Saturday, August 11, 2012

Day Trip to Singharaja Rain Forest

Date 29th Jully, 2012

During my short stay at Sri Lanka, I got a chance to visit Singharaja rain forest with one of my best friend Janaka and his family. We started our journey from Piliyandala at about 7pm.  Our route to Singharaja was Piliyandala > Kahatuduwa > Mathugama > Agalawatta > Baduraliya > Kalwana > Weddagala > Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC). We reached to KCC at about 10am.

After having the breakfast at KCC entrance we went inside the jungle. We selected Singhagala nature trail. During our trek we were able to see different kinds of flora, fauna, insects, butterflies and also some bird species.









We were able to see few birds very closely.

Sri lankan Blue Magpie


Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl (Male)

Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl (Female)

Due to the lack of time we return back from the giant Nawada tree.


Around 4pm we started our journey back to Piliyandala and reached Piliyandala at bout 8pm.

Though it was a day trip, I enjoyed the trip very much and I was able to capture some great pictures. Special thanks to Janaka for arranging the trip.

If anyone interested going there and if you want to inquire the weather and other information call Kudawa Conservation Centre office on +94 453 454 376

Singharaja Facts:

- Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, home for different kinds or flora, fauna, birds, insects, reptiles and some mammals.

-More that 60% of the trees are endemic and over 50% of mammals and butterflies are endemic in the forest. Due to the thick vegetation large mammals are rarely seen.

- Located  in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka

-In 1978 Sir Lankan has declared this amazing ran forest as forest reserve and in 1988 UNESCO named declared as UNESCO world heritage site.

Thougts:


We must save this amazing biodiversity hotspot and nature reserve for our next generation. 

Love nature, nature loves you.

" Rivers and rocks and trees have always been talking to us, but we've forgotten how to listen.  --Joyce Kilmer "

Good news

Sri Lankan government announced that they have suspended the controversial road project through the reserve.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14933253        

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Black-rumped Flameback

Common Name: Black-rumped Flameback or Red-backed Woodpecker
Scientific Name : Dinopium benghalense psarode
Identification: Golden yellow back, Paler wings, Black rump and tail, White underparts with dark chevron markings, Black throat, Whitish head, Black nape and throat, Grayish eye patch
Habitat: Open forest and cultivation
Feeding: includes insects
Location: Piliyandala
Reference: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-rumped_Flameback



Friday, August 19, 2011

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Common Name: Little Egret
Scientific Name: Egretta garzetta
Identification: Dark gape which extends well behind the eye. Long dagger-like bill is yellow in non breading and black in breading birds.
Habitat: Single and group are wide speed and common in a wide range of wetlands.
Feeding: Mainly aquatic insects
Location: Bundala National Park
Reference: http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-little-egret.html