Saturday, October 21, 2023

Mount Abu Bird Watching in October 2023:

 A Bird Watcher’s Paradise


Introduction:
Mount Abu, located in the heart of Rajasthan, is a one-of-a-kind refuge of natural beauty. While it may not be the most well-known birding location in India, this lovely hill station offers unique enchantments for bird watchers. Mount Abu is a beautiful destination in October because of its lush woods, tranquil streams, and migratory tourists. Join us on a trek to see the avian marvels of Mount Abu in the first half of October 2023.
October Is the best month for birders.
Mount Abu comes alive in October, especially for birdwatchers and travellers. The weather is beautiful, and the music of feathery companions fills the grassy slopes. Warblers, flycatchers, raptors, and ducks are among the bird migrants that come during this season, which lasts from October to April.
The First Weeks of October:
Migratory Guests:
The first week of October was a little disappointing since the expected migratory birds had failed to arrive. Normally, the Alpine Swifts would arrive by the end of September, but they appeared to have delayed their arrival this year. Even migratory raptors were conspicuously absent, suggesting that migration patterns had modified this year. The water levels in their regular habitats were high, which may have kept the ducks away. However, there is reason for optimism, and I expect their return when water levels fall.
Highlights of the Second Week: 
The second week of October is when the birding situation in Mount Abu truly comes alive. The wintering warblers include the Greenish Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Grey Wagtail, and Lesser Whitethroat. Raptors such as the Long-Legged Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Sparrowhawk, and Booted Eagle can be spotted. During winter, birdwatchers can see and photograph uncommon visitors like the Barn Swallow, Eurasian Crag-Martin, and Eurasian Hobby.
Wild Bird Day Celebration: 
We should make a special mention of the annual Wild Bird Day, which is observed throughout India every October. This day is a great opportunity for bird lovers to come together, share their passion, and help with bird conservation efforts. I dedicated my time on October 14th to observing and documenting the birds of Mount Abu, which helped me gain a greater understanding of them.
Conclusion: 
I had the honour of observing and shooting a variety of amazing bird species on Mount Abu during the first half of October 2023. My voyage was a monument to the beauty and diversity of nature, from the much-anticipated migrating birds to the less-common winter visitors. Mount Abu is a bird enthusiast’s heaven in the heart of Rajasthan, with its beautiful scenery and diverse avian life. 
I’m looking forward to more exciting experiences with these avian treasures as the birding season progresses. So, if you’re a birder, a nature lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, schedule a trip to Mount Abu in October. The mesmerizing world of birds in this hill village will continue to charm me as the birding season continues. So, if you’re a birder, a nature lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, schedule a trip to Mount Abu in October. In this picturesque hill village, the enthralling world of birds can charm you.

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo, winter visitor the first for this season in flight above."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo

"Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus , first for this season winter visitor ."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 

"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, rare winter visitor in flight."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, rare winter visitor in flight."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica


"Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros, winter visitor the first for this season perched on a rock."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata, inflight from below."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata, in flight from below."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

"Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus, the first for this season in flight."
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

"Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus, in flight."
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, perched in the evening kight on a rock."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor first for this season in flight."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo, winter visitor first for this season in flight."
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Common Myna - Acridotheres tris, landinf on a buffalow."
Common Myna - Acridotheres tris

"Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius, perched on a stump."
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinere, winter visitor sitting on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinere

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinere, winter visitor."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinere

"Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii , perched on a branch."
Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii 

"Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica, resident perched on a branch."
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica, perched on a fence."
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus, perched on a branch."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos,perched on a stump."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Lesser Whitethroat -Mt Abu October,winter visitor collage."
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia currucaading Mt Abu October

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, winter visitor in flight above."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, in crouched up dive,"
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - perched on a dtump singing a song."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala, sitting on a wire."
Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala

"Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala sitting on a wire."
Plum-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala

"Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva Mt Abu  October 2023"
Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva Mt Abu  October 2023

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer, with a colourful prey."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis collage."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis collage."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis paeched on a wire."
Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis 

"White-throated Kingfisher - landing on a wire."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

"White-throated Kingfisher - sitting on a wire overlooking bthe stream below."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

"Yellow-throated Sparrow , sitting on a branch."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Mount Abu Birds In September [ 2023 ]

 “Chasing Feathers in the Rain: Birding Adventures in September 2023”

The month of September brings excitement to birders, as they expect migrating species and changing avian scene. However, the serene Mount Abu region presented a trial of patience and adaptability for birders this September.

A Month of Mist and Rain

Thunderstorms and heavy rains bombarded the beautiful town of Mount Abu, nestled in the Aravalli Range, during September 2023. Overcast skies and thundershowers characterised the entire month. For bird watchers, the foggy circumstances posed a unique challenge and an opportunity to see nature in a new light. The golden rays that frequently light both the skies and a birder’s spirit were conspicuously lacking.

Tourists swarm and birders wait.

Mount Abu remained a popular destination throughout September, despite the severe weather. Tourists came to this lush flora haven with stunning waterfalls and mist-covered hilltops. The cold weather gave a welcome respite from the sweltering July heat. Weekends, in particular, saw an influx of people eager to take in the region’s natural splendour.

A Birder’s Frustration

September was a frustrating month for me, an ardent birder. The expected influx of migrating birds was low. Only a few species made an appearance, including the Greenish Warbler, Sykes’ Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, and Eurasian Moorhen. I was fortunate enough to locate the Common Lesser Whitethroat, also known as the Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis), resulting in a lifer for me. I don’t know if anyone has previously recorded this species in Abu.

 could not find the elusive Alpine Swift, while warblers, noted for their sweet songs, were absent. Even migrating ducks hadn’t made an appearance. As I anxiously awaited these winter migrants in October, my optimism remained unshaken.

A Look at the September Avian Residents

Despite the difficulties, I could photograph a modest number of birds during September. Despite the rain, the birds of Mount Abu were determined and continued their normal routines, as shown in these images.

Bird enthusiasts on Mount Abu faced challenges in September but stayed committed. As the calendar turns to October, I hope that the winter migrants will visit this wonderful home of the gods, bringing new birding experiences and moments of pure delight for birders like me.

In the following weeks, stay tuned for updates on migrating birds and more birding tales from the picturesque Mount Abu.

"Common Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, my first sighting of this species in Mount Abu."
Common Lesser Whitethroat also known as the Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis)

                 Common Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Mt Abu Sept 2023.mp4
                Also known as the Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis)

"Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides winter visitor ,perched on a branch."
Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides winter visitor 

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides .mp4

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca,sitting on a rock."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus, perched on a branch."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

"Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis,ready to take off."
Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris,winter visitor,gracing Mount Abu sky."
Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris,winter visitor

'Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris,winter visitor,flying above."
Eurasian Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris,winter visitor

"Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus,with chicks."
Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

"Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus, with chicks."
Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus

"Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus, with chicks, Mount Abu."
Eurasian Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus, with chicks

"Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus , winter visitor, flying above."
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus 

"Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea, wonter visitor, perched on a cable."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Gray-breasted Prinia - Prinia hodgsonii ,resident perched on a branch."
Grey-breasted Prinia - Prinia hodgsonii 

"Gray-breasted Prinia - Prinia hodgsonii , perched on a branch."
Grey-breasted Prinia - Prinia hodgsonii 

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,searching for prey."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,resident perched on a branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus ,resident perched on a branch."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus , taking off."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus 

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata  territorial dispute."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata  territorial dispute

"Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca winter visitor, perched on a fig tree."
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca winter visitor

"Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, winter visitor perched on a branch."
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

"Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis,resident flapping its wings."
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

"Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis,flapping its wings."
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

"Little Swift - Apus affinis,in flight."
Little Swift - Apus affinis

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, perched on a date palm tree."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Oriental "Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis first time observing it regurgitation."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - female perched on a branch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin, with prey snatched from the other."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen)flying past in low light."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata,sitting on a grass twig."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata


Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis Mt Abu Sept 2023.mp4

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis, taking off."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis ,wings spread open."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis , territoral defence stance."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis 


Mount Abu Birding Diary: First Week of May 2026

 A Collection of May’s Avian Wonders from the Hills of Rajasthan. The first week of May in Mount Abu has always carried an air of unpredicta...