A Challenging Start to the Season: Birding in November

The first week of November brought a rather muted start to birding this year. With Diwali in full swing, Mount Abu was teeming with tourists. The bustling holiday crowds, while beneficial to local businesses, made it challenging to reach my favourite birding areas. This chaotic holiday rush stretches for about two weeks, so my birding efforts must be restrained.

One thing I look forward to each November is migratory ducks. Sadly, their numbers seem lower than in previous years. While there are a few early birds, the large numbers from ten years ago are gone, showing a worrying shift. I’m optimistic that their numbers will increase throughout the season.

Raptors, another highlight of winter birding, have also been harder to spot this year. I’ve photographed and documented a handful, though they too seem fewer. Although I haven’t had many chances to see them, I’ve gathered my observations of our winter guests and can’t wait to update my list in the coming weeks.

As for the climate, winter has set in with a sharp drop in temperatures—last night, the mercury dipped to 5 degrees. The crisp winter air stirs anticipation for the plentiful birdwatching opportunities ahead. I’ll be following the arrivals and updating you as the season progresses, including what I discover in the second week of November.

Bird of the Week.

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

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Winter visitor

"Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), a winter visitor, soaring in the blue sky. Large raptor with brown plumage, broad wings, and a distinctive, fan-shaped tail. Gliding gracefully overhead, the buzzard displays its impressive wingspan against the clear Spring sky."

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Winter visitor

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

"Perched on a branch is the common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), a winter visitor. Little olive-green bird with faint yellow tints and a characteristic eye stripe. observing and photographing this winter-migratory songbird."

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Winter visitor

Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

"Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus, perched atop the radio tower."

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus resident

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

"Shikra - Accipiter badius, in flight with its wings outstretched."

Shikra - Accipiter badius resident

Shikra - Accipiter badius

Western House-Martin Delichon urbicum

Friday, November 1, 2024

Exploring Birds in the Last Week of October Mount Abu.

Diwali Celebrations and Bird Observations

Greetings from Mount Abu! Before I dive in, let me wish you all a very Happy Diwali! May this festival bring you and your loved ones joy, prosperity, and warmth. Cheers to good health, happiness, and a bright New Year ahead!

Greetings from the Abodeof Gods Diwali Greeting

As the monsoon season wraps up, Mount Abu’s landscapes are lush and vibrant, setting a perfect backdrop for Diwali celebrations. Today, the town sparkles with lights and colourful fireworks, and soon it will hum with the energy of holidaymakers arriving in droves to celebrate in this sanctuary of natural beauty.

Bird enthusiasts have had a rewarding time in the last week of October. With clear skies and pleasant weather, I’ve focused on observing the warblers, flycatchers, and a few magnificent raptors that have arrived for their winter stay. While only a handful of ducks have settled in, we expect more to appear as water levels drop, creating ideal feeding conditions for them.

I have organized pictures taken on these productive birding outings to celebrate this joyful season. Join me in celebrating the avian wonders of Abu this October!

Bird of the Week