NOTES ON FIELD TRIPS TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

7.25am observed a few Thick-billed Flowerpeckers feeding on a “Jam fruits” just out side the park. This is my first sighting of this species at Wilpattu.
8.30am entered the park with Hemantha Wimalasena.
A White-browed Fan-tailed Flycatcher chased an Indian Pitta at the park entrance.
8.35am 3 Spotted Deer about 200 meters from park entrance.
8.41am 5 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
8.46am 1 female Barking Deer just before Percy Bendi Wewa.
The park had received a lot of rain. Percy Bendi Wewa and Thammanna Wala were both full.
9.32am 3 Spotted Deer at Thammanna Wala.
10.10am 1 Elephant at between “Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya” and Maradanmaduwa. It was behind some foliage and did not break cover.

10.59am troop of Grey Langur at Madangaha Wala.
11.20am an Autumn Leaf (an uncommon butterfly) between Nelum Wila and Maradanmaduwa.

11.30am another Autumn Leaf just before Panikkar Villu.
11.35am a mating pair of Great Orange Tip at Panikkar Villu uda para.

11.55am 1 Elephant at Tala Wila.
11.58am 1 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
12.47pm 5 Spotted Deer at Aalam Wila.
12.48pm 11 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu junction.
1.10pm 1 Black-naped Hare at Panikkar Villu.
1.26pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
1.33pm 1 Spotted-billed Pelican and 1 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.40pm industrious Dung Beetles were carrying balls of dung from a cowpat to burrow and deposit their eggs at Kumbuk Wila.

2.41pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
2.42pm 1 Star Tortoise at Kumbuk Wila.
2.45pm 15 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
2.50pm 4 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
3.02pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.32pm 1 Elephant feeding on the reeds at Manikkapola Uttu.

3.57pm 17 Spotted Deer at Madan Gaha Wala.

4.24pm 1 Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
4.31pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Panikkar Villu junction.
4.40pm 1 Samabar at Ibba Wala.
5.02pm 32 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
Wild Orchids Vanilla walkarai and Vanda spathulata in bloom at many locations in the park.
5.45pm left the park
25th October 2015
6.45am entered the park with Hemantha Wimalasena
6.48am 4 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
7.20am 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.21am 24 Spotted Deer and 1 Lesser Adjutant Stork at Thimbiri Wila.
8.50am a Malabar Pied Hornbill perched on an exposed branch at Kumbuk Wila permitted me to make a few good images.

9.58am 5 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
10.20am a male Blue Wanderer butterfly at Panikkar Villu uda para. As it was an over cast day most butterflies were seen resting on foliage with their wings open to absorb sun light.

11.14am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila pitiya.
11.17am 1 immature Mugger Crocodile in a pool on the road at Nelum Wila. I have observed immature crocodiles on numerous occasions in pools of water on the road. The drives need to be cautious in wading through these pools as they are often used by Turtles, Crocodiles and large number of frogs.
11.26am 1 Barking Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
11.27am 3 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
11.44am a herd of 15 Wild Boar ran across the road ahead of the vehicle on Lunu Wewa road.
11.51am 3 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.

12.16pm 1 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
12.20am Solanum, a beautiful wild flower species photographed at Wilpattu by me and confirmed as a new species to the country by Dr J. de Vlas (author of Illustrated Field Guide to the flowers of Sri Lanka) was in bloom at many locations in the park including Panikkar Villu uda para and between Mahapatessa & Kumbuk Wila.

12.30pm 1 Autumn Leaf (butterfly) between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
12.57pm 1 lowland Kangaroo Lizard Otocryptis nigristigma observed between Kuruttupandi junction and the villu. We stopped the vehicle having observed a lizard running across the road ahead of the vehicle. It climbed up on to a small dried branch on the ground and as it is an adult male I expected it to display. After about ten minutes the head, neck and its flanks gradually turned to a bright blue-green coloure and the lizard started its display. The tiny reptile moved its head and body down and to an up right position in a jerky motion permitting me to take some clear photos. These terrestrial lizards are usually brown in colour and are well camouflaged on the ground among leaf litter. Males occasionally perform these displays from a vantage point to show dominance to other males or to attract females.

1.05pm 3 Spotted Deer and one Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkapola Uttu and Kumutu Wila.
1.08pm 8 Spotted Deer and 1 Flapshell Turtle at Kumutu Wila.
1.29pm troop of Grey Langur at Kali Villu.
1.45pm photographed 3 species of Dragonflies at Kali Villu. Oriental scarlet Crocothemis servilia, Orange-winged Groundling Brachythemis contaminata and Dancing Dropwing Trithemis pallidinervis

2.38pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kali Villu.
2.56pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
3.11pm 3 Spotted Deer between Mana Wila and Downall Pitiya.
3.31pm 1 adult male Cobra at Manikkapolauttu sand-patch. We spotted the snake stationery with its hood up and I was interested to find out the cause of its agitation. However after about 15 minutes the majestic snake folded its hood and moved slowly in to the forest. It may have been alarmed by some animal and taken up this “ready to strike” position.

4.14pm  32 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.21pm 1 Golden Jackal at Kumbuk Wila.
4.22pm 22 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
4.26pm 1 Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila pitiya and Borupan junction.
5.02pm Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa has increased to 24 from the 12 counted in the morning.
5.37pm 1 Star Tortoise on Maha Wewa road.
5.45pm 3 Spotted Deer at the first Glade.
26th October 2015
6.30am entered the park with safari jeep driver, Hemantha Wimalasena
6.37am 1 Golden Jackal at Weli Ela.
6.46am 12 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.48am 1 Barking Deer between Paluwilandawa junction and Thammanna Wala.
6.50am 1 barking Deer just before Thammanna Wala.
6.55am wild flower, Beautiful Crinum Crinum zeylanicum in bloom close to Kalagedi Bokkuwa.

7.31am wild flower Curcuma oligantha (Zingiberaceae) photographed at Maradanmaduwa. This is my first record of this species inside the park. I’m thankful to DWLC officer Bimal Karunaratne for informing of the location of these flowers.

7.32am 1 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.50am 5 Sambar (one adult antler, a sub adult male and three females) between Humbas Wala and Boralu Wala. They appear to be agitated as they had their tails up and one kept stamping the ground while looking across the road intently.
 7.57am while listening to the alarm calls of a troop of Grey Langur at Borupan junction, indicating the presence of a Leopard, the endemic Brown- capped Babblers started to sing from the undergrowth, very close to the vehicle. I started to mimic its calls and within a few minutes the one Babbler responded with its threatening call and flew up on to a branch permitting me to take a few photos of this endemic species. The leopard how ever did not make an appearance.

8.15am 2 Spotted Deer and one Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Pitiya.
9.02am 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
9.14am 1 Leopard Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) at Tala Wila uda para. 
N 08.37896, E 079.94795
We spotted the leopard lying down under a bush facing an open glade. Within a few minutes of the sighting it started to rain very heavily and leopard stood up and trotted in to the forest. Later having examined the photos I realized that this is NWMC 2.

9.40am as we arrived at Panikkar Villu I was alerted by the distress calls of a frog and found an Indian Green Frog Euphlyctis hexadactylus trapped in the beak of a Purple Heron. It was killed and swallowed in a few minutes.

 10.14am 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.29am 9 Spotted deer on Tala Wila uda para.
10.32am 2 Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Kohombansanchaipooval.
10.37am 1 Spotted Deer and a bi-coloured Indian Paradise Flycatcher at Kohombansanchaipooval.
10.41am 1 Great Cormorant drying its wings and Panikkar Villu. This is not a common species at Wilpattu.

11.39am 1 Crested Serpent Eagle at Kohombansanchaipooval.
2.02pm 2 Golden Jackal, 1 Spot-billed Pelican, 2 Spoonbills and 17 Painted Storks at Kumbuk Wila.
2.22pm 1 Black-naped Hare at Nelum Wila.
2.49pm 21 Spotted Deer at the Pomparippu end of Tala Wila.
2.57pm 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
3.18pm 5 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
3.44pm 1 Sambar and a herd of Wild Boar at Boralu Wala.
4.10pm 62 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

4.41pm 1 Sloth Bear at Percy Bendi Wewa.
4.50pm 5 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa bund.
4.57pm 4 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
5.10pm left the park.
6.30pm as the continuous rain had made many species of frogs quite active in the Hunuwilagama area, I decided to explore the area to look for this interesting group of animals close to my guest house (Dolosmahe Guest House) which is just outside the park. Frogs can usually be located by sight or by following their calls. Having heard the call I was very keen to locate and photograph an endemic species known as the Polonnaruwa Shrub Frog  Pseudophilatus regius*. I found this male making its calls to attract a female.

7.10pm a Roland’s Burrowing Frog Sphaerotheca rolandae and Common Paddy Field Frog Fejervarya limnocharis were also found in the vicinity.

7.30pm my friends Namal Kamalgoda and Gehan Rajapaksha invited me for dinner and while reaching their bungalow bordering the park in Namal’s vehicle I managed to photograph a Jurdon’s Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus crassus and a few fresh water land crabs. I’m thankful to my friend for his patience as every now and then he had to stop the vehicle for me to photograph frogs these beautiful crabs on the road. I sought the help of Mr. Mohamed.M.Bahir, who is an expert on Sri Lankan freshwater crabs, to identify them and he confirmed that this is Oziotelphusa hippocastanum a species endemic to the country.

9.45pm after dinner I explored the area around the bungalow and was able to photograph two more species of frogs and another species of freshwater crab which as per Mr. Bahir appears to be Oziotelphusa ceylonensis which is also a species endemic to the country.

Explored the Kala Oya river mouth and the Gange Wadiya estuary area, which borders the park by boat to look for Saltwater Crocodiles. Dr. Eric Wickramanayake and Dinal Samarasinghe accompanied me. Dinal is engaged in a Salt Water Crocodile study in the Nilwala River.

9th October 2015

8.30pm we arrived at Wilpattu House at Eluwankulama. It is a guesthouse located in a six-acre property bordering Lunu Ganga, which is a branch of Kala oya.

9.20pm 1 Giant Forest Scorpion Heterometrus swammerdami found in the guesthouse premises. It was caught and kept in a plastic container to be photographed and released the next day. We also found two Bark Geckos Hemidactylus leschenaultia.

9.32PM a Sri Lanka Wood Frog Rana gracilis.

After dinner we walked explored the area up to Lunu  Ganga for snakes.

9.45pm we spotted a snake with its head out form tree hole of a dead tree. A closer examination revealed that it is a Forsten’s Cat Snake Boiga forsteni (Naga Mapila).

10.45pm an Indian Gerbil trotted ahead of us and entered a burrow by the side the gravel road we walked.

10th October 2015

6.30am photographed the Giant Forest Scorpion Heterometrus swammerdami and a small frog Variegated Ramanella Ramanella variegate.

8.20am we set off from Gange Wadiya to explore the Mangroves for Crocodiles. This area contains one of the best mangrove habitats that I have observed in the country. Very large Sholes of baby shrimps and tiny finger lings were observed throughout the mangrove-covered waterways.

8.40am 1 Little Green Heron.

8.50am many Common Sandpipers, Little Green Herons, Purple Herons, Common Kingfishers and Brahminy Kites observed along the waterways.

8.58am a troop of Grey Langur at Henakachchi Ganga.

9.41am Lesser Sand Plover and a Common Sand Plover at the mouth of Kala Oya.

9.47am we paddled along narrow waterways to observe a large colony of Indian Flying Foxes.

10.07am 1 Red Shank flew off upon our approach.

10.25am 1 Stork-billed Kingfisher and 2 Large Egrets.

10.36am arrived at the Baobab Adansonia tree along the Kumburawa River.  This is much larger than the tree inside the park on Pukkulama road. Upon our arrival the troop of Grey Langur on the tree dispersed. After some time a Grey Langur started to give out alarm calls.  We were not able to conclude whether they had spotted a leopard or whether it upon seeing Dinal who crept under the bushes looking for reptiles.

12.13pm detected the endemic parasitic plant Dendrophthoe ligulatus (Thwaites) Tieghin bloom.

1.45pm 9 Ashy Swallow Shrikes perched on a tree along the Kala Oya.

2.55pm the endemic damselfly Adam’s Gem Libellago adami observed and photographed at the campsite.

3.28pm 1 Giant Squirrel and Toque Monkey along Kala Oya.

3.33pm troop of Grey Langur and a Purple Heron at Kala Oya river mouth.

3. 35pm Little Tern at Gange Wadiya.

3.54pm a troop of Grey Langur at Gange Wadiya.

3.55pm 1 Grey Partridge.

5.19pm 3 Golden Jackal along the Gange Wadiya road.

5.30pm boarded the boat to reach and set up our camp prior to nightfall.

6.30pm arrived at our campsite along the Kala Oya.

6.49pm Common Hourglass Tree Frog Polypedates cruciger and Common Paddy Field Frog Fejervarya limnocharis observed and photographed at the campsite.

7.05pm 1 sub adult Mugger crocodile just out side our campsite.

10.15pm set off by boat to look for crocodiles with the help of two Maglite torches.

10.32pm 1 lone bull Elephant trumpeted and move away from the waters edge.

10.15pm to 12.30am explored most of the waterways in the mangrove forests at Gange wadiya area and spotted 7 Mugger crocodiles. Four of them were immature, two Sub adults and one adult. Some were found in very close proximity to the estuary in pure brackish water. A two and a half foot long crocodile was caught by Dinal and was measured. As we released this crocodile an adult Mugger crocodile was detected nearby. Perhaps it was attracted by the distress calls of the sub adult. However we failed to detect any Salt Water Crocodiles during this expedition.

11th October 2015

4.45am we woke as an Elephant had arrived on the riverbank across Kala Oya. It was feeding on the grass across river about 50 feet from where we had set up camp. Around 6am the Elephant moved in to the forest allowing us to take a dip in the river.

5.00am a Wood Owl called for about 10 minutes.

7.30am left the campsite and arrived at Gange wadiya.

8.30am left for Colombo.

7.20am 1 Tusker by the “electrified Elephant fence” between the 7 and 8th KM post on the Puttalam Anuradapura road.

8.33am entered the park with guide Tissa for a two-night stay at Paluwilandawa campsite.

8.42am number of Common Hedge Blue and Common Pierrot butterflies settled on fresh Elephant dung and “sipping nutrients and salt” at Weli Ela.

8.44am while photographing the butterflies observed the sub adults of a troop of Grey Langur playing on the road close to the first glade. A Ruddy Mongoose crossed the road ahead as well.

8.45am 8 Spotted Deer at first glade.

8.57am 1 small Mugger Crocodile “sunning” on the edge of the concrete pool at Thammanna Wala.

9.05am the rare seasonal wild flower, Forest Spider Lily Pancriatum biflorum in Bloom at Maha Wewa. At Wilpattu I have observed these flowers between mid August to mid October.

9.16am 60 Wild Buffalo and 4 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.

10.24am 4 Golden Jackal playing on the Kukul Katu plains at Maradanmaduwa.

10.48am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Pitiya Wala.

10.54am 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.

11.27am 11 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.

12.noon 1 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.

12.55pm  1 Grey Langur between Walas Wala Boralu Wala.

1.10pm 2 Spotted Deer at “Eda Kohomba Gaha” pitiya.

1.46pm a troop of Toque Monkey at Weli Ela.

1.55pm left the park to have lunch.

2.05pm entered the park.

3.10pm 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmduwa.

3.40pm 1 Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) at Aalam Villu. A jeep that was parked at the villu informed us of a leopard seated under a bush. It was barely visible. After a few minutes the young leopard broke cover and started to move along the forest edge. I was able to get adequate photos to identify the animal. Having walked in the direction of the vehicles for about 50 yards it moved back in to the forest.

3.40pm 1 Elephant feeding on the Sedge Plants Eleocharis dulcis and a species of endemic paddy called “Uruwee” in Sinhala Oryza perrinis at Aalam Villu. During my last visit between the 27th to the 30th of August 2015 I observed the same Elephant and the same leopard (NWMC 2) at Aalam Villu in the early afternoon.

4.27pm a small herd of three Elephants including a small calf at Panikkar Villu.

4.40pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Tala Wila and Pallekandal Pitiya.

5.09pm a troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey at the broken bridge at Pomparippu.

5.19pm 2 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.

5.20pm my first sighting of Blue-tailed Bee Eater for the season at Pallekandal Pitiya.

5.44pm 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.

6.40pm 3 Black-naped Hare beyond Palu Kola Wala.

7.05pm arrived at the Paluwilandawa campsite.

19th September 2015

Arittha, Erick and Dathika Wickramanayake and two others joined me at the campsite.

5.40am left the campsite for an early morning game drive.

6.10am 1 Golden Jackal between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and “Eda Kohomba Gaha” pitiya.

6.14am 1 Sloth Bear at Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya. It was at the center of the glade and ran across the road upon our arrival. The young Bear disappeared in to the forest.

6.18am 5 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

6.25am 1 Sambar at Thambi Oluwa

7.01am 7 Spotted Deer and 1 Barking Deer at the first glade.

7.40am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.

9.35am 3 Leopards between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa.  
N 08.38010 E 080.06572

Two were on a fallen tree trunk and one moved down as we arrived. The third was on the ground with only its tail visible through the bushes. The two on the tree trunk were two male cubs of about 9 to 10 months. This is my first sighting of these leopards and I named them Maradanmaduwa Male 1 (MMMC 1) and Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2)

9.10am 2 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.

9.25am 27 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

10.07am 1 Barking Deer at Nelum Wila uda para.

11.00am 2 Sambar at Palu Kola Wala.

11.40am 1 Leopard MMMC 1 on the same tree trunk between Thambi Oluwa and Maradanmaduwa.

12.45pm arrived at the campsite to have lunch.

1.46pm 2 Leopards, Maradanmaduwa Male 1 (MMMC 1) and Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2) on the same fallen tree trunk between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa. I observed them for approximately 2 hours till 3.50pm. The third leopard was not visible.

3.07pm an Indian Nightjar with a newly hatched chick.

4.09pm 17 Spotted Deer and 1 Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.

4.17pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.

4.55pm 3 Leopards on the fallen tree trunk between Thambi Oluwa and Maradanmaduwa.

I was informed by a jeep driver at Kumbuk Wila that with the increase of the safari jeeps some visitors had disturbed the leopards and moved in to the forest. As these were cubs I expected them to remain in the same locality and with the jeeps leaving the location for them to be back on the tree trunk again.

Having arrived at the location I was thrilled to observe three leopards on the tree trunk. While two of the cubs could be seen well the third leopard was covered by foliage.

While I was photographing the two cubs the third leopard moved towards the cubs and started too lick them demonstrating maternal behavior. This activity lasted for about 6 minutes and permitted me to capture some images of the three leopards together. Later upon examining the spot and rosette pattern of the third leopard I realized that it is the Maradanmaduwa Female 1 (MMFC 1) that I had last observed at Maradanmaduwa in December 2013. As female leopards are known to produce their first litter when they are around 2 and half years I’m certain that these two cubs should be her first litter.

With the arrival of other jeeps I moved my vehicle to allow the others parked behind me also view this fascinating sight.

5.12pm 29 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

5.38pm 5 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Maha Wewa.

5.49pm 27 Spotted Deer, 1 Sambar and a herd of 4 Elephants at Maha Wewa.

6.05pm 4 Spotted Deer between Maha Wewa and Thammanna Wala.

6.10pm 2 Star Totoise between Maha Wewa and Thammanna Wala.

6.25pm arrived at the campsite at Paluwilandawa.

20th September 2015

5.45am left the campsite on a park round.

5.55am 1 Leopard, Thammanna Wala Female 2 THWF 2 at Thammanna Wala.
N 08.35345 E 080.11741

Having arrived at Thammanna Wala I spotted the leopard close to the “Ring Pond”. It moved towards the left and was not visible.  I drove on to the Maha Wewa road and found it drinking water. It was not disturbed by the vehicle and continued to drink. After about 5 minutes the leopard stood up, turned towards the road and looked up at me. I reversed the vehicle as I expected it needed to cross the road. The leopard slowly crossed the road and disappeared in to the forest. The sighting lasted for about 6 minutes.

6.33am 4 Spotted Deer and 1 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.

6.55am 1 Leopard about 100 meters towards Borupan junction from Walas Wala. It was on the road and quickly moved in to the forest before I was able to take any photos.

7.05am 12 Spotted Deer, 15 Wild Boar and 4 Golden Jackal at Borupan Wila.

9.19am 8 Wild Buffalo at between Palukola Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.

9.40am arrived at the campsite to have breakfast.

12.10pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.

12.45pm 2 Barking Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.

Wild Orchids Vanda tessalata, Vanda spathulata and Vanilla walkerae in bloom.

1.54pm a troop of Grey Langur between Thammanna Wala and Paluwilandawa junction.

2.15pm left the park.

3.15pm a Chameleon was photographed in a home garden just out side the park. The rare reptile has been seen crossing the road and was returned to the forest patch where it disappeared in to the foliage.

8.10am entered the park from Eluwankulama entrance with guide Hafis.

8.12am Troop of Grey Langur at park entrance.

8.21am 9 Spotted Deer at Moolakandaweli Plains.

9.13am 7 Spotted Deer between Pallekandal and Tala Wila.

9.16am 1 Elephant at Tala Wila.

9.23am 4 Spotted Deer about 200 meters from Tala Wila on Glage Vihara road.

9.27am 1 Adult male Wild Boar between Tala Wila and Karamba Kulama Ela.

9.47am 3 Golden Jackal at Tala Wila.

9.49am 1 Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.

9.52am 1 male Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.

10.55am Rapacious Flangetail Ictinogomphus rapax, Malabar Stripe Pseudagrion malabaricum (Dragon Fly) at Mila Wila.

11.41am 5 Spotted Deer, 14 Wild Buffalo and 6 Cotton Teal at Borupan Wila.

12.43pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.

1.16pm 1 Leopard between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa.
N 08.34925, E 080.11758

I was told of a leopard sighting in the morning at this locality by guide Sanath at Kumbuk Wila. It was lying down on an earth mound partly covered by bushes and was facing the forest. After some time the leopard stood up stretched and lied down again. It was a sub adult female leopard and I estimated its age to be around 2 years. I observed it till 3.30pm.  Except for an occasional yarn it continued to sleep. I left, as our plan was to reach Gange Wadiya by 5.30pm to look for a Tusker. Having examined its spot and rosette pattern I realized that this is a leopard that I had not photographed.  I named it Thammanna Wala Female 2 (THWF 2).

 5.12pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Illandawattan.

5.18am a Stork-billed Kingfisher at the broken bridge at Eluwankulama plunged in to a pool and returned to its perch with a small fish in its beak. It was swallowed instantly.

5.20pm left the park.

The water levels at most water bodies have subsided but the roads through Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa are still under water. The wild Flowers Blue Mist Memecylon umbellatum  and the beautiful Horsefly’s Eye  Dopatrium junceum around the villus are in full bloom.

5.22pm herd of about 10 Elephants about 200 meters out of the park entrance at Eluwankulama.

5.51pm 1 Grey Partridge at Gange Wadiya.

7.14pm 1 Elephant between Puttalam and Karuwalagaswewa.

28th August 2015

6.11am entered the park with guide Sanath.

6.31am THWF 2 at Thammanna Wala. N 08.35350, E 080.11744
As we arrived at the water hole the leopard was spotted walking down the bund to the edge of the water. It walked along the edge to the concrete “ring pond” built by the park office. I was surprised that the leopard preferred to drink from this “ring pond” despite the natural water hole having plenty of water. As it lowered its head to drink the frogs in the pond jumped out making the leopard jump back.  On a few occasions there after the leopard would lower its head cautiously in to the pond and jump back as the frogs jumped out. It was quite funny to watch this encounter. This disturbance, however, did not deter the leopard as she persisted until she had driven all the frogs in the pond to the nearby water hole and started to drink.

There after she continued to sit close to the pond in full view for almost 20 minutes. However with the escalation of safari jeeps, filled with tourists yelling out that there is a leopard, she moved in to the shade of the nearby forest. After some time I drove down Maha Wewa road that runs bordering this water hole and spotted the leopard lying down under a tree about 100 meters from the water hole. Few minutes later a troop of Grey Langurs spotted her and started to make frantic alarm calls.  The leopard responded by moving further in to the forest and out of sight.

Later having checked the spot and rosette marking I realized that this is THWF 2 that I photographed yesterday.

9.28am 1 Green Wine Snake on the road between Thammanna Wala and Palu Kola Wala.

9.30am 4 White-necked Storks and 3 Painted Storks feeding on fish trapped in pool of water at Palu Kola Wala.

10.25am Crimson Dropwing Trithemis aurora, Variegated Flutterer Rhyothmis varieagata varieagata, Elusive Adjutant Aethriamanta brevipennis brevipennis (Dragon Flies) at Mila Wila

11.07am 5 Spotted Deer between Mila Wila and Nelum Wila.

11.09am 2 White-necked Stork and 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

11.20am I was watching a male Spotted Deer with an impressive pair of antlers coming to water. All at once the deer gave out an alarm call and dashed in to the forest. Just then a leopard lifted its head from among the Horsefly’s Eye flowers. It had stalked a Spotted Deer but was detected before it was able to get close enough to launch an attack. The leopard stood up and walked in to the forest. Having examined the images I was able to identify this leopard. It was Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2). N 8 24.092 E 79 57.238

11.47am we spotted the leopard under a bush at the edge of the forest. Could not identify or photograph the leopard as it was sleeping under a bush and was barely visible without binoculars.

2.03pm 1 Elephant feeding on the Sedge Plants Eleocharis dulcis and a species of endemic paddy called “Uruwee” in Sinhala Oryza perrinis and 1 Barking Deer at Aalam Villu. The leopard is still at the same locality.

2.33pm 2 Spotted Deer drank at Aalam Villu.

4.04pm 4 Spotted Deer arrived at Aalam Villu, drank water and started to feed on the edge of the water.  Two of the males started to “lock horns”.

4.10pm the tapping sounds emanating from the knocking of antlers made the leopard spring in to action. It crawled out from under the bush and started to observe the deer across the villu intently. Only its head was visible above the grass. After a while the leopard showed interest in a juvenile Crested Hawk Eagle that was flying low and moved out of its place of hiding following the eagle.  The Spotted Deer did not detect the Leopard and continued to gradually move in the direction where the leopard was lying down. After a few minutes the leopard moved in to the forest in the direction of the Spotted Deer. However a troop of Grey Langurs spotted the leopard and started making alarm calls resulting in the deer dashing for cover. Within a short time the leopard walked out of the forest to the edge of the villu and started to drink. It walked back in to the forest thereafter. (with guide Sanath)

5.22pm 1 Elephant and 1 Golden Jackal at Tala Wila.

5.40pm 14 Indian Peafowl, 1 Elephant and 1 Golden Plover at Panikkar Villu.

5.50pm 1 Pintailed Snipe at Nelum Wila.

5.52pm 1 Wild Buffalo at Nelum Wila.

6.20pm 17 Spotted Deer at Maradanmduwa “Kukul Katu Plains”

6.40 left the park.

29th August 2015

6.08am entered the park with guide Sanath.

6.17am a female Barking Deer with a juvenile at the first glade.

6.34am 4 White-necked Stork and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Palukola Wala.

6.44am 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

7.37am 3 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

7.43am 1 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.

7.47am Golden Plover and Lesser Sand Plover at Thimbiri Wila.

9.03am 14 Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.

9.40am 1 Wild Boar at Kumutu Wila.

9.45am Aalam Villu Male 1 AMV 1 at Kanjuran Villu N 08.45717, E 079.95724

As I entered the villu we spotted the leopard across the villu. It was at the edge of the forest and “marked” the bushes by spraying urine. There after it looked in our direction and moved in to the forest. Having examined the images later I realized that this is AMV 1 that I had observed and photographed in February 2014. This is my second sighting of this leopard.

10.01 am 1 Sloth Bear ran across the road as we approached the water hole between Kanjuran and Erenapala Mottai.

10.25am 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Eranapala Mottai and Kanjuran Villu.

10.31am 1 Rat Snake in a pool of water. The snake lunged towards the large Indian Green Frogs Euphlyctis hexadactylus. Even though the pool was full of smaller Skipper Frogs Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis the snake did not appear to be interested in them. It was quite interesting to observe that while the larger frogs were leaping out of the pool and moving towards the larger water body the smaller frogs were unconcerned by the presence of the snake. After a few unsuccessful attempts the snake left the pool.

12.09pm 2 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.

2.19pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.

2.31pm Crested Serpent Eagle perched on a dead tree stump at Illanda Mottai.

5.14pm 1 Spotted Deer between Kumutu Wila and Illanda Mottai.

5.16pm 1 Painted Lip Lizard between Kumutu Wila and Illanda Mottai.

6.04pm 24 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

30th August 2015

6.13am entered the park.

6.15am 1 Spotted deer a male antler about 50 meters form the park entrance.

6.18am 2 Spotted Deer at the first glade.

6.30am 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Thanmmanna Wala and Palu Kola Wala.

6.33am 4 White-necked Stork at Palu Kola Wala.

6.41am 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

7.08am 12 Wild Buffalo at Kokkare Villu.

7.37am 6 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.

7.45am an immature Crested Hawk Eagle mobbed an adult Land Monitor and perched close to it. The raptor watched the reptile’s movements intently. The monitor did not run but having looked at the eagle remained still. After a few minutes of this stand off the eagle flew off.

8.20am 1 Spotted Deer arrived at the villu and drank.

8.22am heard of 7 Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.

9.02am an Immature White-bellied Sea Eagle landed on the edge of the water and drank.

9.33am 1 Barking Deer drank at the water hole between Kanjuran and Erenapala Mottai.

9.53am a troop of Grey Langur between Nawaladi Uttu and Aalam Villu.

10.04am 1 Elephant at Panikkar Villu.

10.18am 9 Spotted Deer and 12 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.

10.52am another herd of 5 Spotted Deer drank at Tala Wila.

11.40am 1 Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.

11.54am 3 Spotted Deer at Borupan Junction.

12.24pm 1 Barking Deer at Mila Wala.

2.55pm 5 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.

3.22pm 2 Spotted Deer at the first glade.

3.30pm left the park

4.06pm 1 Elephant and a Mugger Crocodile at Holambalagama Tank.

4.55pm a heard of 8 Elephants arrived at the Holambalagama tank. The matriarch was extremely cautious in approaching the water perhaps due to the presence of two small calves. It was fascinating to observe the playful calves enjoying their evening bath.

6.58am entered the park.
6.58am 1 Spotted Deer crossed the road at park entrance.
7.25am 8 Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
7.36am 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.42am 1 Golden Jackal at Kuda Boralu Wala.
8.01am  3 Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
8.05am 2 Spotted Deer and 1 Grey Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila.
8.21am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
8.28am  Toque Monkey between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapola Uttu.
10.36am 2 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
10.41am 2 Spotted Deer between Mana Wila and Downall Pitiya.
11.11am 5 Wood Sandpipers at Kuruttupandi Villu.
11.29am Chestnut Streaked Sailor (Butterfly), Rapacious Flangetail (Dragonfly) and Banded Peacock (Butterfly) at Kokkare Villu.

11.52am 1 Barking Deer at Kokkare Villu weli kanda.
12.34pm 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
12.35pm 1 Barking Deer at Tala Wila uda para.
12.39pm 1 Spotted Deer at Kohombansanchaipooval.
12.50pm a pair of Barking Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
12.53pm heard of 12 Wild Boar between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
2.30pm 1 Flapshell Turtle at Thammanna Wala.
2.32pm 2 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa road.
3.29pm 2 White-necked Stork and 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
4.06pm troop of Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
4.34pm 1 Elephant at Mana Wila.
4.57pm 2 Spotted Deer at Herath Hamy Wala.
The Wild Flower “Wellangiriya” Capparice zeylanica at many locations in the park.

5.55pm 1 Barking Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
25th July 2015
5.43am 1 Black-naped Hare at park entrance.
6.06am entered the park.
6.08am 2 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.12am 2 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
6.21am 3 Sambar, 1 adult female and 2 sub adults at Thammanna Wala.
6.24am 4 White-necked Stork and 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
6.42am 15 Spotted Deer and a troop of Toque Monkey at Maradanmaduwa.
6.56am 2 White-necked Stork at Humbas Wala.
7.10am 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.35am 4 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.13am 4 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu uda para.
8.21am 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.25am 4 adult Wild Boar between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila
 8.36am 2 Wild Buffalo at Thimbiri Wila.

8.40am 7 Spotted Deer and 1 Grey Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila.
8.50am herd of 15 Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.

8.57am 1 Leopard, WWFC 1 at Borupan Wila. The jeep drivers informed me that they had spotted a leopard crossing the road following a herd of Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Kumbuk Wila in the direction of Borupan Wila. I drove down to Borupan Wila and drove about 4 times along the water body and observed the Spotted Deer emerging from the forest. Careful examination with my binoculars across the villu resulted in spotting the leopard seated at the edge of the water. It was a very brief sighting where the leopard moved towards the water and entered the forest again. My previous sighting of this leopard was on 2nd February 2013. N 08.42667, E 080.02098

9.07am 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
9.14am 1 Mugger Crocodile and a Flapshell Turtle at Thimbiri Wila.
10.19am 1 Barking Deer at Sudu Muwa Wala.
10.45am troop of Grey Langur at Kokkare Villu.
11.04am 1 Leopard, KPFC 1 between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa. I was driving from Kudapatessa and met the Leopard walking towards Kudapatessa. I immediately turned off the engine and photographed the leopard. Having realized that this female is not too comfortable with vehicles I reversed my vehicle to give it adequate space. Unfortunately for me just at that time a convoy of vehicles arrived and the leopard quickly moved in to the forest. N 08.43225, E 079.99649

11.32am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Kokkare Villu weli kanda.
The water levels at Mahapatessa had subsided but most vehicles still avoid this route. The road around Kudapatessa is still under water.
11.33am a troop of Grey Langur accompanies by a troop of Toque Monkey at Kokkare Villu weli kanda.
12.26pm 1 adult Sambar and Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
12.32pm 16 Spotted Deer on Panikkar Villu uda para.
2.36pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu weli kanda and Kudapatessa.
2.39pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.
2.58pm 8 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapola Uttu.
3.08pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
3.54pm a troop of Grey Langut on Kokkare Villu uda para.
4.00pm 5 Spotted Deer, 1 White-necked Stork and 1 Mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila Pitiya.

4.56pm 3 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
5.55pm 8 Spotted on Kumbuk Wila uda para.

26th July 2015
6.05am entered the park.
6.15am 2 Grey-headed Fishing Eagles at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.26am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala. The reptile is in a hole dug in to the bund across the water body. Thus only its head is visible.

7.05am 7 Spotted Deer at Mardanmaduwa.
7.18am 1 Sloth Bear just before Humbas Wala.
7.30am 3 White-necked Stork at Humbas Wala.
7.43am 7 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.46am 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
8.03am 1 Sambar at Ibba Wala.
8.06am 1 Green Wine Snake crossed the road at Maradanmaduwa.
8.18am 6 Spotted Deer at “Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade
8.35am 1 Giant Squirrel between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa.
8.38am 5 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
8.40am 4 Spotted Deer at first glade.
8.50am left the park.

6.20am entered the park with Guide Thisara.
6.26am 3 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.34am 1 Spotted Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwilandawa turn off.
6.35am 2 Spotted Deer on Paluwilandawa Road.
6.57am 1 Water Monitor at Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
7.13am 2 Spotted Deer between “Eda Kohomba” glade and Maradanmaduwa.
7.17am a flock of 12 Black-headed Munia at Maradanmaduwa. This is my first sighting of this species inside the park.
7.24am 4 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
7.57am 6 Spotted Deer and a Grey Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila.
8.15am 9 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
8.45am 1 Golden Jackal at Kokkare Villu.
8.50am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
9.59am 1 adult male Shikra at Kokkare Villu.

10.32am 4 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
The orange coloured wild flower referred to as the Firecracker Flower Crossandra infundibuliformis was in bloom along most of the shady roads.
10.40am many “Pulima” trees bearing ripe fruits have been pulled down by Elephants. The scent emanating from the ripe fruit of this species is said to drive these packer dams to break branched or pull down the tree in order to get at the fruits.

10.48am 1 Elephant at Panikkar Villu.

1.57pm 1 White-necked Stork at Kokkare Villu.
3.33pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Pallekandal Pitiya.
4.04pm 1 Flap-shell Turtle at Kohombansanchaipooval.
4.48pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Kokkare Villu Weli Kanda.
5.30pm 1 Elephant at Nelum Wila.
6.00pm 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.13pm 1 Flap-shell turtle close to Palu Kola Wala.
28th June 2015
6.09am entered the park.
6.19am 1 Mugger crocodile at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.47am 2 Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.54am 118 Wild Buffalo and 27 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.

7.15am while driving along a by road I noticed an Indian Nightjar, perched by the side of the road flying off. I stopped and observed as I suspected it was nesting. Its behavior of flying form one spot to another was indicative of a nest. Upon careful observation I managed to detect a tiny chick. I drove off and parked at a distance permitting the bird to come to its offspring.

8.34am 1 adult male Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
9.24am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Manikkapola Uttu.
10.26am 1 adult male Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
10.51am 1 adult male Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
11.27am troop of Grey Langur, playing on the road, between Nelum Wila and Kokkare Junction.
11.29am 2 Spotted Deer between Kokkare junction and Madangaha Wala.
11.37am troop of Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
12.36pm 8 Wild buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
2.04pm 8 Yellow-wattled Lapwing at Maha Wewa.
2.22pm 12 Spot-billed Pelicans at Maha Wewa.
4.11pm troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.
4.23pm I observed a small wader being chased by a Red-wattled Lapwing. Having watched it through my binoculars I realized that it is a Little-ringed Plover of the resident race Charadrius dubius jerdoni. Upon observing the bird I suspected that it is nesting as it kept returning to the same spot. A closer examination revealed that it was sitting on two dark coloured eggs. The eggs were laid in the center of a dried up cowpat. I was extremely pleased to have discovered this nest, as I had not seen the nest of this species before.

5.36pm 1 Barking Deer on Maha Wewa road.
5.40pm 1 Sloth Bear on Maha Wewa road. I spotted the Bear about 20 feet inside the forest and reversed expecting it to come to the road. As expected it moved on to the road but crossed the road hurriedly before I was able to get any photos.
6.20pm left the park.

7.50am nest of Ceylon Wood Shrike at Hunuwilagama.

8.59am entered the park with Nanda Senanayake accompanies by guide Ashan.
9.17am 1 adult male grey Langur at Thammanna Wala.
9.34am 8 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
9.50am wild flower, Malabar False Eranthermum was in bloom at Kuda Boralu Wala and Borupan Junction.

10.10am 1 Ruddy Mongoose and a troop of Grey Langur between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala.
11.15am 8 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
12.10pm 3 Spotted Deer between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
12.38pm troop of Grey Langur between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa.
12.45pm 1 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
4.03pm 2 Sambar, a mother and a sub adult between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapola Uttu.
4.54pm 1 Chestnut Bittern between Manikkapola Uttu and Illanda Mottai. This is my first sighting of this species inside the park.

5.43pm 3 Golden Jackal at Borupan Wila.
6.04pm 1 Sloth Bear at Maradanmaduwa. It was adult male feeding on the over ripe “Weera” on the road. It moved quickly in to the forest.
6.10pm 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.15pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
14th June 2015
6.40am entered the park with guide Ashan.
6.49am 7 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.52am 1 Barking Deer at the first glade.
6.55am 1 Giant Squirrel at Percy bendi wewa.
7.06am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
7.14am 8 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
7.16am troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
8.25am 2 Barking Deer between Mana Wila and Mana Wila sand patch.
9.13am 2 Great Orange Tip butterflies “mud sipping” at Panikkar Villu.

9.22am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Panikkar Villu uda para.
9.53am 10 Wild Boar, 2 adults and 8 sub adults at Pallekandal Pitiya.
11.21am a heard of 15 adult Wild Boar at Kokkare Villu.

11.37am 1 Golden Jackal at Borupan Wila.
12.18pm 1 Adult male Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
1.05pm nest of Long-tailed Nightjar at Hunuwilagama.

9.57am entered the park with Uditha Hettige and guide Sanath. The park was quite wet due to the recent unexpected rains.
10.08am 3 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
10.37am 7 Wild Buffalo at “eda Kohomba Ggaha” glade Maradanmaduwa.

10.56am troop of Grey Langur at Ibba Wala.
11.07am 1 Parker’s Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
11.26am 4 Spotted Deer and 1 Elephant at Kumbuk Wila.
11.30am 3 Spotted Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu.
11.40am KSPMC 2 between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu. While driving back towards Kumbuk Wila we spotted it drinking from a pool on the road. Thereafter it moved in to the forest and lay down close to a Termite hill. At 11.58am the leopard walked in to the forest.  N 08.41764, E079.99854

12.29pm 15 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
12.33am 1 Mugger Crocodile in a pool of water created by Kokkare Villu over flowing on to the road.
12.43pm 12 Spotted Deer at Manikkapola Uttu.
12.45pm 3 Spotted Deer Illanda Mottai and Downall Pitiya.
12.57pm 6 Spotted Deer between Downall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
1.10pm arrived at the Mana Wila bungalow.
2.48pm left Mana Wila to arrive at Maila Villu via Kali Villu.
2.54pm 1 Spotted Deer about 200 meters from Mana Wila.
3.30pm Kali Villu was full and the road was under water. Our efforts to wade across were not successful as the vehicle got stuck in the mud with water level reaching almost up to our waists. All our efforts to retrieve the vehicle failed as the engine stalled. As there was no mobile phone signal, our guide Sanath climbed on to a tree and managed to get through to Indika Nettigama of Leopard Trails who kindly consented to come for our help. We left the vehicle and moved out of the water awaiting Indika’s arrival. I had photographed many large Mugger crocodiles at Kali Villu and decided to stay clear of the waters edge.

5.12pm 1 Indian three-toed Kingfisher made its high pitch call while darting through the forest.
5.25pm a troop of Grey Langurs started making frantic alarm calls. It was over cast and the visibility was quite poor. The prospect of seeing a leopard now while we were seated on the ground was not so exciting. We decided to remain standing.
6.15pm we observed a Small Indian Civet with the help of out torch.
7.15pm much to our relief Indika arrived and after a few unsucsessful attempts to pull my vehicle out of the water we were on our way to the Bungalow.
7.20pm 1 adult male leopard a little beyond Quveni Palace. Perhaps the one, which caused the grey Langurs to make alarm, calls.
7.55pm Indika left after dropping us at the Mana Wila bungalow.
Wimalasena “Mudalali” agreed to send Hemantha with his jeep for us to do the park rounds. In the night I managed to get through to my good friend Palitha who kindly arranged a Tractor to retrieve my jeep and a vehicle carrier to take the vehicle to the workshop in Colombo.
21st May 2015
As the Safari jeep arrived the previous day we decided to do a short game drive in the morning until the arrival of the tractor.
5.49am 9 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
6.18am 1 Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapola Uttu.
6.22am a Brown Fish Owl at Manikkapola Uttu.

6.45am 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
7.06am 4 Mugger Crocodiles and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila. Often when water bodies overflow the fish swim out in search of new bodies of water. As in this case crocodiles along with birds such as Storks and Egrets gather at such locations to prey on the fish that swim out along these shallow water ways created by the rain.
8.25am 1 Parker’s Black Turtle between Kohombansanchai Pooval and Tala Wila.
8.27am 1 Elephant at Tala Wila.
9.17am 1 Spotted Deer and 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kuruttupandi Villu and Illanda Mottai.
10.15am after much effort my jeep was pulled out of the water with the help of a Tractor and was taken out of the park.

3.27pm 5 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
4.00pm a female Common Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.

4.07pm 1 Elephant at Nelum Wila.
4.16pm 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
4.29pm 7 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
5.21pm 7 Elephants at Pomparippu Pitiya.
5.28pm 3 White-necked Storks and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Pomparippu Pitiya.
5.36pm 2 Golden Jackal at Pallekandal Pitiya.

22nd May 2015
The road through Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa was under water. The water levels apparently are at their highest in recorded history.

7.01am 1 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
7.43am troop of Grey Langur at Kokkare Villu uda para.
8.30am 5 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
8.43am a nest of Ceylon Small Barbet was observed at Kohombansanchaipooval.

9.20am 1 immature Star Tortoise walked across the road while we were awaiting the arrival of the Ceylon Small Barbet. Judging by its shell I estimated its age to be around 3-4 months.

10.53am 1 Barking Deer between Pallekandal Pitiya and Tala Wila.
11.40am 1 female autumn Leaf (a rare butterfly species that take the appearance of a dried leaf for camouflage) between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila. It was laying eggs on the tender leaves of a small plant.

1.06pm 9 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
4.40pm 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Panikkar Villu.
5.29pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Madan Gaha Wala.
5.59pm 1 Golden Jackal at Kumbuk Wila.
6.15pm 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 on the Thimbiri Wila Mahapatessa road. It was stalking some prey. All at once the leopard sprinted in to the forest. Judging by the alarm calls of the Spotted Deer, which moved in to the distance, it was an unsuccessful attempt. After a few minutes heard alarm calls of Grey Langurs at a distance indicating that the leopard had moved towards Mahapatessa Kudapatessa road. N 08.43065, E080.00397

7.02pm 1 Parkers Black Turtle between Manikkapola Uttu and Illanda Mottai.
23rd May 2015
6.12am 4 Spotted Deer at Manikkapola Uttu Sand Patch.
6.28am 2 Barking Deer, adult with a sub adult between Illanda Mottai and Kokkare Villu junction.
6.34am 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 on the Kudapatessa Kokkare Weli Kanda Road. It was marking the bushes on either side of the road and was walking in our direction. At the Weli Kanda it drank from the pool that has got created from the recent rains. Hemantha had to revers the vehicle for 1 km and 300 meters as the leopard walked along the road to Kokkare Weli Kanda and towards Kokkare villu uda para before entering the forest. N 08.42921, E079.99055

8.20am 1 Spotted Deer on the Kumbuk Wila uda para.
8.53am 7 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
8.55am 1 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
9.23am 1 Rat Snake at Thambi Oluwa.
9.33am 19 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.34am 1 Water Monitor on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road. This species is quite rare in Wilpattu.

10.40am 1 Painted-lip Lizard on Maha Wewa road.

11.23am 11 Spotted Deer on Tala Wila Pomparippu road.
12.30pm to 2.30 observed and photographed the nest of a Ceylon Grey Hornbill at Mana Wila. The chicks were being fed with “Weera” fruits and insects. These birds are known to feed their young with fruits in season and animal prey such as lizards, Snakes and Geckos.

3.20pm 1 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
3.25pm troop of Grey Langur, Troop of Toque Monkey, Herd of 15 Wild Boar and 6 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda Para.
3.57pm 3 Spotted Deer at Lunu Wewa road.
4.16pm 1 Parker’s Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
4.32pm 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.02pm 7 Spotted Deer and 1 Sloth Bear at between Maradanmaduwa and Kuda Boralu Wala.
24th May 2015
5.49am 5 Spotted Deer between Mana Wila and Dowall Pitiya.
6.04am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Illanda Mottai.
9.12am 9 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu uda para.
9.52am 1 Sloth Bear between Humbas Wala and Maradanmaduwa.

10.53am 1 Leopard at the first glade. It moved quickly in to the forest before I was able take any photos.
11.35am observed and photographed a colony of Schneider’s Leaf-nosed Bats  Hipposideros speoris at Hunuwilagama. They were colony of about 200 bats occupying an abandoned house. This is the same species that is seen in the abandoned buildings at Maradanmaduwa.

Left Colombo around 5.30pm on the 2nd and reached Wilpattu by 10pm.
3 Parkers Black Turtles between Wilpattu Junction and Park entrance.
6.01am entered the park with guide Thisara
6.04am 4 Spotted Deer crossed the road just before the first glade.
6.23am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palukola Wala.
6.25am 1 Female Sambar beyond Palukola Wala.
6.32am 22 Spotted Deer resting under the trees at Maradanmaduwa.
6.34am 10 Spotted Deer at Kukul Katu Plains at Maradanmaduwa.
6.38am 1 Female Sambar at Thambi Oluwa.
6.41am 2 Sambar, a mother and calf, between Kuda Boralu Wala and Ibba Wala
6.59am 2 Barking Deer at Sudu Muwa Wala.
7.07am 15 Spotted Deer and 2 Elephants at Kumbuk Wila.

7.13am 21 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.20am 1 Little Green Heron and a Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
7.24am 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Weli Kanda.
7.40am 2 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
7.57am 1 female Leopard at the sand patch close to the Kumbuk Wila uda para turn off. Unfortunately I arrived to see the animal moving in to the jungle. Thus no photography was possible.
9.02am 1 Grey Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
9.07am 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
9.27am 20 Spotted Deer at Manikkapola Uttu.
9.45am 1 Barking Deer between Downall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
10.25m 1 Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapola Uttu.
10.35am troop of Grey Langue on Kokkare uda para.
10.58am 5 Spotted Deer, 1 Wild Boar and a Lesser Adjutant at Aalam Wila.
11.38am 12 Wild Boar drinking at Madan Gaha Wala.
11.45am 1 Barking Deer at Borupan Junction.
12.02pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Borupn Junction and Borupan Wila.
12.06pm Even though the pair of nesting Great Stone Plover observed during my previous visit was seen at the new culvert they were not accompanies by any chicks. Perhaps the eggs may have been predated.
1.53pm 1 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila.
2.12pm 3 Spotted Deer at the sand patch between Kombansanchipooval and Tala Wila.
2.16pm 18 Wild Boar and 3 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
2.50pm 1 Indian Reef Heron and a Spot-billed Pelican at Pomparippu.

3.55pm 1 Black-winged Kite at Pallekandal Pitiya. As I observed it hovered and dropped twice in to the grass and caught some prey.

5.04pm 18 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu Pitiya.
5.20pm a troop of Purple-faced Leaf Monkey feeding on the tender shoots of a Kumbuk Terminalia arjuna tree at Pomparippu.

5.57pm a troop of Grey Langur just beyond the park entrance at Eluwankulam.
6.00pm left the park.
6.50pm 1 Russell’s Viper on the road at Kala Oya.
4th April 2015
6.08am entered the park with guide Thisara
6.09am 2 Spotted Deer close to the park entrance.
6.22am 1 White-necked Stork close to Palu Kola Wala.
6.31am 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.33am 32 Spotted Deer in two herds at Kukul Katu Pitiya at Maradanmaduwa.
6.37am 1 Leopard between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa. It crossed the road ahead of the vehicle and entered the forest before I was able to take any photos.
7.23am 2 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu
7.42am 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila
7.57am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
8.18am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Thimbiri Wila.
8.33am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
9.28am an Indian Peafowl displaying to a female at Manikkapola Uttu

9.40am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Kattarambu Villu.
9.46am 3 Spotted Deer between Herath Hamy Wala and Mana Wila.
10.20am a Ceylon Trogon between Manikkapola Uttu and Kuruttupandi Villu.
10.37am 2 Barking Deer at Kokkare Udapara.
11.08 1 Barking Deer at Kokkare uda para.
2.33pm 1 Lesser Adjutant at Thimbiri Wila
2.36pm 4 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
2.41pm 5 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Borupan Junction.
3.17pm 18 Wild Boar at Aalam Villu
4.42pm 2 Elephants at Tala Wila.
5.30pm 2 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Kokkare Junction.
5.32pm pair each of Kentish plover of the migrant race curonicus and Little Ringed plover of the resident race seebomi at Kokkare Villu. The Little Ringed plovers were engaged in a pre-mating display.

5.32pm 1 Elephant at Kokkare Villu.
5.48pm 1 Tusker at Nelum Wila. This is my first sighting of this Tusker.

6.20pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.

5th April 2015
6.09am entered the park with guide Thisara.
6.29am 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Palu Kola Wala.
6.36am 21 Spotted Deer and 1 adult male Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa
6.42am 3 Spotted Deer and 1 Sambar at Palu Kola Wala.
6.59am 2 Spotted Deer and 1 Barking Deer Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
7.01am 1 Grey Mongoose at Thimbiri Wila.
7.03am 6 Spotted Deer and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Thimbiri Wila
The beautiful white flowers of the wild orchid Vanilla walkarai in bloom at a few locations at Borupan Wila.
7.20am 1 Elephant, a Mugger Crocodile and 1 Grey Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
7.31am herd of 8 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila.
8.40am as we drove on to Galge Vihara road from Tala Wila heard alarm calls of a troop of Grey Langur. I drove back and parked at Tala wila expecting the Leopard to come to water but had no success.
11.26pm 1 Baking Deer at Nelum Wila.
12.57pm herd of 23 Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
1.24pm while observing a Brown-capped Babbler detected a Wasp dragging dead a Poecilotheria Spider (Tarantula). I’m yet to conclude the species of the spider.

2.05pm nest of Brown-capped Babbler was detected at the foot of a tree by the road with two eggs at Aalam Villu.

2.20pm while observing the Babblers nest a Crested Hawk Eagle flew on to a nearby tree with a dead Little Cormorant in its talons.

2.41pm 1 Elephant at Tala Wila.
3.28pm 2 Spotted Deer and 1 adult male Wild Boar at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
3.42pm 3 Spotted deer at the sand patch close to Kumbuk Wila uda para junction.
4.06am 9 Spotted Deer at maradanmaduwa.
4.18am 1 Sloth Bear at Kalagedi Bokkuwa. It was a big male and was only visible through the bushes. The Bear had dug an opening in to the termite hill. As I watched it would push its snout in to the hole and blow air, which created a whistling sound. Every minute or so it would move back its head and feed on the Termites that move out. Even though I was able to observed the behavior through by binoculars, no photography was possible as it was behind some bushes.
4.50pm 1 Mugger Crocodile on the road at Percy Bendi Wewa.
4.53pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Weli Ela.
5.00pm left the park.

2.10pm entered the park with Nanda Senanayake, Kiran Kumaranayagam and Chandima Kahandawela.
2.14pm 4 Spotted Deer between park entrance and first glade.
2.20pm a Sloth Bear ran across the road between Percy Bendi Wewa and Thammanna Wala.
2.49pm a 9-10 month old female leopard cub at Maradanmaduwa. It was a very shy animal and moved in to the forest hurriedly. I was only able to get a few photos of the back of its head.

3.10pm a big male leopard at Borupan Wila junction. It was on Sudu Muwa Wala side of the road and was covered by bushes.
3.21pm 5 Spotted Deer on Nelum Wila uda para.
4.20pm herd of about 16 Elephants at Pallekandal Pitiya.
4.25pm 2 Elephants at Pomparippu Pitiya.
5.40pm a troop of Nothern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Pomparippu.

6.02pm a Sambar just beyond Pomparippu Pitiya.
6.18pm a Golden Palm Civet about a 2 km from Pomparippu towards Kollan Kanatte. This beautiful animal just trotted on to the road ahead of the vehicle and was catching insects. On a few occasion it moved in to the forest and re appeared again.

Left the park at 6.30pm from Eluwankulama.
8th March 2015
7.15am entered the park
7.20am 1 Spotted Deer about 100 meters from park entrance.
7.30am 1 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
8.01am 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.50am 1 female Barking Deer with a juvenile between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
11.23pm the pair of Great Stone Plovers at Borupan Culvert had started nesting. The female was seated on two eggs while the male was standing guard near by.

11.37am 1 adult male Sloth Bear between Borupan Wila and Borupan Junction.
11.49am 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
12.25pm a herd of 17 Wild Boar including a male with long tushes at Panikkar Villu.

12.53pm 1 Leopard, NWMC 2 at Kombansanchipooval. N 08.38791, E079.95088.
 It was seated by the roadside close to the Culvert and moved few yards in to the forest upon our approach. After a few minutes it crossed the road and moved towards the water hole.

1.20pm 1 adult male Wild Boar between Panikkar Junction and Nelum Wila.
2.20pm left the park.

11.49am entered the park with guide C.K. Dissanayake.
11.58am 1 Spotted Deer, antler at Percy Bendi Wewa.
12.28pm 7 Spotted Deer and 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Maradanmaduwa.
12.41pm 1 Parkers Black Turtle at Boralu Wala.
12.49pm 6 Spotted Deer and 1 adult male Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
The beautiful Ceylon Osbeckia Osbeckia zeylanica flowers were seen among the Kok Mota at many localities.
12.51pm 1 White-necked Stork, a herd of 12 Wild Boar and 4 Spotted Deer feeding across the water body at Kumbuk Wila.
1.54pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kurutupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
1.56pm 5 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.00pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose on the Kokkare Villu uda para.
2.09pmm 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.19pm 2 Barking Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
2.25pm 3 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
2.30pm 6 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu bungalow and Panikkar junction.
2.56pm 22 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.05pm a large herd of 23 adult Wild Boar with a bunch 15 stripped piglets moved down to the water edge across the water body at Tala Wila.

3.28pm 20 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.31pm 1 Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi Junction and Kokkare Villu.
4.42pm 1 sub adult female Leopard, Nelum Wila Female – 2 (NWFC 2) between Kokare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.  N 08.42457, E079.98348
I drove down from Kokkare Weli Kanda and proceeded about 100 meters on the road to Kuruttupandi where the leopard was spotted on the road. I immediately turned off the engine. The leopard responded by lying down on the road. I managed to get a few photos but unfortunately a vehicle that advanced from the opposite direction at considerable speed made the animal run off in to the jungle.

5.10pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.
5.36pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.56pm 1 adult female Sambar and a small calf between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
6.01pm 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.23pm 1 White-necked Stork at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.32pm left the park.

8th February 2015

5.50am 1 Black-naped Hare at the park entrance.
6.18am entered the park with guide C.K.Dissanayake.
6.20am 2 Elephants close to the first glade.
6.26am 1 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.48am 6 Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
6.55am 4 Sambar close to Kuda Boralu Wala.
6.59am 3 Sambar close to Walas Wala.
7.02am 1 Barking Deer drinking at Walas Wala.
7.10am 1 Barking Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
7.18am 7 Spotted Deer at Madan Gaha Wala.
7.19am 18 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
7.44am 2 Barking Deer between Kokkare Villu junction and Kurutupandi junction.
7.57am 21 Spotted Deer and 7 Wild Boar at Manikkapola Uttu.
8.24am 1 Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapola Uttu.
9.31am 1 Leopard, Kombansanchipooval Male – 2 (KSPMC-2) at Kokkare Villu.
N 08-41975, E079.99232
I drove to the right pass the “Y” junction at Kokkare Villu and spotted the leopard out in the open on the side of the villu. It had an injury on its right flank but did not appear to be in too much discomfort. The injury was only a pealing of the skin and I believe that it should heal in less than a month. In March 2013 I observed this leopard at Panikkar Villu with a similar injury on its chest, which healed quite well. It continued to walk across the open ground and disappeared in to the forest.

10.05am 12 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila
10.15 am 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu uda para.
10.24am a Crested Hawk Eagle with a Little Cormorant kill at Kombansanchipooval.

11.09am a flock of Painted Stork at Pallekandal Pitiya.

11.37am a troop of Northern Purple-faced Leaf Langur at Pomparippu.
12.00noon 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Pomparuppu and Eluwankulama.
12.15pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Periya Villu.
12.47pm a Common Kestral at Kudiramale Point.

1.30pm flock of 5 Indian Grey Partridge at Kudiramale Point.

The wild flower Ceylon Atalantia Atalantia zeylanica in Bloom at Kudiramale area.

2.02pm 12 Wild Boar at Maila Villu.
3.12pm herd of 5 Elephants and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Pallekandal Pitiya.
3.36pm 1 Elephant, 17 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.46pm 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
4.01pm 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.04pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
4.20pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
4.44pm 4 Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
4.51pm 2 Spotted Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
5.01pm 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.24pm 7 Spotted Deer on Maha Wewa road.
5.36am 1 Spotted Deer at Percy Beni Wewa.
5.45pm left the park

10.55am entered the park with Isuru Tillakawardena, Batiya Senadhipathy and guide Ratnayake.
11.01am 8 Wild Boar crossed the road at Weli Ela.
11.58pm 1 leopard on a Madan Tree at Kokkare Villu. Examination and comparison of the photos at home with my database confirmed that it is Kudapatessa Female 1 (KPFC 1) N 08.41879, E079.99272
As we arrived the leopard was sleeping on a branch but was not clearly visible. However sunlight was falling directly on the nearly branches and was moving in the direction of the sleeping leopard. I have, on many occasions, observed leopards shifting their position to avoid sunlight falling on them when they are resting. Thus I expected this leopard to do the same. My expectation was for it to move on to the main branch where there was shade or climb down enabling me to take a few photos upon being exposed to direct sunlight. Around 1.00pm with a few patches of sunlight falling on its paws the leopard sat upright and started to call out. There after it moved on to the main branch, climbed down the tree and disappeared in to the forest. The clear view of the leopard lasted less than a minute but I was pleased with the few photos, which was more than adequate to determine the identification. There after intermittent “sawing” calls were heard from the forest. In August 2014 I photographed this leopard between Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa, accompanying a cub of about 3-4 months.

2.50pm 6 Spotted Deer between Kurutuandi Junction and Kokkare Villu.
3.38pm 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
3.40pm 1 Barking Deer at Nelum Wila sand patch.
4.20pm 9 Wild Boar across Nelum Wila.
5.12pm 18 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.05pm 1 Black-naped Hare at Weli Ela.
6.15pm left the park.

11.55am entered the park.
12.29pm 2 Sambar, a mother and calf, at Palu Kola Wala.

12.35pm 1 White-necked Stork at Maradanmaduwa.
1.02pm 3 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
1.05pm 5 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
1.47pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
2.20pm 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
3.15pm 1 Leopard at Mahapatessa. N 08.43294, E 079.99944
 I drove from Kudapatessa and as I entered Mahapatessa observed KSPMC 2 walking towards my vehicle followed by a number of safari jeeps. I reversed my vehicle on to the sand patch to ensure that I do not block its path. It was quite relaxed as usual and defecated at the sand patch before walking pass my vehicle towards Kudapatessa while marking the bushes every 20 yards or so on to the right of the road. I followed it keeping a safe distance. At one point it stopped and observed a Land Monitor walking across the road but did not attack. I pulled on to a side and allowed the vehicle behind me to ahead. Having walked for about 100 meters it entered the forest and was there after seen walking beyond the sand dunes to the right as you enter Kudapatessa. I observed the leopard for a bout 5 minutes.

4.10pm troop of Grey Langur at Borupan Wila close to Lunu Wewa junction.
5.05pm 5 Spotted Deer and 1 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
5.25pm 3 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.28pm Golden Jackal close to Weli Ela.
6.30pm 6 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.31pm left the park.

6.52am entered the park.
6.56am 4 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
7.02am 6 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
7.07am 4 Spotted Deer before Thammanna Wala.
7.32am 29 Spotted Deer and 1 Lesser Adjutant at Maradanmaduwa.
7.41am 1 Sambar at Ibba Wala.
8.06am 4 Spotted Deer at Madan Gaha Wala.
8.12am 6 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.14am 1 Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
8.24am 1 Barking Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
8.25am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Panikkar Villu sand patch.
8.27am 8 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
9.02am herd of 9 adult Wild Boar with about 25 new born piglets moving with the herd in one tightly packed group at Tala Wila.

10.43am a “mud sipping” Common Mormon butterfly photographed at Kumbuk Wila.

11.15am the carnivorous plant “Kandulessa” Drosera indica in bloom at Borupan Wila.

11.16am 1 Grey Mongoose at Borupan Wila.
11.41am 2 Sambar at Sudumuwa Wala.
12.10pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
12.21pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Lunu Wewa bungalow.
3.27am 1 adult male Wild boar wallowing in mud between Panikkar Villu junction and the bungalow.
4.04pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
4.12pm a nectering Tawny Coaster butterfly photographed at Panikkar Villu uda para.

5.08pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
5.31pm 61 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.47pm 3 Spotted Deer at Thammanna Wala glade.
6.05pm left the park.

9.06am entered the park with Nishan Dissanayake and Guide Loku Dinesh.
9.07am a flock of 6 Small Minivets observed at the park entrance.
9.11am 1 Barking Deer at Weli Ela.
9.15am 7 Spotted Deer at the 1st Glade.
9.17am 1 Barking Deer just before Percy Bendi Wewa.
9.19am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
9.22am 1 Barking Deer at Paalu Wilandawa Junction.
9.23am 2 Barking Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
9.54am 1 mature male Star Tortoise between Palu Kola Wala and the Grave water hole.

10.04am 1 male Spotted Deer at the grave water hole.
10.09am 7 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
10.25am 1 Sambar between Ibba Wala and Boralu Wala.
10.27am 1 Barking Deer between Boralu Wala and Humbas Wala.
11.20am 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 between Kuruttupandi Junction and Kokkare Villu. N 08.43596, E 079.98315
I was driving from Kokkare Villu towatds Kuruttupandi Junction. The leopard crossed the road ahead of the vehicle to the left and moved in to the jungle. It appeared that it was after some prey. We decided to park the vehicle with the expectation of the leopard returning back to the road. After about 5 minutes we heard the alarm calls of Spotted Deer from the direction where the leopard entered the forest. Soon there after I spotted the leopard moving towards the road from where it moved in to the forest. Having arrived on the road it started to walk towards the vehicle and as it was few feet from the vehicle I accidentally dropped my beanbag. The leopard stopped and observed the bag intently for about minute and moved pass the vehicle. I turned the vehicle and started to follow him. After a short distance a vehicle approaching ahead resulted in the leopard lying on the road. Both my vehicle and the vehicle ahead kept a distance of about 25 feet from the leopard. Having rested for about 20 minutes the leopard started to walk towards the vehicle ahead and the driver reversed giving way to the approaching leopard and I followed. Having reached Kokkare Villu it entered the forest towards Kokkare Uda Para.

11.35am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Manikkapola Uttu sand patch.
12.40pm 1 Elephant feeding on the reeds at Manikkapola Uttu.
12.43pm 5 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkapola Uttu and Ilanda Mottai.
12.54pm 6 Spotted Deer between Downall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
1.15pm checked in to Mana Wila bungalow.
1.37pm observed a Spotted Skink Eutropis madaraszi at the Mana Wila bungalow.

3.08pm 1 female Sambar at Mana Wila sand patch.
3.24pm 7 Spotted Deer between Illanda Mottai and Manikkapola Uttu.
3.34pm 1 Barking Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.47am 1 Grey Mongoose between Kokkare Junction and Nelum Wila.
3.49am 1 Rat Snake at Nelum Wila.
3.51pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
4.43pm 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
5.07pm 3 Spotted deer at Aalam Villu.
5.35pm 2 White-bellied Sea Eagles perched on the top most branch of a tree at Panikkar Villu Uda Para.

5.44pm 1 Leopard at Panikkar Villu sand patch. It was a female cub and I estimated the age to be around 5-6 months. N 08.39692, E 079.95677
It was a shy animal and moved in to the forest as we spotted it. I stopped the engine and waited patiently. After about 10 minutes Dinesh spotted the leopard close to where in entered the forest. I managed to get a few photos. After a few minutes it moved in to the forest again. We drove down to the villu and as we arrived back spotted it on the road but moved behind some bushes. I stopped the vehicle permitting the animal to relax. After a few minutes it was interested an Indian Nightjar that perched on the open sand and moved out of the bush permitting me to take a few photos. This is my first sighting of this cub and I named it Panikkar Villu Female 2 (PVFC 2).

4th December 2015
6.09am left Mana Wila bungalow.
6.20am 1 Spotted Deer at Downall Pitiya.
6.34am 1 Spotted Deer between Manikkapola Uttu sand patch and Kuttupandi Villu.
6.44am 14 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
6.55am 1 Leopard between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu. It was a male cub of about 10-12 months. N 08.39966, E 079.97370
I was driving from Nelum Wila towards Panikkar Villu when we spotted the young leopard seated by the side of the road. It moved in to the forest as we arrived. Having taken a few record shots I drove pass the leopard for about 150 meters before turning the vehicle in order to not disturb the animal. As we approached the spot where the leopard was seen it crossed the road ahead of my vehicle. I stopped the vehicle and was able to get a few better shots to help with the identification. As I expected the leopard to walk towards Nelum Wila drove ahead turned and waited expecting it to walk towards me on the road and it did permitting me to take a number of good images. I was able to observed the leopard for more than an hour. This is my first sighting of this animal and I named it Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2).

8.45am 1 Mugger Crocodile and a Flapshell Turtle at Nelum Wila.
8.47am 2 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Kokkare Junction.
9.10am 5 Spotted Deer comprising of a “bachelor group” of sub adult antlers at Manikkpola Uttu sand patch.
10.38am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Illanda Mottai.
10.42am 2 Elephants feeding at Manikkapola Uttu.

11.17am 1 Grey-headed Fish Eagle perched on the ground and feeding on a snake that could not be identified at Nelum Wila.

11.35am 2 Lesser Adjutant at Borupan Villu.
11.51am 4 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
11.55am 1 Sambar at Thambi Oluwa.
12.28pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Weli Ela.
12.38pm left the park.
12.41pm the Pygmy Woodpecker that I photographed on the 31st was observed still digging its nest hole at the park entrance.

1.40pm 1 Black-winged Kite at Kirimatuyawa bordering the park.