A perfect day. Started out by birding around the lodge where I was happy to see the usual White-browed Wagtails (Motacilla maderaspatensis) on the rock in the river where I had seen them on my previous visit. I liked the sight of the happy couple with their black bibs. I also saw the pair of Crested Kingfishers (Megaceryle lugubris), a bird I have been in love with ever since I discovered its existence. Was thrilled to see my first River Lapwings (Vanellus duvaucelii). There was a pair of them engaged in a quarrel with a Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), but neither side won, and soon the crow lost interest and went away to richer pickings. Of eggs or chicks I saw no sign, but Ali-Ripley give the breeding period from March-June. Later as I moved towards the road I spied a Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons).
I then walked along the main road, towards Dhikuli, a rather tiresome experience, given the rush of traffic on the road, but nevertheless managed Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis), a small, but dapper bird, Great Tit (Parus major), and White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens).
The highlight of the morning was a cackle of small birds right outside the Infinity reception. I pulled out my Audobon Bird Call and after a bit of squeaking (bird-calling?) I was able to induce a couple to show themselves. My heart skipped a beat as I set eyes on a most beautiful bird, one that I had only but dreamed of seeing until my arrival at Corbett, the Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja), a truly fiery beauty.
I then discovered that these bushes lay just in front of the door to my cottage and was able to watch them to my heart’s content during which an Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) suddenly popped up as if to remind us that we must not forget the elegance and beauty of those creatures that we take to be ‘common.’
An hour by the river in the evening produced a solitary Little Stint (Calidris minuta) and later, a solitary Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) bobbing its tail away as if its life depended on it.
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