Birding in the Last Two Weeks of July

The last two weeks of July have flown by in a whirlwind of misty mornings and overcast afternoons. Unfortunately, the rain-gods have bypassed Mount Abu this year, and the much-anticipated monsoon showers have been scarce. The hillsides drape themselves in a mantle of mist, and the air carries the scent of impending rain, but the actual downpour has disappointed us. With Abu relying on the monsoon for its water supply, we can only hope for our quota of rain in the coming months.

For birders, the monsoon season in Mount Abu is a challenging yet rewarding time. Damp conditions and low light levels can test patience and skill. Protecting equipment from the elements is crucial, as the humidity can cause mildew on cameras if one is not careful.

Despite these challenges, the promise of photographing some of Mount Abu’s most captivating avian residents keeps my spirits high. With its striking black and white plumage, the Pied Cuckoo remains elusive but highly expected. Its presence is a harbinger of the monsoon, a symbol of hope for better rains. The Indian Blackbird, known for its melodious song, brings a serenity to the lush landscape. At the same time, the vibrant Indian Golden Oriole, whose numbers have dwindled, is always a joy to spot. I haven’t snapped a photo of one in a while, and I await the opportunity. The elusive Brain-Fever Bird and the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher are also on my watch list, their presence adding to the magic of birding during this season.

Here’s to hoping for a bountiful monsoon that brings life and vibrancy to Mount Abu, enriching the habitat for its beautiful avian inhabitants and offering birders like me the perfect conditions to capture their splendour.

Bird of the Fortnight

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis July Mt Abu.mp4

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"The green avadavat, known as the green munia (Amandava formosa), is an Estrildid finch with a green and yellow body, a vivid red beak, and black "zebra stripes" on its sides. They are indigenous to Mount Abu.The photograph depicts a bird on a cable."

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus.

Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla. perched on a cables above."

Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Birds of Mount Abu, the second week of March 2023.

The weather in the second week of March was erratic, with high gusts, showers, and overcast clouds. I also noticed a lack of raptors. I've compiled a modest collection of photos taken during this time frame.