Showing posts with label #Indian White-eye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Indian White-eye. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Birds of Mount Abu in April.(2024)

 Discovering the Avian Gems of Mount Abu in April

The tranquil views of Mount Abu host a superb display of avian diversity in April. As the month ends, birdwatchers treat themselves to sightings of some of the most sought-after species in the region, such as the magnificent Oriental Honey-buzzard, the royal Crested Serpent Eagle, and the melodic Indian Blackbird. The gorgeous Indian Paradise Flycatchers, whose ethereal beauty is a pleasure to behold amidst the lush vegetation, add to the charm. Meanwhile, the vivid colours of the Common Rose Finches and the attractive Green Avadavats draw attention to the serene surroundings. 

Despite the usual April heat, the last week of April was cool for birdwatchers. Although the meteorologist predicts a hot summer, there is still hope for sporadic thunderstorms to reduce the risk of forest fires, which was a major concern last summer. A word of caution to fellow birders: avoid weekends in Mount Abu, as tourist influx can reach overwhelming levels, leading to traffic snarls and outrageous tariffs at accommodations. Travel light and bring only the essentials to ensure a pleasant experience.

Come enjoy a chosen assortment of Abu’s avian riches, which are a testament to the abundant biodiversity in this charming hill station. I hope these images will make you appreciate and be in awe of nature’s beauty, and that they will motivate all to treasure and save these delicate ecosystems for future generations. 

Bird of the week

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus resident

22 April 2024.

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female perched on a dry stump with nesting material in her beak."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in the snap is seen climbing up a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus.resident perched in the shade of a Jacaranda tree."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, perched on a date palm tree calling."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Full moon, also know as the Pink Moon in April 2024"
Full moon, also called the Pink Moon in April 2024

23 April 2024.
"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, perched on a branch of the tree flame of the forest."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Shikra - Accipiter badius resident flying through the air seeking a prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

24 April 2024.

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus, perched on a rock staring into the sky."
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri , in flight."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri  in flight."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

25 April 2024.

"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, perched on a branch cleaning its beak."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 


Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus April 2024 Mt Abu.mp4


"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a cable,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch, chirping a melody."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus, flying through the air in an agitated mood."
Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus

26m April 2024.

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring.Perched on a thick branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a thick branch with grub in its beak,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Perched on a branch"
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a cable."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

27 April 2024.

"The Brahminy Starling boasts a stunning appearance. With its lustrous blue-black head, neck, and upper body, complemented by a unique white patch on its wings, this bird truly stands out. Its underparts are a soft buff hue, and it features a bill that tapers to a fine point.Perched on a cable with its tail fanned out."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum 

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, female perched atop a mulberry tree."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) The resident, common, has a conical silver-grey beak, buff-brown upper body, white underbody, buffy flanks, and dark wings. The tail is black, and the wings are dark, contrasting with the white rump. Perched on a bamboo shoot"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

28 April 2024.

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica  A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla.Perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

29 April 2024.

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a sable, as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica  A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla.A pair perched on a cable."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus a collage."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on a branch, displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on a branch, displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

30 April 2024.

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos, flying overhead displaying it's torn and tattered wings."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a  branch."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus


Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Birding In April Mount Abu

Birding Delights in the first week of April 

An overview of Abu’s birding pleasures in April.


April in Abu greets birders with open arms, offering a pleasant transition into the impending summer. In the mornings and evenings, especially during the warming days, the tranquil area becomes an ideal spot for birdwatchers.
 The initial days of the month brought a surprising cold spell, breaking the typical April heat. Clouds dominated the sky, as gentle winds created a tranquil atmosphere for birds and birdwatchers.
 For those familiar with Abu’s bird life, this period marks the departure of most winter migrants, who bid farewell until the next season. However, the scenery is not devoid of avian attractiveness. The Green Avadavat, Cinereous Tit, Common Rosefinch, Indian White-eye, and the last sightings of returning Buzzards and Eurasian Sparrowhawk adorn the sky and forests.
 April is also a busy month for birds, with nesting activities underway and young ones being cared for around the area. It’s an emotional reminder of nature’s cycles, with life flourishing in every nook.
Avoid weekends if you plan to go birdwatching in Mount Abu around this time. The tourist influx hits its zenith, causing hotel and lodging prices to skyrocket. Without previous reservations, be prepared to loosen your purse strings for accommodations.
 Enjoy my collection of bird photos from the first six days of April. Each photograph conveys a story about nature’s splendour and the colourful bird life that calls Abu home. So take your binoculars, bring your camera, and prepare to be wowed by Abu’s avifauna display in April.

Bird of the week
"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus,endemic to Mt Abu, taking off displaying it's underbelly and outstretched wings."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

1 April 2024.
"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus, perched atop a rock ."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus,endemic to Mt Abu, taking off displaying it's underbelly and outstretched wings."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, resident female landing on a babul branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

2 April 2024.


"Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis, resident perched on a cable singing a song."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis


"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, winter visitor gliding above."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo 

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in the snap is seen flying with its wings outstretched."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"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

"A raptor with unusual plumage is the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). Adults have a combination of brown and rufous colours, whilst youngsters are more mottled. Soaring over the air, with big wings and a hooked beak."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

3 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, a pair perched on a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, one perched on the date palm tree and the other taking off."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

'Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor flying above saying adeo to Mount Abu ready to leave for home."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, soaring above chased by a swallow."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

4 April 2024.

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a  brach, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus, resident zooming through the sky."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a branch,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer,perched on a cable doing a gig."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri,Vibrantly bright green parakeet,Note the very long slender tail and bright red bill, taking off from a slender twig displaying its outstretched wings."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck.Sitting on a cable above a stream."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

5 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense  April 2024 Mt Abu. Picture collage birdn searching for grub on a date palm trunk."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a cable,showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches of mulberry trees, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a cable,showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches of mulberry trees, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus. April 2024 Mt Abu. A collage of an vulture flying in the Abu sky."
Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus.


"Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) in flight. Compact raptor with short wings and a long tail, displaying distinctive gray-brown plumage. Yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beak are prominent features."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Cute juvenile House Sparrow - Passer domesticus. perched on a cable with all its feathers ruffled."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus


Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus April 2024 Mt Abu.mp4


"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer April 2024 Mt Abu.jpg. Picturecollage of bird with nesting mterial."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer 

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer.perched on dry branch doing the gig."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

6 April 2024.
"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus) A plain grey, black, and off-white tit of light forests. Males and females have a white cheek patch, a grey back, and a white wingbar. A wide black centre line goes from the throat to the lower belly."
Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus)

"Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus) A plain grey, black, and off-white tit of light forests. Males and females have a white cheek patch, a grey back, and a white wingbar. A wide black centre line goes from the throat to the lower belly."
Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus)Resident uncommon 

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, passage migrant female perched on a thin branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant

"Common Woodshrike (Ephrodornis pondicerianus) This medium-sized woodshrike has grayish-brown upperparts, a black facial mask, a white rump, and a grey tail with white outer tail feathers. Bill is sharply hooked and dark greyish brown in colour. Underparts are whitish.Mount Abu is a unique place for these residents."
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus resident uncommon

"Common Woodshrike (Ephrodornis pondicerianus) This medium-sized woodshrike has grayish-brown upperparts, a black facial mask, a white rump, and a grey tail with white outer tail feathers. Bill is sharply hooked and dark greyish brown in colour. Underparts are whitish.Mount Abu is a unique place for these residents."
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus 

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, winter visitor soring through the Abu sky bidding bye till next season."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Shikra: Accipiter badius.The shikra is a tiny raptor with short rounded wings and a slender, fairly long tail. Adults have a whitish underside with tiny rufous streaks, and grey upperparts. The lower tummy is less barred, and the thighs are white. The bird in the snap is gliding overhead."
Shikra - Accipiter badius 

Will post Birds of Abu Road in my next blog, enjoy the selection I've just posted.
Cheers to Life! and Birding.

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