Tag: birdwatching

Trogon of Rainforest

Posted on by

It had been quite a while since my last trip to Sinharaja, as the heavy and unpredictable rains had kept me away longer than planned. During a brief break in the weather, I finally returned for some birdwatching with a friend and my regular guide, Thilak. Although we spotted a few bird flocks, photographing them was challenging due to low light and the birds’ positions high in the tree canopy.

Malabar Trogon – Female

While following one of the flocks, Thilak spotted a pair of Malabar trogon (Harpactes fasciatus). We followed them along the trail, though, surprisingly, both birds were female—usually, Trogons are found in male-female pairs. The male typically sports bright red plumage, while females display a softer, orange hue. One of the females paused just long enough on a bare tree branch, framed by leaves, giving me a perfect opportunity to capture this beautiful shot.

A Return to the Wild: Rediscovering Yala

Posted on by

Yala National Park, once a place of solitude and connection with nature, doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to be for me. Sixteen years ago, a simple work outing to Yala changed everything. I remember vividly—the moment I clicked the shutter on my camera and captured Kublai Khan, the legendary great tusker of Yala—it sparked a passion for wildlife that has only grown stronger with time.

Since then, visiting Yala twice a month became a routine, each trip fueling my fascination with the wild. But as the crowds have grown and the atmosphere changed, I’ve found myself seeking out quieter corners—Wilpattu, Yala Block 5—where the essence of the wilderness is still untouched. There, surrounded by the sounds of nature and away from the overwhelming crowds, I’ve been able to truly observe and photograph everything from elusive leopards to vibrant birds, and so much more.

Despite my countless visits, there was one part of Yala I had never experienced—Heenwewa Bungalow. That changed last May when I finally had the chance to stay there. It had been a while since my last trip to Yala, but fortunately, my trusted safari guide, Theekshana Lakshan of Yala Bigcat Safari, was available. Together, we ventured into the less-traveled areas of the park, avoiding the crowds, and it paid off. We captured some breathtaking moments that reminded me why Yala became such a significant part of my life all those years ago.