Birding in the Third Week of October: An Avian Extravaganza

When the calendar turns to October, the birding world takes on a mystical dimension, allowing fans to see one of nature's most amazing displays. This is the time of year when various bird travellers pass through India on their route to far-flung wintering habitats throughout the world. The third week of October has arrived, bringing a flying symphony of raptors, ducks, and a few delightful surprises.

Picture majestic birds like buzzards, falcons, and eagles flying in the sky, adding grandeur to our surroundings. They've made their way inside our home, and it's quite the sight. But the thrills don't stop there. Migratory ducks, albeit few this year, have made a few appearances, leaving us eagerly expecting more. Our hills come alive with the beautiful songs and vibrant colours of flycatchers and warblers.

With the days giving beautiful weather and bright sky, it's the ideal time to enjoy the splendour of the avian world. However, as the sun begins to set below the horizon, cold begins to pervade the night air. Birders visiting our region should bring their "woollies" because the thick gear is necessary for staying warm during evening treks.

October's third week is perfect for both seasoned birders and beginners to enjoy the world of birdwatching. You'll be met with new sightings and a symphony of nature's best-winged animals with each passing day. Don't miss out on your chance to see the great migration and create amazing memories in the heart of India's bird paradise.

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus Mt Abu Oct 2023

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata mobbed by Eurasian Hobby

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata Mt Abu Oct 2023.mp4

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

Sulphur-bellied Warbler - Phylloscopus griseolus

Sulphur-bellied Warbler - Phylloscopus griseolus Mt Abu Oct 2023

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis Mt Abu Oct 2023.mp4

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Birding in the last two weeks of September 2022. Mount Abu.

Overcast skies and thundershowers occasionally marked the last two weeks of September. Migrants have already made their presence known. Black-winged kites—long-tailed shrieks are local migrants. Warblers are already here in small numbers. In addition, green-winged teal is among the migratory ducks that have landed on the duck pond. There are a few Northern Pintails, Gadwalls. and moorhens. Some early migrant raptors include the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Hobby and Eurasian Kestrel.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

This year, the Eurasian Sparrowhawks landed earlier than the other migratory raptors.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus.mp4

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo

Eurasian Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus

Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga

Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga .mp4

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) mobbed by Black winged kite

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus mobbed by Black-winged Kite

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Asian brown flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica

A Lifer for me probably the first time observed and photographed here in Mount Abu.

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Barn swallows, also known as the Common Swallow, are our winter visitors. They have arrived early for this location and time of the year/

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

The Blyth's Reed Warbler status ? Passage migrant? or winter visitor? I have observed this species for years, so I assume it's a winter migrant.