Joanna James
Sri Lanka – the birds' paradise – is a retreat for birds who tend to escape the winter. The island is a haven for both resident and migrant birds who embellish the nation with their prevalent presence.
The national park, Horton Plains is a lush green prairie that is visited by foreigners and locals alike. Locals who like to avoid the sweltering heat in other parts of the country and foreigners who wish to enjoy the country's varied climate visit this terrain throughout the year. One of the many magnets that draw people to the park is its wide variety of bird species. With around 85 types of birds – most of which are migratory – Horton Plains is a paragon of breathtakingly wonderful nature.
If you wish to witness the biodiversity of the Island, the Sinharaja rain forest is a must visit – which also happens to be a world heritage site. Due to the density of flora and fauna, it's not that easy to spot wildlife inside the forest – nevertheless, inside the reserve which is accessible, you might be able to see no less than eighteen bird species – migratory and endemic. Among the feathery inhabitants of the forest are Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Woodpigeon, Black Eagle, Ceylon Scaly Thrush and Asian Paradise Flycatcher. The forest is included in travel itineraries of many local tour companies including Cinnamon Nature Trails
As the name suggests, the Kumana Bird Sanctuary is specially designed as an oasis for both endemic and migratory birds – which tops the schedules of Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari tours. The sanctuary is located inside Kumana National Park and is visited mostly by those who love watching birds. On your visit, you will get the opportunity to view the rarest of birds: Eurasian Spoonbill, Great Thick-Knee, Black-Necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant and many more. The best time to visit would be during April and July as masses of migrant birds happen to flock in the swamp.
Kitulgala is one of the dampest regions in Sri Lanka with abundant heavy rainfall during most of the year. Due to this reason, the Kelani Valley – located in Kitulgala - serves as a refuge for many endemic birds found in the lowland. Second, only to Sinharaja Rain Forest in terms of biodiversity, the Kelani Valley is an ideal spot for you to sight many forms of colourful birds. Among mostly sighted are Dollar Bird, Red-faced Malkoha, Chestnut Backed Owlet and Sri Lanka Spurfowl. In addition to birds, the valley is home to other forms of life such as mammals, butterflies and a broad spectrum of flora & fauna.
Though this is mainly a spot for witnessing marine life – during October and May, the park swarms with migrant birds. Bird species such as Waterbirds, Shorebirds and hundreds of Flamingos can be spotted plenty at the park.
An exemplary paradigm of bird life, Yala National Park is located in the southern region of the Island. Home to over 200 species of birds, this grassland is enriched by lagoons, shrubs, rock pools and sand dunes. If you decide to visit Yala National Park on your next trip to Sri Lanka, you will be greeted by sightings of Ruddy Turnstone, Grey Heron, Purple Heron and many other bird species.
What's unique about Bundala park is that –at the park, you get to see migrant birds and endemic birds in equal numbers. Bundala is showered with Herons, Rosy Starlings, Black-necked Storks and rare forms of birds such as Great Thick-knee. Bundala National Park is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka, especially if you love birds.
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