mount Abu hum with life

Bird of the Week.

Tawny-bellied Babbler Mt Abu, August 2025.m4v

Black-rumped Flameback. Mt Abu Aug 2025.m4v

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Little Cormorant - Microcarbo niger

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica Mt Abu Aug 2025.mp4

- Streptopelia senegalensis

Laughing Dove Mt Abu August 2025.m4v

I recently observed a fascinating mating ritual between a pair of laughing doves. The male initiated the display with a series of soft, rhythmic cooing sounds while puffing out his chest and strutting around the female. The female's response was what I found most interesting. She began what looked like a "kissing" motion, gently touching her beak to his. Following this display of affection, she crouched low, a clear signal that she was ready to mate