More Anuradhapura lakes.
This morning I got up early at 6am and headed down the road to see what was at some of the ponds. On the way, I spotted a few Green Imperial Pigeons and these Rose-ringed Parakeets having breakfast that some nice person had left out for them. I continued on to the kada Panaha Wewa, a small lake but there was nothing there.
Behind the Teaching Hosptial I found Help Green Park, a small wetlands area. I found this relic in the toxic drain.
There were heaps of White-breasted Waterhen running around everywhere. I have never seen so many. Notice the massive feet for walking on lily pads.
I was quite delighted to spot this Stork-billed Kingfisher. I had not seen one in Sri Lanka before and had only photographed one in Sabah, but was not happy with the quality. This is still far from good, using ISO 0f 1600. ugh.
Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis)
Check out the ridges in the massive bill. They probably have to be like that otherwise the whole structure would collapse and just flop around.
Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis)
And I was just lucky to get this fantastic shot of a Black-hooded Oriole on the way back.
Anuradhapura bird list
Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)
Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis)
Asian Koel
Rose-ringed Parakeet
White-breasted Waterhen
Common Moorhen
Great Egret
Grey-headed Fish-eagle
Brahminy Kite