Yala National Park remained in the grip of a serious drought this September whilst Colombo was lashed by the seasonal monsoons. Such is the contrast in exotic Sri Lanka. To coin an old phrase Yala was “bone dry”. The drought providing a whole new perspective on the wildlife within.

The September ‘09 tour commenced at a place called Kalahe’, just south of Galle where we were hosted by Vere and Denise to some fantastic meals and the best Kithul Honey I have had in a long time. We then meandered down the coast road to Yala, Bundala, a quick stop at the Lunugamvehera National Park entrance to photograph the old British built bridge and on to Tanamalwila – Kuda Oya and back to Colombo. I also had a particular interest this trip, recording the variety and changes to the traditional fishing vessels used by the coastal people. Before we left Colombo; a great one day trip to Meethirigala Forest, about an hours drive from Colombo along High Level Road (turn off at Hanwella) was also an interesting experience.Thick rain forest and a great drive through rural Sri Lanka. Good for bird watching and butterflies. The thick canopy does not allow for easy photography of the birds though. A good place for a day picnic. I also spent a superb morning on Bolgoda Lake with Eric. Some great birdlife and local fishing scenes were recorded.

MEETHIRIGALA

 Above: An opening in the thick rain forest at Meethirigala. I was informed of this great place via the Sri Lankan Natural History Society members, a group of dedicated naturalists. When Eric and I walked through this great place,rolling cloud cover on the day made it unsuitable for good photography  Two Hermitages are also situated in the forest. Anyone seeking some meditation may well find this an additional attraction. Below: The road through Meethirigala Forest.

YALA – IN DROUGHT

Elephants leaving Buttuwa Wewa after an evening drink, do so against a drought affected landscape. This Wewa is normally full of water as far as the tree line in the back ground. A stark contrast to the sight I was normally used to. The wewa was reduced to two large water holes. Crocodiles were in abundance and crowded the banks and any ‘island’ of land in the water.Nevertheless, Weli, his son Rajiv and I enjoyed leopard sightings on each tour of the park over two days. A pair of juvenile leopards, one adult female and an adult male provided great sightings: as Weli states his best Yala trip to date as far as leopard sightings are concerned.

BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK

Bundala, in contrast to Yala was magnificent. Great birdlife and as the picture below indicates an irate bull elephant who is noted for damaging vehicles. Apparently he despises white vans and hits them head on; then lifts his fore legs and does more damage. There was no mistaking his purposeful ‘gallop’ towards our vehicle and we made a hasty exit as we were a mere 100 meters from the front gate. Any drama would have spilled onto the main road and affected the gate house too. He is also noted for pretending to enter the jungle; only to re-emerge at full charge and attack vehicles.

Another memorable tour of Lanka. The hospitality of Vere and Denise was outstanding, a great hot breakfast just south of Matara, of hot, red string hoppers, fresh chili fish curry, chicken curry, coconut sambol and other curries embedded another memory for life. About 1500 images were recorded over a period of 6 days! some early migrant birds were seen at Bundala too; such as the Curlew and the European Thick Knee. Some great sightings of Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Darters, Peacock, Moor Hens, Blue Cootes, Storks, Herons, Parrots and other small birds too.

Of course all of this would never be as good if not for the company of Eric, Mahes, Rajiv and Weli.

           Galle Fruit Markets and Bazaar.