Mount Abu Birds - Mid-November 2009

Mount Abu Birds - Mid-November 2009: A Haven Despite Challenges.

Mount Abu, with its unique geography and ecology, stands as a notable hill station in Rajasthan, India. While it harbours a rich avian diversity, the sanctuary faces many environmental challenges that affect the region’s bird life. Among these, water scarcity remains one of the most pressing issues. The limited number of water bodies in the area can only support a select few species of aquatic birds, adding complexity to the overall birdwatching experience.

Challenges to Bird Diversity

 Despite its beauty, Mount Abu's limited size hampers its bird diversity. Several factors contribute to this.

Small Geographic Area

Unlike vast ecosystems that can support a large diversity of species, Mount Abu’s smaller size restricts obtaining resources and living space, leading to a more modest bird population. Smaller habitats often support fewer species, a trait that Mount Abu also shows.

Habitat Types

The primary habitats in Mount Abu include tropical dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and a few grasslands. While these ecosystems provide a home for specific bird communities, they do not cater to species that require wetlands or dense, tropical forests. The region’s habitat types limit the diversity of bird species, as many specialised birds thrive only in specific conditions.

Seasonal Variations 

Mount Abu witnesses fluctuating climatic conditions, which affect its resident bird population. While the hill station attracts a variety of migratory species during certain seasons, the number of year-round residents is low. Dry periods and fluctuating food availability during the off-season make survival difficult for many species.

Human Encroachment

Mount Abu faces the dual challenges of urbanisation and increasing tourism, both of which contribute to habitat fragmentation. As the human population grows and infrastructure expands, it displaces sensitive bird species and disrupts their habitats. Noise, pollution, and traffic can further disturb the delicate balance of Mount Abu’s natural environment.

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity remains a critical concern during years of poor monsoon seasons. This affects water-dependent bird species, making it difficult for them to survive, especially in areas where water resources are already scarce.

Altitude and Isolation

Because Mount Abu is an isolated hill station, its disconnection from other major bird habitats prevents species from moving across a broader landscape. Its altitude further restricts birds adapted to either lower or higher altitudes, narrowing the range of species that can colonise the region.

Despite the Challenges, Mount Abu Remains a Birdwatcher’s Paradise.

Although these challenges pose a threat to Mount Abu’s avian biodiversity, the hill station still supports several fascinating species. Among them are the Green Munia, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Indian Scimitar-Babbler, Red Spurfowl, and Gray Junglefowl—each a remarkable sight for birdwatchers.

The key to preserving and enhancing the bird life of Mount Abu lies in conservation efforts, which must prioritise habitat restoration, responsible tourism, and protecting sensitive species.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros

                              Taken in my garden at Kumrwada

Black-rumped Flameback Taken on my morning walk in a field near the Air Force cantonment area

Black-winged Kite

Taken in Dhundai Old Pilgrim Road

Black-winged Kite

Taken in Dhundai Old Pilgrim Road

Common Kingfisher

Taken on the way to Honeymoon Point

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis

Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucosThe stream that flows in Dhundai

Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo On my walk to Gyan Saravor

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo 

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo On my walk to Gyan Saravor

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo On my walk to Gyan Saravor

Indian Cormorant - Phalacrocorax fuscicollist The stream in Dhundai

Indian Cormorant - Phalacrocorax fuscicollist The stream in Dhundai

Indian Cormorant - Phalacrocorax fuscicollist The stream in Dhundai

Indian Cormorant - Phalacrocorax fuscicollist The stream in Dhundai

Shikra - Accipiter badius

The Old Pilgrim Road Nr. Neelkant Temple

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Honeymoon Point

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Crested Serpent-Eagle - Spilornis cheela

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Nr My Dhundai house close to Neel Kant Temple

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

Mini Nakki Lake on the way to Oria

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach

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Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Oriental Turtle-Dove - Streptopelia orientalis

Indian Peafowl - Pavo cristatus Behind the Dilwara Temple

Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis

The steam in front of Neel Kant Temple

Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis

White-browed Wagtail - Motacilla maderaspatensis

On my Nakki Lake round

Indian Pond-Heron - Ardeola grayii

 

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhyncho

Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata

Opp my house Neel Kant

Eurasian Hobby - Falco subbuteo

Threesome

White-browed Wagtail

White-browed Wagtail

Spot-breasted Fantail - Rhipidura albogularis

Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus

Opposite the Air Force base

MOUNT ABU BIRDS MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

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Birds of Mount Abu