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.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Embracing November's Avian Spectacle: Mount Abu is a Birder's Paradise

Mount Abu is a birder's paradise, especially in November.

Continued:

November Narratives: Wings Over Mount Abu: A Birder's Haven

The 6th and 7th of November 2023 marked the continuation of the birding expedition in the magnificent lands of Mount Abu, with fresh tales of avian pleasures unfolding. The sanctuary's breathtaking landscape showcased a vibrant bird population, capturing the attention of birding enthusiasts and nature lovers.

However, before getting into the birding adventures, a traveller's advice is issued for anyone considering a journey to this avian paradise in the coming weeks. Thousands of tourists, mainly from Gujarat, are expected to visit Mount Abu as Diwali approaches on November 12th. The hill station evolves into a vibrant centre, like a flame atop the hill, attracting throngs of celebrants and vacationers.

It engulfed Mount Abu in festive fervour during Diwali, creating a vibrant scene. However, it introduces new obstacles for travellers and birders, notably to lodge. More tourists often lead to crowded streets, long traffic delays, and limited parking, which can be stressful for many people. Making lodging reservations in advance is crucial, as the increased number of travellers can make finding a place to stay quite challenging.

From the heart of the Abode of the Gods, I warmly wish for a joyful Deepawali to all my readers and fellow birds. May your recollections of this gorgeous spot live on in your heart forever. For serious birders arranging a trip exclusively for birding, I recommend visiting a week after the joyous Deepawali festivities to enjoy the sanctuary's tranquillity without the busy crowd.

Regarding my bird interactions on November 6th and 7th, the sanctuary revealed a stunning display of avian variety. They filled the refuge with the sounds of many species' songs and flights. Some notable sightings during this time included beautiful Crested Serpent Eagles, stately Bonelli's Eagles, lively Tree Pipits, majestic Black Redstarts, and secretive Sulphur-bellied Warblers. The bright Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, unique Tufted Ducks, and well-dressed Common Pochard are among our winter aqua visitors.

November is still a great month for birders, with each passing day unveiling new chapters in this ever-evolving avian story.

The sanctuary's bird species are diverse and complex, highlighting the splendour of nature. Stay tuned for more than the Mount Abu avian narrative develops, revealing a tapestry of winged wonders waiting to be uncovered.

6 Nov 2023.

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Northern Shoveler - Spatula clypeata

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta Mt Abu 6 Nov 2023.mp4

Common Pochard - Aythya ferina

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra

Gadwall - Mareca strepera

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca

Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula

Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis

Ducks mixed bag, common Pochard and Tufted ducks

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata juvenile

"Swallow sp, winter visitor Id requested."

Swallow sp ID, please.

Shikra - Accipiter badius

7 Nov 2023.

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

From the Abode of the Gods, I greet all my readers and fellow birders with a joyful Deepawali.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Embracing November's Avian Spectacle: Mount Abu is a Birder's Paradise

Mount Abu is a birder's paradise, especially in November.

November brings a spectacular moment for birding enthusiasts as the icy grip of winter falls on Mount Abu. The steady drop in temperature, which begins at the end of October, sets the setting for a stunning bird extravaganza. This time of year, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled inside the scenic limits of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, reveals a treasure trove for birds that trek to this heavenly "Abode of Gods."

The sanctuary's lush expanse teems with activity in November when the sky is crisply bright. The thick vegetation, trickling streams, and mild chill in the air create an enticing atmosphere that lifts the spirits of everyone who walks the jungle pathways in search of bird encounters.

Migrating birds is one of the most intriguing parts of this season. The sanctuary serves as a temporary home for a wide variety of flying visitors, including raptors, wild ducks, and a few rare species. Their presence enhances the sanctuary's already thriving resident bird population, bringing an additional layer to the sanctuary's biodiversity.

During the first week of November, I ventured into the forest for short birding excursions in my immediate surroundings. The brilliant colours of visiting species—Eurasian Sparrow-hawks, Red-breasted Flycatchers, Eurasian Crag-Martins, Greenish Warblers, Hume's Warblers, Common Buzzards, and Grey Wagtails—brought the surroundings to life.

I saw a significant rise in the number of migrating birds from my observations made in October.

Around 80 of these exquisite birds decorated the Duck Pond, and with the prospect of lowering water levels and more abundant food supplies, I foresee this number will increase by December.

The changing seasons alter the terrain, resulting in an ever-changing tapestry of bird life. As November approaches, the refuge draws both seasoned birders and beginners, providing a fascinating sight of nature's wonders.

For birders, Mount Abu in November is a monument to the harmony between the shifting seasons and the mesmerising ballet of migratory birds. Nature's canvas is being painted with colourful strokes of life, calling everybody to experience and treasure this transient yet exquisite avian symphony.

Enjoy my collection of birds spotted and recorded on an everyday basis during the first week of November 2023.

1 Nov 2023.