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.

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Birding on the Foothills of Mount Abu:11 February 2025

Abu Road and Environs.

Birding always brings a sense of adventure and anticipation, and this trip to Abu Road was no exception. I had made my way to my brother-in-law Walter’s place for a four-day birding stint, accompanied by my niece, Crescentia and her sister’s son, Emon. Crescentia, or “Cres” as I fondly call her, has grown into a remarkable birder and photographer, a true ace in the field. During our adventure from January 10 to 14, 2025, we explored and made discoveries but also encountered setbacks.

A Test of Resilience

Tragedy struck early when we lost all our data because of an unfortunate hard disk crash. In a flash, all sightings, photos, and records were gone. This setback might have dampened our spirits, yet it ignited our resolve. With renewed resolve, we retraced our steps, covering the same areas, hoping to reclaim the magic of those sightings.

The Start of a New Expedition

On 11 February 2025, Crescentia arrived to pick me up for another round of birding. The opportunity to seek a rare gem—the Purple-rumped Sunbird—thrilled me. This elusive species had been first recorded in the area by Cres herself and later confirmed by Sahil, another dedicated birder from Mount Abu.

As we drove to Crescentia’s, excitement hung heavy in the air. To my astonishment and delight, I spotted the Purple-rumped Sunbird that very evening! For me, this sighting was a “lifer”–the term birders use to describe their first-ever encounter with a species. Its vibrant plumage and energetic movements were a sight to behold, and it felt like a reward for our perseverance.

Days of Discovery

For several days, we journeyed to different locations near Abu Road, observing the abundant bird life. Mount Abu’s foothills, ranging from vibrant fields to tranquil groves, supported diverse, bustling habitats. Each outing was a lesson in patience and observation, as well as a chance to share moments of wonder with Cres and young Emon.

Those few days before February 14th were full of memorable encounters; I saw flocks of bee-eaters darting and heard the haunting calls of nightjars at dusk. Though the data from our earlier trip remained irretrievable, this experience proved that birding is about more than just records–it’s about the stories, connections, and surprises that make each outing unique.

A Final Reflection

As I returned to Mount Abu, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Despite setbacks, this journey reaffirmed my love for birding and the unyielding beauty of the natural world. The Purple-rumped Sunbird now holds a special place in my birding chronicles, a symbol of resilience and the thrill of discovery.

If you’re ever in Abu Road or the foothills of Mount Abu, take a moment to pause and listen. You never know what feathered wonders might be waiting to share their stories with you.

11 Feb 2025.

Bird of the Day,


Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Crescentia first documented the purple-rumped sunbird in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. She reported her discovery to the eBird forum on February 1, 2025.

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus

Large Grey Babbler- Argya malcolmi

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri courtship display.

White Wagtail - Motacilla alba

12 Feb 2025.

Bird of the day.

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica female.

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Leptocoma zeylonica

Black-headed Ibis - Threskiornis melanocephalus

Great Egret - Ardea alba and Little Egret

Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis

Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis Feb 2025 Abu Road

Large Grey Babbler- Argya malcolmi

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta

White Wagtail - Motacilla alba

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Discover Mount Abu: A Birdwatcher’s Haven in February 2025

Birds of Mount Abu in the first ten days of February

February in Mount Abu is a captivating time for birdwatchers, a season when the hill station transforms into a paradise for avian enthusiasts. The unique opportunity to observe resident and migratory birds together is best seen during the first ten days of February. With the winter chill lingering, the landscape becomes an inviting stage for a spectacular display of behaviours, plumage, and diversity.

The Birds of Mount Abu in Early February

As the first week of February unfolded, my anticipation grew. Would this year bring an increase in the number of migratory birds? The potential for exciting sightings was immense. February in Mount Abu is a time of transition, where winter migrants linger before their return journey and resident birds thrive in the favourable conditions.

The highlight of birding in Mount Abu during this season is raptors. These majestic birds of prey find the region’s varied habitats—rocky cliffs, open grasslands, and forested patches—ideal for wintering. This year, my sightings included:

- Common Buzzards soaring over the valleys.

- Sparrow-hawks darted through the dense canopies with precision.

- Bonelli’s Eagles command attention with their sheer size and power.

- A few fleeting glimpses of agile hobbies, adding excitement to the crisp February mornings.

- An occasional Harrier gliding low over the grasslands, a sight to cherish.

Each sighting brought a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for Mount Abu as a vital refuge for these birds.

A Sneak Peek at What’s Next

This post captures a curated selection of the birds I’ve encountered so far. But the adventure doesn’t end here! Next, I’ll take you to the foothills of Mount Abu, a region that holds its own surprises and promises even more enchanting encounters with nature’s feathered wonders.

Stay tuned as I continue to explore and share the avian treasures of Mount Abu. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, February is the perfect month to immerse yourself in this vibrant world of birds.

Bird of the week.

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

Indian Yellow Tit Feb 2025 Mt Abu.m4v

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Great Egret - Ardea alba

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicu

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Friday, March 14, 2025

Birding in the last week of January Mount Abu 2025

Mount Abu Birds: A January Delight continued

Birding in January at Mount Abu is always an enchanting experience, a harmonious blend of avian diversity and the natural beauty of this hill station. This year was no different, as I set out to explore the wonders of the last week of January. However, my plans to share some of the finest footage captured in the foothills hit a snag—my hard drive, laden with precious snaps, suffered an untimely crash.

While this loss was disheartening, it did not deter my passion for birding. Driven to recover from the setback, I repeatedly returned to the Abu foothills. The result? Carefully selected photos and observations from various water and semi-marshy areas. I’m certain you’ll see the positive outcome of my renewed dedication.

Highlights from the Plain

This past February, exploring the plains was especially fruitful. Migratory birds were out in good numbers, and I was fortunate enough to spot species I had never encountered in the area before. The discoveries were so thrilling that they made up for the difficulties caused by the missing data.

A Disappointing Finale in Abu

The last week of January, however, was not as fruitful as I had hoped. Migrating raptors, which are the stars of this period, were absent. Even the warblers, known for their fleeting appearances, failed to show up in significant numbers. The unpredictable nature of birding and the chance to connect with nature make it enjoyable despite difficulties.

A Collection Worth Sharing

This year’s January birding saga had its share of ups and downs. I’m delighted to present a small yet meaningful collection of photographs and stories. These glimpses into the avian life of Mount Abu and its surroundings are sure to captivate any nature lover.

Enjoy this journey through my lens as we celebrate the wonder of birds and the enduring beauty of Mount Abu.

I wish all my viewers on behalf of the Abode of the Gods

HAPPY HOLI

Bird of the week.