Sri Lanka€¦ · Hotel in a nearby village opposite to an Elephant orphanage. Elephants and people in Udawalewe / Anton ... we stayed at the majestic ^Peacock Reach Hotel _. 5 Bundala

Sri Lanka Birdtrip – report from

Danish group

10. - 27. February 2017

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Map of Southern Sri Lanka with numbers indicating areas visited.

1. Kitulgala

2. Horton´s Plain and Nuwara Elyia

3. Surrey Bird sanctuary

4. Udawalawe National Park

5. Tissamarama area

6. Bundala National Park

7. Yala National Park

8. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

9. Mirissa

Front-cover photo: Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sinharaja / Hans

Back-cover photos: Peafowl, Bundala / Bodil

Questions and comments about this report or travelling in Sri Lanka to

Hans Christophersen – [email protected]

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Foreword This year our birdinggroup (established long ago) was heading for Sri Lanka. This was a new destination for most of the group. Many of us have been to India, but Sri Lanka is a place of its own with the combination of a very diverse landscape with mountains as well as the ocean, its own (mainly Buddhist) culture and a population that in spite of tsunami and civil war is so positive and friendly that you feel at home once you set foot on this splendid island. Apart from this the island has some splendid birds, among others its own 34 endemic species – a number that will possibly rise as more species are being split.

Planning Hans visited Sri Lanka and some of the birding areas one year prior to this trip. It seemed obvious, that on a two weeks trip you have to choose a few birding areas and not the whole island – not to be in a constant rush. Choosing the southern part of the island gives you the chance to visit mountain areas, rainforest, lowland, coasts, some of the main national parks and the possibility of a whaling trip in the end. And in this area you also have a very good chance of seeing all of the countrys endemic bird species. It is quite easy to travel independently alone or as a couple in Sri Lanka, but being twelwe people you have to work together with a local guide and transport. Hans and Chandima at Horton´s Plain / Christian

As guide we found Chandima Jayaweera - [email protected] / www.birdingsrilanka.com

Chandima provided the group with a very good bus, skilled driver and one more helper to make things work out. During the planning communication was smooth and quick and the itinerary we worked out

together was very good with good hotels (serving good food). When being in Sri Lanka, we could miss some more information about the plan for the day, the birds and so on. This caused some frustration to a start, but as we found out that we had to keep on asking about the plan and the birds, things worked out better and better. Chandima also had many good contacts in the different areas. He also had a deal with some boys in the Tissa area – he paid them if they have found special birds (for us owls and nightjars) when he arrived. This is a good way of protecting species. Transport with our bus was very good, in some areas – national parks and others – transport was with jeeps. Here and in other situations we brought walkie-talkies to be in contact in case of change of plans or a good bird, a leopard or whatever. Not to forget Chandima chartered a whaling-boat just for us!

Our itinerary

Ferry-crossing, Kitulgala / Vagn

Kitulgala

Lying about three hours from Colombo Kitulgala is an area of rainforest and villages around the river Kelani and the spot where the film “River Kwai” was filmed in 1957. The area has quite a high density of birds and many endemics can be seen here. Among others the Serendip Scops Owl, which is probably easier to find here than in Sinharaja. Together with Sinharaja this area is the main birding-rainforest-site in the country. We stayed at the Plantation Hotel well situated at the river and within walking distance of a suspention bridge crossing the river. Apart from this river-crossings were often by a small “ferry” carrying a maximum of six people. The area is a popular area for wide-water-rafting as well.

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The foundation for the “River-Kwai-bridge” / Hans

Nuwara Eliya and Horton´s Plain

This is the highlands. Nuwara Eliya is a typical highland English town with many old colonial buildings. Climate is cool and often wet. We stayed at Leisure Village hotel a little outside the town centre. The main birding spot in the town is the Victoria Park, which often contains som interesting birds, locals as well as migratory. We visited this site twice.

Horton´s Plain / Hans

Horton´s Plain one hour south of the town is a must see. Not just because of its special birds, but also because of the whole impressive scenery. We are 2200 meter above sea-level. This highland plain is mainly undulating grassland with scattered wooded areas dropping a steep 900 meters down at World´s End. The birdlife (and animallife) here is different to many other places and the endemics Sri Lanka Bush

Warbler and Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush are not difficult to find here – best before the entrance.

Surrey Bird Sanctuary

We passed this small patch of forest on the way from Nuwara Eliya towards the lowlands. A fine spot for a couple of hours for some rainforest birds.

Udawalawe National Park

This national park does not boast a long list of endemics but is anyway indeed worth a visit. It is a big open park bordering a big dammed lake and with many other wet areas, pools etc. The density of birds is very high with many storks/herons, birds of prey and many other species that is easier to see here than in other areas. The park has also many animals and is the place with most Elephants in the southern half of the country. Outside the park itself are fine areas for birding. We stayed at the Athinga Hotel in a nearby village opposite to an Elephant orphanage.

Elephants and people in Udawalewe / Anton

Tissa

The whole area around the town Tissamaharama (daily spoken Tissa) consists of wetlands – so called tanks. Many of these have lots of birds, herons, waterhens etc. But in between there are wooded areas with for instance Owls and Woodpeckers. Tissa is also placed strategically between Bundala and Yala. While being in Tissa a good cultural option is to visit the temple area of Kataragama. Together with Kandy these are the most important of such in the country. While visiting Tissa, Bundala and Yala we stayed at the majestic “Peacock Reach Hotel”.

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Bundala National Park / Hans

Bundala National Park

This is a great birding area bordering the coast southwest of Tissa. Few visiters especially compared to Yala probably because there are fewer animals and no Leopards. But lots of birds. Of special interest are the salt-pans that host a lot of terns and waders, many of which migrating from Sibiria and elsewhere. We spent half a day here, but one full day would be better if all groups of waders should be scanned properly.

Yala National Park / Hans

Yala National Park

This is the most famous of the national Parks in Sri Lanka – and the most crowded. This is partly because the beauty of the landscape (which was flooded during the tsunami) but to a higher extent because it is not difficult to spot animals, the area being perhaps the place in the whole world where it is most easy to see Leopard – not that it is guaranteed. And you will not have the cat for

yourself, if “you” find it! However this is a very beautifull park and the birdlife is rich as the landscape is very diverse with waterholes, lakes as well as coast. We had one whole day in the park – ideal!

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

This is the prime rainforest area in Sri Lanka and the biggest patch of forest left in the country. Any birding trip to Sri Lanka must include this forest, as many of the endemics are found here easier than elsewhere – the alternative being Kitulagala for several species. Birding around the entrance is good for Sri Lanka Blue Magpie but to walk in the forest you are accompanied by local rangers. Several of these are very clever on the birds in the area and were a great help! We spend three days birding the forest and the surroundings staying at “Rock View Motel” some 20 minutes from the entrance.

Early morning in Sinharaja / Hans

Mirissa

The whalewatch town of Sri Lanka. After having mainly met other foreigners occasionally you suddenly are among other tourists staying on the coast. This place also has some splendid beaches. Many tour-companys go on whale-trips. Some you should avoid. They have boats that look like overfilled refugee-vessels. We had no problems as we were provided by our very own boat and crew. Mirissawatersports can be recommended. By the way the whaletrip is a great thing with Blue Whale, Dolphins, Sea-turtle and Marlins. Birdlife there is - but not to a great extend, mainly terns – among others Sooty and Bridled. We stayed right on the beach in Paradise Club Hotel – isn´t that a name!

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Weather Weather as a whole was nice. Apart from Nuwara Eliya area where we had some rain and temperatures ranging from 12 to 22 degrees most days were dry and pleasantly warm, sometimes very warm. Nights 20-24 and daytimes mostly 28-32 degrees.

Nice weather in Kitulgala / Susanne

Leeches and (no) other nuisances Leeches are common in Sinharaja if you walk away from broader tracks, in Kitulgala very few. Leech-socks a good idea! Apart from this we were not troubled by ticks etc. Mosquitos are not plentiful and Sri Lanka is now declared a malaria-free-zone. Sri Lanka has the highest death rate caused by snake-bites. This is due to incidents in the tea plantations, when people harvesting tea are not properly covered. Actually only a few of the almost hundrede different snakes in the country are venomous. We were lucky to see a few snakes. All in all Sri Lanka is a very safe and pleasant country for travelleres. The local people are an important part of feeling comfortable with their very friendly and helpful attitude to visitors. A real pleasure!

Breakfast with leech-socks / Hans

Our group in Sri Lanka

Susanne Boutrup

Christian Andersen Jensen

Bodil Lauridsen

John Nielsen Schmidt

Anders Høybye Rasmussen

Vagn Freundlich

Anders Isaksen

Anton Thøger Larsen

Esben Sloth Andersen

Kenneth Bach Christensen

Hans Christophersen

Søren Kristoffersen

Litterature The main birding guide for Sri Lanka is Birds of Sri

Lanka (2012) from Helm Field Guides. As Taxonomy

and splits changes “almost daily” these days, this

book mentions 33 endemics and 68 subspecies. The

number of endemics will probably rise as some of

these subspecies become species. In February the

“official” number of endemics was 34.

This book also has a 18 pages about the most

important birding areas in the country.

Travel guides –most publishers have their edition

about this well-visited country.

This trip report is made by… Hans who put the whole thing together with the

text for each day written by the various members of

the group, birdlist by Esben and Hans. Anders R

kept the birding-logbook and delievered this for this

report. List of mammals is compiled by Søren. The

beautiful pictures are taken by different members

of the group – photographers name mentioned

below the pictures.

Birding Abu Dhabi / Christian

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Day by day This is written and told by the different members of the group, thus very different in focus and details. Following the text is the birdlist for each day. This is compiled by Anders Rasmussen. Species like Common Myna, Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Largebilled Crow, House Crow, Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret and Indian Swiftlet are all very common and are not noted continuously. Yellow-billed Babbler, Purple-rumped Sunbird and Purple Sunbird are allso very common, but are noted – when remembered.

Our group with Chandima / Birding Sri Lanka

February 10th – Anders I

Eight of us arrived at Aalborg Airport at 4 pm. Four others met us in Amsterdam (From Billund). Kenneth had a fever of 39. We had a quick layover in Amsterdam - perhaps a bit too quick. This resulted in Esbens luggage went missing, and therefore did not make it on the flight to Abu Dhabi.

February 11th – Anton

Abu Dhabi 06.00 – 14.00 Colombo – Kitulgala 19.45 – 23.30

Weather: Sunny, 18-28 C (Abu Dhabi) and Colombo 27 C.

Its early morning when we are woken up on the plane in order to have breakfast before the plane is landing at 06:05 am in Abu Dhabi airport.

Onward flight to Sri Lanka is not until 2 pm, so we hope to be able to spend some time outside the airport, discovering Abu Dhabi. We soon find out that we can leave the airport, however, not until having spent time for luggage control as well as being registered with photos and scan of eyes. We find a place for temporary storage of some of the cabin luggage, purchase water and engage a couple of large taxi's to ferry us around. We ask the drivers to take us to some of the seaside areas outside the town, hoping to discover a Crab-Plower (Dromas ardeola), but alas, the drivers are not well known in the areas outside the city, so no big hope for that. After cruising around for some time without finding any suitable bird-areas, we decide to be dropped off and walk back to the airport, which turns out to be a very good idea, as we spot quite a few interesting species, among which some shorebirds and seagulls, which all are enjoying a large fountain in the middle of a roundabout.

Aba Dhabi / Hans

When returning to the airport we naturally again have to pass the extensive security check before being readmitted. We also find time for a light lunch and a bit of duty free shopping, before we can embark the plane and set off for next destination - Sri Lanka. At 8 pm we touchdown in Colombo, that is we do, but not all the luggage. Esben is without luggage, so we spend time to fill out PIR etc. and others are then using the time to exchange some hard currency into the local rupee. Our guide, Chandima Jayaweera, who will be with us for the entire trip, is luckily ready outside in the arrival hall and eagerly waiting for us. We have a

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long ride in front of us for Kitulgala, and to our great relief we find that the bus we will be using during the stay is in an acceptable order = very good. After half an hour drive, we have a break for supper, which bring along the nice surprise, that the best thing about Lion beer is that it is served in bottles of 62.5 cc, however, the food is delicious. On the forward bus journey we pass a large parade with music, dressed up people and many elephants which are decorated in different colours. We are no longer in doubt that we have reached a very exciting country. Around midnight we arrive at Plantation Hotel, a quite stunning hotel located directly at the bank of river Kelani, actually very close to where the scenes of 'The bridge over River Kwai' was shot many years ago. The hotel even has its own Rolls Royce museum as well as a swimming pool, so after unpacking, we are ready for the bird watching early in the morning.

Hoopoe, Abu Dhabi / Christian

Birdlist Abu Dhabi

Teal 1

Cattle Egret 20

Grey Francolin 50+

Marsh Harrier 1

Longlegged Buzzard 1

Kestrel 2

Black-winged Stilt 5

Red-wattled Lapwing 8

Common Sandpiber 2

Black-headed Gull 60

Caspian Gull 10

Lesser Black-backed Gull 25

Slender-billed Gull 5

Collared Dove 5

Palm Dove 25+

Rose-ringed Parakeet +

Pallid Swift 10

Little Swift 5

Hoopoe 1

Arabian Green Bee-eater 10

Crested Lark 10-15

Red-rumped Swallow 1

White Wagtail 10

Bluethroat 1

Desert Wheat-ear 1

Graceful Warbler 5

Red-tailed Shrike 1

Common Myna 10-15

Red-vented Bulbul 20

White-eared Bulbul 25+

Purple Sunbird 20

Indian Silverbill +

House Sparrow +

Arabian Green Bee-eater, Abu Dhabi / Christian

February 12th - Søren

Kitulgala whole day Weather: Sunny, 23-30 C No more waiting – it is time for birding! We were ready to go birding at sunrise, despite the long journey. That is, Vagn and Anton were not quite ready – still asleep when the rest of us were ready at 6 oćlock for a thin cup of coffee and some

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Ferry-queue, Kelani River / Hans

nicer Ceylon tea. A good piece of advice – drink tea in Sri Lanka. It is good, the coffee is not! We started off with a short ride in the bus to a village, from where we set off for some hours walking. At once different local and endemic species turned up. The first endemic babblers and bulbuls showed aswell as Lesser Hill myna and Orange Minivet – and the first discussions began about species, race, possible and definite splits. Was it Scarlet or Orange Minivet we saw in the treetop? Helping each other we found many new species already before breakfast, some of the highlights being Spot-winged Thrush and Chestnut-backed owlet. A very good morning indeed, but breakfast was waiting at the hotel. During the midday heat, we relaxed or did some birding in the hotel-area or along “River Kwai”. Later we were ferried across the river. Southside is the best birding area.

Chestnut-backed Owlet, Kitulgala / Christian

An area of forest, tea-plantations, villages and finally real jungle, where one of the most sought-

after species, the recently discovered Serendib Scops Owl should be looked for. But this day the search did not give anything. We would have to wait to the next day for another try. However, other birds were found, among others Malabar Trogon and Indian Pitta! Common supper with chicken cordon bleu and curry chicken with fried rice followed by fruit salad or caramel pudding – and a couple of Lion Beer. The first “birdcall” of the trip was conducted with a firm hand by Anton and Anders R.

Laundry, Kelani River / Vagn

Plantation Hotel and Kitulgala-area

Sri Lanka Junglefowl 1

Black Bittern 1

Asian Openbill 9

Grey Heron 1

Indian Pond Heron 5

Cattle Egret 20

Great White Egret 4

Little Egret 1

Little Cormorant 7

Shahin Falcon 2

Brahminy Kite 3

Shikra 3

Oriental Honey Buzzard 6

Himalayan Buzzard 1

Crested Serpent Eagle 3-5

Black Eagle 3

Legges Hawk Eagle 2

White-breasted Waterhen 1

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Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback and squirrel / Bodil

Spotted Dove 4

Emerald Dove 10

Sri Lanka Green Pigeon 6

Imperial Dove 15+

Alexandrine Parakeet 5

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot 30+

Indian Cuckoo 1

Banded Bay Cuckoo 1

Greater Coucal 4

Chestnut-backed Owlet 4

Indian Swiftlet 250+

Brown-backed Needletail 27

Asian Palm Swift 4-5

House Swift 2

Crested Treeswift 20

Blue-tailed Bee-eater 11

Stork-billed Kingfisher 1

White-throated Kingfisher 3

Malabar Trogon 1 (female)

Brown-headed Barbet common

Yellow-fronted Barbet common

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill 4

Lesser Yellownape 1

Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback 8

Greater Sri Lanka Flameback 1

Indian Pitta 2

Small Minivet 14

Scarlet Minivet 15

Common Iora 3

Golden-fronted Leafbird 4

Black-hooded Oriole 12-14

Sri Lanka Swallow 9

White-bellied Drongo common

Sri Lanka Drongo 5

Grey Wagtail 1

Black-capped Bulbul 16

Yellow-browed Bulbul 10

Red-vented Bulbul common

Square-tailed Bulbul 15

Tailorbird 10

Asian Paradise Flycatcher 4

Orange-billed Babbler 3

Yellow-billed Babbler 30

Lesser Hill Myna 3

Common Myna common

Spot-winged Thrush 3-4

Oriental Magpie Robin 4

Brown-breasted Flycatcher 3

Tickells Blue Flycatcher 3

Purple-rumped Sunbird common

Oriental White-eye 17

Pale-billed Flowerpecker 4

White-rumped Munia 2

In the evening migration for overnight at the

suspension-bridge - Indian Pond Heron 4, Cattle

Egret 100, Intermediate Egret 10 and Little Egret 5

Spot-winged thrush / Vagn

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February 13th - Kenneth

Kitulgala whole day

Weather: Sunny, 23-30 C

This morning everyone was up before the break of dawn - even Anton who unfortunately forgot his scope.

After everyone had safely passed the aging suspension bridge we spent the rest of the morning birding the village on the other side of the river. We didn't see a lot of birds but after some time some new species appeared including Layard's Parakeet and Brown-Capped Babbler.

Brown-capped Babbler / Christian

Before noon we were sailed back over the river. Just before entering the bus we found two Layard's Parakeets in a tree - everyone was able to see them clearly. Back at the hotel breakfast and coffee was ready for us. After this we were ready to relax and some bathed in the muddy river-water.

Kelani River suspension-bridge / Hans

While Kenneth took a long nap and tried to get rid of the last fever, the others didn't waste time with that kind of nonsense and got to see the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater from the large balcony of the hotel.

Mid-afternoon we drove to the forest in the attempt to ensure us some endemic species. We ended up wasting our time driving to an area where the road was blocked due to roadwork which our guide had failed to mention. After this we went over the suspension bridge to the village once more. The amount of birds was limited and we saw no new ones. We however saw a beautiful Purple-faced Leaf Monkey.

The day ended with some cold beers down by the river at our hotel. The beers were sponsered by Esben who was on cloud nine because his suitcase had finally made its way to Sri Lanka.

Kitulgala-area birdlist – 13th Feb

Junglefowl 10

Open-billed Stork 35

Black-headed Ibis 7

Black Bittern 1

Indian Pond Heron 20

Cattle Egret 70

Intermediate Egret 30

Little Egret 12

Little Cormorant 5

Brahminy Kite 5

Shikra 4

Oriental Honey Buzzard 7-8

Crested Serpent Eagle 11

Black Eagle 5


Rock Pigeon 2

Spotted Dove 10

Emerald Dove 7

Sri Lanka Green Pigeon 8-10

Green Imperial Dove common

Hanging Parrot 30+


Layards Parakeet 12

Asian Koel 2

Greater Coucal >8

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Brown-backed Needletail / Anders

Green-billed Coucal 1


Asian Palm Swift 5

Alpine Swift 2

House Swift 4

Crested Treeswift 10-15

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater 2




Common Kingfisher 1

Brown-headed Barbet 3

Yellow-fronted Barbet 10+

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill / Christian


Lesser Yellownape 5

Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback 6-7

Black-headed Cuckooshrike 2

Small Minivet 7

Scarlet Minivet 10

Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike 8

Common Iora 4-6

Black-headed Oriole 8

Large-billed Crow 10

Sri Lanka Swallow 15

Barn Swallow 3

White-bellied Drongo common

Grey Wagtail 3



Plain Prinia 1

Ashy Prinia 2

Tailorbird 5

Asian Paradise Flycatcher / Christian

Greenish Warbler 2-3

Green Warbler 4


Brown-capped Babbler 5


Yellow-billed Babbler common

Lesser Hill Myna 3

Magpie Robin 3

Asian Brown Flycatcher 6



Legges Flowerpecker 8-10

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Lotens Sunbird 2



Oriental White-eye / Christian

February 14th – Susanne

Kitulgala morning Transport (train) to Nuwara Eliya Victoria Park late afternoon Weather: A few showers ending with rain in Nuwara Eliya – 16 C there The plan for today was to leave the destination in the lowland around Kitungala, the next destination was Nanu Oya and Nuwara Eliya in the highland. We had planned to leave and head for Nuwara Eliya immediately after breakfast. But the plan was changed because Chandima earlier this morning

Anton just found Serendip Scops Owl / Hans

had got the message that the Serendip Scops Owl had been seen in the forest on the other side of the river.

He was there to search for it and we were of course ready to change plans in order to join him and hopefully get a glimpse of the owl. But this was not the only surprise this morning. An Indian Pitta jumping around in the little garden between the reception and the restaurant gave a break in the breakfast meal and the chance for good pictures for the photographers and an excellent view for all of this nice bird.

After breakfast we once again passed the river and walked through the forest to the same place as yesterday where we had been searching for the owl without success. We meet few birders on the walk through the forest; they wished us good luck and looked a bit on the sandals some of us wore. We found out why they looked on the sandals when we were in the forest and followed Chandima to the place where the owl should be – a part of it was steep climbing in the forest. But unfortunately, when we reached the place the owl could not be relocated. We all looked for a long time, but no owl….until Anton suddenly said that he might have the owl in the telescope. And he was right. The owl was found sitting under a leaf on a branch in the middle of a tree and now that it was found it was clearly seen of all of us. We all enjoyed the view of the Serendip Scops Owl for a while and felt lucky that we succeeded to see this endemic and “newly” (2001) discovered owl.

Train travel to Nanu Oya / Hans

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Nanu Oya Station / Bodil

On the way back we had another good experience. From the trail along the owl-forest we had excellent view to the nest of Legge’s Hawk Eagle in one of the high trees on the other side of the grass field. In the telescope we could see that an almost full grown chick was in the nest. This was a very good morning.

After leaving the owl and the hawk eagle, we once again and for the last time crossed the river. We then had a couple of hours drive in the bus to the city Nawalapitiya from where we took the train the rest of the way to Nanu Oya. Nawalapitiya is a busy city especially around the bus station but without any problems we got the tickets for the train and didn’t have to wait very long. In the waiting time the station master spent time to proudly tell us about the Sri Lanka train system which is as it was before in England. The train was full when it arrived but after some time we all succeeded in getting seats at different places in the train and we therefore had different experiences to tell each other afterwards. What we shared was the fantastic scenery from the train, a scenery which often was hill sides covered with tea, and we shared the kindness we were met with by the other passengers.

The bus picked us up at the train station Nanu Oya. The rest of the day was spent in Victoria Park in the center of Nuwara Eliya. We hadn’t been in the park for long time before we saw another endemic, Sri Lanka White Eye, and later among the many other birds in the park the very rare but not endemic, Pied Thrush in the northeastern corner of the park. Another highly wished rare bird, Kashmir Flycatcher, should also be in the park but

unfortunately it didn’t turn up on the expected place.

The weather had changed from the high temperatures in Kitulgala to cold and rainy weather so it was nice to be received at Hotel Leisure Village with a tasty hot welcome drink made of coriander and ginger boiled in water. We enjoyed the good meal served by the hotel and that we were sitting inside while we could hear the storm and rain outside the whole evening and night until we fell asleep.

Birds – 14th Feb

Kitulgala-area birdlist

Painted Stork 1

Black Bittern 1

Legges Hawk Eagle 1 juv

Rose-ringed Parakeet 2

Layards Parakeet 4-6

Greater Coucal 2-4

Serendib Scops Owl 1



Indian Pitta 1

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike 3

Sri Lanka Drongo 1

Ashy Prinia 1

Dark-fronted Babbler 8

Lesser Hill Myna 2


Indian Pitta, Kitulgala / Christian

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Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya birdlist

Black-headed Ibis 10

Cattle Egret 75

Black-winged Kite 1

Brahminy Kite 4



Brown Shrike 2

Sri Lanka Swallow 5

Hill Swallow 1

White-browed Fantail 1

Forest Wagtail / Anders R

Victoria Park birdlist

Pond Heron 20

Cattle Egret 25

Little Cormorant 4



Green Sandpiper 1

Common Sandpiper 1

Oriental Turtle Dove 5

Spotted Dove 10

Brown Shrike 1

Large-billed Crowe 15

Forest Wagtail 10

Grey Wagtail 15-20

Paddyfield Pipit 1

Yellow-eared Bulbul 1

Blyths reed Warbler 10

Pied Thrush 4 (2 m + 2 f)

Oriental Magpie Robin 10


Lotens Sunbird 1

Sri Lanka White-eye 2

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch 2

February 15th – John

Horton´s Plain 06.00-13.00 Nuwara Eliya/Victoria Park afternoon

Weather: Morning with fog and rain, quickly clearing and mainly sunny for the rest of the day. 12-20 C

We were ready at 4.30 AM. During the night we had listened to the rain and wind outside and the night in the hotel was cold too. This morning the rain continued and even fog came in with very limited vision. This time transport was in a very old bus and it was a challenge for the driver to find the way to Horton´s Plain – our destination. Finally we reached our destination 2200 meters above sea-level. Still fog and rain. Despite this we quickly found the endemic Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Sri Lanka Bush Warbler. Both species were found in the area before reaching the main entrance.

A wet start at Horton´s Plain / Susanne

…but soon fog and rain disappeared / Hans

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We decided to split into two groups, one birding the entrance-area and one decided to walk the eight kilometers round the plain. Quickly the weather started clearing and conditions improved. The group walking the plain moved through fantastic scenery with high grass, rhododendron and windblown trees in many forms and colours. Clouds and fog and sun changed the light and scenery constantly. During the walk many fine birds were seen, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Grey tit, Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Dull-blue flycatcher. Grey headed canary flycatcher, Sri Lanka Wood pigeon and the most common bird of the open, grassy areas Pied Bushchat. Birding was important, but the scenery in itself was even more impressing with waterfalls, the view from World´s End, a steep cliff standing 900 meters high.

Sambar, Horton´s Plain / Hans

The other group walked around the main entrance and along the road. Though the scenery was not so dramatic, birding was even better here with Black-winged kite, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler and others.

Tea-time / Anton

Back to the hotel for a quick and late lunch. Again we split – one group for Victoria Park and the other left Nuwara Elyia for a visit in a tea-factory. In the park several fine birds were found………XXXXXXXXX The tea- factory was quite touristy and having waited too long for a guided tour, we had a cup of tea and left for the town again. Dinner at the hotel ended a superb day!

Birdlist 15th Feb

Horton´s Plain

Junglefowl 6

Kestrel 2

Black-winged Kite 1

Brahminy Kite 3



Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon 11

Alpine Swift 5-10


Large Cuckooshrike 1

Scarlet Minivet 3


Brown Shrike 3

Large-billed Crow common

Sand Martin 3

Barn Swallow 100+

Hill Swallow 50+

Grey Wagtail 5

Paddyfield Pipit 30+

Blyths Pipit 1

Oriental Skylark 2


Zitting Cisticola common

Tailorbird common

Sri Lanka Bushwarbler 6-8

Sykes Warbler 2

Greenish Warbler 2

Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler 3



Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush 5

Indian Blackbird 5

Pied Bushchat common

Dull-blue Flycatcher 4

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher 14-16

17


Purple Sunbird 3

Lotens Sunbird 1


Velvet-fronted Nuthatch 8-10

Great Tit 10-15

Black-throated Munia 2

Victoria Park


Green Sandpiper 2

Common Sandpiper 5



Indian Pitta 1


Brown Shrike 1

Forest Wagtail 5

Grey Wagtail 25


Tailorbird common

Blyths Reed Warbler 10+

Pied Thrush 7 (4 m + 3 f)

Indian Blue Robin 2

Magpie Robin common




Great tit 2

Pied Thrush, Victoria Park / Anders R

Nuwara Eliya (apart from Victoria Park)

Grey Heron 1

Cattle Egret 300 – for night

White-bellied Sea Eagle 1


Black Eagle 1

Hill Swallow 5

Market, Nuwara Eliya / Susanne

February 16th – Bodil

Nuwara Eliya morning Transport to Udawalawe via Ella and Surrey Udawalawe afternoon

Weather: Morning sunny 20 C. Udawalawe 32 C afternoon and late evening 27 C.

After a good night`s sleep in Hotel Leisure Village in Nuwara Eliya, we started off with some morning-birding in nearby Bohnory Elle. A couple of hours along a road through some “semi-forest” with among others endemics like Dull blue flycather, Sri Lanka White- eye, Yellow- eared Bulbul and Scarlet Mininvet, Crimson- backed Goldenback, Common Hawk Cockoo, Dark fronted Babbler, Pied Buschat – and a White-bellied Sea -Eagle disappearing through the trees. A nice and pleasant morning also with Layards squirrel and Leaf Monkey.

View of Adam´s Peak / Anders R

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We had breakfast at the hotel with nice views of tea-plantations, peanut-fields and in between small patches with leek and other vegetables.

After breakfast it was farewell to the highlands and a trip of 4-5 hours to Udawalawe National Park lies ahead. We pass the beautiful area around Ella with the breathtaking views south through the Ella-gap and a stop at a very beautiful waterfall. Later we have another stopover at a small patch of forest called Surrey.

We didn´t find Brown Wood Owl, which is sometimes seen here. Instead we saw Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Brown headed Barbet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill and Scarlet minivet. Later we stop and buy goods for the traditional beloved lunch – bread, banana, cola. Coming closer to Udawalawe we see Green beeeater, Black-winged Kite and the only Osprey of the trip. Later in the afternoon we arrive at Udawalawe and now temperatures have changed to more than 30 C, so first thing is a swim in the pool for the major part of the group.

Black-shouldered Kite with Crow / Anders R

After this we had a late-afternoon trip in the area. We saw the first of many elephants, but the area had lots of birds – among others Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Indian Roller, White-bellied Sea eagle, Coppersmith Barbet, Yellow -browed Bulbul and

Purple Sunbird. Back to the hotel for a nice buffet and the traditional Birdcall after an eventful day.

Birdlist – 16th Feb

Nuwara Eliya

Grey Heron 6-8

Cattle Egret 200+

Little Cormorant 25

Hill Swallow / Anders R


Whiskered Tern 1

Brown Shrike 1

Hill Swallow 5

Ashy Prinia 5

Blyths Reed Warbler 3

Pied Bushchat 4

Purple Sunbird 4

Great Tit 1


Bomburuella – forest near Nuwara Eliya


Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon 1

Emerald Dove 2

Common Hawk Cuckoo 2

Crimson-backed Goldenback 2

Greenish Warbler 2-3



Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher 3

Surrey forest

Shikra 1

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Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot 2


Layards Parakeet 4


Yellow-fronted Barbet 3


Scarlet Minivet 5-8


Black-hooded Oriole 2

Forest Wagtail 1

Grey Wagtail 3

White-browed Bulbul 3



Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler 2


Dull-blue Flycatcher 3


Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher 3




Crested Serpent Eagle / Anders R

En route:

Painted stork 1

Spot-billed Pelican 1

Brahminy Kite 11

Black eagle 3

Osprey 1


Whiskered Tern 25+

Green Bee-eater 5




Brahminy Kite / Anders R

Udawalawe

Indian Peafowl 10

Black-headed Ibis 1

Grey Heron 4

Indian Cormorant 500+

Kestrel 1

Brahminy Kite 15


Shikra 1


Booted Eagle 1


Yellow-wattled Lapwing 2


Marsh Sandpiper 1

Common Greenshank 3

Wood Sandpiper 1

Whiskered Tern 125+

Emerald Dove 1

20

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon 75-100

Imperial Dove 10



Grey-bellied Cuckoo 1

Asian Koel 1

Asian Palm Swift 5

House Swift 25+

Crested Treeswift 5

Indian Roller 2

Green Bee-eater 25



Coppersmith Barbet 5-8

Sri Lanka Woodshrike 1

Brown Shrike 1

Common Iora 4


Barn Swallow 1000+

Sri Lanka Swallow 1

Jerdons Bushlark 6-8

Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark 450


Grey-breasted Prinia 4

Ashy Prinia 2

Plain Prinia 4


White-browed Fantail 3


Yellow-eyed Babbler 6-8

Yellow-billed Babbler common

Rosy Starling 400+

Rosy Starling / Anton

Indian Robin 6

Thick-billed Flowerpecker 1

Purple Sunbird 5

Oriental White-eye common

Scaly-breasted Munia 10

Jeep-birding / Anton

February 17th - Vagn

Udawalawe whole day

Weather: Sunny 23-32 C.

The alarm clock was (again) set to 05.00, it is early but we were all set to go at 05.30.Two safari jeeps were waiting for us in front of the hotel. In the darkness we drove the 10 km to Udawalewe National Park entrance. Others had the same idea as us to visit the national Park this Friday morning because 10-15 other jeeps were there. Our driver did the paperwork and 10 minutes later we were ready to go exploring. The sky was starting to get pink and daylight would soon be here. We went into the park and turned off the main road. The first birds were spotted and also some elephants and we had also a great stop at a pool. Lots of white egrets were the first we saw there, but looking closer we spotted Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican. Breakfast was served at 9 o’clock under a big tree, which we had the pleasure of sharing with four elephants and a monkey in the tree. The monkey was trying to grab a lunch pack if possible. We were sitting there in peace and enjoying life but a Crested Hawk Eagle got us up on our feet again. The eagle landed in the tree, just three meters above our heads. What a treat! After 30 minutes we were off again, but we had to stop quite quickly because another Crested Hawk Eagle was sitting on the

21

ground eating a prey just five meters from the car. It took off into a small tree but we could still see it. The birds were not as active now as in the early morning, but we were still active watching the ground, the trees and the sky. Suddenly a Blue-faced Malkoha flew from the ground and into a tree. It took us some time to find it again in the tree but then it took off again into another tree and now we could all see it much better. Nothing new was spotted after this but we saw some Brown Shrikes along the road and we were back at the gate at 11 o'clock and now it was hot – 32 C. We drove back to Athinga Hotel, got lunch and had a break until 15.30.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Udawalawe / Hans

Back into the jeeps again and ready for yet another adventure. After 10 minutes we stopped outside a five star hotel and we were all wondering why? We jumped out of the jeeps and went to the parking area and in the top of a big tree we saw two Collared Scops Owls. They sat side by side looking down at us. I think we were the ones that were most happy about that meeting. Into the jeeps again and off to a wetland. New birds were spotted here, Caspian Tern, Purple Swamphen, Citrine Wagtail and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. We walked along the road for about one hour. Back to the hotel. A few went into the hotel, and the rest of the group went on a short night trip. We waited in the dark and the first thing that flew over us was flying foxes followed by a few Black-crowned Night Herons. We heard the Nightjars in the distance and suddenly one flew very low over our heads and was gone in a blink of an eye. Back to the hotel at 19.30 for dinner at 20.00 followed by birdcall. What an exciting day it had been with lots

of new birds and lovely nature. We were tired after a long day so we all went to bed quite early.

Storks and Herons, Udawalawe / Vagn

Birdlist – 17th Feb

Udawalawe-area

Barred Buttonquail 1 ad + 2 pullus

Indian Peafowl 25+

Lesser Whistling Duck 45

Painted Stork 28

Open-Billed Stork 11

Woolly-necked Stork 2

Lesser Adjutant 2


Spoonbill 20

Black-crowned Night Heron 12

Yellow Bittern 1

Black Bittern 3

Purple Heron 6

Cattle Egret 75


Little Egret 20


Great Cormorant 1

Darter 27

Black-winged Kite 8

Brahminy Kite 8


Grey-headed Fish Eagle 2



Purple Swamphen 4-6

Pheasant-tailed Jacana 8-10

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Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Udawalawe / Hans



Green Sandpiper 2

Wood Sandpiper 6

Little Ringed Plover 2

Kentish Plover 1

Lesser Sandplover 1

Marsh Sandpiper 4

Common Greenshank 6

Green Sandpiper 1

Wood Sandpiper 15-20

Common Sandpiper 1

Little Stint 1

Gull-billed Tern 9

Caspian Tern 1

Little Tern 8

Whiskered Tern 225+

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon common

Green Imperial Pigeon common

Rose-ringed Parakeet 700 – from nightroost


Asian Koel 1

Blue-faced Malkoha 1

Oriental Scops Owl 2

Alpine Swift 1

Palm Swift 5


Indian Roller 5-6

Green Bee-eater 50+

Blue-tailed Bee-eater 50+

White-Throated Kingfisher 5

Common Kingfisher 2

Pied Kingfisher 2


Coppersmith Barbet 10+

Malabar Pied Hornbill 18

Lesser Goldenback 1


Large Cuckooshrike 1

Small minivet 2

Brown Shrike 10+

Common Iora 8

Marshalls Iora 3

Barn Swallow 200

Red-rumped Swallow 2

Sri Lanka Swallow 2

Yellow Wagtail 20

Citrine Wagtail 3

Paddyfield Pipit common

Jerdons Bushlark common

Ashy-Crowned Sparrow Lark 10

Jungle Prinia 1

Ashy Prinia 4

Plain Prinia 10



Rosy Starling 250+

Indian Robin 25+

Purple-rumped Sunbird 10



Black-headed Munia 150-200

Malabar Pied Hornbill, Udawalawe / Vagn

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February 18th - Esben

Udawalawe – Tissa transport Tissa afternoon/evening Weather: Cloudy 23-30 C. Rain evening. We spent a couple of hours driving from Udawalewe to the coastal area around the town of Tissa. Near the town we stopped at a small house surrounded by palm-trees, rice-fields among others. In the house lived a mother and her daughter. She used to have a Jungle Owlet in the garden, but unfortuantely it was absent (we found it though at a later visit). There were other birds in the garden. Several trees had holes with parakeets and woodpeckers - Rose-ringed Parakeet, Lesser Flameback and White-napped Woodpecker. The latter had been mentioned earlier as the target-species of the day.

The professor holds a lecture. Visiting site for owl and woodpecker in Tissa where we had a nice time with mother and daughter who lived there / Hans

Kenneth also added Watercock as a bonus-species and one hour later we saw it at Tissa ponds as well as Pintail Snipe. However, Chandima got a tip from some local boys, with whom he cooperates, that a Brown Fish Owl could be found nearby. It was still present, when we got there. Perfect way to protect birds and nature – and the boys got their tip, and continue in this way to find and protect the birds. The boys also knew an area, where a nightjar might be present. So they followed us to an agricultural area with thorny bushes, where poorer people had a possibility with support from the government to get a piece of land and a possible income. Well, the

nightjar was there – not easy to see, but finally everyone got a closer look and pictures – Indian Nightjar.

Local boys helped us and Chandima finding the Brown Fish Owl, Tissa / Hans and Christian

Back at the ponds in Tissa we saw a strange behavior among Purple Swamphens. They stood close together looking to the center. A Great White Egret shared their interest, but we never found out, what was going on and still seek an explanation. After a late afternoon rest at Peacock Reach Hotel we visited another area of the Tissa Tank (dammed wetlands). We stopped in an area of very big Rain Trees. Hanging in the trees were more than thousand Flying Foxes and many of theese were flying around with a wingspan of up to 1,5 meters like big birds of prey. When darkness comes they fly out and leave the trees to roosting white herons. We also found new tour-species like Clamorous Reed Warbler and Ashy Woodswallow. At this evenings "bird call" we found that 14 new species was seen on this day and that we had now passed 200 species. However, the next day gave a major jump in the number of species.

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Birdlist – 18th Feb En route Udawalawe-Tissa

Indian Peafowl 4

Brahminy Kite 5

Shikra 1


Asian Koel 2

Palm Swift 20

House Swift 50+


White-breasted Kingfisher 10-15


Greenish Warbler 4

Indian Robin 3

Swamphens congregating for what? / Christian

Tissa and Tissa Ponds and surrounding areas

Indian Peafowl 3


Open-billed Stork 20

Painted Stork 8


Spoonbill 4

Yellow Bittern 8-10

Black Bittern 20


Cattle Egret 200+


Little Egret 3

Purple Heron 15


Little Cormorant 15

Indian Cormorant 450

Darter 25

Black-winged Kite 2

Brahminy Kite 25+


Black Bittern, Tissa / Christian

Shikra 3

Booted Eagle 1

White-breasted Waterhen 25+

Watercock 4

Purple Swamphen 110

Pheasant-tailed Jacana 60

Great Thick-knee 3



Pintail Snipe 9

Black-tailed Godwit 1

Redshank 2-4

Marsh Sandpiper 2

Green Sandpiper 3

Wood Sandpiper 10-15

Common Sandpiper 2

Gull-billed Tern 10+

Caspian Tern 9

Little Tern 25+

Whiskered Tern 100+

White-winged Tern 2

Whiskered Tern, Tissa / Christian

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Serious birding in Tissa / Christian

Emerald Dove 5

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon 2

Rose-ringed Parakeet 430 (for night-roost)

Brown Fish Owl 1

Indian Nightjar 1

Asian Koel 1

Greater Coucal 2

Crested Treeswift 3



White-throated Kingfisher 25+

Common Kingfisher 2

Pied Kingfisher 3


Coppersmith Barbet 2

White-naped Woodpecker 1

Sri Lanka Lesser Flameback 3


Brown Shrike 1

Common Iora 2


House Crow 100+

Large-billed Crow 100+

Ashy Woodswallow 5

Yellow Wagtail 2

Plain Prinia 2

Zitting Cisticola 10

Clamorous Reed Warbler 2


Greenish Warbler 4

Indian Robin 2

Lotens Sunbird 1

Purple Sunbird 5

Streaked Weaver 40

Baya Weaver 25

Scaly-breasted Munia 200+

Black-headed Munia 100+

Crested Treeswift / Anders R

February 19th – Anders I Bundala half day Kataragama afternoon Tissa late afternoon Weather: Rain early, clearing and 23-26 C.

The alarm woke us up at 5:05 am. Anders R tells Hans, that he has misunderstood the term ‘vacation’, and Hans answers: “Seize the Day!”. We left the hotel at 5:30 am, in two Jeeps, towards Bundala National Park. We arrived at 6am, where we went to a big lookout-spot for watching birds. Because it was raining, we had our breakfast here. This National Park is really something to recommend, because of the huge variety of beautiful birds. Also, there were not that many other people, which of course is a plus.

The rain stopped but it was a cool day – just around 25 C. Lots of birds in the park. Not the most beautiful but the rarest was a Knob-billed Duck – should be the first sighting in Sri Lanka for eight years.

26

Odd-looking Black-winged Stilt, Bundala / Christian

We went to the sea and got permission to go outside the jeeps and walk in an area of saltpans. Here were also a lot of birds – terns and waders mainly. Among these Small Pratincoles, an odd-looking Black-winged Stilt (Australian?) and a very fine Red-necked Stint.

Coastal area of Bundala National Park / Hans

Back at the hotel at 1:15 pm everyone got a “Sri Lanka Omelet” and a little swim in the pool.

At 3:15 pm, nine persons of the group went on a cultural trip instead of looking at birds, to the Kataragama Temple. This is an interesting area where different religions share the place with temples - we recommend this visit. The remainder of the group continued finding birds around the Tissa tanks and we all met there to end the day.

After rice ń curry and some Lion Beer we had bird call at 8:20 pm. Nine new species and the total number of species seen so far was 231.

Ceremony at Kataragama / Hans

Birdlist 19th Feb

Bundala


Indian Peafowl 50+

Lesser Whistling Duck 200+

Knob-billed Duck 1

Cotton Pygmy Goose 1

Pintail 120

Garganey 27

Painted Stork 50

Asian Openbill 50-100

Lesser Adjutant 1


Glossy Ibis 10

Spoonbill 1

Yellow Bittern 4

Black Bittern 5


Purple Heron 15

Great Egret 5

Cattle Egret 250


Knob-billed Duck in Bundala / Christian

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Painted Stork, Bundala / Christian

Little Egret 5

Western Reef Heron 1


Little Grebe 10

Darter 100+

Kestrel 1

Brahminy Kite 20+


Shikra 2

Besra 1

Crested Hawk Eagle 3

Watercock 1

Pacific Golden Plover / Hans

Purple Swamphen 150+

Common Moorhen 10

Coot 7

Pheasant-tailed Jacana 500+

Indian Thick-knee 10+

Great Thick-knee 8

Black-winged Stilt 200+


Red-wattled Lapwing common

Pacific Golden Plover 20

Grey Plover 5


Kentish Plover 20

Lesser Sandplover 30

Pintailed Snipe 8


Whimbrel 1

Spotted Redshank 3

Great Thick-knee / Anders R

Redshank 50+

Marsh Sandpiper 50+

Greenshank 20+

Green Sandpiper 1

Wood Sandpiper 40

Common Sandpiper 5

Ruddy Turnstone 20+

Rednecked Stint 1

Little Stint 300+

Temmincks stint 1

Curlew Sandpiper 75

Ruff 9

Red-necked Phalarope 1

Small Pratincole 3

Gull-billed Tern 40+

Caspian Tern 90

Sandwich Tern 10-15

Greater Crested Tern 12

Little Tern 50+

Whiskered Tern 500+

White-winged Tern 15-20

Collared Dove 2

28

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Bundala / Christian

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon 10


Greater Coucal 4

Jerdons Nightjar 1

House Swift 10-15


Brown Shrike 2

Green Bee-eater 25

Blue-tailed Bee-eater common


Common Kingfisher 3

Pied Kingfisher 4

Hoopoe 2


Common Iora 5


Sand Martin 20

Barn Swallow 2000

Yellow Wagtail 50

Citrine Wagtail 2

Paddyfield Pipit 3

Ibisses in Bundala / Christian

Jerdons Bushlark 2

Oriental Skylark 4

Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark 10


Plain Prinia 10

Clamorous Reed Warbler 5-10


Rosy Starling 150+

Magpie Robin 5

Indian Robin 5

Streaked Weaver 3

Baya Weaver 10-15

Eg-stealing Mongoose, Bundala / Christian

Tissa Ponds and around

Cotton Pygmy Goose 2

Spoonbill 2

Yellow Bittern 1

Black Bittern 10



Shikra 4

Watercock 3

Common Moorhen 6

Asian Koel 4


White-naped Woodpecker 1


Small Minivet 3

Brown Shrike 2

Jerdons Leafbird 1


Ashy Woodswallow 3

Jungle Prinia 1

29


Streaked Weaver 5

Baya Weaver 10

Kataragama



Grey Wagtail 1




Watercock, Bundala / Christian

February 20th - Bodil

Yala whole day

Weather: Rain, but quickly dry, 24-32 C

Up at 5 oćlock and departure from the hotel half an hour later towards Yala National Park, where we will stay the rest of the day. We split into two jeeps with walkie-talkies as connection.

Queueing up for the Leopard / Hans

Rain when we leave the hotel, but this stops, when we reach the park-entrance.

At the entrance we see that many others are visiting the park. But we go our own ways, after having seen a couple of Jackals at the gate, searching for birds, that quickly turn up in groups of Black- Tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper and others. It is easy to get very close to the birds, so lots of pictures are taken. Yala is very welknown for its animals and along the roads we see lots of Spotted Deer, Water Buffalos, Mongoose and suddenly it is announced that a Leopard is nearby. However, when we arrive, we are not the only ones there. Lots of jeeps on the muddy roads create quite a few funny situations. But people pass the leopard (lying in a tree) slowly and everyone gets to see the cat. We turn around and pass the area once more for another view. For people travelling without binoculars, however, views are limited – but everybody in our group got their cat! Nice to have seen this during the morning, so we are more relaxed when we continue our birding, among others seeing a Blue-faced Malkoha.

Siesta at Indian Ocean, Yala / Hans

Lunch was ”homecooked” by the wife of one of the drivers. Delicious Rice and curry with chicken in a nice setting at the ocean. We cool in the Indian Ocean, but swimming here is to dangerous because of the currents. After a couple of hours ´siesta´ we continue our birding. We see that many of the morning tourists have left the park and the tracks are much more deserted now. We boost our tourlist with Sirkeer Malkoha , two Black-necked Storks (There should only be three birds in the whole of Sri Lanka), three Jacobin Cuckoo, Brahminy Starling, Barred buttonquail and others.

30

Black-necked Stork in Yala / Hans

A great ending to a great day in Yala. Tired but with lots of fantastic experiences we return to the hotel for another great meal. Some even end the day in the swimmingpool with another cold Lion Beer.

Birdlist 20th Feb

Yala

Barred Buttonquail 9

Sri Lanka Junglefowl 20+

Indian Peafowl 50+


Painted Stork 15-20

Asian Openbill 15


Black-necked Stork 2

Lesser Adjutant 2

Black-headed Ibis common

Spoonbill 6

Grey Heron 6

Asian Openbill / Anders R

Purple Heron 5

Great Egret 5

Cattle Egret common


Little Egret 20


Darter 50+

Little Grebe 2

Kestrel 2

Brahminy Kite 12



Shikra 4

Besra 1


Crested Hawk Eagle 3-4

Jungle- and Peafowl in Yala / Hans


Purple Swamphen common

Pheasant-tailed Jacana 100+

Great Thick-knee 15



Red-wattled Lapwing common

Pacific Golden Plover 15


Kentish Plover 3

Lesser Sandplover 35

Greater Sandplover 1

Pintailed Snipe 8


Redshank 10

Marsh Sandpiper 15

Wood Sandpiper 20

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Marsh Sandpiber / Anders R

Green Sandpiper 2

Common Sandpiper 3

Ruddy Turnstone 3

Little Stint 20

Curlew Sandpiper 5

Small Pratincole 3

Gull-billed Tern 35

Caspian Tern 4

Sandwich Tern 1


Little Tern 75+

Whiskered Tern 100+

White-winged Tern 1

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon 100+


Pied Kingfisher and Little Cormorant / Anders R

Jacobine Cuckoo 3



Sirkeer Malkoha 2

Greater Coucal 4


Crested Treeswift 100+

Indian Roller 2

Green Bee-eater common

Blue-tailed Bee-eater common


Common Kingfisher 2

Pied Kingfisher 3

Hoopoe 7

Indian Elephant / Bodil


Sri Lanka Woodshrike 5-8

Small Minivet 3

Brown Shrike 25

Common Iora 5-10


Largebilled Crow 25

Sri Lanka Swallow 1

Ashy Drongo 1

Yellow Wagtail 10

Paddyfield Pipit 5-10

Jerdons Bushlark 10-20

White-browed Bulbul 8-10

Plain Prinia common


White-browed Fantail 12-14


Brahminy Starling 1

Rosy Starling 50+

Magpie Robin 3

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White-rumped Shama 2

Indian Robin common

Asian Brown Flycatcher 3

Thick-billed Flowerpecker 1

Purple-rumped Sunbird 10+

Purple Sunbird 20+


House Sparrow 3


Black-headed Munia 50+

Magpie Robin / Anders R

February 21st - Søren

Tissa – Sinharaja transport Sinharaja - entrance afternoon

Weather: Mostly sunny and 25-30 C.

This day we had a slow morning. Some had a long sleep, others were up earlier handling their luggage, as we were moving to Sinharaja this day. After breakfast some had a quick view at a lake behind the hotel, which turned out to be a hotspot for Watercock. We left the Tissa hotel at 9 AM. Three hours transport began with Jungle Owlet, a species we missed the other day. The lady who lived there, was at home as her daughter was ill. However, se was doing her homework lying on the floor in the kitchen. A high moral seldom seen in our part of the world.

Having ticked this owl we continued. On the way we saw some raptors, among others a Black Eagle eating some kapok, rockwool or was it an animal – we couldn´t decide. We passed through the Sri Lankan cultural landscape, dominated by tea platations, fruit-trees and rice-fields. In between we see small patches of the original nature, but it is a rare sight outside the national parks. After we had arrived at Rock View Motel, we had lunch before continuing the main entrance to Sinharaja about 20 minutes from the hotel. Sri Lankan Blue Magpie was quickly seen to the great joy of all of us – John not the least. After this a Sri Lankan Frog-Mouth was found. And easily species number 240 was in the book. A bit tough is was though, as some of us had to remove leeches from the bloody legs and feet. We were not properly dressed – leech-socks was part of the dresscode the next day. After dinner we were entertained at the hotel by local people dancing and singing. A tradition that still lives in the area – among others as part of healing.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sinharaja / Bodil

Birdlist 21st Feb

Tissa area

Asian Openbill 10+


Darter 25

Brahminy Kite 5

33

Shikra 6-8

Asian Koel 2

Jungle Owlet 1-2

Indian Swiftlet 100

Palm Swift 75



Square-tailed Drongo, Sinharaja / Christian

En route towards Sinharaja

Asian Openbill 10

Brahminy Kite 12



Shikra 7



Black Eagle 3

White-throated Kingfisher 10+

Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sinharaja / Christian

Sinharaja – entrance and hotel


Hanging Parrot 15

Sri Lanka Frogmouth 2


Sri Lanka Blue Magpie 6

Square-tailed Drongo 5



February 22nd - Kenneth

Sinharaja whole day

Weather: Sunny with a little evening-rain, 23-32 C.

Today was the day we had to round up the last of the endemic species. We sat of just before dawn heading to the most sacred place on Sri Lanka for birders - the Sinharaja Rainforest. On our way up the mountain in our 60 year old jeep we saw the first species including Plum-headed Parakeet which we had missed out on before and the Sri Lanka Hill Myna. After a quick lunch we went into the rainforest.

Black-hooded Oriole in Sinharaja / Christian

We saw a few Spot-winged Thrushes but apart from that it was surprisingly quiet. Our young but extremely competent eagle eye Park-Ranger very calmly rounded up a lot of the endemic species. Finally we were only missing the Sri Lanka Thrush. During the break at the Education Center in the park, Søren and Kenneth continued birding which payed of. After a lot of hard work they found a beautiful Sri Lanka Thrush inside the forest. The others were quickly gathered and with expert help from our young Park-Ranger everyone got to see the Thrush. On our way out of the rainforest we were all happy and satisfied when our young Ranger suddenly stroke again very close to the exit of the forest. He found a couple of very

34

cooperative Red-Faced Malkohas that everyone were able to see very clearly. A great end to an amazing morning and a huge thank you to the young Park-Ranger - finally a guide who knew his birds.

The afternoon included relaxation at the hotel and for some a walk down to the local river where they had a nice experience sailing on a raft made out of bamboo.

Red-faced Malkoha in Sinharaja / Christian

Birdlist 22nd Feb

Sinharaja

Sri Lanka Spurfowl 1


Indian Peafowl 1

Cattle Egret 100+ (evening)

Great Egret 20


Grey Heron 1

Indian Pond Heron 2

Little Cormorant 4

Shikra 3



Black Eagle 1


Emerald Dove 3

Sri Lanka Green Pigeon 25+

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot 25+


Rose-ringed Parakeet common

Plum-headed Parakeet 4

Layards Parakeet 5

Red-faced Malkoha 3

Greater Coucal 5

Green-billed Coucal 3

Sri Lanka Frogmouth 2

Chestnut-backed Owlet 1


Palm Swift common

House Swift 15




Malabar Trogon 1

Brown-headed Barbet common

Yellow-fronted Barbet common

Lesser Yellownape 2

Crimson-backed Goldenback 3

Indian Pitta 1

Black-headed Cuckooshrike 6

Small Minivet 3

Scarlet Minivet 4


Brown Shrike 2

Common Iora 5



Wide-water-rafting or the local ferry / Hans

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Sri Lanka Swallow 15+

White-bellied Drongo 10

Sri Lanka Drongo 4

Black-capped Bulbul 4-5



Square-tailed Bulbul common


Green/Greenish Warbler 1

Large-billed Leaf Warbler 1

Black-naped Monarch 4


Brown-capped Babbler 2



Yellow-billed Babbler 25

Ashy-headed Laughingthrush 25

Sri Lanka Hill Myna 15

White-faced Starling 15

Spot-winged Thrush 3

Sri Lanka Thrush 3

Magpie Robin 2

Indian Robin 2


Legges Flowerpecker 5





Black-throated Munia 5

Breakfast in Sinharaja / Anders R

February 23rd - Christian

Sinharaja whole day

Weather: Partly cloudy, 24-30 C.

5:30 a.m. – it is still dark outside at Rock View Motel but everybody is ready to sing a song - a birthday-song for John who passes 60 years today. The plan for today is a tour up the mountain in Sinharaja NP. Our normal bus cannot make the tour and therefore two jeeps are ready instead, one of the jeeps has been on the road for more than 50 years. It coughs a bit when it starts and thick black smoke from the exhaust tells that the engine has had better days.

Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sinharaja / Christian

We get well together on the tour up the narrow bumpy mountain road; the aim for this tour is among others to get the last of the 34 endemic species – the Crimson-fronted Barbet and finding the Spurfowl. The jeeps stop in front of a house where Chandima knows the family and he knows that the family sometimes is able to get Sri Lanka Spurfowl close to the house by feeding the bird. We arrange ourselves inside and outside the house. The owner of the house throws a few handfuls of rice in the little area that is the border to the forest with a little stream in the bottom. There is not much light, one quarter passes and nothing happens. A little bird shows up near the stream, it is a female Indian Blue Robin, not bad, and shortly after is it followed by a Spot-winged Thrush. A bigger bird is coming closer, could it be the Sri-Lanka Spurfowl? No, a hen of Sri Lanja Junglefowl with a chicken enters the scene in order to get some of the spread rice – but then something happens. A pair of Sri Lanka Junglefowl comes into sight and the sound of a lot

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of cameras is heard. The goodies have not finished yet, now both Emerald Dove and Indian Pitta show up – what a tremendous morning.

Sinharaja birding / Anton

It is time to enjoy the breakfast packets we have brought with us. We are invited to enjoy it in the garden and we all got comfortable seats on garden chairs kindly provided by the owners of the house. The talking is in high spirits and a Dutch birder who is together with us this morning gets a briefing about our observations. We still miss the last of the endemics. But suddenly as we are sitting with the breakfast firstly the Yellow-fronted Barbet turns up and shortly after that the very long awaited Crimson-fronted Barbet. The plate is full!

We thank the very welcoming family for the experiences this early morning and start walking further up the mountain along the road where we pass more houses surrounded by banana and coconut palms. Above the mountains a couple of Black Eagles is spotted.

School-kids in Sinharaja / Hans

The temperature has markedly increased and after about one hours walk we return to the jeeps in order to go back to the hotel. But before that we will make a stop at Hotel Blue Magpie because Chandima has heard that the shy Slaty-legged Crake might be there.

We arrange so that we have view to what is like a stream for wastewater; but unfortunately, after half an hour we realize that the bird does not intend to come out this time. We leave but decide to try later in the afternoon. We return to the hotel for siesta. When we later in the afternoon return to the crake-place the hotel has got Danish visitors travelling with Viktors Farmor and while we search for the crake we have nice talks and exchange of experiences. The weather is changing and it seems as if it will be raining, but before the rain comes we reach to enjoy a couple of very active Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters. Some decided to walk and others to go by jeep when we return to the park entrance where we have a reunion with the very beautiful Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. This is the day where hundreds of school children in their nice uniforms are on tour to the park. They are leaving and have to find the right bus to take them down the mountain. The children are very nice and want to take photos of us with their smartphones.

John turned sixty / Susanne

In the evening the table is prepared for celebration of John’s birthday and Bodil has arranged that we get wine for the dinner. Anders has brought his okulele and songbook so that we can sing together. But we have hardly started singing the first song before the light is off, bad – but then suddenly the hotel staff enter singing Happy Birthday while they carry a big birthday cake. Indeed, John was celebrated.

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Birdlist 23rd Feb

Sinharaja and hotel

Sri Lanka Spurfowl 2


Asian Openbill 4

Painted Stork 1

Black-headed Ibis 1

Shahin (Peregrine) Falcon 2

Brahminy Kite 3

Shikra 3



Black Eagle 6

Rufous-bellied Eagle 1

Rufous-bellied Eagle at Rock View Motel / Anders R


Legges Hawk Eagle 3


Emerald Dove 20+

Sri Lanka Green Pigeon 5

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot 45


Plum-headed Parakeet 4

Layards Parakeet 10


Asian Koel 11

Greater Coucal 3

Indian Nightjar 1


House Swift 25

Crested Treeswift 7



Emerald Dove, Sinharaja / Christian



Crimson-fronted Barbet 3


Lesser Goldenback 3

Indian Pita 3

Small Minivet 28

Scarlet Minivet 14


Brown Shrike 5




Grey Wagtail 2


Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike / Anders R

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Sri Lanka Drongo 1

Grey Wagtail 3



Green Warbler 1


Orange-billed Babbler 30+

Ashy-headed Laughingthrush 10

Sri Lanka Hill Myna 10

Spot-winged Thrush 2

Indian Blue Robin 1

Legges Flowerpecker 10



Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Sinharaja / Christian

February 24th - Susanne

Sinharaja – Mirissa transport

Weather: 28 C dropping to 25 C.

Today’s plan was to leave Sinharaja in order to go to Mirissa on the island’s South coast. We planned to leave at 9:30 a.m. so we had time for a last walk in the area for those that didn’t prefer a long morning sleep. Some of us decided to walk up the about 200 steps to the top of the hillside opposite the hotel. There was a small Buddhist temple halfway up the hillside and what looked like a temple school on the top. It was a quiet morning. We met no people except a man with his broom. It meant that the sound of Jungle fowls calling each other was very clear. The finding of the dry skin of an about 2 meter long Cobra snake told us that they can be met in the area. Among other birds on the hill side

this morning were Leafbirds, Lesser Yellownape and Black-hooded Oriole.

The teams from Sri Lanka Birdring and Rock View Motel outside the Motel near Sinharaja / Hans

When the luggage was packed in the back of the bus we said goodbye to the staff on Rock View Hotel and were ready for new experiences on the next destination. Shortly after start we stopped in a small town because someone meant they have seen munias but outside the bus we couldn’t find the birds. This was the only stop for birds on the about three hours’ drive. It didn’t mean that there were no birds on the tour, many raptors were seen in the air from the bus.

And now to something completely different, the Mirissa beach / Hans

Mirissa showed up to be a much busier place than the other places we have stayed at. Hans had told us this on beforehand and we had to admit that he was right. The first thing that was different was that we saw mosques and Muslim dressed people at the edge of town. Here were Muslims, Buddhists and

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Hindus living even more mixed than we have seen before. In town we could see that the density of tourists were much higher than before on our tour. The bus took us into a small street and when the gate in front of Paradise Club Hotel was moved away we had a fantastic view through the hotel lobby right to the beach and the sea. We were surprised – this was very different from what we have tried before on this tour and on previous tours with this group.

Not very long after arrival most of us met on the beach ready for bathing but we quickly found out that we had to take care of the big waves. They were very high and powerfull so it was easy to get thrown around in the water. When or if we had enough of the waves we continued bathing in the pool. The water in both the sea and the pool was warmer than any of us had tried before in sea or pool.

The team on Mirissa Beach

The rest of the day was spent with individual bathing, shopping or enjoying the pulsating life in the little town. The volleyball was aired on the beach and attacked people from different other countries or parts of the world and made much fun for all that participated.

We were in a hotel on the beach and decided to “go all in”. We ended the day with a walk in the sand along the beach to a bar where we all got Mojitos as good night drinks.

Birdlist 24th Feb Rock View Hotel (morning)


Shikra 1


House Swift 15


Lesser Yellownape 3






Magpie Robin 4

En route to Mirissa

Brahminy Kite 4

Shikra 7



Black Eagle 3

Mirissa

Brahminy Kite 1


Little Tern 20+

February 25th - Esben Mirissa whole day

Weather: Cloudy with no wind, later showers, 25-28 C.

About seven oćlock we sailed out of the harbour in Mirissa with its colourful fishing boats. In spite of a not too optimistic weather forecast we had splendid conditions. No rain and almost no wind. Chadima had booked a boat just for us and with a very skilled captain. Other whale-tourists were in boats that were too filled-up with people and the boats allmost laid down on one side when everybody wanted to see something on one side of the ship. The main target was to find a Blue whale.

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Observation platform / Hans

They are often seen near the slope where the ocean gets deeper about one hour south of the coast of Sri Lanka. On the way scattered shoals of fish made options for some observations. First a group of Whiskered Terns. A bigger shoal was located around four fishing boats and a group of perhaps 100 small but beautiful Spinner dolphins gathered there. Some of the dolphins really made a spin above the surface. Even a Swordfish jumped out of the water. Later we had good views of a Olive Ridley Turtle.

Olive-Ridley Turtle / Christian

After one hour we began looking for whales. First we spotted some Bridled Terns. Short after 8 oćlock we saw spout from a whale at a distance. While the other boats went quickly back we stayed in the area the next three hours watching this whale. After a dive of approx. 15 minutes the whale could be seen for two or three minutes. This we saw twelwe times and each time we saw the spouts of up to twelwe times. We also saw the poo from the whale. This was bright orange, the color probably coming from crustaceans, it has eaten. That it was the same whale over and over again we could see,

because it had certain marks on the tail. On the tail we could see some sucking-fish (ramore) and on the small dorsal fin was a Cutter shark. A patrolboat from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard checked that we didn´t go closer than we were allowed. While following the whale we saw some Sooty Terns and on the way back a group of Bottle-nosed dolphins. We were even surprised by the serving of saugeses and an omeletsandwich – nice and tasty. We also spotted several Flying-fish and another group of Spinner dolphins playing around and under the boat. A Common Tern and one more Swordfish were seen before arriving at harbour again at 12 oćlock after what turned out to be an amazing trip.

Spinner Dolphins / Hans

The rest of the day we behaved like common tourists around the hotel and visiting the town. We even found out that the prime minister was staying in the same hotel and even dining in the same room as we did. We had a fairly spicy dinner and after this we walked to the last bar on the beach having a late night drink on the beach surrounded by a lot of Hermit crabs. Birdlist 25th Feb Hvaltur fra Mirissa

Gull-billed Tern 1


Common Tern 1

Little Tern 25

Whiskered Tern 125

Bridled Tern 40

Sooty Tern 4

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Spout from the Blue Whale / Christian

Mirissa



February 26th - John

Mirissa and a daytrip to Galle

Weather: Showers and later heavy rainfall in Galle. 25 C rising to 33 C in Galle.

After a quick swim either in the pool or the ocean we had breakfast at 8 oćlock. A buffet of different local things – but you could also choose more ”common” stuff like egg and bacon etc. Everything just fine except for the coffee – choose tea instead.

At 9.30 we left for Galle, an interesting town on the southwestern corner of the island built in the 17th century by the dutch and portuguise.

The old fort built mainly by the dutch is what makes Galle an attraction. UNESCO has placed it on the list of “World Heritage Sites”, and it is visited by quite a

lot of people – foreigners as well as locals. Many of these come there for weddings and other celebrations. There is a wall all around this original town. We walked this wall and saw different birds here – terns and waders, among others Lesser Crested Tern. We tried to find a gull for our list, but didn´t succeed. We also found a reef-shark, but we had also time for shopping – jewelry and cricket t-shirts among others. A new sport was introduced tuk-tuk-polo. Small tuk-tuk driving around on a field with goals. Really odd and funny, especially when very heavy rain began in the afternoon and made the whole thing a really muddy mess!

Tuk-tuk polo in Galle / Christian

Back in Mirissa John discovered that some turtle-eggs have hatched on the beach very close to the hotel. Small turtles were doing their best to reach the ocean. Most succeeded as there are no gulls here. Many people gathered to see this – a great ending to the day. The turtles turned out to be Olive-shield Turtle. Dinner once again as a buffet followed by cold drinks on a bar near the sea.

On the old walls of Galle / Hans

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Bird-watching in Galle / Anders R

Birdlist 26th Feb

Mirissa

Striated Heron 1

Great Egret 1

Little Egret 1

Whimbrel 1

Gull-billed Tern 5


Little Tern 50+

Whiskered Tern 325



Gull-billed Tern / Anders R

Galle

Striated Heron 2

Brahminy Kite 3

Shikra 3

Lesser Sand Plover 6

Common Sandpiper 6

Ruddy Turnstone 2

Gull-billed Tern 25

Lesser Crested Tern 2


Little Tern 45

Whiskered Tern 30


Brown Shrike 1


Sri Lanka Swallow 3


Buying and selling –Tuna and Marlin / Hans

February 27th – Vagn

Mirissa morning Transport to Colombo Airport

Weather: Sunny, 25-30 C.

A lazy morning where we slept until 07.30 and had breakfast at 8.00. The weather forecast said cloudy but still warm weather. After breakfast we went into "getting ready for travelling home - mood". Getting all the clothes and gear organized and packed. We had one last swim in the Indian Ocean and a last one in the swimming pool. Some visited the harbour where lots of big fish were brought in – tunas, Swordfish and others. So everybody was engaged in the following auction.

We had a sandwich and a coke right on the beach and at 12 o'clock we were all set to go. Driving north to Colombo and in Colombo we picked up Chandima. He brought gifts for us. We all got a cup with different pictures of birds on them and a

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Fishing boats in Mirissa / Christian

certificate that confirmed that we had found all the 34 endemic birds of Sri Lanka. After a warm and long goodby to Chandima and his crew, we were ready to enter the airport at 15.30. Getting the suitcases on their way, then security and we were ready to go back home. Then came the big moment where we have to see who the winner of our everlasting competition was? Who had made the best guess about how many species we had seen? From other reports we could see that 220 - 230 was a good number of birds and the highest number in the group was 245 which was put in by Bodil. All in all we saw 255 so we have a winner - Bodil. Another fantastic bird trip is coming to an end. Sri Lanka was “greater” and more beautiful than we expected. We found and saw all the 34 endemic birds and most of them we saw well, more than once and by the entire group. Some of the things I will take with me from lovely Sri Lanka are all the nice smiles and "hellos" we got.

Dolphins, Mirissa / Bodil

People in Sri Lanka are very friendly and nice and they are always trying to help in a nice way. I will

remember the great nature, the animals and all the lovely birds we saw, not to forget all good food and cold beers. Thank you Sri Lanka, for the birds, the blue whale, the small turtles on our beach and and and. You gave us way more that we could ever imagine. Birdlist 27th Feb

Mirissa (spredt obs)

Striated Heron 6

Brahminy Kite 2

Shikra 4

Little Tern 10

Whiskered Tern 50


Asian Koel 2


En route Mirissa-Colombo

Great Egret 1


Peregrine 1

Brahminy Kite 34

Shikra 7




Colombo


Brahminy Kite 3

The Sri Lanka Junglefowl The national bird of Sri Lanka / Anders

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Bird List for Sri Lanka

Galliformes etc

Sri Lanka Spurfowl (EN) Galloperdix bicalcarata | Sri Lanka-sporehøne

Seen and heard at the classic site in Sinharaja, 22/1 1 heard and 22/2 2 seen.

Sri Lanka Junglefowl (EN) Gallus lafayettii | Sri Lanka-junglehøne

The national bird of Sri Lanka. Totally about 50 birds seen: 12/2 2 Kitulgala, 19/2 10 Bundala, 20/2 20+ Yala, 22-24/2 10-15 Sinharaja-area.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus | Påfugl

Common and more than 150 birds seen mainly in lowland areas. Highest counts 16-17/2 40 Udawalawe, 19/2 50+ Bundala, 20/2 50+ Yala.

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator | Kampløbehøne

Noted as follows: 17/2 1 ad + 2 pull Udawalawe and 20/2 9 Yala.

Barred Buttonquail / Christian

Ducks

Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica | Træand

Noted as follows: 17/2 45 Udawalawe, 18/2 30 Tissa, 19/2 200+ Bundala and 20/2 10 Yala.

Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus | Indisk Dværgand

Just three birds, 19/2 Bundala 1 and Tissa 2.

Cotton Pygmy Goose, Tissa / Anton

Northern Pintail Anas acuta | Spidsand

Just seen at Bundala with 120 birds 19/2.

Garganey Anas querquedula | Atlingand

Just seen at Bundala with 27 birds 19/2.

Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos | Knopgås

One bird seen at Bundala 19/2. First time this bird is seen in the country for eight years.

Storks, Ibises and Herons

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala | Indisk Skovstork

More than 100 birds seen. Highest numbers 17/2 28 Udawalawe, 19/2 50+ Bundala and 20/2 15-20 Yala.

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans | Asiatisk Gabebæb

Around 150 birds seen. Highest counts 19/2 50-100 Bundala, 20/2 15 Yala, 21/2 10+ Tissa and 10 enroute to Sinharaja.

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Painted Stork / Bodil

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus | Uldhalsstork

Quite scarce with only five birds seen, 17/2 2 Udawalawe, 19/2 2 Kataragama and 20/2 1 Yala.

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus | Sorthalset Stork

Only three birds are said to be left in the country, so two birds seen in Yala 20/2 is a high count.

Lesser Adjudant in Yala / Anders R

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus | Lille Adjudant

Five birds is perhaps more than expected, 17/2 2 Udawalewe, 19/2 1 Bundala and 20/2 2 Yala.

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus | Indisk Ibis

Common and more than 300 birds seen. Highest counts at Bundala and Yala.

Black-headed Ibis / Anders R

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus | Sort Ibis

Not common and only seen at Bundala – 10 birds 19/2.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia | Skestork

A total of 32 birds seen with 17/2 20 Udawalewe, 18/2 4 and 19/2 2 Tissa, 19/2 1 Bundala and 20/2 6 Yala.

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis | Okkergul Dværghejre

Totally 15 birds noted - 17/2 1 near Udawalawe, 18-19/2 10 Tissa and 19/2 4 Bundala.

Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis | Sort Dværghejre

Quite common and more than 40 birds seen as follows: 12-14/2 3 Kitulgala, 16/2 4 near Udawalawe, 18-19/2 30 Tissa and 19/2 5 Bundala.

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Yellow Bittern / Vagn

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax | Nathejre

17/2 12 Udawalawe, 19/2 5 Bundala and a few round Tissa.

Striated Heron Butorides striata / Mangrovehejre

Seven birds in Mirissa and two in Galle.

Striated Heron / Anders R

Indian Pond Heron

Ardeola grayii | Rishejre

Several birds (25-30) seen in the evenings at Kitulgala and a few at Sinharaja.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus | Østlig Kohejre

Very common almost everywhere. Highest counts: Kitulgala 200+, Nuwara Eliya 500+, Udawalawe 75+, Tissa 250+, Bundala 300+, Yala 200+, Sinharaja 100+.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea | Fiskehejre

A total of 20 birds seen. Highest numbers Nuwara Eliya 6-8, Udawalawe 4 and Yala 6.

Purple Heron, Tissa / Hans

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea | Purpurhejre

More than 40 birds noted, Udawalawe 6, Tissa 15, Bundala 15, Yala 5.

Great Egret Ardea alba | Sølvhejre

Around 50 birds noted, probably several more seen. Maximum 15 Udawalewe and 20 Sinharaja.

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia | Mellemhejre

Common. Highest counts Udawalewe 50, Bundala 50, Sinharaja 80.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta | Silkehejre

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Common. Highest counts 15 Udawalewe and 20 Yala.

Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis | Revhejre

One bird seen at Bundala 19/2.

Weatern Reef Heron, Bundala / Hans

Pelican, Cormorant and Darter

Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis | Grå Pelikan

Quite common and more than 80 birds seen - Udawalewe 8, Tissa 55, Bundala 5, Yala 10, Colombo 4.

Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger | Javaskarv

Quite common and 60 birds noted. Nuwara Eliya 25 and Bundala 15 plus others.

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis | Indisk Skarv

Very Common – 500-1000 Udawalewe and 450 Tissa.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo | Skarv

Just this one bird, 17/2 lake near Udawalewe.

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster | Indisk Slangehalsfugl

Common, 27 Udawalewe, 50 Tissa, 100 Bundala and 50+ Yala.

Darter and Little Cormorant in Bundala / Christian

Falcons and birds of prey

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus | Tårnfalk

Quite scarce and six birds noted, 15/2 2 Horton´s Plain, 17/2 1 Udawalawe, 19/2 1 Bundala and 20/2 2 Yala.

Shahin (Peregrine) Falcon Falco peregrinus | Vandrefalk

Shahin Falcon (peregrinator) the local breeding race/species, which is very reddish in plumage was seen on these occasions – 12/2 2 Kitulgala, 23/2 2 Sinharaja and 27/2 1 en route Mirissa-Colombo.

Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus | Fiskeørn

One bird seen east of Udawalawe 16/2.

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus | Blå Glente

12 birds seen as follows – 14/2 1 from the train towards Nanu Oya, 15/2 1 Horton´s Plain, 17/2 8 Udawalawe and 18/2 2 Tissa.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus | Brahminglente

Common and around 150 birds seen. Highest counts Udawalewe 30+, Tissa 30+, Bundala 20+, Yala 12 and 34 en route Mirissa-Colombo.

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White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster | Hvidbrystet Havørn

Quite common and 23 birds seen – apart from two birds around Nuwara Eliya all other sightings was from the lowland. Most birds around Udawalewe (13), followed by Bundala (4), Tissa and Yala (2) and single birds at Sinharaja and Mirissa.

White-bellied Sea-eagle / Anders R

Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus | Flodørn

Eight birds seen with two at Udawalewe, Tissa and en route to Sinharaja plus single birds at Bundala and Yala.

Shikra Accipiter badius | Shikra

Common in most areas and almost 70 birds noted. Most birds seen en route with 7-8 birds several days plus 6-8 in Yala.

Besra Accipiter virgatus | Besra

Scarce. Single birds in Yala and Bundala.

Oriental/ Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus | Østlig Hvepsevåge

Scattered sightings of 22-24 birds, half of which were from the Kitulgala area. Others from Horton´s Plain, Udawalewe and Sinharaja.

Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus |

One bird seen at Kitulgala 12/2.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela | Toppet Slangeørn

Quite common and a total of 65-70 birds noted. Highest numbers 14-16 Kitulgala, 6-8 Udawalawe, 10 Sinharaja plus several en route.

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis | Indisk Sortørn

Surprisingly numerous and a total of 25 birds noted. Theese are Kitulgala 8, Nuwara Eliya 1, Sinharaja 7 and the rest en route mainly close to Sinharaja and Ella and other highland areas.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus | Dværgørn

Two birds – Udawalewe and Tissa Ponds.

Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii | Rødbuget Høgeørn

One adult bird in display at Rock View Motel east of Sinharaja.

Crested Hawk-eagle, Yala / Christian

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Crested/ Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus | Lysbuget Høgeørn

12 birds seen, Bundala 3, Yala 3-4, 3 Sinharaja plus one en route to Mirissa.

Crested Hawk-eagle / Anders R

Legge's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus kelaarti | xxx

This species is now separated from Mountain Hawk-eagle. At Kitulgala we saw a nest with a young bird plus two adults and at Sinharaja three birds soaring together on raised wings!

Crakes and rails

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus | Hvidbrystet Rørhøne

Around 70 birds seen. Highest counts 25 Tissa and 15 Yala.

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea | Skjoldhøne

Eights bird seen with 7 at Tissa Ponds and 1 Bundala.

Purple/ Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus | Indisk Sultanhøne

Common with high counts in different areas, 110 Tissa, 150 Bundala and many birds in Yala.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus | Grønbenet Rørhøne

10 at Bundala and 6 at Yala.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra | Blishøne

At Bundala seven birds.

Jacanas

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus | Fasanbladhøne

Very common, for instance Tissa Ponds 60, Bundala 500+ and Yala 100+.

Jacana / Bodil

Waders

Indian Thick-knee/ Stone-curlew Burhinus indicus |

10+ birds seen in Bundala.

Great Thick-knee/ Stone-curlew Esacus recurvirostris | Stor Triel

26 birds seen – Tissa Ponds 3, Bundala 8 and Yala 15.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus | Stylteløber

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Common, especially at Bundala with more than 200 birds. At Bundala a bird was seen with characteristics like the Australian Stilt.

Odd-loking Stilt, Bundala / Bodil

Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus | Indisk Lapvibe

Seen at Udawalewe 2, Bundala 20 and Yala 30 ex.

Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Udawalawe / Hans

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus | Indisk Vibe

Quite common. Most birds seen at Bundala and Yala.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva | Sibirisk Hjejle

Seen at Bundala (20) and Yala (15).

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola | Strandhjejle

Five birds noted at Bundala.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius | Lille Præstekrave

Seen at Udawalewe (2), Bundala (4) and Yala (4).

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus | Hvidbrystet Præstekrave

Seen at Udawalewe (1), Bundala (20) and Yala (3).

Lesser Sand Plover / Anders R

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus | Mongolsk Præstekrave

Noted as follows – Udawalewe 1, Bundala 30, Yala 35 and Galle 6.

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii | Ørkenpræstekrave

Only one bird noted at Bundala. There could be more among distant Sandplovers.

Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura | Sibirisk Bekkasin

Seen as follows – Tissa 8, Bundala 9 and Yala 8.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa | Stor Kobbersneppe

Seen as follows – Tissa 1, Bundala 100 and Yala 40.

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Black-tailed Godwit, Bundala / Bodil

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus | Sortklire

Three birds at Bundala.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus | Rødben

Seen as follows – Tissa 2-4, Bundala 50 and Yala 10.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis | Damklire

Seen as follows – Udawalewe 5, Tissa 2, Bundala 50+ and Yala 15.

Marsh Sandpiber / Christian

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia | Hvidklire

Nine birds seen at Udawalewe.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus | Svaleklire

12 scattered birds seen.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola | Tinksmed

Around 100 birds seen. Highest numbers 25 Udawalewe, Tissa 10-15, Bundala 40 and Yala 20.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos | Mudderklire

25 birds scattered.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres | Stenvender

Noted as follows, Bundala 20+, Yala 2 and Galle 3.

Little Stint Calidris minuta | Dværgryle

Seen at Udawalewe 1, Bundala 200+ and Yala 20.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis | Rødhalset Ryle

An unexpected find, one bird in summer-plumage at Bundala 19/2.

Red-necked Stint Bundala / Christian

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii | Temmincksryle

At least one bird at Bundala.

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Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea | Krumnæbbet Ryle

Seen at Bundala 75 and Yala 5.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax | Brushane

Nine birds seen at Bundala.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus | Odinshane

One bird at Bundala.

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea | Lille Braksvale

Three birds seen at both Bundala and Yala.

Small Pratincole, Bundala / Hans

Terns

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia | Rovterne

Around 100 birds seen with one near Udawalewe, Tissa 9, Bundala 90 and Yala 4.

Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis | Bengalsk terne

Two birds seen in Galle.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis | Splitterne

Seen at Bundala 10-15 at one bird at Yala.

Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii | Bergiusterne

Common with around 100 birds noted, Bundala 12, Yala 15, Around Mirissa 80 and Galle 10.

Greater Crested Tern / Anders R

Little Tern Sternula albifrons | Dværgterne

Common and many sightings daily at the coast. Highest counts Tissa 25+, Bundala 50+, Yala 75+, Mirissa 150+.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida | Hvidskægget Terne

Very common and sightings from mountain areas to the coast. From the highland one bird at Nuwara Eliya should be mentioned. Apart from this the highest count are Udawalawe 350, Tissa Ponds 100, Bundala 500, Yala 100, Mirissa 500 and Galle 30. All are minimum.

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus | Hvidvinget Terne

The following - Tissa 1, Bundala 15-10 and Yala 1.

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus | Brilleterne

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40 seen on the whalewatch trip from Mirissa.

Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus | Sodfarvet terne

Four birds on the whalewatch trip at Mirissa.

White-winged Tern / Anders

Doves and pigeons

Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon (EN) Columba torringtoniae | Sri Lanka-due

Seen at Horton´s Plain with 11 birds and one more near Nuwara Eliya.

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis | Østlig Turteldue

In Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya seven birds and another five birds at Sinharaja.

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto | Tyrkerdue

Uncommon in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Two birds seen at Bundala.

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis | Perlehalsdue

Very common in most areas.

Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica | Grønvingedue

In the field guide mentioned as uncommon. However we saw between 50 and 60 birds – Kitulgala 20, Nuwara Eliya-area 2, Udawalawe 1, Tissa 5 and around Sinharaja 25.

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicinctus | Orangebrystet Papegøjedue

Quite common, especially in Udawalawe and Yala with up to 200 birds in both areas. Apart from this seen in Tissa and Bundala.

Sri Lanka Green Pigeon (EN) Treron pompadora | Indisk Papegøjedue

Almost 50 birds seen as follows – Kitulgala 11-13 and Sinharaja 30+.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea | Kejserdue

Quite common in most areas.

Parrots

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala | Blommehovedet Ædelparakit

Eight birds seen near Sinharaja.

Layard´s Parakeet, Kitulgala / Christian

Layard's Parakeet (EN) Psittacula calthrapae | Blåhalet Ædelparakit

Seen at Kitugala with 15 birds, Surrey 4 and Sinharaja 15.

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Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria | Stor Alexanderparakit

Seen at Kitulagala with 35 birds and 12 at Sinharaja.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri | Alexanderparakit

Very common with high counts at Udawalewe with 700 birds coming out from night roost and at Tissa with 430 birds flying to a night roost.

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (EN) Loriculus beryllinus | Sri Lanka-flagermuspapegøje

Locally common with 15 birds in Kitulgala and a minimum of 75 birds around Sinharaja.

Cuckoos

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus | Jacobinergøg

Three birds seen in Yala.

Common Hawk Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius | Høgegøg

Two birds near Nuwara Eliya and in Sinharaja and

single birds at Udawalawe and Bundala.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus | Kortvinget Gøg

One bird seen in Kitulgala.

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii | Maskegøg

One bird seen in Kitulgala.

Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus | Drosselgøg

Five birds seen, four in Udawalawe and one on the way to Tissa.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus | Koel

Quite common and 26 birds registrated. Highest count 11 birds in Sinharaja area.

Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris | Brillemalkoha

Totally seven birds with one at Udawalawe and Yala and five at Bundala.

Sirkeer Malkoha in Yala / Bodil

Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii | Sirkirmalkoha

Two birds seen in Yala.

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis | Brunrygget Sporegøg

Quite common and between 30 and 40 birds seen. Highest count 15-20 birds Kitulgala.

Green-billed Coucal (EN) Centropus chlororhynchos | Sri Lanka-sporegøg

Noted in Kitulgala and Sinharaja. More often heard than seen. One bird seen in Kitulgala and three in the latter.

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Red-faced Malkoha (EN) Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus | Rødmasket Malkoha

The last of the endemics to be found. At least three birds seen on the last day in Sinharaja.

Frogmouth and Nightjars

Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger | Grårygget Bladfrømund

Four birds seen in Sinharaja – two pairs.

Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis | Ghatnatravn

One bird seen in Bundala.

Indian Nightjar near Tissa / Vagn

Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus | Indisk Natravn

One bird seen near Tissa and one in Sinharaja.

Owls

Serendib Scops Owl (EN) Otus thilohoffmanni | Sri Lanka-dværghornugle

This late discovered owl (2001) was seen in Kitulgala – after that another guide has found the bird, our guide had some difficulties in relocating it, but luckily Anton at last spotted it in a tree.

Serendip Scops Owl, Kitulgala / Christian

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia | Halsbåndsdværghornugle

One bird seen in a local garden in Tissa.

Chestnut-backed Owlet (EN) Glaucidium castanotum | Sulawesispurveugle

Five birds – four near Kitulgala and one in Sinharaja.

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis | Brun Fiskeugle

One bird found by some young boys in Tissa area.

Oriental Scops Owl, Tissa / Christian

Swifts

Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolor | Indisk Salangan

Common and on several days more than 100 birds seen.

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Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus | Kæmpetornhalesejler

Quite common and 120-150 birds seen. Highest counts were Kitulgala 33 and 90 in Sinharaja area.

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis | Asiatisk Palmesejler

Five birds in both Kitulgala and Udawalewe.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba | Alpesejler

Seen as follows – Kitulgala 2, Horton´s Plain 5-10 and Udawalawe 1.

House/ Little Swift Apus affinis | Lille Sejler

Quite common and more than 200 birds seen.

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata | Gråtoppet Træsejler

Quite common and around 200 birds noted, of these 150 in Yala/Tissa area.

Rollers

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis | Blåkronet Ellekrage

Just seen around Udawalawe with 7-8 birds and 2 in Yala.

Asian Green Bee-eater, Bundala / Christian

Bee-eaters

Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis | Lille Grøn Biæder

Noted in Udawalewe-area with 30 birds, Bundala 50+ birds and common in the Tissa/Yala area.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus | Blåhalet Biæder

Common in lowland areas and several hundred birds seen.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater / Bodil

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

Merops leschenaulti | Rustbiæder

Totally 11 birds seen – Kitulgala 2, Udawalawe 1, Bundala 3 and Sinharaja 5.

Kingfishers

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis | Blåvinget Storkenæbsisfugl

14 birds seen – Kitulgala 6 and Tissa area 8.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis | Smyrnaisfugl

Common in most areas and around 150 birds seen.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis | Isfugl

10 birds seen – Kitulgala 1, Udawalewe 2, Tissa 2, Bundala 3 and Yala 2.

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Common Kingfisher, Tissa / Christian

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis | Gråfisker

12 birds seen - Kitulgala 2, Tissa 3, Bundala 3 and Yala 2.

Trogons

Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus | Malabartrogon

Kitulgala 1 and Sinharaja 1.

Hoopoes

Hoopoe

Common/ Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops | Hærfugl

Bundala 2 and Yala 7.

Barbets

Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanicus | Brunhovedet Skægfugl

Quite common and seen in most areas.

Yellow-fronted Barbet (EN) Psilopogon flavifrons | Gulpandet Skægfugl

Common around Kitulgala and especially Sinharaja, both areas more than 30 birds.

Crimson-fronted Barbet (EN) Psilopogon rubricapillus | Rødmasket Skægfugl

We had to work a bit for this one. Three birds seen in Sinharaja on the last day there.

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus | Kobbersmed

Seen with 20 birds at Udawalawe and 2 at Tissa.

Brown-headed Barbet / Christian

Hornbills

Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus | Rajahnæsehornsfugl

20 birds seen in the Udawalawe area and 15 in Yala.

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (EN) Ocyceros gingalensis | Sri Lanka-gråtoko

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A total of 13 birds seen, Kitulgala 7, Surrey 3, Kataragama 1 and Sinharaja 2.

Woodpeckers

White-naped Woodpecker, Tissa / Bodil

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus | Gulnakket Grønspætte

Seen at Kitulgala and Sinharaja – five birds in each area.

Red-backed / Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback (EN) Dinopium psarodes |

Kitulgala 6 and Tissa 1.

Greater Sri Lanka Flameback / Crimson-backed Goldenback (EN) Chrysocolaptes stricklandi | Sri Lanka-sultanspætte

A total of six birds seen, Kitulgala 1, Nuwara Eliya 2 and Sinharaja 3.

White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus | Hvidnakket Sultanspætte

Two birds in the Tissa-area.

Lesser Yellownape, Sinharaja / Hans

Passerines

Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura | Indisk Pitta

Eight birds noted of which several seen – Kitulgala 3, Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya 1, Sinharaja/Rock View Motel 5.

Sri Lanka Woodshrike (EN) Tephrodornis affinis | xxx

About 20 birds seen, Udawalawe 2, Tissa 7, Bundala 2, Yala 5-8.

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei | Stor Gråfugl

Horton´s Plain 1 and Udawalawe 1.

Scarlet Minivet / Anders R

Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera | Sorthovedet Gråfugl

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Kitulgala 2 and Sinharaja 6.

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus | Lille Minivet

Common and a total of 56 fugle seen as follows, Kitulgala 17, Udawalewe 2, Tissa 3, Yala 3, Sinharaja and Rock View Motel 31.

Scarlet/ Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus | Skarlagenminivet

Common and around 50 birds seen, Kitulgala 24, Horton´s Plain 3, Surrey 5-8, Sinharaja and Rock View Motel 18.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus | Broget Dværgtriller

27 birds seen, Kitulgala 8, Horton´s Plain 6, Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya 1, Surrey 2, Sinharaja and Rock View Motel 7.

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus | Brun Tornskade

Common and around 60 birds seen.

Common Iora / Anders R

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia | Iora

Common and more than 40 birds seen, highest counts Kitulgala 7-9, Udawalawe 12, Bundala 5 and Yala 5-10.

Marshall's Iora Aegithina nigrolutea | Sortkappet Iora

Three birds seen of this difficult species at Udawalewe.

Jerdon's Leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni | Tamilbladfugl

One bird seen at Tissa Ponds.

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons | Gulpandet bladfugl

17 birds seen, Kitulgala 4 and Sinharaja and Rock View Motel 13.

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus | Orientalsk Hættepirol

Four birds seen at Kitulgala.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (EN) Urocissa ornata | Sri Lanka-kitta

12 birds seen in Sinharaja, mainly at the entrance.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sinharaja / Bodil

House Crow Corvus splendens | Huskrage

Generally common.

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Large-billed Crow/ Indian Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos/ culminatus

Common, most numerous at Horton´s Plain and Tissa area.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia | Digesvale

Horton´s Plain 3 and Bundala 20.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica | Landsvale

Very common, especially at Udawalewe and Bundala.

Hill Swallow Hirundo domicola | Sydindisk Svale

Seen at higher elevations, Nuwara Eliya area 10-15 and more than 50 birds at Horton´s Plain.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica | Rødrygget Svale

Two birds seen at Udawalawe.

Sri Lanka Swallow, Sinharaja / Hans

Sri Lanka Swallow (EN) Cecropis hyperythra | Sri Lanka-svale

Common and 70-80 birds noted. Highest counts Kitulgala 24 and Sinharaja more than 30 birds.

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus | Brun Svalestær

Seen in the Tissa area with a total of 8 birds.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus | Askedrongo

One bird seen in Yala.

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens | Hvidbuget Drongo

Common, especially in Kitulgala and Sinharaja.

Sri Lanka Drongo (EN) Dicrurus lophorinus | xxx

Six birds seen in Kitulgala and five in Sinharaja.

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus | Skovvipstjert

Locally common in highlands – 10 birds seen in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya on one day and 5 birds the day after. Apart from these just one bird in Surrey.

Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava | Gul Vipstjert

Different subspecies – 20 Udawalewe, 2 Tissa, 50 Bundala and 10 Yala.

Citrine Wagtail / Anders R

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Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola | Citronvipstjert

Three birds in Udawalawe area and another two in Bundala.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea | Bjergvipstjert

Quite common and scattered sightings of more than 60 birds. Highest counts were in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya with a total of 45 birds in two days.

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus | Asiatisk Storpiber

Quite common with more than 30 birds at Horton´s Plain, common at Udawalawe and up to 10 in Yala.

Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii | Mongolsk Piber

The only other pipit – one seen at Horton´s Plain.

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Udawalawe / Christian

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix griseus | Gråisset Lærke

Very common in Udawalawe with 460 birds noted there plus another 10 in Bundala.

Jerdon's Bush Lark Mirafra affinis | Tamilbusklærke

Seen in Udawalawe where it is common plus 2 in Bundala and 10-20 in Yala.

Jerdon´s Bushlark, Udawalewe / Christian

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula | Lille Sanglærke

Two birds seen at Horton´s Plain and four in Bundala.

Black-capped Bulbul, Kitulgala / Christian

Black-capped Bulbul (EN) Pycnonotus melanicterus | Sri Lanka-bulbul

Seen at Kitulgala (26 birds) and Sinharaja (15 birds).

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer | Rødgumpet Bulbul


Yellow-eared Bulbul (EN) Pycnonotus penicillatus | Pragtbulbul

A highland bird with 3 birds in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya and 10 at Horton´s Plain.

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Yellow-eared Bulbul, Horton´s Plain / Hans

White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus | Indisk Bulbul

Around 25 birds seen – Surrey 3, Udawalewe 2, Bundala 2, Yala 8-10 and Sinharaja 9.

Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica | Gulgrøn Bulbul


Black-tailed Bulbul/ Square-tailed Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus/ ganeesa | Indisk Sortbulbul

Common at Kitulgala and even more common in Sinharaja.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii | Gråbrystet Prinia

Just 4 birds seen at Udawalawe.

Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica | Jungleprinia

Two birds – Udawalawe and Tissa.

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis | Askeprinia

Seen at Kitulgala 3 birds, Nuwara Eliya 5 birds and 6 birds at Udawalawe.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata | Orientprinia

Scattered sightings in Udawalawe, Bundala and Yala.

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius | Indisk skrædderfugl

Quite common at higher elevations – Kitulgala 15 and common at Horton´s Plain and Victoria Park.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis | Cistussanger

Common both around Horton´s Plain and around Tissa.

Sri Lanka Bush Warbler (EN) Elaphrornis palliseri | Sri Lanka-kratsmutte

Seen at Horton´s Plain with 6-8 birds.

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus | Papyrussanger

Two birds at Tissa and 5-10 at Bundala.

Blyth Reed Warbler / Anders R

Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum | Buskrørsanger

Quite common and more than 50 birds seen with the highest counts in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya.

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White-browed Fantail, Bundala / Christian

Sykes's Warbler Iduna rama | Steppegulbug

Two birds seen at Horton´s Plain.

Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus | Kaukasisk Lundsanger

The phylloscopus were as usual not exactly easy to identify, but this species was found in Kitulgala and Sinharaja.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris | Langnæbbet Løvsanger

One bird seen in Sinharaja.

White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola | Hvidbrynet Viftehale

Seen near Nuwara Eliya 1, Udawalawe 3 and Yala 12-14.

Black-naped Monarch, Sinharaja / Bodil

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea | Azurmonark

Four birds seen in Sinharaja.

Asian/ Indian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi | Asiatisk Paradismonark

Quite common and around 30 birds seen, Kitulgala 7, Udawalawe 3, Bundala 1, Tissa 1, Kataragama 4, Yala 4 and Sinharaja 9.

Paradise Flycatcher, Sinharaja / Bodil

Brown-capped Babbler (EN) Pellorneum fuscocapillus | Sri Lanka-drosseltimalie

Five birds seen at Kitulgala and two in Sinharaja.

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Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler (EN) Pomatorhinus melanurus | Sri Lanka-segltimalie

Three birds seen at Horton´s Plain and two at Surrey.

Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps | Sorthovedet Timalie

20 birds seen – Kitulgala 8, Horton´s Plain 1, Nuwara Eliya 6 and Sinharaja 5.

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense | Ildøjetimalie

Udawalawe 6-8 birds.

Orange-billed Babbler (EN) Turdoides rufescens | Sri Lanka-larmdrossel

Locally common - Kitulgala 15, Horton´s Plain 5 and more than 50 in Sinharaja.

Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis | Lyshovedet Larmdrossel


Ashy-headed Laughingthrush (EN) Garrulax cinereifrons | Sri Lanka-skadedrossel

Only seen in Sinharaja with a total of 35 birds.

Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Sinharaja / Bodil

Sri Lanka Hill Myna (EN) Gracula ptilogenys | Sri Lanka-beo

Only seen in Sinharaja with a total of 35 birds.

Lesser/ Southern Hill Myna Gracula indica | Lille Beo

Eight birds seen, all in Kitulgala.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis | Maina

Common.

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum | Pagodestær

One bird seen in Yala.

White-faced Starling (EN) Sturnornis albofrontatus | Hvidhovedet Stær

Only seen in Sinharaja – 15 birds.

Rosy Starling Pastor roseus | Rosenstær

Surprisingly common. In Udawalewe more than 650 birds, Bundala more than 150 and Yala more than 50!

Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (EN) Myophonus blighi | Sri Lanka-fløjtedrossel

Five birds seen at the classic site before the entrance to Horton´s Plain National Park.

Pied Thrush, Victoria Park / Christian

Pied Thrush Geokichla wardii | Broget Drossel

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Two visits to Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya gave us 11 birds – 6 males and 5 females.

Spot-winged Thrush (EN) Geokichla spiloptera | Sri Lanka-drossel

Seen in Kitugala 3-4 birds and Sinharaja 5 birds.

Sri Lanka Thrush (EN) Zoothera imbricata | Sri Lanka-gulddrossel

Three birds found by a very skilled local guide in Sinharaja.

Sri LankaThrush, Sinharaja / Christian Indian Blackbird Turdus simillimus | Sydindisk Solsort

Five birds seen at Horton´s Plain.

Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea | Himalayanattergal

Two birds in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya and one in Sinharaja.

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis | Dayal

One bird in Kitulagala and 10 in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya.

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus | Hvidgumpet Shama

Two birds seen in Yala.

Indian Robin Copsychus fulicatus | Hvidvinget Sortstjert

Rather common, especially in Udawalawe and Yala.

Pied Bush Chat, Horton´s Plain / Christian

Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata | Sort Bynkefugl

Four birds seen in Nuwara Elyia and common at Horton´s Plain.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica | Brun Fluesnapper

Nine birds in all – Kitulgala 6 and Yala 3.

Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui | Brunbrystet Fluesnapper

Quite widespred. 20 birds seen, half of which in Sinharaja.

Tickell´s Blue Flycatcher, Kitulgala / Christian

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Dull-blue Flycatcher (EN) Eumyias sordidus | Sri Lanka-irfluesnapper

Seven birds seen, Horton´s Plain 4 and Surrey 3.

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tichelliae | Hvidflanket Niltava

11 birds seen, Kitulgala 11 and Surrey 3.

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis | Gråhovedet Fluesnapper

Not uncommon in the highlands, Horton´s Plain 14-16, Nuwara Eliya 3 and Surrey 3.

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Horton / Christian

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile | Tyknæbbet Blomsterpikker

Two birds – Udawalawe and Yala.

Legge's Flowerpecker (EN) Dicaeum vincens | Sri Lanka-blomsterpikker

Seen at Kitulgala with 8-10 birds and in Sinharaja with a total of 15 birds.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos | Blegnæbbet Blomsterpikker

Quite common and noted as follows – Kitulgala 7, Horton´s Plain 20, Victoris Park 1, Surrey 10, Udawalawe 8 and Sinharaja 10.

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Leptocoma zeylonica | Indisk Solfugl

Common and widespread.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus | Purpursolfugl

Common and widespread.

Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius | Langnæbbet Purpursolfugl

Five birds seen – Kitulgala 2, Horton´s Plain 1, Victoria Park 1 and Tissa 1.

Oriental White-eye, Kitulgala / Christian

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus | Brillefugl

Common in mid and lower elevations.

Sri Lanka White-eye (EN) Zosterops ceylonensis | Sri Lanka-brillefugl

Rather common at higher elevations – Horton´s Plain 50, Victoria Park 2 and Nuwara Eliya 3.

Sri Lanka White-eye, Victoria Park / Christian

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Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis | Fløjlspandet Spætmejse

Seen at higher elevations – Victoria Park 4, Horton´s Plain 8-10 and Surrey 1.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Horton´s Plain / Christian

Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus | Grå Musvit

Now a separate species from Great tit. Seen at Horton´s Plain 10-15 birds and another three birds in Victoria Park and Nuwara Eliya.

Weaver nests / Anton

Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar | Stribet Væver

Quite common around Tissa (45 birds) and also seen at Bundala with 3 birds.

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus | Bayavæver

Quite common around Tissa (35 birds) and also seen at Bundala with 10-15 birds.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus | Gråspurv

Not common – three birds seen in Yala.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata | Spidshalet Bronzefinke


Scaly-breasted Munia / Bodil

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata | Muskatfinke

Common with scattered sightings – especialy around Tissa with more than 200 birds.

Black-throated Munia Lonchura kelaarti | Jerdons Bronzefinke

Two birds at Horton´s Plain and 5 at Sinharaja.

Black-headed/ Tricolored Munia Lonchura malacca | Trefarvet Nonne

Very common in Udawalawe and around Tissa. Around 200 birds in both areas.

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Mammalia – Mammals

Asian Elephant, Yala / Hans

Asian (Sri Lankan) Elephant - Elephas maximus subsp. Maximus- Just a few elephants seen at Yala NP, but this Sri Lankan icon was fortunately more numerous at Uda Walawe NP. Toque Macaque - Macaca sinica Common and widespread. 3 of 3 subspecies seen: Dusky Toque Macaque - Macaca sinica aurifrons Uda Walawe Highland Toque Macaque - Macaca sinica opisthomelas Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains Dry Zone Toque Macaque - Macaca sinica sinica Galle, Yala etc.

Toque Macaque / Anders

Tufted Grey Langur - Semnopithecus priam Common and widespread

Tufted Grey Langur, Bundala / Christian

Purple-faced Langur - Trachypithecus vetulus The least common Sri Lankan monkey. 3 of 4 subspecies seen: Bear Monkey - Trachypithecus vetulus monticola Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya (Bomburuella) Purple-faced Langur - Trachypithecus vetulus vetulus Sinharaja North Lowland Wetzone Purple-faced Langur - Trachypithecus vetulus nestor Kitulgala Indian Hare - Lepus nigricollis Common at Yala NP and Uda Walawe

Leopard in Yala / Christian

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Leopard - Panthera pardus ssp. kotiya One “Sri Lankan Leopard” seen sleeping in a tree at Yala NP Ruddy Mongoose - Herpestes smithii Several seen at Yala NP and Uda Walawe Stripe-necked Mongoose - Herpestes vitticollis Nice observation of 2 individuals at Horton Plains NP.

Stripe-necked Mongoose, Horton´s Plain / Vagn

Indian Brown Mongoose - Herpestes fuscus 1 individual crossed the road near Uda Walawe Golden Jackal - Canis aureus 2 individuals at Yala NP

Golden Jackal, Yala / Vagn

Wild Boar - Sus scrofa Scattered sightings at Yala NP (Gray´s) Spinner Dolphin - Stenella longirostris ssp. longirostris Excellent views of a pod of 2-300 dolphins on our boat trip out of Mirissa.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin - Tursiops truncatus 3 individuals offshore south of Mirissa

Blue Whale, Mirissa / Christian

Blue Whale - Balaenoptera musculus ssp. brevicauda One adult GIANT of this “pygmy” subspecies seen dive more than ten times offshore south of Mirissa. Chital - Axis axis Seen at Yala NP and Uda Walawe. Sambar - Rusa unicolor Common and “tame” at Horton Plains NP. Asian Buffalo - Bubalus arnee Seen at Yala NP and Uda Walawe. Somtimes in mixed flocks with domestic buffaloes. Domestic Water Buffalo - Bubalus bubalis Yala NP and Uda Walawe. Layard's Palm Squirrel - Funambulus layardi Two individuals, Nuwara Eliya (Bomburuella). Grizzled Giant Squirrel - Ratufa macroura ssp. melanochra Two individuals, Kitulgala. Common Palm Squirrel - Funambulus palmarum Common and widespread.

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Indian Flying Fox, Tissa / Vagn

Indian Flying Fox - Pteropus giganteus 1000+ Deberawewa Lake, W of Tissamaharama. Bat sp. Quite a lot of different, unnamed Bats Were seen as well. Reptilia - Reptiles:

Croc and ducks, Bundala / Vagn

Saltwater Crocodile Common in Yala and Bundala. Some very big animals. Olive Ridley Turtle - Lepidochelys olivacea Two coastal, Galle Fort. One adult offshore, Mirissa. 30-50 young hatching from a nest at the hotel beach, Mirissa. Green Vine Snake - Ahaetulla nasuta 2-3 individuals, Sinharaja. Ceylon Pit Viper - Trimeresurus trigonocephalus 1 individual, Sinharaja.

Ceylon Pit Viper, Sinharaja / Anton

Green Vine Snake, Sinharaja / Hans

Com. Rough-sided Snake -Aspidura trachyprocta Small endemic snake seen at Horton´s Plain. Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish): Blacktip reef shark - Carcharhinus melanopterus 2 adults foraging in tidal pools, Galle Fort Osteichthyes (bony fish): Istiophoridae (billfish) sp. Three unidentified Marlins seen jumping offshore, Mirissa. Exocoetidae (flying fish) sp. Several unidentified members of this family seen “flying” offshore, Mirissa.

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Documents

Sri Lanka€¦ · Hotel in a nearby village opposite to an Elephant orphanage. Elephants and people in Udawalewe / Anton ... we stayed at the majestic ^Peacock Reach Hotel _. 5 Bundala