Explore the world of birds at Mount Abu in the last week of December.

"Explore Mount Abu's Birding Journey: Winged Marvels and December Delights Await."

The last week of December turns Mount Abu's beautiful majesty into a birder's paradise. Migrating birds have transformed the sky into a painting of feathers and flight this year, making the avian display nothing short of spectacular. While many migrants have already passed through, the possibility of seeing pipits and sandpipers continues, extending the birding season to March. I went out on an undertaking to bag a new species, capturing the spirit of Mount Abu’s rich wildlife through interesting presentations and images, eager to close out the year with a feathered flourish. Join me on this photographic adventure as I share the avian beauties that have blessed the town during this enchanted season.

The magnificent presence of buzzards fills the skies as winter wraps its stiff arms around Mount Abu. However, given the sparse knowledge about their taxonomy and habitat in the region, identifying these regal birds remains difficult. The growing population of common and long-legged buzzards has added an exciting dimension to the birding experience, encouraging a deeper look at their habits and habitats.

The wings of these amazing creatures are in full flight against the backdrop of the winter winds, unleashing an avian spectacle that promises stories inscribed in feathers. Witnessing the beauty of December's bird pleasure transformed the sky into an awe-inspiring painting.

I urge fellow bird watchers to appreciate the species I saw in December. Your excellent eyes and experience are important, and I appreciate any adjustments or insights into species identification to ensure my birding data's correctness.

Let the echoes of “Tweet-Tweet” ring out as the year ends. “Happy New Year” rings out from Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Aside from birds, my genuine goal for 2024 is for global peace and reducing the horrors of climate change. In the next year, may the beauty of nature inspire us all to contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

Long-legged Buzzard Mount Abu Dec2023.m4v

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Mt Abu Dec 2023.m4v

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

“The Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a sleek, medium-sized bird with mostly black plumage that is distinguished by its forked tail and white vent feathers. This Ashy Drongo, perched on a branch against a lush background, illustrates its nimble and acrobatic character in its native habitat.”

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus winter visitor

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

31Dec 2023.

On the last day of the year, I went bird-watching, bringing my 2023 postings to a close. Greetings from the heavenly world, and best wishes for a joyous New Year. May the upcoming year be brimming with love, laughter, and the joy of shared moments.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Once again I wish all my viewers a "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024".

Cheer to Life 🍻

Birding in the last week of November 2023.

“Winged Marvels: Battling November’s Surprises in Mount Abu”

Mount Abu's last week of November 2023 experienced unexpected weather twists, flouting the usual nice weather and bright sky. Carefree bird watchers braved the cold weather and gloomy skies to see the feathered sensation.

Despite the poor weather, migrating raptors dominated the show. The Long-legged Buzzard, Common Buzzard, and Eurasian Sparrow-hawks flew over Mount Abu’s sky, unaffected by the changing weather.

Pursuing flawless photos became a game of patience as erratic lighting conditions stretched the limits. Many photographs were wasted because of the gloomy atmosphere, but those that remained portrayed the avian guests’ perseverance and splendour.

Mount Abu’s unnatural birding week had a lasting effect as November ended. Long-legged Buzzards, Common Buzzards, and Eurasian Sparrow-hawks became symbols of nature’s erratic behaviour, adding a touch of untamed beauty to an outstanding birding journey.