Saturday, May 4, 2024

Birding Highlights: Exploring Mount Abu in the Third Week of April 2024

 Exploring Mount Abu: Birding Highlights in the Third Week of April 2024.

As the third week of April progressed, Mount Abu welcomed us with a little temperature rise. Despite this, birding was enjoyable thanks to the gentle breezes and cloud cover. Among the many bird wonders that graced Mount Abu at this time, the imposing Honey Buzzards stole the show with their majestic appearance. The lovely Common Rosefinch, whose vivid colours added a pop of colour to the lush surroundings, joined them. The excitement of my birdwatching experiences grew when I recorded the elusive Blyth’s Reed Warbler. Be sure to witness the enchanting Black-rumped Flameback, a sight that never ceases to fascinate.

I compiled bird images taken during the third week of April to celebrate my avian encounters. Each picture is a visual tribute to the special birds that reside in this Rajasthan hill town. Join me in admiring the beauty and diversity of these feathered creatures as we celebrate the magical world of birding on Mount Abu. Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher or simply love nature, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience.

Bird of the week

"The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent, in this snap seen scaling the trunk of the Jacaranda tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

15 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense,preening itself on a date palm tree."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a mulberry twig, showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"Male Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) are primarily black with chestnut bottom feathers, Males also have a white shoulder patch and a relatively long tail.Perched on a dry branch attired in mating plumage feathers."
Indian Robin - Copsychus fulicatus

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus,soaring overhead."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

16 April2024.
"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, with its beak filled with mulberries perched on a mulberry tree,"and the background features a mix of green leaves and branches, indicating a natural habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus

"Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis, a pair perched on an electric cable."
Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis , with nesting material perched on a black cable."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis 

17m April 2024.
"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden floor."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant

B
"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden floor."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant

18 April 2024.
"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense April 2024 Mt Abu, a cooage."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense April 2024 Mt Abu

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden fance."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the garden fance."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum


"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 bamboo stalk singing."
Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

"Male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched on a branch, displaying vibrant plumage with shades of red and pink. The small bird has a distinctive cone-shaped beak, perched on a baboon bush."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus


"Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor. flying overhead redident."
Dusky Crag-Martin - Ptyonoprogne concolor

"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. Perched on a cable"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

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

"Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosu,collage."
Indian White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosu

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus collage."
Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus

"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 a thick branch"
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

"Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis,perched on a branch,as can be seen the male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch."
Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

tail." "Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a branch.",
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus

19 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, scaling a date palm trunk looing for grub."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"The Blyth's Reed Warbler is an insectivorous bird of the Acrocephalidae family. It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in southern Asia and Africa after breeding in northern Asia.Here in the picture it is perched on a garden fence"
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"The Blyth's Reed Warbler is an insectivorous bird of the Acrocephalidae family. It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in southern Asia and Africa after breeding in northern Asia.Here in the picture it is perched on a garden fence"
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female agitated ny a male making to woo her."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"House Sparrow - Passer domesticus, female agitated ny a male making to woo her."
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

"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. Perched on a dry branch"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica 

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

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

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. During the mating season, is perched on a branch, displaying its vibrant colours."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. Recognizable by its brownish plumage, red patch behind the eye, and prominent red whisker marks. Perched on a branch.",
Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus 

"Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis , with nesting material perched on a black cable."
Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis

20 April 2024.

"A perched Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis) rests on a worn stump, its delicate grey plumage blending in with the surroundings' subdued tones. The bird's slim body and long tail may be seen as it perches alertly."
Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

"Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum passage migrant,The adult has a plain brown back and pale underparts.Here seen perched on the baboon bush."
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum

"Turdus simillimus is an Indian blackbird. Dark thrush with a brilliant orange beak. Male is slightly darker than female and perched on an electric cable."
Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

"Turdus simillimus is an Indian blackbird. Dark thrush with a brilliant orange beak. Male is slightly darker than female and perched on an electric cable."
Indian Blackbird - Turdus simillimus

"A female Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) with brown plumage perched on a branch, displaying its distinctive features."
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 cable."
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 

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis. 

21 April 2024.

"Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense, collage."
Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

"Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus passage migrant perched on a dry branch."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"Female Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) perched atop mulberry twig, showcasing subtle plumage with earthy tones. The bird has a distinctive beak, and the background features a natural setting with foliage and branches, indicating its habitat."
Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus 

"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. Perched on a branch"
Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica

"Oriental Honey-buzzard - Pernis ptilorhynchus collage."


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Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Birding in the second week of April 2024. Abu Road Rajasthan IN

 Birding Adventures: Exploring Abu Road in April 2024.


The second week of April delivered unexpected joys to my door as an invitation from my niece, Crescentia. It was a casual Saturday evening, and as we sat in the garden, we could hear the quiet hum of bees and birds chirping. Crescentia had just returned from a school conference, and her unexpected declaration altered the course of my preparations.

“Uncle, pack your suitcase,” she said with a malicious twinkle in her eye. “you’re coming down to Abu Road for a few days. We missed you and Aunty around Christmas, so it’s about time you paid us a visit!“Jennifer, my daughter, joined in with equal passion, arguing that it was time for me to take a break and that they would not allow me to leave until they spoiled me.”

Although I had missed the winter birding season, the promise of discovering the avian delights of Abu Road was too appealing to pass up. Crescentia and I couldn’t resist doing some impromptu bird-watching on the way down. Luck was on our side as we spotted the elusive Cinereous Tit and the beautiful Common Wood shrike along the route.

The following week was nothing short of wonderful. I spent my mornings and evenings birdwatching, immersing myself in the tranquil environs of Abu Road. After school, Crescentia joined me for drives throughout the neighbourhood, eager to learn about the feathered creatures who call this home.

We revisited familiar sites, each time discovering fresh avian marvels. With most migratory leaving for the season, we concentrated on the local wildlife, capturing avian grace and beauty images. The Asian koels’ beautiful calls and the Shikra’s regal presence were reminders of nature’s complex tapestry.

 I invite you to appreciate the images taken between April 7th and 14th, 2024. All shot tells a unique narrative, providing a glimpse into the rich world of Abu Road’s avifauna at this wonderful time of year. Join me on this visual trip through April as we enjoy the joys of birdwatching in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

Bird of the week.

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable."
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

7 April 2024

"Great Egret - Ardea alba A large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs aid to differentiate from other egrets.Seen perched atop a tree."
Great Egret - Ardea alba

"Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Small snow-white heron with a thin dark bill, blackish legs, and yellowish feet. Breeding adults have two long wispy head plumes and a spray of white plumes on their lower backs.This photo was taken while perched atop a babul tree."
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta

"Purple Heron Ardea purpurea , Snapped flying high at dawn."
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 

"Shikra - Accipiter badius. close up snap of iy perched on a branch scanning for prey."
Shikra - Accipiter badius

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on an electric cable, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet - Athene brama

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

8 April 2021

A Day Among Nature’s Giants: Exploring Madhusudhan Temple Grove.

Crescentia and I spent the evening of April 8th exploring the woodland near Madhusudhan Temple. Sadly, the sight of some towering trees being sawed off was a sharp reminder of our environmental challenges. Despite this, we went in, recalling the area’s abundant bird life in the winter. Although quieter now, we were delighted to witness the Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Spotted Owlets, and the festive Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.  The flying fox colony appeared to have multiplied, with their active presence ringing throughout the woodland.
Enjoy the bird collection I’ve posted from this location, which illustrates nature’s perseverance in the face of change. Despite the hurdles, Madhusudhan Temple Grove is a refuge worth cherishing.

"Great Egret Casmerodius albus, standing tall along a dried up stream."
Great Egret Casmerodius albus

"House Crow Corvus splendens.taking a nap on a thick branch high up on a tree."
House Crow Corvus splendens

"Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala with its vivid colours perched on a branch high up on a tree."
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala 

"Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum, perched on a castor tree."
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

"Little Egret Egretta garzetta, a small flock looking for grub in a dary sandy riverlet."
Little Egret Egretta garzetta

"Little Egret Egretta garzetta, taking off on being distrbed."
Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

"Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri , a pair engrossed in a mating ritual."
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 

'Spotted Owlet Athene brama , on a huge tree trunk staring at the lens."
Spotted Owlet Athene brama 

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on a huge tree trunk, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet Athene brama 

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera

9 April 2024

"Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia Decaocto, Large pale dove with a black crescent on its neck. Slightly smaller and paler than the Rock Pigeon, with a correspondingly longer, square-tipped tail resting on an electric cable."
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi 

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

10 April 2024

"Image of a Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), a graceful raptor with predominantly white plumage and striking black wingtips, Perched on a tree in the distance."
Black-winged Kite - Elanus caeruleus

"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. This bird has Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD), and its underparts have a delicate beige colour."
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

This bird has Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD)

"Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) perched on an electric cable. Small, brown bird with a pale throat and distinctive markings on its wings dressed in its mating plumage."
Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable. lookig over its shoulder"
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

"Crested Bunting (Emberiza lathami) This huge bunting's spiky upright crest separates it from related species. Males are glossy black with vivid chestnut wings. Females are streaky dirt-brown with significantly duller wings.Here the male is perched on a cable."
Crested Bunting - Emberiza lathami 

"Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia Decaocto, Large pale dove with a black crescent on its neck. Slightly smaller and paler than the Rock Pigeon, with a correspondingly longer, square-tipped tail resting on an electric cable."
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

"A Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) is taken in mid-stride along the water's edge, displaying its mottled brown plumage and distinguishing greenish-yellow legs. This attractive wading bird has a slim body and a long beak."
Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus 

"Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatusIndian Peafowl, perched on a rock high up."
Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatusIndian Peafowl

"Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis, a pair seen in the distance sitting on a date palm stump."
Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis

"Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia,foraging at the waters edge."
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx




"Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)A beautifully coloured parakeet; males have a plum-colored head while females have a grayish-blue head. This female is sitting on a branch from the flame of the forest tree."
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

"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. A flock sat on the cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo 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. A flock sat on the cables above."
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica  

"Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) A medium-sized brownish wader with a white belly, varying light markings, and spangling on the back. In flight, the upper wings are simple, with a square white rump patch. Legs are greenish yellow this bird is seen foraging in shallow water."
Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola

"Yellow-Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense An unusual-looking babbler, brown above and white below, with rufous wingtips. Red eyering is unique, as is foraging among bushes and date palm fronds."
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense 

"Yellow-Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense An unusual-looking babbler, brown above and white below, with rufous wingtips. Red eyering is unique, as is foraging among bushes and date palm fronds."
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense 

11 April 2024

"Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus): A sleek, medium-sized bird with predominantly dark plumage, known for its distinctive forked tail and white vent feathers. Perched on a cable against a rural background, this Ashy Drongo exemplifies its agile and acrobatic nature in its natural habitat."
Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus 

"Shikra: Accipiter badius.The shikra is a tiny raptor with short rounded wings and a slender, fairly long tail. Adults have a whitish underside with tiny rufous streaks, and grey upperparts. The lower tummy is less barred, and the thighs are white. The bird in the snap is gliding overhead."
Shikra - Accipiter badius 

"The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) is a tiny, stocky bird. The upper sections are grey-brown and strongly speckled with white. The underside is white with dark streaks. The face disc is pale, and the iris is yellowish. There's a white neckband and supercilium. The owl in the photo is perched on a large girder, peering at the camera lens."
Spotted Owlet - Athene brama

12 April 2024

"Male Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) mating plumage. Small songbird with purple and black iridescent feathers, a long curved beak, and a shiny green cap. Is perches on a branch with prey in its beak."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus 

" Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) female,hanging upside down drawing nectar from a purple flower."
 Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) female

"Rose-colored The parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. Brightly coloured parakeet with a long, thin tail and a bright red bill.Perched on a babool tree branch."
Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

13 April 2024.
"Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceushe Asian koel is a large and long-tailed cuckoo.The male is glossy bluish-black, with a pale greenish grey bill, the iris is crimson, and it has grey legs and feet.Perched on a thorny bush with its back to the lens."
Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis),perched on a branch facing the camera."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis),perched on a cable side view in the setting sun."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

14 April 2024.
"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, hovering over some flowers."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, male feeding juvenile perched on a branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus, juvenile awaiting to be fed perched on a branch."
Purple Sunbird - Cinnyris asiaticus

"Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) taking off from its perched position."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

"A lively Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) perched on a branch, displaying its yellow throat and complex plumage patterns."
Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis)


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Location: Abu Road, Rajasthan 307026, India
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Birding Highlights: Exploring Mount Abu in the Third Week of April 2024

 Exploring Mount Abu: Birding Highlights in the Third Week of April 2024. As the third week of April progressed, Mount Abu welcomed us with ...