Showing posts with label #Pied Cuckoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Pied Cuckoo. Show all posts

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Monsoon Birding on Mount Abu [September]

 The First Two Weeks of September

When September rains come, Mount Abu becomes a dream destination for birdwatchers. For birders, this is a season of anticipation—September marks the first migratory birds, with the elegant Grey Wagtail as one of the earliest visitors. However, the first two weeks were a challenge for even the most dedicated enthusiasts this year. A constant mist shrouded the hills, and persistent showers made every birding expedition a test of patience.

Catching a clear glimpse of the avian life in such weather was difficult, and snapping a wonderful photograph was even harder. The overcast skies and relentless rain didn’t make things easy. Still, with a little perseverance, I captured a few memorable moments, though some photos may appear dull or grainy—let’s blame that on the moody monsoon ambience.

The Pied Cuckoo and Alpine Swift didn’t make their usual appearances this season. I also captured a rare sighting of the Asian Koel in Mount Abu. Despite these absences, the misty mornings and rain-drenched afternoons brought out a variety of other species that are just as captivating. Among the highlights are the delightful Scaly-breasted Munia, the swift Red-rumped Swallows, the colourful Coppersmith Barbet, the elusive Red Spurfowl, and the vibrant Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.

Each of these birds brings its own charm to the monsoon landscape, making the effort of venturing out in the rain more than worthwhile. Look at these select photos of Mount Abu’s birds during the monsoon season—they’re captivating.

Bird of the fortnight.

"Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus The female of the nominate race is brownish on the crown and has rufous streaks on the head. The back, rump and wing coverts are dark brown with white and buff spots. The underparts are whitish, but is heavily striped.Rare for Mount Abu, here seen sitting on a branch calling."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus


Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, resident here seen scaling a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, seen in flight."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, juvenile perched on a cable."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense


" "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

"Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus,the coppersmith barbet is green with a red head, yellow cheeks and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black.Perched on a dry stump."
Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus

"Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus,the coppersmith barbet is green with a red head, yellow cheeks and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black.Perched on a dry stump."
Coppersmith Barbet - Psilopogon haemacephalus


"A Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perched on a cable overlooking a flowing stream, showcasing its distinctive gray plumage and elegant posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"A Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perched on cement road upagainst a flowing stream, showcasing its distinctive gray plumage and elegant posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, Males have rufous napes, vivid buffs and browns, and beautifully patterned wings. They also wear stylish black bibs. Pale pearly-gray underparts. Females are simply brown.Perched on a branch."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, male eith nesting material."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female with nesring material."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

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

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on the garden floor with nesting material in its beak."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on a thick branch with nesting material."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos n resident perched on a cable."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos 

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a cable calling."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach,perched on a cable calling."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus , flying with its wings spread out in the misty sky."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus 

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea Overall reddish-brown, this large partridge-like bird has a somewhat long tail. The upper parts are brown with dark barring while the face and neck are more grey in the male. The underside is rufous with dark markings and both sexes have a red facial skin patch and red legs with one or two spurs.Found commonly in Mount Abu'sJungle."
Red Spurfowl - Galloperdix spadicea

"Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica , parched on a cable adult feefing a juvenile."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica 


Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica.  Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata. The adult's brown upperparts and dark brown head are characteristic of grain-eating birds, as is its short, dark bill. The underparts have dark scale marks on a white background. The genders are comparable. The bird is perched on a cable."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata


caly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata Mt Abu Sept 2024.mp4

"Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus,snap taken from a distance bird perched on a cable."
Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus

"Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus,snap taken from a distance bird perched on a cable."
Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus

"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 branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, perched on a branch with its wings open wide basking."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis basking

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, perched on a branch with its wings open wide basking."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis basking

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae






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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Friday, August 2, 2024

Birding in July 2024 Mount Abu.

 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

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Basking in the sun."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis July Mt Abu.mp4

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

"Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius, warblerlike bird with a green back, a reddish crown, and a long bill. It gets its name from the way in which it builds its nest by stitching leaves together.Here seen perched on a branch calling."
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"The green avadavat, known as the green munia (Amandava formosa), is an Estrildid finch with a green and yellow body, a vivid red beak, and black "zebra stripes" on its sides. They are indigenous to Mount Abu.The photograph depicts a bird on a cable."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"The green avadavat, known as the green munia (Amandava formosa), is an Estrildid finch with a green and yellow body, a vivid red beak, and black "zebra stripes" on its sides. They are indigenous to Mount Abu.The photograph depicts a pair on a cable."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

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

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,a collage."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched on the garden floor with a tit-bit in its beak, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

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

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

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata,on the garden floor with a prey in its beak."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on an iron rod with a prey."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Bush Quail - Perdicula asiatica Adult males have a dull brown mantle, back, scapulars, and wings with buff streaks and blackish-brown patches. The breasts, sides, and upper belly are whitish with short black bars, whilst the lower belly and undertail coverts are reddish-buff. The forehead, lores, and supercilium are dark reddish-brown, with the supercilium becoming buffy-white behind the eye and towards the back of the neck. Resident to Abu, uncommon raren crossing a road,"
Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos,resident, taking off."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos, resident, perched on a cable."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, two perched on dry twigs."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"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 cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"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 cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), as seen in the snap, has a gorgeous black crown on their head and a red facial patch that forms attractive cherry cheeks, with a white patch on lower ear-coverts bordered below by a black moustachial stripe. Endamic to Mount Abu."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a branch preening itsrlf."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a cable."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"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 with a prey in it's beak."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

"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



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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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Birds of August 2025–Mount Abu

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