Birding in the Last Two Weeks of July
The last two weeks of July have flown by in a whirlwind of misty mornings and overcast afternoons. Unfortunately, the rain-gods have bypassed Mount Abu this year, and the much-anticipated monsoon showers have been scarce. The hillsides drape themselves in a mantle of mist, and the air carries the scent of impending rain, but the actual downpour has disappointed us. With Abu relying on the monsoon for its water supply, we can only hope for our quota of rain in the coming months.
For birders, the monsoon season in Mount Abu is a challenging yet rewarding time. Damp conditions and low light levels can test patience and skill. Protecting equipment from the elements is crucial, as the humidity can cause mildew on cameras if one is not careful.
Despite these challenges, the promise of photographing some of Mount Abu’s most captivating avian residents keeps my spirits high. With its striking black and white plumage, the Pied Cuckoo remains elusive but highly expected. Its presence is a harbinger of the monsoon, a symbol of hope for better rains. The Indian Blackbird, known for its melodious song, brings a serenity to the lush landscape. At the same time, the vibrant Indian Golden Oriole, whose numbers have dwindled, is always a joy to spot. I haven’t snapped a photo of one in a while, and I await the opportunity. The elusive Brain-Fever Bird and the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher are also on my watch list, their presence adding to the magic of birding during this season.
Here’s to hoping for a bountiful monsoon that brings life and vibrancy to Mount Abu, enriching the habitat for its beautiful avian inhabitants and offering birders like me the perfect conditions to capture their splendour.
Bird of the Fortnight
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| Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis |
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis July Mt Abu.mp4
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| Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata |
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| Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata |
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| Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius |
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| Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus |
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| Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus |
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| Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus. |
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| Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus |
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| Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus |
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| Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus |
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| Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus |
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| Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata |
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| Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata |
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| Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica |
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| Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos |
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| Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos |
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| Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus |
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| Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica |
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| Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica |
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| Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus |
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| Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis |
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| Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis |
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| White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis |
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| White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis |
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