Birding in June 2025: From Overcast Skies to Misty Hills

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

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

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

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense 

 

Birding in the last week of January Mount Abu 2025

Mount Abu Birds: A January Delight continued 

Birding in January at Mount Abu is always an enchanting experience, a harmonious blend of avian diversity and the natural beauty of this hill station. This year was no different, as I set out to explore the wonders of the last week of January. However, my plans to share some of the finest footage captured in the foothills hit a snag—my hard drive, laden with precious snaps, suffered an untimely crash.

While this loss was disheartening, it did not deter my passion for birding. Driven to recover from the setback, I repeatedly returned to the Abu foothills. The result? Carefully selected photos and observations from various water and semi-marshy areas. I’m certain you’ll see the positive outcome of my renewed dedication.

Highlights from the Plain

This past February, exploring the plains was especially fruitful. Migratory birds were out in good numbers, and I was fortunate enough to spot species I had never encountered in the area before. The discoveries were so thrilling that they made up for the difficulties caused by the missing data.

A Disappointing Finale in Abu

The last week of January, however, was not as fruitful as I had hoped. Migrating raptors, which are the stars of this period, were absent. Even the warblers, known for their fleeting appearances, failed to show up in significant numbers. The unpredictable nature of birding and the chance to connect with nature make it enjoyable despite difficulties.

A Collection Worth Sharing

This year’s January birding saga had its share of ups and downs. I’m delighted to present a small yet meaningful collection of photographs and stories. These glimpses into the avian life of Mount Abu and its surroundings are sure to captivate any nature lover.

Enjoy this journey through my lens as we celebrate the wonder of birds and the enduring beauty of Mount Abu.

I wish all my viewers on behalf of the Abode of the Gods

HAPPY HOLI

Bird of the week.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Black Redstart  Han 2025 Mt Abu.m4v

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus 

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrne

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Explore the misty bird-life of Mount Abu in August.

 Birdwatching during the first fortnight of August.

Mount Abu, known for its serene landscapes and rich biodiversity, offered a unique birding experience during the first half of August. With its overcast skies and sporadic showers, July had already set the stage, amounting to a modest 20 inches of rain. But as August rolled in, the weather turned even more challenging, with dull, misty conditions and only light drizzles to break the monotony. Our dams and Nakki Lake still await the heavy downpours needed to fill them to the brim.

August is a tough time for birding enthusiasts in Mount Abu. The cloudy skies and limited light make it a challenge to spot and photograph the region’s avian residents. However, the misty atmosphere also brings a certain charm, revealing a variety of birds that are hidden or shy during brighter days.

Despite the conditions, I continued my daily birding routine, taking my camera. The rewards were worth the wait. During these two weeks, I photographed an impressive array of birds, each bringing its own splash of colour to the otherwise muted landscape.

Among the birds captured were the vibrant Indian Yellow Tit and the elusive Green Avadavat, whose emerald hues stood out against the mist. The energetic Spot-breasted Fantail flitted through the underbrush, while the elegant Brahminy Starling displayed its characteristic crest. By the water’s edge, the White-breasted Waterhen prowled, and the ever-familiar Indian Robin added its cheerful presence.

Other highlights included the sociable Indian Silverbill and the stealthy Common Hawk Cuckoo. The Oriental Magpie Robin, with its melodious calls, the Red-vented Bulbul with its striking plumage, and the patterned Scaly-breasted Munia rounded out my sightings, making each moment spent in the field worthwhile.

Despite the challenges, Mount Abu’s Misty August provides its own set of rewards for birding enthusiasts who are patient and persistent.

Bird of the Fortnight

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus 

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

I. D requested? 

It's probably the Booted Eagle

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica 

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

In India,today is Raksha Bandhan, a unique celebration. Raksha Bandhan is all about the strong sibling bond. Wishing you a Raksha Bandhan brimming with love, joy, and a deepening bond with your loved ones. I really hope that your relationship lasts a lifetime!