Just back from a great hiking holiday in Sri Lanka. Even though there was no "official" birding involved I did get to see some 120 species in the two weeks. I'll post a trip report later, but here's a taster or three...
This pair greet us at our first hotel - literally, one was on a tree just outside the door...
Asian Paradise Flycatchers
My favourite birds (you rarely see one by itself) were the Yellow-billed Babblers. Every morning at first light they'd be patrolling the hotel grounds, constantly chattering with each other and rummaging around your feet. Some birds have personality and these were one.
Yala National Park wasn't really worth it. The "jeep" safari was too fast and pretty uncomfortable, but we did manage to get the driver to stop a couple of times for birds...
Greater Coucal in the dusk
The outstanding birds were these Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters - one digging a new nest hole (the other was in a tree giving helpful advice - we presumed it was the female doing the work).
Bee-eaters were everywhere, here's a Green from another hotel garden (a very scruffy example if I may say so).
Finally, touch of home from Arugam Bay - a Common Kingfisher, although a rather confiding one.
Lots more to come, but 1200 photos to edit (NOT all birds) and stuff to write. Oh, and the Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot. It's tiny, it hangs upside down and it's a Parrot, they don't come much cooler than that :-)
These are beautiful, Stuart. It's a shame your safari was a bit of a disappointment but it's obvious you had a wonderful holiday. Love the bee-eaters!
Wow, doesn't get much better than that Stuart, what an amazing holiday and bird sightings, really looking forward to your report :) thanks for posting these up, they are just superb.
The safari wasn't great, but the rest of the holiday was. I think the problem was that we'd been on much better ones. If the driver had been more engaged it would have been more interesting. However, there are 500 jeeps allowed into Yala and it's a bit like Mad Max 2 in there...
Great, wonderful stuff SV, so good to be treated to views of these 'furriners' & two lots in same day (just found SC thread) is really good! Look forward to more plus your trip report told in your inimitable fashion, should be good for a few laughs!!
Oooh, fab, I've been looking forward to hearing how Sri Lanka was. Great pics, nice to see some of the species that I saw when I was there (and one that I didn't!). Will be looking out for more :)
Great stuff, Stuart. Like the others, I'm looking forward to your pics and report.
Paul
Some lovely birds here Stuart - looking forward to your detailed report.
Sue
Fantastic taster, Stuart. It's great to see these colourful birds from exotic locations.
Looking forward to more photos when you have the time.
think this fantastic thread needs to be bumped back up to the top for those that missed it :) really looking forward to more pics Stuart .. hint hint lol !!
It's the old problem of having to work for a living :-( I'll try and get it done by the end of the week!