Mount Abu Birding–The Last Two Weeks of June.

At the end of June 2025, Mount Abu transitioned into a monsoon environment, characterised by cloudy skies, mist over the hills, and rain, followed by brief, golden light. The weather during the second half of the month was unpredictable, with thunder echoing in the valleys sometimes.

Birding during this time was both challenging and rewarding. Due to the cloudy weather and damp conditions, extra care was required to protect fragile camera equipment from the persistent dampness. For any birder or wildlife photographer, the monsoon isn’t just about the birds; it’s about patience, preparedness, and the occasional dance with nature’s moods.

Despite the hurdles, I photographed a vibrant selection of species, many of them juveniles and sub-adults. This is the season when the forest comes alive with new life — fledglings taking their first flights, young birds testing their calls, and parents foraging under dripping canopies.

Here’s a curated selection of my sightings from this lush and elusive window of time. I hope these images capture the essence of June in Mount Abu — moody, misty, and full of monsoon magic.

As for what lies ahead, birding from July through September usually slows down. The rains often dictate the pace, and many trails become inaccessible. But for those who don’t mind the rain and the fog, there’s always something special waiting to be discovered.

Stay tuned, and happy birding — rain or shine!

Bird of the fortnight.

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus JUNE 2025 MT ABU

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus Mount Abu June 2025

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Little Swift - Apus affinis

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus Mobbed by Shikra

Oriental Honey-buzzard MOBBED BHY SHIKRA Mt Abu June 2025.m4v

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense

Recording the Migratory birds in the Third week of November 2021.

Continued.

Today the sky opened up and the raptors came a visiting. The Booted Eagle, followed by the Long-legged Buzzard being mobbed by the Black-winged Kite, shortly followed by another Eagle mobbed by two Large-billed Crows. The Common Buzzard made its appearance later, who became a target for the swallows and Martins. The last to make its appearance was the Peregrine Falcon. (Shaheen).

To view the raptors if flight click on the slide shows

20 Nov 2021.