MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

As a nature lover, bird watching has always fascinated me. I’ve been taking pictures of birds since I was in school in Mount Abu, where I learned about the local birds and their nesting habits. I learned to identify birds chiefly by their calls. I’ve been taking pictures in the wild for several years."Explore the diverse bird life of Mt.Abu with my detailed blog post: See the rare species in their NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Experience the ecosystem of this INCREDIBLE MONTAINOUS region" Welcome to Abu.

Showing posts with label #Western House-Martin. Show all posts

Monday, October 27, 2025

Birding in October 2025 — Unusual Rains and Early Migrants.

Part of the “Mount Abu Birding” series.

An unusual October in — extended monsoons, dramatic skies, and early winter migrants. Nature, as always, kept birders guessing.

October in Mount Abu marks the shift from the lush landscape to the golden hues of early winter — a favourite time for birders. But this year’s transition was unlike any other, as the rains lingered far longer than expected, creating rare weather patterns and unusual birding conditions.

The monsoon season this year has been unpredictable. I always look forward to my October birding excursions in Mount Abu — a time when the air turns crisp, the skies clear, and the first wave of arrives. But this October was far from ordinary.

The first week of October brings mild weather, perhaps a brief shower or two. This year, however, the rains refused to leave. The monsoon dragged well into the first week — something Mount Abu has never experienced before. It will go down in the as one of the most remarkable starts to October in years.

Birders like me had to make peace with overcast skies, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. The constant shifting of light made photography challenging, but nature rewarded persistence. Even in this unpredictable weather, October remained one of the most exciting months for birders — a time to witness on their journey south and early winter visitors settling in for the season.

Birds Observed and Photographed in the First Week of October:

Each sighting felt like a reward for braving the elements — proof that even when the weather defies expectations, the continues undeterred.

Stay tuned for my next update on birding during the second week of October, where I’ll focus on the various that have arrived in good numbers across Mount Abu’s woodlands and valleys.

My photos were all taken at the .

Written and photographed by Ains.

Bird of the week.

Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

The Indian Blackbird, also known as the , visits Mount Abu and other regions of India in the summer. It breeds in the summer and then migrates to lower elevations as winter approaches. Dropped in to say see you next season, Ains.

Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus Oct 2025 Mt Abu ..mp4

- Merops orientalis

Asian Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

- Elanus caeruleus

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata Oct 2025 Mt Abu

- Ptyonoprogne concolor

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Oct 2025 Mt Abu

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei, winter visitor

Hume's Warbler - Phylloscopus humei, October 2025, Mt Abu. mp4

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

- Apus affinis

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach with prey

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

- Copsychus saularis

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis October 2025 Mt Abu..mp4

Western House-Martin, October 2025, Mt Abu. m4v

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Birding in November: A Quiet Start Amid the Diwali Rush

A Challenging Start to the Season: Birding in November

The first week of November brought a rather muted start to birding this year. With Diwali in full swing, Mount Abu was teeming with tourists. The bustling holiday crowds, while beneficial to local businesses, made it challenging to reach my favourite birding areas. This chaotic holiday rush stretches for about two weeks, so my birding efforts must be restrained.

One thing I look forward to each November is migratory ducks. Sadly, their numbers seem lower than in previous years. While there are a few early birds, the large numbers from ten years ago are gone, showing a worrying shift. I’m optimistic that their numbers will increase throughout the season.

Raptors, another highlight of winter birding, have also been harder to spot this year. I’ve photographed and documented a handful, though they too seem fewer. Although I haven’t had many chances to see them, I’ve gathered my observations of our winter guests and can’t wait to update my list in the coming weeks.

As for the climate, winter has set in with a sharp drop in temperatures—last night, the mercury dipped to 5 degrees. The crisp winter air stirs anticipation for the plentiful birdwatching opportunities ahead. I’ll be following the arrivals and updating you as the season progresses, including what I discover in the second week of November.

Bird of the Week.

"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros perched on garden floor,displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Winter visitor

"Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), a winter visitor, soaring in the blue sky. Large raptor with brown plumage, broad wings, and a distinctive, fan-shaped tail. Gliding gracefully overhead, the buzzard displays its impressive wingspan against the clear Spring sky."

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Winter visitor

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Perched on a branch is the common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), a winter visitor. Little olive-green bird with faint yellow tints and a characteristic eye stripe. observing and photographing this winter-migratory songbird."

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Winter visitor

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus, perched atop the radio tower."

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus resident

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

"Shikra - Accipiter badius, in flight with its wings outstretched."

Shikra - Accipiter badius resident

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Western House-Martin Delichon urbicum

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Birds of Mount Abu in October 2024

October birding: Migrating birds, raptors, and clear skies.

The third week of October brought delightful weather, making it a perfect time for birdwatchers and travellers alike. The hillsides of Mount Abu resounded with birds' melodious songs, and the air had a crisp feel to it.

Excitement filled the air as we happily received a variety of migratory birds, including the charming Greenish Warblers, vibrant Red-breasted Flycatchers, agile Tree Pipits, graceful Gray Wagtails, and the ever-elusive Lesser Whitethroats. Among these seasonal visitors, majestic raptors like the Common Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, and Sparrowhawk graced the skies, captivating birdwatchers with their aerial prowess. Seeing these seasonal visitors in their natural habitat is an indelible memory, highlighting the splendour of nature’s rhythms.

With the influx of tourists expected during Diwali, birders capture winter migrants at Mount Abu.

In honour of this energetic season, I have put together a compilation of bird pictures from the third week of October. Let’s indulge in the captivating beauty of Abu’s bird species together.

Bird of the week