Monday, April 14, 2025

Birding in March 2025

A Mixed Bag of Encounters.

Returning to Mount Abu on the 3rd of March, I was eager to embrace the magic of spring migration. The nesting season had also begun earnestly, adding a buzz of activity to the hills. I had high expectations of taking stunning photographs of raptors and our other wintering migrants. Thankfully, March gifted us with pleasant weather, making long hours in the field even more enjoyable.

However, Abu’s birding scene was less lively than I had expected. After the action-packed birding episodes I experienced on the plains, the hills felt quiet. Despite photographing a Common Buzzard, a Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and a few warblers, the bird life was disappointing. Abu, though beautiful, often falls short of the excitement a birder craves.

That said, between the 3rd and the 19th of March, I compiled a small but meaningful collection of bird sightings I’m excited to share with you. In each photo, a narrative unfolds—one of patience and the joy of finding beauty where the landscape is sparse.

Stay tuned for my upcoming posts, where I venture to the foothills of Mount Abu to capture the last wave of spring migration. Thrilling encounters and diverse avian spectacles await in those updates. Until then, happy birding!

A Final Adieu Winter Guests

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus Mt Abu March 2025.mp4

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Mt Abu March 2025

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Mt Abu March 2025.mp4

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Mt Abu March 2025

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saulari

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Mount Abu Birds: A January Delight 2025

Join me on my January birding exploits.

The third week of January 2025 has flown by, leaving behind a treasure trove of delightful memories for us Abuites. The weather has been a gift, with warm days and just the right touch of sunshine, while the nights have danced between a crisp 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. Perfect conditions for birdwatching, wouldn’t you agree?

As part of my daily birding stints, I explored our local water bodies to catch glimpses of Mount Abu’s feathered winter visitors. Among the week’s stars were the Black Redstart, White-capped Bunting, Common Buzzard, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and various pipits. However, the buntings, including the elusive Crested Bunting, remain on my wishlist. Perhaps the upcoming weeks will bring better luck!

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you plan your birding adventures in Mount Abu. What would make your experience even more memorable? Share your comments and suggestions on enhancing the joy of birdwatching here in our serene paradise.

Meanwhile, my birding escapades from the second week of January hang in suspense. A hard disk crash has left my precious birding data from the foothills of Mount Abu in limbo. I’ve sent it to an expert for recovery and await the verdict. If the expert retrieves the data, I promise to share a spectacular collection of photographs showcasing the avian wonders from the foothills of Abu. Fingers crossed!

Happy birdwatching, and may the wings of discovery lead you to extraordinary sights in Mount Abu’s natural haven!

Bird of the week.