Photo Galleries Birds of Mount Abu [ September to October 2016.] mountabubirds.blogspot.com

Birds of Mount Abu September to October  2016

The monsoon season begins to peter off by mid-September. Days are clearer and birding here is pleasant. October is one of the best months in Mt Abu. The place is beautiful and green and the weather is pleasant. At this time of year, the migratory bird shows their appearance. I’m posting photographs of birds taken in the course of these two months. Enjoy the birds of Abu. 

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba   - In flight from below

Alpine Swift: 

Butler (1875) noted this species arriving in “large numbers”, at about the beginning of September, and remaining in the “cold weather”, This is the first time I have recorded 8 to 10 here in Abu. They must be birds on passage.

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis stewarti 

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros   - Male

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros   - Male

Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata fasciata   - Adult in flight from below

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus   - In flight

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides

Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius varius 

Eurasian Sparrow-hawk Accipiter nisus   - In flight from below

Green Avadavat Amandava formosa   - Adult

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis ferrugeiceps   - Adult

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis ferrugeiceps   - Adult

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii hodgsonii   - Adult non-breeding

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea cinerea 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea cinerea 

Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus   - Male

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica   - Courtship 

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica - Adult

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica - In flight 

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus - Adult

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis andamanensis   - Female

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis andamanensis   - Male

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus -Adult

Recorded history of Peregrine Falcon 

Rather uncommon / rare. Butler (1875)“shot a fine specimen (female) at Mount Aboo on the 10th April 1875,” of the latter, “and met with it on one or two occasions at the same place”. The Shaheen is known to breed at Mount Abu (Editors 1948).

I have been observing and recording the Peregrine Falco for the last 3 years. A pair has become a resident of this place.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus -Adult in flight

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus -Adult with prey

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus asiaticus 

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus asiaticus 

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva   - Female

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva   - Female

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica   - In flight from below

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri   - Male

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata punctulata   - Adult

Shikra Accipiter badius   -  in flight from below

Shikra Accipiter badius   -  in flight from below

Shikra Accipiter badius   -  Adult

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis albogularis

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis albogularis

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis   - Adult

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense hypoleucum

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense hypoleucum

Photo Galleries Birds of Mount Abu June to August 2016. mountabubirds.blogspot.com

Birds of Mount Abu: June to August 2016

Birding in Mount Abu from June to August can be a mixed experience, each month offering unique conditions and avian encounters. The warm weather in June caused a reduction in bird activity during the daytime. Sightings may be sporadic, making this month less ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.

 July: With the onset of the monsoon, July transforms Mount Abu into a paradise for nature lovers. The cooler, misty conditions make jungle trails inviting and serene. Birdwatching has become a delight, with many species becoming more active and visible.

August: The monsoon continues, bringing overcast skies and swirling mist. While these conditions might dampen the spirits of those seeking clear, bright days, they create a mystical atmosphere perfect for birding. The variety of birds spotted during this time is diverse and intriguing.

Some notable species you might encounter include:

Eurasian Blackbird

Jacobin Cuckoo

Golden Oriole

Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Green Avadavat

Despite the obstacles, birding in Mount Abu can be a worthwhile experience for those who admire the diverse beauty of nature. The changing weather conditions add an element of surprise, making each birdwatching expedition unique and memorable.

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus philippinus   

Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys 

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum   - Adult

Brown Rock-chat Cercomela fusca 

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala indica   - Adult

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula nigropileus

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica 

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica 

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus pica 

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus pica 

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata sindiana   - Allopreening

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis 

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus palpebrosus 

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus palpebrosus 

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus asiaticus

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus   - Adult

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda vagabunda   - Adult

Shikra Accipiter badius 

Shikra Accipiter badius 

Shikra Accipiter badius 

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens caerulescens 

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus   - Adult

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis   - Adult with prey

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus episcopus   - Adult in flight from below