Saturday, January 20, 2024

Exploring Avian Migrants:Birding in January 2024 Mount Abu.

A Tranquil Winter Retreat: Birding in the Second Week of January at Mount Abu 2024

Embarking on a birding expedition amidst the serene landscapes of Mount Abu during the winter months is a nature lover’s dream come true. The clear skies and chilly weather create the perfect mood for this soul-soothing activity. In the second week of January 2024, I ventured into the heart of Mount Abu for a unique birdwatching experience, capturing moments with some elusive avian residents.

Exploring Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders: I opted for a more secluded birding experience to avoid the lively flood of tourists. Despite the fewer migratory visitors during this period, the second week of January unveiled a remarkable array of winged wonders. Among the notable sightings were the Common Chiffchaff, the flitting Common Lesser White-throat, the striking Black Redstart, the majestic Long-legged Buzzard, and the agile Gray Wagtail. However, the highlight of my trek was capturing the rare and magnificent Changeable Hawk Eagle in its natural habitat—a sight that made my birding quest unforgettable.

A Glimpse into Mount Abu’s Breathtaking Beauty: Accompanying the avian delights, the scenic beauty of Mount Abu in its winter glory added an extra layer of charm to my birding jaunts. The perfect surroundings and crisp wintry air created a picture-perfect backdrop for each photograph, making the experience even more enchanting.

Looking Ahead to the Third Week: As I anticipate my upcoming birding adventures in the third week, my focus will shift to the water bodies of Mount Abu. Avid birders can expect a delightful journey as the preparations to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya are expected to thin out the crowds, resulting in less crowded roads.

Appreciating the Rarity: I invite fellow bird enthusiasts to appreciate the uniqueness of Mount Abu’s avian species, as each sighting adds to the rich tapestry of its natural heritage. The records of the Common Chiffchaff, Lesser White-throat, Black Redstart, Long-legged Buzzard, Gray Wagtail, and the rare Changeable Hawk Eagle prove the diverse bird life that graces this charming region.

In conclusion, birding on Mount Abu during the second week of January 2024 was a pleasant blend of harmony and discovery. As I await the unfolding chapters of my birding diary in the coming weeks, I encourage fellow nature lovers to explore the hidden gems of Mount Abu’s avian world and appreciate the delicate balance of nature that makes each moment amazing.

Bird of the week

Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, technically known as Nisaetus cirrhatus, usually inhabits the base of Mount Abu. Although considered an uncommon sight in this region, records show no recorded sightings at Mount Abu. Nonetheless, my personal know-how over the years has allowed me to capture and photograph this magnificent eagle several times in the charming environs of Mount Abu.

8 Jan 2024.

"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on a cable, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros common winter visitor.

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Certainly, the pair I photographed are vagrants. Despite their prevalence in the surrounding lowlands, their appearance on Mount Abu is rare. Jugal Tiwari reported seeing a lone bird near Arna in September 2004. Butler's description from 1876 mentions that they found one or two specimens on Mount Abu. This is the first time I’ve recorded their fleeting existence on Mount Abu.

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream, displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, soaring above scanning for prey."

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, male , perched in the garden displaying it 's blueish black coat and streak of white feathers on its wing."

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common.

"With it's wings tucked in ,the White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis, plunges towards the stream below."

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis common resident

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on the garden ground pecking grain, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) resident.

9 Jan 2024.

"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on the garden floor, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolo

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

10 Jan 2024.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

11 Jan 2024.

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

12 Jan 2024.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

13 Jan 2024.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. This bird is perched on the garden fence."

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common

"White-breasted Waterhens, Amaurornis phoenicurus, have mostly dark grey upperparts and sides, with a white face, throat, and breast. The lower abdomen and undertail are cinnamon or white-colored. The photo shows a bird descending a steep rock."

White-breasted Waterhens, Amaurornis phoenicurus, resident common.

14 Jan 2024.

Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) Winter common migrant to Mount Abu.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo).

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) appears to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his stay in Mount Abu. It is classified as a vagrant, most likely because it is found outside of its normal habitat. Over the last decade, I've constantly watched and photographed this species. Notably, the Common Buzzard has been reported to remain at Mount Abu throughout the winter. Anticipating it's coming as a winter guest to our picturesque hill station is a wonderful expectation.

"The status of this egret is not clear Vagrant? winter visitor? Flying above seeking out a water body."

Great Egret - Ardea alba

The Great Egret - Ardea alba, seems to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his tenure here in Mount Abu.

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

I look forward to meeting you by the close of the upcoming week, and I'll return with a compilation of the winter visitors I've encountered at our truly outstanding hill station in Rajasthan.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Birds Mount Abu February 2023.

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

Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India, is a paradise for bird lovers, especially in February. The winter months from November to February are ideal for birdwatching at Mount Abu. The pleasant weather during this time attracts various birds, including flycatchers.

February is an ideal time to spot these beautiful birds in the Abode. Migratory birds called flycatchers travel long distances to escape winter. These are the flycatchers you are most likely to see in Mount Abu now: Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, and Red-breasted flycatcher..

You can spot the Asian Paradise Flycatcher in Mount Abu during February. The male bird is predominantly white, with long tail feathers that can be up to three times its body length. A female bird has a distinctive crest on its head.

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher is common enough for birders to spot in Mount Abu during February. The male bird has a striking blue colour on its head, back, and tail, while the female is olive-brown.

During February, birders can spot flycatchers, Sykes's Warbler, Black Redstart, Blue Rock-Thrush, and the Indian Roller in Mount Abu.

Photographers and painters can have a field day capturing these birds in their natural habitat. The lush green surroundings of Mount Abu provide an ideal backdrop for capturing the vibrant colours of these birds. Local guides and birding experts can assist you in identifying the different species of birds and the finest spots for birdwatching.

In conclusion, birding in Mount Abu in February is a delightful experience for bird lovers and photographers alike. The presence of migratory birds like flycatchers adds to the charm of this hill station and makes it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.