A Journey Through Mount Abu's Scorching Summer: Birding in May.

Birding in May has always been a challenging experience for me in Mount Abu. This year the summer came with a mixed bag of moods. The first week was hot and dry. Followed by some thunderstorms and not-so-pleasant weather in the second week. The third week of May experienced the hottest period ever witnessed. The heat wave started in mid-May and has been the hottest on record for this century, with temperatures in the area reaching a scorching 40°C+.

It was during this time of the year I once again suffered from my Immune system going berserk. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I began my treatment promptly and avoided being hospitalized. I did my stint of birding late in the evenings.

I have put together a collection of birds observed and photographed during this period.

If one is birding during summer in Abu times, remember to stay hydrated, spend as much time inside and only venture out early mornings and late evenings as the UV in Abu is very high.

Bird of the Month

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogulari

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"A collage of Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense , in flying and perched positions."

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense Mt Abu May

"The Brahminy Starling has an impressive appearance. This bird really sticks out with its glossy blue-black head, neck, and upper body, accented by a distinctive white patch on its wings.Perched on a branch."

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum Mt Abu May 2024.mp4.

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo

"The green avadavat, known as the green munia (Amandava formosa), is an Estrildid finch with a green and yellow body, a vivid red beak, and black "zebra stripes" on its sides. They are indigenous to Mount Abu.The photograph depicts a bird on a black cable."

Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

In my area, I’ve noticed several sparrows missing their tail feathers over the years. I thought predators might have attacked them, as moulting during the mating season seemed unlikely. After seeking information, I came to know that house sparrows often attempt to build nests inside our homes when they are at their busiest nesting period. To stop this annoyance, certain locals capture sparrows and remove their tail feathers as a deterrent.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Ti,resident collage with different poses"

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Oriental Honey-buzzard, a collage showing different mobes and birds in flight."

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis. Mt Abu May 2024.mp4

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica.

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer Mt Abu May 2024.mp4

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis.

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensi. Brown overall with a rosy breast and a unique white-spotted black nape patch. Found commonly in fields, parks and gardens. The one in the snap is stretching its wings."

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

Discovering the Avian Gems of Mount Abu in April

The tranquil views of Mount Abu host a superb display of avian diversity in April. As the month ends, birdwatchers treat themselves to sightings of some of the most sought-after species in the region, such as the magnificent Oriental Honey-buzzard, the royal Crested Serpent Eagle, and the melodic Indian Blackbird. The gorgeous Indian Paradise Flycatchers, whose ethereal beauty is a pleasure to behold amidst the lush vegetation, add to the charm. Meanwhile, the vivid colours of the Common Rose Finches and the attractive Green Avadavats draw attention to the serene surroundings.

Despite the usual April heat, the last week of April was cool for birdwatchers. Although the meteorologist predicts a hot summer, there is still hope for sporadic thunderstorms to reduce the risk of forest fires, which was a major concern last summer. A word of caution to fellow birders: avoid weekends in Mount Abu, as tourist influx can reach overwhelming levels, leading to traffic snarls and outrageous tariffs at accommodations. Travel light and bring only the essentials to ensure a pleasant experience.

Come enjoy a chosen assortment of Abu’s avian riches, which are a testament to the abundant biodiversity in this charming hill station. I hope these images will make you appreciate and be in awe of nature’s beauty, and that they will motivate all to treasure and save these delicate ecosystems for future generations.

Bird of the week