An early start today to try and see the endemic Chestnut-backed Owlet, and although our first few attempts failed, eventually we got very nice views of one near Kithulgala. The day was then spent walking around the Makandawa Jungle (accessible by a small 'boat') where frustratingly the Serendib Scops Owl failed to show (maybe tomorrow), although a Frogmouth was some compensation. The order of the day were leech socks as hundreds were about with some creeping onto our shirts etc. By late afternoon, another walk around Kithulgala produced a couple more new birds. A really enjoyable day despite the no show of the Owl, with plenty other birds about as well as Frogs, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Snakes and Lizards to keep us occupied.
Birds in capitals = endemics, birds highlighted = lifers.
CHESTNUT-BACKED OWLET - 1
Crested Serpent Eagle - 2
Oriental Honey Buzzard - 8
Layard's Parakeet - 5
SPOT-WINGED THRUSH - 2
BROWN-CAPPED BABBLER - 1
Common Tailorbird - 4
White-breasted Waterhen - 2
SRI LANKA JUNGLEFOWL - 3
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - 2
GREEN-BILLED COUCAL - 2
Indian Pitta - 1
Greater Coucal - 2
Pale-billed Flowerpecker - 1
Black-naped Monarch - 1
Large-billed Leaf Warbler - 1
Malabar Trogan - 2
Sri Lanka Frogmouth - 1 female
Golden-fronted Leafbird - 3
Sri Lanka Swallow - 6
Alexandrine Parakeet - 7
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot - 20
Dark-fronted Babbler - 14
Black-headed Cuckooshrike - 2
LEGGE'S FLOWERPECKER - 1
Oriental White-eye - 6
SRI LANKA GREEN PIGEON - 2
Black-rumped Flameback - 4
Brown-headed Barbet - 1
Yellow-fronted Barbet - 7
Yellow-browed Bulbul - 5
Red-vented Bulbul - 30
Black Bulbul - 20
Indian Black Eagle - 2
Besra - 1
Crested Treeswift - 3
Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater - 20
Hump-nosed Viper
Purple-faced Leaf Monkey
Green Garden Lizard
Kangaroo Lizard
Common Sink
Hump-nosed Viper
Yellow-fronted Barbet
Indian Pitta
Chestnut-backed Owlet
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Yellow-browed Bulbul
Indian Pond Heron
female Sri Lanka Frogmouth - an incredible spot by one of the guides with this bird being invisible to us when only two metres in front. Stunning bird.
Sri Lanka Swallow
White Four Wing
Nigger Brown
Common Sink - Mabuya carinata lankae
a boat crossing today led us to a different area of the jungle
not a look to be proud of. Blame the leeches!!
Jungle walk
