MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Showing posts with label #Eurasian Hoopoe. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Birding in March Mount Abu 2024.

Explore the Avian Wonders of Mount Abu: A March to Remember.

As the third week of March begins, Mount Abu welcomes a wonderful weather phenomenon in which gloomy sky and chilly temperatures defy conventional March predictions. This unusual weather creates a wonderful encounter, as nature lovers and birdwatchers come to this charming refuge in the Aravalli Range.

With summer, Mount Abu transforms into a shelter for diverse bird species seeking refuge in its lush surroundings. Against this magnificent setting, the resident birds display their mating plumage, creating a dazzling tapestry of colours that captivates those who see it.

For keen birdwatchers like myself, the third week of March is significant, as it marks the yearly celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at the Abu duck pond. Amidst the peaceful waters, nature treats us to a display of its greatest creations, as the last of the migratory ducks bid farewell before embarking on their journey homeward. Among the various species adorning the pond are the exquisite Green-winged Teal, the brilliant Common Pochard, and the graceful Northern Pintails, joined by the bustling activity of coots, Moorhens, Black-winged Stilts, and Red-wattled Lapwings around the banks.

Recording these fleeting moments with our cameras, Mohan and I have the privilege of witnessing the majestic flight of the Crested Serpent Eagle and the dignified presence of the Common Buzzard, as we capture the beauty and elegance of these beautiful creatures in each photo.

Meanwhile, amid the hustle and bustle of nesting season, the air is alive with the musical sounds of birds engaged in mating rituals, nest building, and the never-ending chore of feeding their offspring. Despite the beauty, predators such as the nimble Shikra, the fearsome Great Coucal, and the opportunistic Large-billed crows remain a constant menace, reminding us of the fragile balance of life in the wilderness.

As I close this piece, I wish everyone an overdue Happy Holi and a joyful anticipation of the Easter celebrations. May this season of regeneration and rebirth bring you joy and make your weekends full of wonder. Until the next time, good birding, and may the beauties of nature continue to inspire us.

Bird of the week

"Jungle Bush Quail - Perdicula asiatica Adult males have a dull brown mantle, back, scapulars, and wings with buff streaks and blackish-brown patches. The breasts, sides, and upper belly are whitish with short black bars, whilst the lower belly and undertail coverts are reddish-buff. The forehead, lores, and supercilium are dark reddish-brown, with the supercilium becoming buffy-white behind the eye and towards the back of the neck. Resident to Abu, uncommon rare."

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica resident uncommon/ rare

15 March 2024.

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

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

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros will be gone in a day or so.

"Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops. The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight, uncommon and rare for Abu here seen foraging near bushes."

Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops uncommon rare

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchu, This bird of prey in this snap is seen soaring overhead. It is easy to identify, even in flight, on account of its long pigeon like head and neck, and broader black-and-white bands on its tail. The bird is also called the crested honey buzzard, but its stunted crest is hardly ever visible, a resident Abu."

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus,The breeding male is a metallic blue and purple overall with maroon feathers on the breast. Perched on a tree trunk displaying its plumage."

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus male in breeding plumage

16 March 2024.

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros, perched on garden gate displaying its black and orange red plumage".

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus March 2024 Mt Abu

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer,juvenile perched on a branch"

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer resident

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

17 March 2024.

Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus

Common Buzzard March 2024 Mt Abu..m4v

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"Spilornis cheela, the Crested Serpent-Eagle The broad, paddle-shaped wings are held in a shallow V while the bird is in a soaring flight (above Duck Pond in Achalgarh). The flying feathers' undersides and tail are both black with wide white bars."

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

"Close-up image of a Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) feeding amongst the weeds in shallow water, displaying its distinctive black plumage and red bill."

Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus adult

Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus juvenile

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus

18 March 2024.

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Female Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus. perched atop a bare branch with its back towards the lens,"

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus female

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus,perched on a branch with nest building material in its beak."

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus female

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Bush-Quail March 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. During the mating season, it perches on a branch, displaying its vibrant colours."

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus. male

"Rose-colored The parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. Brightly coloured parakeet with a long, thin tail and a bright red bill. It takes off from a thin twig and spreads its wings."

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

19 March 2024

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, with its beak filled with mulberries perched on a mulberry tree."

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus male

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis.

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Rose-colored The parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. Brightly coloured parakeet with a long, thin tail and a bright red bill. Perched atop a thin bare branch."

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

20 March 2024.

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

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

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, perched on a mulberry tree with a feather in its beak,male showcasing its breeding plumage."

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus male

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

21 March 2024.

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, perched on a branch preening itself.".

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus male preening

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Exploring Avian Delights:Birding in December in Mount Abu.

Birding Adventures in the second week of December at Mount Abu

Winter Wings: A Glimpse into December’s Avian Gala

In the cool embrace of December’s second week, the nighttime temperatures dip to zero, setting the stage for a captivating birding experience. Amazingly, the avian scene has welcomed an influx of winter visitors, including the Green-winged Teal, Pochard, Eurasian Coot, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, and the elusive Common Sandpiper.

Observing their numbers rise is a source of delight, adding anticipation to each outing with the hope of even more arrivals by mid-January. The small water bodies come alive with vibrant plumage and graceful flights, turning the landscape into a bustling hub of avian activity. As December unfolds, the chilly nights and brisk birding sessions offer a unique connection with nature. Beyond species spotting, it’s a journey into the seasonal swings, where each migratory bird contributes to a grand story.

With cameras in hand, join me in enjoying the avian symphony playing out in the crisp air of December second week—a run-up to a winter filled with enchanting encounters and the timeless beauty of migratory journeys.

Bird of the week.

Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops

8 Dec 2023.

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri,resident taking off."

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri female

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri, taking off."

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri male

9 Dec 2023.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

10 Dec 2023.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens

11 Dec 2023.

Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops Mount Abu Dec 2023.mp4

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

12 Dec 2023.

Discover Mount Abu's very own Duck Pond, which is concealed in front of Mahadeva Temple. I visited this calm refuge on December 12th to photograph the winter visitors: Green-winged Teals, Pochards, Eurasian Coots, Gadwalls, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Tufted Ducks, and Raptors. Scroll through photographs of this avian extravaganza, a tiny Bharatpur in which nature's magnificence is seen in every feathery detail. Join me on a pictorial journey to the tranquil shores of Mount Abu's Duck Pond.