[April 2025] Birdwatching:Mount Abu.

 A Change in the Skies.

My intense March birdwatching adventures in the Abu foothills concluded, and I returned home seeking relaxation. Since then, I have spent my days observing the comings and goings of our resident birds and the last winter visitors before their northward journeys. April’s bird migration always brings the excitement of spotting a new, unexpected species.

April’s first two weeks have been wonderful, with sightings of Common Rose finches, elusive Blyth’s reed warblers, and other local birds. As I document these sightings, I await the return of some of my favourite species—the radiant Indian golden oriole, the melodious Indian Blackbird, and the graceful Indian Paradise Flycatcher. These avian gems bring a splash of vibrancy to the warm days of April.

As for the weather, April’s warmth has transitioned from pleasant to near summer heat throughout the month. This hot weather hasn’t stopped me from creating a small, beloved collection of seasonal photos and recordings.

Birding in April is not just about what you see—it’s about the promise of new arrivals, the joy of surprises, and the quiet satisfaction of observing the avian world as it unfolds around you. Cheers to many future mornings spent capturing birds in flight with my camera!

    

Bird of the Fortnight.

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant.

Common Rosefinch - Mount Abu April 2025. m4v

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus—picture collage.

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis 

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Shikra - Accipiter badius 

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

 

Photo Galleries Birds of Mount Abu June to August 2016. mountabubirds.blogspot.com

Birds of Mount Abu: June to August 2016

Birding in Mount Abu from June to August can be a mixed experience, each month offering unique conditions and avian encounters. The warm weather in June caused a reduction in bird activity during the daytime. Sightings may be sporadic, making this month less ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.

 July: With the onset of the monsoon, July transforms Mount Abu into a paradise for nature lovers. The cooler, misty conditions make jungle trails inviting and serene. Birdwatching has become a delight, with many species becoming more active and visible.

August: The monsoon continues, bringing overcast skies and swirling mist. While these conditions might dampen the spirits of those seeking clear, bright days, they create a mystical atmosphere perfect for birding. The variety of birds spotted during this time is diverse and intriguing.

Some notable species you might encounter include:

Eurasian Blackbird

Jacobin Cuckoo

Golden Oriole

Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Green Avadavat

Despite the obstacles, birding in Mount Abu can be a worthwhile experience for those who admire the diverse beauty of nature. The changing weather conditions add an element of surprise, making each birdwatching expedition unique and memorable.

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys 

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum   - Adult

Brown Rock-chat Cercomela fusca 

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala indica   - Adult

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica 

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica 

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus pica 

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus pica 

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata sindiana   - Allopreening

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis 

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus palpebrosus 

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus palpebrosus 

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus asiaticus

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus   - Adult

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda vagabunda   - Adult

Shikra Accipiter badius 

Shikra Accipiter badius 

Shikra Accipiter badius 

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens caerulescens 

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus   - Adult

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis   - Adult with prey

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus episcopus   - Adult in flight from below