Exploring the Banas Riverbed at Abu Road.

The Banas Riverbed in Abu Road offers birding enthusiasts a unique and rewarding experience. While it may not boast the abundance of bird life found at West Banas Dam, this tranquil spot holds its charm. The riverbed’s drying pools support a rich diversity of birds, making it a captivating place for discovering nature’s hidden wonders.
A Mixed Bag of Avian Discoveries
During our March visit, we saw larks, pipits, and waders, along with a mixed assortment of other bird species inhabiting this semi-arid landscape. Summer’s arrival didn’t stop the riverbed from showing off its unique ecosystem.
The dwindling water and rising temperatures are causing many birds to leave early. By the peak of summer, the riverbed will be barren and silent, a stark contrast to its vibrant activity during the cooler months.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit
Reflecting on our visit, it is clear that the Banas Riverbed is a winter wonderland for bird watchers. The milder weather and the availability of water attract a wider variety of species, making it an ideal season to explore this area.

We’re already looking forward to returning next winter. The anticipation of fresh discoveries fuels our enthusiasm on each expedition, and we trust this riverbed will continue to yield surprising avian finds.

Birding Highlights at the Banas Riverbed

Larks and pipits: A delightful array of these ground-dwelling species.

Waders: Observed at the remaining patches of water.

Winter Visitors: Seasonal migrants that add vibrancy to the landscape.

Join Us in Celebrating Nature’s Beauty

Our combined efforts to document the winter, passage, and resident species from this area aim to inspire more birders to explore the Banas Riverbed. It’s a humble reminder of how even lesser-known locations can hold immense value for birding enthusiasts.

If you’re planning your next birding adventure, consider adding this hidden gem to your itinerary. Summer may not show mercy, but the winters here guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Bird pf the Day

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea

Gray Heron March 2025 Abu Road Banas river bed.m4

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark) - Eremopterix griseus

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark March 2025 Abu Road Banas River Bed.m4v

Asian Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus

Citrine Wagtail - Motacilla citreola

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis

Crested Lark - Galerida cristata

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra.

Eurasian Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus

Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Great Thick-knee - Esacus recurvirostris

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca

Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha

Knob-billed Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos

Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubiu

Little Ringed Plover, March 2025. Abu Road Banas river bed.mp4

Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Paddyfield Pipit, March 2025 Abu Road Banas river bed.mp4

Pied Avocet March 2025 Abu Road Off Beat fisherman's lair

Ruddy Shelduck - Tadorna ferruginea

Ruff - Calidris pugnax

White-browed Wagtail - Motacilla maderaspatensis

White-eared Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucotis

Wire-tailed Swallow - Hirundo smithii

Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola

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

Overall, February is an engaging month for birdwatching, with the potential to see both resident and migratory birds in their natural environments, showcasing a range of behaviours and plumage.I have indeed spotted many diverse species of birds of prey on Mount Abu during the winter months, making it a popular wintering site for raptors. Among the birds known to migrate to Mount Abu during winter are: