Birding Between the Raindrops
From Green Avadavats to flitting flycatchers, August in Mount Abu is alive, rain or shine.
Following the misty, rain-soaked charm of July, August in Mount Abu has opened with a refreshing twist. This week brought a welcome break in my 2025 birding schedule, as the monsoon took a pause, clearing the air.
The first week of August 2025 brought clearer skies and more comfortable weather, a rare and welcome gift in the heart of the monsoon season. The heavy fog lifted, sunlight spilt through the clouds, and the air took on that clean, rain-washed scent that makes every step outdoors feel rejuvenating. For birders, this meant better visibility, gentler breezes, and endless opportunities to spot and photograph the rich diversity of species that call Abu home.
Movement filled the hills, with flashes, songs, and fledglings. The forest rewards your patience tenfold when the weather breaks, even though the monsoon may hide birds in misty veils.
As we step into the second week of August, the forecast suggests a return to form: thick clouds, frequent rain, and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the pleasant low-to-high 20s, though the humidity will rise. For birders, this means shifting strategies: keeping equipment dry, working with softer light, and letting the forest’s rhythm guide you.
And there is much to look forward to. The monsoon is a time of renewal — fledglings finding their voice, juveniles exploring their surroundings, and the forest thick with life. Keep your eyes peeled for Mount Abu’s iconic Green Avadavat, as well as busy munias, calling barbets, and graceful flycatchers. These damp days might demand patience, but they also deliver moments of magic — the kind that keep us coming back, season after season.
August has only just begun, and if the first week is any sign, the rest of the month promises a captivating mix of challenges and rewards. Stay tuned for my second-half-of-August notes, when the monsoon reaches its full, dramatic glory — and the hills of Mount Abu hum with life
Bird of the Week.
Tawny-bellied Babbler Mt Abu, August 2025.m4v
Black-rumped Flameback. Mt Abu Aug 2025.m4v
Laughing Dove Mt Abu August 2025.m4v I recently observed a fascinating mating ritual between a pair of laughing doves. The male initiated the display with a series of soft, rhythmic cooing sounds while puffing out his chest and strutting around the female. The female's response was what I found most interesting. She began what looked like a "kissing" motion, gently touching her beak to his. Following this display of affection, she crouched low, a clear signal that she was ready to mate
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