Tuesday, May 13, 2025

[April 2025] Birdwatching:Mount Abu.

A Change in the Skies.

My intense March birdwatching adventures in the Abu foothills concluded, and I returned home seeking relaxation. Since then, I have spent my days observing the comings and goings of our resident birds and the last winter visitors before their northward journeys. April’s bird migration always brings the excitement of spotting a new, unexpected species.

April’s first two weeks have been wonderful, with sightings of Common Rose finches, elusive Blyth’s reed warblers, and other local birds. As I document these sightings, I await the return of some of my favourite species—the radiant Indian golden oriole, the melodious Indian Blackbird, and the graceful Indian Paradise Flycatcher. These avian gems bring a splash of vibrancy to the warm days of April.

As for the weather, April’s warmth has transitioned from pleasant to near summer heat throughout the month. This hot weather hasn’t stopped me from creating a small, beloved collection of seasonal photos and recordings.

Birding in April is not just about what you see—it’s about the promise of new arrivals, the joy of surprises, and the quiet satisfaction of observing the avian world as it unfolds around you. Cheers to many future mornings spent capturing birds in flight with my camera!

Bird of the Fortnight.

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant.

Common Rosefinch - Mount Abu April 2025. m4v

Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus—picture collage.

Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

Shikra - Accipiter badius

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Birding on the Foothills of Mount Abu:[ 24th and 25th March 2025.]

Backyard Birding in Abu Road.

On the 24th and 25th of March, I indulged in some delightful backyard birding at the house in Abu Road. The birds captivated me as I visited Cres’s garden while she worked on her schoolwork. Armed with my camera, I spent my time documenting the vibrant bird life that turned up. Two highlights were the colourful and melodic Purple-rumped Sunbird and Coppersmith Barbet, which enlivened the tranquil garden.

Exploring the Santpur Area: The Offbeat Fisherman’s Lair

The evening of the 25th, free from her commitments, Cres and I visited our serene, secluded water spot, “The Offbeat Fisherman’s Lair.”

Our birdwatching trip began a few days prior, on March 22nd, with a significant sighting. We were fortunate to spot and document two Pied Avocets while going to Santpur late in the evening. This marked the first-ever photographic record of this species for the Sirohi district—an exhilarating discovery for us and the local birding community.

The excitement didn’t end there. On the same day, we recorded another remarkable sighting: two Greater Painted Snipes. Known for their elusive nature, these birds are a rarity in the area, with only one prior record for Sirohi. Capturing these moments through our lenses was nothing short of magical.

An Invitation to Explore

The Santpur area, along with the charming backyard garden at Abu Road, holds a special place in my heart as a birding enthusiast. The diversity of species and the thrill of unexpected sightings make these locations unique. I hope our selection of birds from this trip inspires you to explore these hidden treasures for yourself.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, the foothills of Mount Abu offer an experience that’s both enriching and unforgettable. Until my next blog, where I’ll share more tales of our feathered friends, it’s adios!

24 March 2025.

Bird of the Day