Thissa Tank, Surrey Bird Sanctuary & Bomuruelle, Newara Eliya
Today was the transition from the lowlands to the hills but first we birded the Tank from first light and the surrounding areas before breakfast. We struck lucky before light with two Jungle Owlets nearby to our hotel. A great selection of species around the tank but unfortunately there had been no sign of the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl. After breakfast we made our way to see the Flying Fox roost which was quite incredible. We then travelled into the hills of central Sri Lanka stopping at a very scenic waterfall and more crazy towns with horrendous driving just for fun. A stop in Surrey was very productive and a few hours before dark we arrived in the highest town doing a bit of birding nearby catching a brief glimpse of a Whistling Thrush. A very good day despite lots of driving.
Capitals = endemic lifers, highlighted species = lifers
Jungle Owlet - 2
Ruddy-breasted Crake - 2
Black Bittern - 1
Blyth's Reed Warbler - 1
Painted Snipe - 2
Watercock - 1
Blyth's Pipit - 1
Slaty-breasted Rail - 1
Great Thick Knee - 1
Cotton Pygmy Geese - 8
White-naped Woodpecker - 2
Jerdon's Leafbird - 1
Yellow Bittern -3
DULL BLUE FLYCATCHER - 2
Brown Wood Owl - 1 roosting
SRI LANKA WOODPIGEON - 1
Common Hawk Cuckoo - 1
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher - 6
Small Minivet - 2
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch - 1
Great/Cinereous Tit - 3
YELLOW-EARED BULBUL - 4
SRI LANKA WHISTLING THRUSH - 1
Purple-faced Bear Monkey
Toque Macaque
Mudder Crocodile
Ruddy Mongoose
Sri Lankan Flying Fox
Dusky Striped Squirrel
Black-rumped Flameback
Yellow Bittern - another favourite of mine
White-naped Woodpeckers - stunning!!
Brown Wood Owl
Sri Lanka Woodpigeon
Flying Foxes at their daytime roost
umbrella birding was the only option for this afternoon
