Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Birding in January: Mount Abu 2024

 Discover the Fascinating Avian Migrations in Mount Abu in January's Third week.

In the thick of January 2024, when winter’s frost gripped Mount Abu in its calm grasp, birding enthusiasts Mohan and I set out on an avian trip to discover the migratory marvels that live in the lap of this quiet hill resort. Our trip, captured on January 17th, brought us to two tiny bodies of water on the way to Gurushikar, providing a panorama that nature lovers could only imagine.

We observed an enchanting flock of about fifty migrating ducks just below Gurushikar, in the Jawai catchment region. Among the highlights of this bird display were the impressive Northern Pintails and the exquisite Green-winged Teal. As we continued our quest, we came to the Duck Pond of Mount Abu, a hidden gem on the road to Achalgarh.

The peaceful pond provided refuge for different duck species, such as the Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Coots, Gadwals, Northern Pintails, and Northern Shovelers. Yet I noticed the absence of sandpipers and the deficient number of wagtails.

The week occurred against a backdrop of cold weather, with daytime highs ranging between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and overnight lows hanging around zero, plunging to a bone-chilling -3 degrees Celsius on January 15, 2024. Weather forecasters projected that frigid weather would remain in the first week of February. Mount Abu’s uniqueness stems not only from its stunning landscapes but also from its confined and scarce water sources, which provide a valuable haven for these aquatic migrants. Grateful for this special haven in the heart of Rajasthan, I kept a daily record of the native and migratory birds that make Mount Abu home during the season.

Once I wrap up my birding adventure in January, I'll have more insights about the wild birds in the Abode of the Gods. Continue to follow along as I uncover the secrets and marvel at the beauty of bird life in this picturesque part of the world.

Bird of the week

"Status? Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea, considered vagrant, seen flying above seeking a water body."
Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea
Grey herons inhabit wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, and coastal environments. While Mount Abu has a few sources of water, it does not provide an optimal home for grey herons. Considered an uncommon sight (vagrant) in this region, records show scanty recorded sightings at Mount Abu. My personal know-how over the years has allowed me to capture and photograph this magnificent heron several times in the charming environs of Mount Abu. The noted birder Butler (1875), during his tenure on Mount Abu, failed to observe the Grey Heron.


15 Jan 2024.
"Passage migrant, Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus,perched on a branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus, perches in a bush pruning itself."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum, perched on a solitary branch."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

"Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda, resident common has many differnt calls."
Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

16 Jan 2024.
"An agile little bird, a winter visitor is the Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita."
Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

"Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) The resident common has a conical silver-grey beak, buff-brown upper body, white underbody, buffy flanks, and dark wings. The tail is black, and the wings are dark, contrasting with the white rump."
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

“This is a small species the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca,with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat.A common winter migrant. In this snap it has one of it's wings raised like a salute.”
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

“This is a small species the Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca,with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat.A common winter migrant.”
Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus


White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus Mt Abu Jan 2024.mp4

17 Jan 2024.  Will be back tomorrow to post our winter migrants. I'll return with a compilation of the winter visitors I've encountered at our Duck Pond.

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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Exploring Avian Migrants:Birding in January 2024 Mount Abu.

 A Tranquil Winter Retreat: Birding in the Second Week of January at Mount Abu 2024

Embarking on a birding expedition amidst the serene landscapes of Mount Abu during the winter months is a nature lover’s dream come true. The clear skies and chilly weather create the perfect mood for this soul-soothing activity. In the second week of January 2024, I ventured into the heart of Mount Abu for a unique birdwatching experience, capturing moments with some elusive avian residents.

Exploring Mount Abu’s Avian Wonders: I opted for a more secluded birding experience to avoid the lively flood of tourists. Despite the fewer migratory visitors during this period, the second week of January unveiled a remarkable array of winged wonders. Among the notable sightings were the Common Chiffchaff, the flitting Common Lesser White-throat, the striking Black Redstart, the majestic Long-legged Buzzard, and the agile Gray Wagtail. However, the highlight of my trek was capturing the rare and magnificent Changeable Hawk Eagle in its natural habitat—a sight that made my birding quest unforgettable.

A Glimpse into Mount Abu’s Breathtaking Beauty: Accompanying the avian delights, the scenic beauty of Mount Abu in its winter glory added an extra layer of charm to my birding jaunts. The perfect surroundings and crisp wintry air created a picture-perfect backdrop for each photograph, making the experience even more enchanting.

Looking Ahead to the Third Week: As I anticipate my upcoming birding adventures in the third week, my focus will shift to the water bodies of Mount Abu. Avid birders can expect a delightful journey as the preparations to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya are expected to thin out the crowds, resulting in less crowded roads.

Appreciating the Rarity: I invite fellow bird enthusiasts to appreciate the uniqueness of Mount Abu’s avian species, as each sighting adds to the rich tapestry of its natural heritage. The records of the Common Chiffchaff, Lesser White-throat, Black Redstart, Long-legged Buzzard, Gray Wagtail, and the rare Changeable Hawk Eagle prove the diverse bird life that graces this charming region.

In conclusion, birding on Mount Abu during the second week of January 2024 was a pleasant blend of harmony and discovery. As I await the unfolding chapters of my birding diary in the coming weeks, I encourage fellow nature lovers to explore the hidden gems of Mount Abu’s avian world and appreciate the delicate balance of nature that makes each moment amazing.

Bird of the week

"Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus, resident in the foothills of Mount ABu, rarely seen in Mount Abu."
Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, technically known as Nisaetus cirrhatus, usually inhabits the base of Mount Abu. Although considered an uncommon sight in this region, records show no recorded sightings at Mount Abu. Nonetheless, my personal know-how over the years has allowed me to capture and photograph this magnificent eagle several times in the charming environs of Mount Abu.

8 Jan 2024.

"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on a cable, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros common winter visitor.

"Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto, photographed a pair, certainly they are vagrants. Rare for Mount Abu but are found at the foothill."
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

"Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto, photographed a pair, certainly they are vagrants. Rare for Mount Abu but are found at the foothill."
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Certainly, the pair I photographed are vagrants. Despite their prevalence in the surrounding lowlands, their appearance on Mount Abu is rare. Jugal Tiwari reported seeing a lone bird near Arna in September 2004. Butler's description from 1876 mentions that they found one or two specimens on Mount Abu. This is the first time I’ve recorded their fleeting existence on Mount Abu.

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream, displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea winter visitor

"Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus, soaring above scanning for prey."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, male , perched in the garden displaying it 's blueish black coat and streak of white feathers on its wing."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common.

"With it's wings tucked in ,the White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis, plunges towards the stream below."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis common resident

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on the garden ground pecking grain, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) resident.

9 Jan 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on the garden floor, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros winter visitor

"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolo, resident gracing the Abu sky."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolo

"Solitary buzzard gracing the abu sky . Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus is a winter visitor not common."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

"Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach, searching for grub on the garden floor."
Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach 

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri , taking off from its perched position."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

10 Jan 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on the garden floor, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

"Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus, resident in the foothills of Mount ABu, rarely seen in Mount Abu."
Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus

"Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus, resident in the foothills of Mount ABu, rarely seen in Mount Abu."
Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus cirrhatus

"A Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) perches on a cable above a running stream, displaying its unique grey plumage and graceful posture."
Gray Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. A close up potrait shot."."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. A close up potrait shot."."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

11 Jan 2024.
"Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica, winter visitor, regular visitor to the radio tower."
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

"Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca, resident common perched on a rock."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis, resident , perched on the garden fence."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri , common resident, perched upside down on a date palm branch."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri 

12 Jan 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on the garden floor, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros 

13 Jan 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on the garden floor, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. In flight displaying its colours."
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. IOverlooking a large rock."
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident

"Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. In flight displaying its colours."
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), resident

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. This bird is perched on the garden fence."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis resident common

"White-breasted Waterhens, Amaurornis phoenicurus, have mostly dark grey upperparts and sides, with a white face, throat, and breast. The lower abdomen and undertail are cinnamon or white-colored. The photo shows a bird descending a steep rock."
White-breasted Waterhens, Amaurornis phoenicurus, resident common.

14 Jan 2024.
"Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) perched on a cable, displaying dark plumage with contrasting orange-red tail feathers. Winter common migrant to Mount Abu."
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) Winter common migrant to Mount Abu.

"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
  Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). 

"Soaring in the azure sky comes the winter visitor, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Huge raptor with large wings, fan-shaped tail, and brown plumage. The buzzard soars overhead, showcasing its remarkable wingspan against the pristine winter sky."
  Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). 
The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) appears to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his stay in Mount Abu. It is classified as a vagrant, most likely because it is found outside of its normal habitat. Over the last decade, I've constantly watched and photographed this species. Notably, the Common Buzzard has been reported to remain at Mount Abu throughout the winter. Anticipating it's coming as a winter guest to our picturesque hill station is a wonderful expectation.

"The status of this egret is not clear Vagrant? winter visitor? Flying above seeking out a water body."
Great Egret - Ardea alba

The Great Egret - Ardea alba, seems to have escaped the observation of noted birder Butler (1875) during his tenure here in Mount Abu. 

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor

"Soaring Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) has big wings and a unique feathered pattern on its underbelly. The bird's coloration is rufous-brown, and it has lengthy legs. The background is a wide sky, suggesting its flying habitat."
Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus winter visitor
I look forward to meeting you by the close of the upcoming week, and I'll return with a compilation of the winter visitors I've encountered at our truly outstanding hill station in Rajasthan.





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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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