Birding in Mount Abu Sanctuary first week of Feb 2022.

They have freed Mount Abu of the weekend lockdown and night curfew. When in Abu, masks are mandatory, so please wear them while roaming around.

During this first week of February, birding has been excellent. Enjoy these images.

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra
Not so common winter visitor

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea
Considered Vagrant

Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea
I have observed this species over the years at the Nakki lake.

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus
Winter visitor

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus
Common resident

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus
The Shaheen is known to breed at Mount Abu.

I've been recording this falcon for years. My constant vigil of this rare residential species has been keen. This year I have photographers three to four mating sessions over a period.

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow - Gymnoris xanthocollis

2 Feburary 2022.

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Yellow-throated Sparrow - Gymnoris xanthocollis

3 February 2022.

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens

Yellow-throated Sparrow - Gymnoris xanthocollis

Yellow-throated Sparrow - Gymnoris xanthocollis

I'll be posting next on our Winter visitors and the falcon keep tuned .

Birds snapped last week of July 2021.

Posting some snaps taken from 18 July to the end of July 2021. From the sweltering heat of Abu Road, last week to overcast skies in Abu birding has had its own charm. It’s the time of the Munias, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Scaly-breasted Munia, Green Munia, Indian Silverbill, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen), Indian Yellow Tit, also the Pied Cuckoo and the Indian Blackbird are seen in Abu. Appreciate the collection and my observation of Mount Abu’s feathered friends.

"Green Avadavat,resident,sitting in my garden."

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

People locally know the Green Avadavat as "Haria" and also call it the Green Munia. The IUCH has classified this species as VULNERABLE. This petite bird with red eyes, a red beak green and yellow barred flanks of white and black make it a target for poachers.

The Green Avadavat (Munia)is the official mascot of Rajasthan's Mount Abu Sanctuary. To Southern Rajasthan, Central U.P, M.P, this bird is endemic, and some parts of Bihar and West Bengal. Today, people can easily spot this bird in Mount Abu, and birders from all over the world visit this place to capture images of this rare species.

Green Avadavat (Munia) Mount Abu July 2021.m4v

To enjoy the slide show see it in FULL frame.