Monday, August 19, 2024

Explore the misty bird-life of Mount Abu in August.

 Birdwatching during the first fortnight of August.

Mount Abu, known for its serene landscapes and rich biodiversity, offered a unique birding experience during the first half of August. With its overcast skies and sporadic showers, July had already set the stage, amounting to a modest 20 inches of rain. But as August rolled in, the weather turned even more challenging, with dull, misty conditions and only light drizzles to break the monotony. Our dams and Nakki Lake still await the heavy downpours needed to fill them to the brim.

August is a tough time for birding enthusiasts in Mount Abu. The cloudy skies and limited light make it a challenge to spot and photograph the region’s avian residents. However, the misty atmosphere also brings a certain charm, revealing a variety of birds that are hidden or shy during brighter days.

Despite the conditions, I continued my daily birding routine, taking my camera. The rewards were worth the wait. During these two weeks, I photographed an impressive array of birds, each bringing its own splash of colour to the otherwise muted landscape.

Among the birds captured were the vibrant Indian Yellow Tit and the elusive Green Avadavat, whose emerald hues stood out against the mist. The energetic Spot-breasted Fantail flitted through the underbrush, while the elegant Brahminy Starling displayed its characteristic crest. By the water’s edge, the White-breasted Waterhen prowled, and the ever-familiar Indian Robin added its cheerful presence.

Other highlights included the sociable Indian Silverbill and the stealthy Common Hawk Cuckoo. The Oriental Magpie Robin, with its melodious calls, the Red-vented Bulbul with its striking plumage, and the patterned Scaly-breasted Munia rounded out my sightings, making each moment spent in the field worthwhile.

Despite the challenges, Mount Abu’s Misty August provides its own set of rewards for birding enthusiasts who are patient and persistent.

Bird of the Fortnight

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on floor , displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleu, This long-winged raptor is mostly grey or white, with black shoulder patches, wing tips, and eye stripes. Seen here gracing the misty clouds."
Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus 

"Brown-headed Barbet, a bird of medium size with a robust bill, a striking brown head, and brilliant green plumage. perched on a cable, showing off its distinctive look and vibrant characteristics."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis. alt "Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), also known as the Crow Pheasant. Large, crow-sized bird with black plumage, a distinctive long tail, and red eyes. Seen perched on a garden gate in a natural setting."
Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

"I.D requester, a raptor photographed flying over."
I. D requested? 
It's probably the Booted Eagle

"Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus), a small passerine bird. The female displays striking brown plumage with a distinctive red vent.Perched on the garden floor,the bird exhibits characteristic tail-cocking behavior."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus 

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a leafy branch. raindrops can be seen in the background."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a brach, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a large rock, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop a curved brach, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Perched on the garden floor"
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Perched on dried bamboo."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"A medium-sized passerine bird is the red-rumped swallow (Cecropis daurica). Its steel-blue upperparts and rusty-red rump set it apart.Perched on a cable in the light mist."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica 

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata. The adult's brown upperparts and dark brown head are characteristic of grain-eating birds, as is its short, dark bill. The underparts have dark scale marks on a white background. The genders are comparable. The bird is preening itself in this picture as it perches on a dry limb."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata. The adult's brown upperparts and dark brown head are characteristic of grain-eating birds, as is its short, dark bill. The underparts have dark scale marks on a white background. The genders are comparable. The bird is preening itself in this picture as it perches on a dry limb."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

"Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata. The adult's brown upperparts and dark brown head are characteristic of grain-eating birds, as is its short, dark bill. The underparts have dark scale marks on a white background. The genders are comparable. The birperched on dry branch."
Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on a branch braving the misty drizzle."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), a small and agile passerine bird. Features distinctive black and white plumage with a prominent spot on the breast. Perched on floor , displaying its fan-shaped tail and engaging in characteristic tail flicking behavior."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae medium-sized flycatcher, attractive with blue upperparts and orange-and-white underparts, with the most orange on the chest and the throat. Male is more intensely-colored overall than the female. Perched on the garden fence."
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

"Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae medium-sized flycatcher, attractive with blue upperparts and orange-and-white underparts, with the most orange on the chest and the throat. Male is more intensely-colored overall than the female. Perched on the garden fence."
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae

In India,today is Raksha Bandhan, a unique celebration. Raksha Bandhan is all about the strong sibling bond. Wishing you a Raksha Bandhan brimming with love, joy, and a deepening bond with your loved ones. I really hope that your relationship lasts a lifetime!


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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Friday, August 2, 2024

Birding in July 2024 Mount Abu.

 Birding in the Last Two Weeks of July

The last two weeks of July have flown by in a whirlwind of misty mornings and overcast afternoons. Unfortunately, the rain-gods have bypassed Mount Abu this year, and the much-anticipated monsoon showers have been scarce. The hillsides drape themselves in a mantle of mist, and the air carries the scent of impending rain, but the actual downpour has disappointed us. With Abu relying on the monsoon for its water supply, we can only hope for our quota of rain in the coming months.

For birders, the monsoon season in Mount Abu is a challenging yet rewarding time. Damp conditions and low light levels can test patience and skill. Protecting equipment from the elements is crucial, as the humidity can cause mildew on cameras if one is not careful.

Despite these challenges, the promise of photographing some of Mount Abu’s most captivating avian residents keeps my spirits high. With its striking black and white plumage, the Pied Cuckoo remains elusive but highly expected. Its presence is a harbinger of the monsoon, a symbol of hope for better rains. The Indian Blackbird, known for its melodious song, brings a serenity to the lush landscape. At the same time, the vibrant Indian Golden Oriole, whose numbers have dwindled, is always a joy to spot. I haven’t snapped a photo of one in a while, and I await the opportunity. The elusive Brain-Fever Bird and the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher are also on my watch list, their presence adding to the magic of birding during this season.

Here’s to hoping for a bountiful monsoon that brings life and vibrancy to Mount Abu, enriching the habitat for its beautiful avian inhabitants and offering birders like me the perfect conditions to capture their splendour.

Bird of the Fortnight

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis: Females are greyish black above and greyish white under.are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests.Basking in the sun."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis July Mt Abu.mp4

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey."
Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata 

"Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius, warblerlike bird with a green back, a reddish crown, and a long bill. It gets its name from the way in which it builds its nest by stitching leaves together.Here seen perched on a branch calling."
Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

"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 cable."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"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 pair on a cable."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), a small and lively songbird. Distinctive yellow-green plumage with a white eye-ring. Perched on a leafy branch."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus.

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus,a collage."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched on the garden floor with a tit-bit in its beak, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched on the garden floor, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Indian Yellow Tit (Machlolophus aplonotus) is a tiny but colourful songbird. Bright yellow plumage with contrasting black markings distinguishes this species. Perched atop the garden fence, displaying its bright plumage and energetic personality."
Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotus

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata,on the garden floor with a prey in its beak."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata, perched on an iron rod with a prey."
Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striata

"Jungle Bush Quail - Perdicula asiatica Adult males have a dull brown mantle, back, scapulars, and wings with buff streaks and blackish-brown patches. The breasts, sides, and upper belly are whitish with short black bars, whilst the lower belly and undertail coverts are reddish-buff. The forehead, lores, and supercilium are dark reddish-brown, with the supercilium becoming buffy-white behind the eye and towards the back of the neck. Resident to Abu, uncommon raren crossing a road,"
Jungle Bush-Quail - Perdicula asiatica

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos,resident, taking off."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos, resident, perched on a cable."
Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, two perched on dry twigs."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla. perched on a cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo Daurica A brightly coloured swallow with a deep forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an unfinished orange colla. perched on a cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow - Cecropis daurica

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), as seen in the snap, has a gorgeous black crown on their head and a red facial patch that forms attractive cherry cheeks, with a white patch on lower ear-coverts bordered below by a black moustachial stripe. Endamic to Mount Abu."
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus 

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a branch preening itsrlf."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on a cable."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck.Sitting on a cable above a stream with a prey in it's beak."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

"White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis.The plumage is a striking blue and white, with a noticeable white neck.Sitting on a cable above a stream ."
White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis



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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

July 2024: Birding Adventures in Mt. Abu

 Garden-Yard and Hillside Birding in July 2024


July in Mt. Abu is a fascinating time for bird enthusiasts. The first two weeks offer a unique blend of anticipation and beauty, as the region prepares for the monsoon season. By the second week of July, the monsoons feel their presence. However, this year, the rains seem to take their time.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Shravan season this year begins on July 22nd. This suggests that the monsoon will become active towards the end of July, with August expected to bring the full force of the rains. These rains are crucial, as they replenish our forests and ensure that our small reservoirs overflow, providing much-needed water for the region. Mt. Abu’s water supply relies on the monsoons, making this period significant.

I expect to photograph some of Mt. Abu’s most captivating avian residents during this time. With its eye-catching black and white plumage, the Pied Cuckoo serves as a monsoon harbinger. With its melodious song, the Indian Blackbird brings a touch of serenity to the lush landscape. On my watch list are the vibrant Indian Golden Oriole, the elusive Brain-Fever Bird, and the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher.

Nesting activities are in full swing, too. The munia, Silver Bill, and Scaly-breasted Munia are busy building their nests, creating a bustling atmosphere in the gardens and hillsides. The delightful birding experience in Abu includes the sight of the Green Munia, a charming little bird, foraging in various parts.

As we wait for the monsoons to arrive in full force, these past weeks of July provide an excellent opportunity to observe and photograph these beautiful birds in their natural habitat. Here’s hoping for a bountiful monsoon season that brings life and vibrancy to Mt. Abu.

Bird of the Fortnight 

"Potrait shot of the White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus. Local resident."
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey.Scanning for prey"
Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata)

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a majestic raptor with brown plumage, soaring in the sky. Recognizable by its distinctive white markings on wings and tail, showcasing the powerful and elegant flight of this magnificent bird of prey."
Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata)

"Brown-headed Barbet, sitting on a branch. a bird of medium size with a robust bill, a striking brown head, and brilliant green plumage. perched on a tree limb, showing off its distinctive look and vibrant characteristics."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

"Brown-headed Barbet, sitting on a branch. a bird of medium size with a robust bill, a striking brown head, and brilliant green plumage. perched on a tree limb, showing off its distinctive look and vibrant characteristics."
Brown-headed Barbet - Psilopogon zeylanicus

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 cable."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

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 taking off."
Green Avadavat - Sporaeginthus formosus

"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.Pair perched on a cable"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a tiny and slender passerine bird. Males are distinguished by their remarkable black and white plumage and long tail, whilst females are more subdued. Perched atop a cable."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a tiny and slender passerine bird. Males are distinguished by their remarkable black and white plumage and long tail, whilst females are more subdued. Perched atop a cable."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis 

"A Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen), scientifically known as Falco peregrinus, flying overhead, characterised by its sleek, grayish-brown feathers and powerful wings."
Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, female landing on a hibiscus flower."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus 

"Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafe. doing a jig on a cable."
Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafe

"A tiny and agile passerine bird, the Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis). The plumage is distinctively black and white, with a large patch on the breast. Perched on branch displaying open wings and its fantail."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis, psrched on a curved branch."
Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

"White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus, bathing in the stream."
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus

"White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus, perched on an Amaltash tree searching for grub."
White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus


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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
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Mount Abu Birding Diary: First Week of May 2026

 A Collection of May’s Avian Wonders from the Hills of Rajasthan. The first week of May in Mount Abu has always carried an air of unpredicta...