6 Tips for Birdwatching at Sigiriya – Discover Avian Marvels in Sri Lanka!

The early hours of the morning as well as the late afternoon may be regarded as the best times of day to observe birds in this locality. At these times, birds could readily be seen and the soft sunlight would highlight their vibrant plumage making them clearly visible. Whilst you could enjoy birdwatching in Sri Lanka throughout the year, for the very finest conditions, the optimal period for this activity would be the dry season extending from November through April; at this time, you could expect sunny, clear weather whilst the birds should be more active.  

Naturally, you must take care to respect the natural environment during your birdwatching sessions. For instance, you should maintain a suitable distance when observing birds. You must take care not to disturb them or the habitat in which they live; accordingly, you should speak softly, walk quietly, and mute your phone so that you won’t upset the natural behaviour of the birds. Similarly, you should avoid sitting in proximity to a nest for extended periods as this could result in birds staying away from their nest.

For a rewarding birdwatching session, you must have the proper gear for this pursuit. For instance, you would need a good pair of binoculars to observe the birds and a suitable camera to capture the memorable images. Additionally, sturdy, well-fitting footwear and comfortable clothes would be needed for a satisfying birdwatching experience in the environs of Sigiriya. 

You may consider availing yourself of the services of a local guide as this will significantly enhance the pleasure you gain from your birdwatching experience. An experienced guide will possess a good knowledge of the local area and be able to assist you in finding ideal spots for your session. A knowledgeable guide could also help in identifying the varied species of birds that you would encounter. One of the 5 star resorts in Sri Lanka to consider from which you could easily go birdwatching in Sigiriya is Cinnamon Lodge Habarana; such nearby properties are also set amidst verdant nature and offer trails which you can explore with a naturalist to spot birds as well as butterflies.

For a rewarding session of birdwatching, you will often have to be patient to make the most of the experience. You should be prepared to wait until you have the opportunity to spot and observe interesting kinds of avifauna; naturally, you may be obliged to spend significant amounts of time to avail yourself of these opportunities, but the wait will be worth it!

For the best birdwatching opportunities, you may have to think creatively to identify the spots where birds could be observed. For instance, you may have the chance to see birds not only on trees but at canals, lakes, parks and rooftops as well; you should try out several locations for the best opportunities. Of course, having a guide or naturalist with you will be helpful since they will be familiar with the area and hotspots to visit.