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 #slideshows and photographs. Show all posts

Sunday, January 4, 2026

December 2025: The Last Three Weeks of Birdwatching in Mount Abu.

A Winter Birding Journey in the Abode of the Gods.

The final three weeks of December 2025 unfolded on the birding trails of Mount Abu. As winter tightened its grip on the Aravalli range, the forests and open skies echoed with the calls of moving raptors and winter visitors, reminding us why this hill station remains a seasonal haven for birds.

One of the most striking observations this winter has been the noticeable increase in buzzard activity. In previous years, I only recorded the Common Buzzard and the Long-legged Buzzard. This season, however, brought an exciting addition—the Himalayan Buzzard, an observation that adds further depth to Mount Abu’s growing raptor list.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk has been another regular presence, patrolling the skies with its swift, purposeful flight. Its frequent appearances suggest a healthy winter hunting ground, reinforcing the ecological richness of the region during this season.

Because of pressing responsibilities on the home front, my birding outings have been fewer than usual. As a result, several winter migrants are still absent from my December records. I have also not visited one of my favourite winter haunts—the Duck Pond—where migrant activity is at its peak.

Despite these limitations, winter wings are very much in full flight. The avian spectacle is still unfolding, and the season has much more to offer. As and when opportunities arise, I will return to the field to reconnect with the wetlands, forest edges, and quiet trails where Mount Abu’s winter migrants gather.

This journey continues, and I will update my birding exploits as the season progresses—so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the slideshows and photographs I've put together, depicting these brief winter moments from the Abode of the Gods.

Bird of the Month.

Himalayan Buzzard - Buteo refectus

Himalayan Buzzard DECEMBER 2025 MOUNT ABU.m4v

Himalayan Buzzard in Action, December 2025, Mount Abu. m4v

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatu

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk December 2025 Mount Abu.mp4

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea DEC 2025 MOUNT ABU

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva winter visitor

Red-breasted Flycatcher December 2025 Mount Abu.mp4

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Friday, January 17, 2025

December 2024’s last two weeks of birdwatching.Mt Abu.

Birding in the last two weeks of Dec 2024.

The last fortnight of December often marks an exceptional period for birding, with winter migrants and raptors painting the skies and landscapes. This year’s birdwatching in Mount Abu, however, wasn’t quite what I expected.

The absence of the usual raptors was stark. The Eurasian Sparrowhawk stood out as the only active raptor in the area, patrolling the skies. Warblers and flycatchers, often seen flitting about during this season, were also scarce. Climate shifts or habitat disruption may explain the changes in bird behaviour I’ve observed this year, which is a thought on my mind. Regardless, I’m hopeful I’ll spot a new species before the year ends.

As we transition into the new year, I have set my sights on a location I call “The Duck Pond,” which is a must-visit spot for birders. This miniature Thol, nestled near the Mahadeva Temple en route to Achalgarh, offers a serene retreat for waterfowl and other bird species. For a great birding experience, visit this hidden gem in the first or second week of January 2025.

Let me take you on a brief journey to this favourite haunt of mine. The Duck Pond is a small yet picturesque water body surrounded by verdant greenery. It’s a place where patience and quiet observation often yield delightful surprises. From ducks and waders to an occasional kingfisher darting across the water, the diversity of bird life here is a joy to witness.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post detailing my exploits at The Duck Pond. Until then, I invite you to enjoy the slideshows and photographs I’ve curated for your viewing pleasure. Here’s to celebrating the beauty of nature.

Bird of the Fortnight