SCOTT - TRIP TO SRI LANKA



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Parakeet P. cyanocephala.


On day 10 we set off to spend two days at one of our most eagerly

anticipated destinations - the rainforest. Sinharaja Man and Biosphere

Reserve is a World Heritage Site and has been an area of intensive study.

The following birds are all endemic to Sri Lanka and were new to us: Sri

Lanka Blue Magpie Urocissa ornata , White-faced Starling S. senex , Ashy¬

headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons , Orange-billed Babbler

Turdoides rufescens, Sri Lanka Mynah G. ptilogenys , Sri Lanka Spurfowl

Galloperdix bicalcarata, Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger,

Red-faced Malkoha P. pyrrhocephalus. Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera

spiloptera and White-throated Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens. Altogether

we saw 15 endemic bird species at Sinharaja, as well as: Malabar Trogon

Harpactes fasciatus , Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus , Golden-fronted

Leafbird, Common Iora Aegithina tiphia , Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla

atriceps, Asian Brown Flycatcher M. daurica , Black-naped Monarch

Flycatcher Hypothymis azurea ceylonensis , Crested Drongo D. paradiseus

lophorhinus, Yellow-billed Babbler T. affinus taprobanus , Oriental Bay

Owl Phodilus badius assimilis and Spot-billed Eagle Owl Bubo nipalensis

blighi.


On day 12 we left Martin’s Lodge in Sinharaja Forest and headed for

the coast. The beach at Bentoto is a breeding area of several species of

turtle and there was a turtle hatchery less than 100yds (90m) from our hotel.

Hundreds of young Green Turtles Chelonia mydas were awaiting their release

and injured turtles, including Ridley’s Green Turtles Lepidochelys olivacea

and Hawksbill Turtles Eretmochelys imbricata, were being nursed back to

health. We were invited to return after dark to assist in the release of about

150 young turtles. On the way back to the hotel we learned that two adult

females were hauling themselves out of the sea and would shortly commence

egg laying. These immense creatures estimated to weigh 300kg (approx.

6651bs) are so vulnerable at this time. Local fishermen eager to supplement

their income collect the eggs as they are laid. Some are sold to hatcheries

and others are sold as food.


We spent days 13 and 14 at Ranweli Holiday Village, which is situated

on a small island. We took a boat trip around the mangrove lagoons, where

we had good views of Yellow Bittern and various kingfishers and saw lots

of other waterbirds. Otherwise we spent the time relaxing before the long

journey home.


It was the best trip I have ever been on. We managed to pack in so much

over the 15 days, thanks to the meticulous planning of Prasanjith Caldera, our

guide. The food, accommodation, the mix of culture, wildlife, scenery and

attractions, were all excellent. I would have no hesitation in recommending



