Migrant birds throng Nuwara Eliya
P. Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya
Beautiful and rare migrant birds such as the European Cuckoo, the
Hanging Lorakeet, White Bellied Drongo, Chrimson Backed Woodpecker,
Jordon Chlorophies, Blackheaded Oriole, Palm Squirrel and wagtails are
currently seen in Nuwara Eliya.
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White Bellied Drongo |
Several other bird species are also seen in the Kotmale and
Pundaluoya areas and they mostly frequent the Meddecumbra and Eaton
estate areas, where even two leopard cubs were seen by the estate
workers recently.
The unique feature of the Lorokeet which enjoys the drinking sweet
toddy on Kitul trees tapped by villagers.
A number of local and foreign bird watchers are seen frequenting
these areas.
According to naturalist Lal de Silva, some of these species have come
into the hillcountry after a lapse of several decades owing to the
prevailing dry weather conditions.
The inland migration has started with the arrival of the white
bellied eagles, the Brahmin kites and the Gray Heron. According to Clive
Tissera, a veteran planter and a keen bird watcher, these rare bird
species will stay till April. |
