From the pool we carried on around the track. Earlier in the trip I had struggled to get a clear view of the Greater Coucal, a common bird, but manages to be quite elusive in the trees and grassland. Here it showed really well.
We came across a series of lagoons and depending on the light they would look very different. A group of Lesser Whistling Ducks.
A lagoon looking into the sunshine silhouetting the palm trees on the dunes.
Another bird I hadn't been able to get a photograph of, the Lesser Sand Plover, here in winter plumage, they are a winter migrant to the shores around Sri Lanka.
Looking across the lagoons they were good numbers of terns settled on the banks. Aside from the Whiskered Terns seen almost everywhere here there were some larger terns. In this group, Caspian, Greater and Lesser Crested Tern. Sandwich Tern and Gull-billed Tern
Here Lesser Crested Tern, Gull-billed and Little Tern.
We reached an end point and turned around, the lagoons now taking on a different scene with the sunshine behind us.
Black-winged Stilt reflections in the still water of the lagoon.
Other waders along the shoreline included Little Stint, Kentish Plover, Curlew Sandpiper and Redshank. From the lagoons we turned into the scrub once more. I stopped the car for some nice views of Long-tailed Shrike.
Then a Land Monitor on a tree trunk above us.
And another monkey the Toque Macaque watching us pass.
Then something special, our driver stopped and pointed to a termite mound. At the top was a tiny lizard and on closer view it was a Chameleon. A very young one, it doesn't show in this photo but it was only about the size of my thumb.
The Sri Lankan Chameleon is one of only four chameleon species found outside of Africa and Madagascar. Other than here in Sri Lanka, this species is found in the arid areas of India and Pakistan.
We drove up onto the cliffs that overlooked the sea.
We were here for breakfast and as we ate, a White-bellied Sea Eagle drifted over following the line of the cliffs.
Moving on we wound our way through the scrub once again. Barn Swallows gathering in the scrubby trees
We came across some more open water and it felt as if the driver was looking to find me Glossy Ibis, I didn't say anything. We moved on with a nice Marsh Sandpiper alongside the car in the flooded pool.
Heading back into the scrub we came across a displaying Peacock, with the Peahen seemingly not interested.
Focus on the amazing feathers, I know this was a wild bird and not taken in a zoo.
The Peahen walked away and the Peacock followed so we will never know if she accepted him.
We were then driving along the edge of a wetland with high reed like plants obscuring a lot of the water, These Black-headed Munia were collecting grass and flying inot the reeds to probably build nests.
A reed bed specialist, the Purple Swamphen, a large Coot like bird.
Another Pied Kingfisher, this time a little more open.
A very upright Crested Serpent Eagle.
The Black-winged Stilts just lend themselves to reflection, this one roosting on one leg.
The hope was that this was the Water Monitor, but as we got closer it was another Land Monitor.
As we were reaching the entrance to the park we came across a family group of Sri Lankan Grey Langurs. The young ones being very playful on the track and in the trees.
We handed in the paperwork and left the park. As we followed the entrance road there was a lot of birds out across a flooded plain and as we watched a huge flock of Glossy Ibis took to the air. This is just a sample and I have counted ninety here.
Amongst the Barn Swallows on the overhead wires were two Sand Martins. They are a rare visitor in winter so this was a good sighting.
Our last land game drive was very successful, some new birds and some great photo opportunities. It was back to the hotel and a relaxing afternoon on the deck after lunch. Tomorrow we are off to Weligama Bay, which will be a very different experience.
