NOTES ON FIELD TRIPS TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

6.05am entered the park with guide Dinesh Kumara.
6.10am a White-necked Stork at the first glade.
6.38am I was able to get a few images of an Indian Paradise Flycatcher between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.

6.40am another White-necked Stork at “ Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade.
7.15am 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.16am 3 more Spotted Deer at Mradanmaduwa.
7.44am 1 Leopard, Kudapatessa Female 1 (KPFC 1) at Kokkare Villu.N 08.41633, E079.99589.
We drove towards Kokkare Villu from Kumbuk Wila and spotted the leopard seated on the edge of the forest. She was stalking a herd of Spotted Deer across the road.  After a few minutes the leopard stood up and walked hurriedly across the road and moved behind some bushes about 30 feet from the deer. Even though we were not able to see her at this point it was apparent that the deer had not detected her presence as they continued to feed and no alarm calls were made.  We spotted the leopard again in a few minutes emerging from the bushes and walking further in to the forest. I do not know as to why the leopard did not even make an effort to make a kill despite getting so close to the Deer.

8.00pm 12 Spotted Deer being stalked by the leopard.
8.17am 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.21am 31 Spotted Deer and one Barking Deer down Kumbuk Wila upper road.
8.42am 20 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.52am 2 Mugger Crocodile at Madan Gaha Wala.
9.18am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.
10.39am a Barking Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.14pm a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare sand dune and Kudapatessa.
12.26pm 2 Spotted Deer between Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa.
12.31pm 1 adult male Sambar Antler between Kudapatessa and Kokkare Villu.
12.49am 1 Barking Deer at Kumbuk Wila summer hut.
1.00pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Walas Wala
1.12pm we spotted a Leopard on the road at Boralu Wala. It was walking away from us and moved in to the forest before I was able to get any photos.
1.36pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala.   
2.28pm Gull-billed, Whiskered and a few Little Terns at Thimbiri Wila.

2.56pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Pitiya Wala.
3.15pm 2 Black-naped Hare at Borupan Pitiya.
The Wild Orchid Vanilla walkerae is in bloom at many locations in the park.
4.07pm Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila has increased from 20 to 32.
4.27pm 1 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
4.39pm 28 Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
4.38pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Panikka Wila and Nelum Wila.
4.46pm a Land Monitor with and injured back leg was approached by a Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila. The reptile lifted itself up with its front feet and puffed up its throat in a threat display. The mongoose trotted away from the injured reptile to look for an easier prey.

4.51pm and adult male Sambar antler on the Kumbuk Wila upper road between Thamanna Gaha junction and Madan Gaha Wala.
5.04pm fresh pug marks on the road and frantic alarm calls emanating from the nearby forest indicated that a leopard that had walked on the road had just moved in to the forest just beyond Madan Gaha Wala. I counted 12 Spotted Deer.
5.08pm 17 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
5.10pm a Black-naped Hare between Thimbiri and Borupan Wila.
5.12pm 12 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant at Borupan Wila.
5.15pm 17 Spotted Deer at the Maradanmaduwa bungalow.
5.58pm left the park.
The area up to Borupan Wila had received heavy rain. Water bodies such as Percy Bendi Wewa, Palu Kola Wala, Viranda Wala etc. were over flowing.

6th November 2016
6.19am entered the park with guide Dinesh Kumara.
27 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.26am 2 White-necked Storks at the first glade.
6.58am 1 Spotted Deer antler at three causeways.
7.01am 7 Spotted Deer at Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya.
7.02am 2 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.46am 1 Lesser Adjutant at Borupan Pitiya.
8.02am  4 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
8.05am a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo at Thimbiri Wila.
8.11am 1 Spotted Deer between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
8.48am 1 Leopard at Kokkare Villu sand dune. It was a very shy animal and moved in to the forest before I was able to get any photos.
9.29am a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare Villu sand dune and Kudapatessa.
9.31am 13 Spotted Deer and one Barking Deer at Kudapatessa.
10.18am 1 Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
10.19am a Barking Deer rand across the road between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila.
11.10 left the park.
12.10pm entered the park again.
12.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose between park entrance and Weli Ela.
12.45am 1 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose at Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.07pm 14 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
2.41pm a troop of playful Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
3.16pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Madan Gaha Wala.
3. 22pm 14 Spotted Deer and a large Mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila.
3.33am 18 Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
3.36pm 5 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
3.46pm 1 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
3.47pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
3.51pm 51 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.14pm a female Shoveller at Panikka Wila. This is my first sighting of this species in the park. Two Gargany as well.

4.25pm 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila sand patch.
4.26pm 15 Spotted Deer, an adult male Wild Boar and a Grey Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
4.31pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
4.33pm 2 Spotted Deer at Madan Gaha Wala.
4.34pm a Black-naped Hare on Kumbuk Wila uda para beyond Madan Gaha Wala.
4.40pm one adult male Wild Boar across the water body at Kumbuk Wila.
4.47pm a Black-naped Hare and a Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
4.53pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu sand dune.
5.09pm 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
5.32pm a Sloth Bear at Maradanmaduwa. The Bear walked across the ‘Kukul Katu” filed permitting me to take a few photos.

5.58pm left the park. 

6.09am entered the park with guide Dinesh Kumara.
6.15am 3 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the first glade.
6.19am 3 Lesser Adjutant Storks at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.37am a female Sambar between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa. The animal was startled by our arrival and dashed in to the forest.

6.41am 8 Wild Buffalo at the three causeways. The adult male that used to accompany this herd was not with the herd.
6.44am 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.46am 13 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.47am 2 Spotted and one Barking Deer just beyond Maradanmaduwa.
6.57am a female Sambar with a calf between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
7.10am 3 Spotted Deer and two Black-naped Hare at Borupan Pitiya.
7.22am a herd of 8 Wild Boar and three Lesser Adjutant Storks at Borupan Wila.
7.28am 3 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
7.30am 6 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.51am 9 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
7.55am a female Ceylon Jungle Fowl with two tiny chicks between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.

8.05am herd of nine Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
9.28am troop of Grey Langur seated on the ground under a Madan tree at Kumbruk Wila. They appear to be feeding on the last of the ripe Madan berries found on the ground.
9.29am a Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu.
9.42am a male barking Deer fed on some fallen fruit on the road on Kokkare Villu upper road.
9.53am 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.02am a Giant Squirrel on the trunk of a “Palu” tree between Nelum Wila and Panikka Wila.
10.07am 16 Spotted Deer feeding at the water edge while two male Cotton Teal flew above the water body pursuing 4 females at Aalam Villu.
10.11am 5 Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
10.23am a bull Elephant feeding on a species of wild paddy while submerged in the water up to its chest while a herd of 15 Wild Boar across the water body at Tala Wila.
11.15am a seated Buddha statue surrounded by 18 stone pillars at Karamba Kulama.

 12.20pm a Golden Palm Civet on the Galge Vihara road close to the Tala Wila bungalow. I was surprised to see this animal during midday, as it is a nocturnal species usually seen during dusk. I observed this animal for more than half an hour. It was quite apparent that its sight is impaired.

12.41pm 17 Spotted Deer feeding on the edge of the water at Tala Wila.

12.54pm an adult male Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
1.01pm 2 Golden Jackal at Panikka Wila.
1.35pm it started to rain and by the time we reached Nelum Wila it had become strong shower.
1.45pm 24 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.04pm 49 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
2.11pm a herd of 12 Wild Boar at Thimbiri Wila.
3.02pm 12 Spotted Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
3.11pm I was pleased to see that the adult male Wild Buffalo that was missing for a along time had joined the herd again. All nine members of the herd were seen close to Palu Kola Wala.
3.32pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
3.35pm one Barking Deer drinking at the man made pool at Palu Kola Wala.
3.50pm a Barking Deer on the Ikirigollawa road between Maradanmaduwa and Kimbula Ket Gala.
4.24pm a Barking Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
4.45pm a Grey-headed Fish Eagle at Percy Bendi Wewa.

5.34pm 1 Leopard at Percy Bendi Wewa. N 8 20.006 E 80 07.809
A safari jeep driver (Susantha) informed me in the morning that he had observed two leopards drinking at Percy Bendi Wewa around 5.30pm the day before. As this part of the park had not received any rain so far I decided to arrive at this location expecting the leopards to show up for their evening drink. After some time I was thrilled to observe one leopard across the water body. It was extremely shy and approached the water with its belly close to the ground in a stalking manner. Later having perused the images I was able to determine that this is Ranawara Pitiya Male 1 (RPMC 1).

5.59pm left the park.
16th October 2016
6.00am entered the park with guide Dinesh Kumara.
6.05am a Barking Deer at Weli Ela.
6.06am 3 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and the first Glade.
6.19am a small Mugger Crocodile at Thammanna Wala. It was at the edge of the water in this receding pool. We noticed it as it lunged forward with a splash possibly to catch a fish.
6.26am an adult Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala. It was inside the burrow, which is dug in to the bund across the water body from the road. Even though this water hole is completely dry heavy rains had just started in the main villu areas of Wilpattu the previous day. Crocodiles are known to spend the whole day inside a burrow during day time and move about during the night looking for prey at night (aestivate) during dry whether where their water holes run and move out with the rains. Mugger Crocodiles are also known to travel over land in search of a larger water body. The closest water body to this locality is Maha Wewa, which is 2.6 km away, and the next, which is Andaragollawa tank, is 3.5 km away. I photographed a similar sized crocodile in this burrow on the 26th of July last year and suspect it to be the same.

6.30am one adult male Wild Buffalo on the road between Palu Kola Wala and the three causeways.

6.35am 1 Leopard on the middle of the road between the three causeways and Maradanmaduwa. N 08.36982, E 080.07580
The leopard was seated on the middle of the road. I stopped the vehicle keeping a distance of about 30 meters to ensure that the animal is not disturbed and started to photograph. Upon the arrival of a second vehicle the leopard stood up and started to walk in the direction of Maradanmaduwa. Having walked for about 50 meters it moved in to an open glade to the right. A Black-naped Hare that had been hiding under a nearby bush sprinted away upon the arrival of the Leopard but had no reaction from the cat. Thereafter with the arrival of two other vehicles the young leopard bounced across the road and walked in the direction of the large glade at Maradanmaduwa. I was able to observed the leopard for about 8 minutes. Having enlarged the images on my camera I noted that this is Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2).

7.07am 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.31am 52 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.32am a Grey Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila.
7.36am 13 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.39am 13 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7. 49am a Barking Deer at Kuruttupandi junction.
7.55am 26 Spotted Deer feeding at Kuruttupandi Villu.
8.00am 4 Wild Buffalo at Manikkapola Uttu.
8.02am two Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkapola Uttu and Kumutu Wila.
8.08am 25 Spotted Deer, a troop of Grey Langur and a herd of 12 Wild Boar at Kumutu Wila.
8.12am I was alerted by a familiar birdcall and was thrilled to see a Grey Wagtail on the edge of the water at Kumutu Wila. This is my second sighting of this species in the park.

8.57am a Barking Deer at Mana Wila.
8.58am a Common Skink Eutropis carinata lankae sunbathing on a log at Mana Wila.

9.27am troop of Grey Langur between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
9.40am one Mugger Crocodile at Mana Wila.
9.49am a Barking Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikka Wila.
10.05am 9 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Panikka Wila.
10.13am a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Kombansanchaipooval.
10.36am 12 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Tala Wila.
10.48am one Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
11.03am 2 Spotted Deer and a flock of 13 Common Coot at Panikka Wila.

12.11pm 5 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
12.22pm a Barking Deer between Lunu Wewa junction and Lunu Wewa bungalow.
12.35am one adult male Wild buffalo at Viranda Wala.
1.52pm a troop of grey Langur between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.
1.55pm just before reaching Boralu Wala we observed one leopard on to our right as the animal moved quickly in to the forest. I reversed the vehicle and parked keeping about 40 meters of distance from where the leopard was seen. After about 10 minutes our patience paid off when one leopard moved on to the edge of the road. While I was photographing the leopard Dinesh, who was observing the forest with a pair of binoculars, said “sir another Leopard”. The second leopard, an adult female ran across the road very quickly. As the first leopard moved across the road I heard Dinesh saying “Sir yet another leopard”. The third Leopard a cub of about 10-12 months like the first one walked across the road. I was thrilled with this sighting. Later upon examining the photos I realized that these are the two cubs photographed by Indika Nettigama and Manju Sirimalwatta that I have named on my site under the Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section as the Lunu Wewa road Leopard 1 and Boralu Wala Leopard 1. They were two female cubs and their mother. The tail of one of the cubs is bent at the end. Considering that they appear to be frequenting the Boralu Wala area I decided to name the two cubs as Boralu Wala Female 1 and Boralu Wala Female 2. Unfortunately my images of the adult female were not up to standard enabling me to use for identification. N 08.40837, E 080.04171

3.10pm 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa and five Wild Boar.
3.19pm 6 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
3.25pm 2 Sambar Stags feeding across the water body at Mahapatessa.
4.53pm a Barking Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
5.06pm a Star Tortoise on the road at between Maradanmaduwa and Palu Kola Wala.
5.21pm a Sloth Bear at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.27pm 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.48pm left the park.

6.25am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.48am a Black-naped Hare between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.52am 10 Spotted Deer and two Golden Jackal at Maradanmaduwa.
7.19am a herd of 10 Wild Boar on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
7.25am a Ruddy Mongoose at Madan Gaha Wala.
7.30am 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.34am a Barking Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.48am 28 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.

9.03am a troop of Grey Langur was drinking from a pool the road at Moolakandaweli.
9.37am about 100 meters from the Eluwankulam entrance observed Toque Monkey, Dry Zone Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Grey Langur feeding on the ripe berries of a “Madan” Syzygium cumini tree.
9.48am a Ruddy Mongoose between Pallekandal Pitiya and Pomparippu.
10.24am an adult male Grey Langur moved across the road between Pilli Moote and Tala Wila.
10.37am 8 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
10.52am a Barking Deer at Erenapala Motte.
GPS reading of Kalla Motte (Between Erenapala Motte and Kanjuran Villu) N 08.44879, E079.95960
 11.16am 4 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Wila.
11.20am an immature Drongo Cuckoo at Kumutu Wila.

 11.35am a Crested Serpent Eagle with a freshly killed baby Python at Manikkapola Uttu.

12.01pm troop of Grey Langur between Kudapatessa and Kurutupandi junction.
12.20pm 3 Spotted Deer and accompanies by a troop of Grey Langur drinking at Nelum Wila.
12.45pm arrive at Tala Wila bungalow to have lunch with my good friends Luxman Kuruppu and Lester Perera.
2.00pm left Tala Wila to arrive at the park entrance.
2.55pm left the park to reach Galgamuwa to photograph the cross tusker.
23rd September 2016
6.08am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.09am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at the park entrance.
6.20am 1 Leopard between the first glade and Percy bendi Wewa. It moved in to the forest before I was able to get any photographs.
6.40am an adult male Sambar stag drinking at one of the man made ponds before Maradanmaduwa.

6.43am 3 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.46am 4 Spotted Deer at the “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
7.17am 9 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.22am herd of eleven Wild Boar at Kokkare Villu.
7.25am 17 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.37am 8 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.42am a small herd of five Wild Boar at Manikkapola Uttu.
7.47am a Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkpola Uttu and Illanda Motte.
7.48am a Lesser Adjutant, White-necked Stork two Painted Storks and a Ruddy Mongoose at Illanda Motte.
7.54am a Black-naped Hare at the Mana Wila sand patch.
During this trip I had planned to drive up to Wilachchiya by taking the road from Ochchappu Kallu to Thekkama (driving across Modaragam Aru) and drive via Thekkama to Wilachchiya.
9.34am a Ruddy Mongoose between Ochchappu Kallu and Modaragam Aru.
As the water level was low I managed to drive cross Modaragam Aru and arrive at the Thekkama DWLC “beat” office.

GPS reading of Modagam Aru between Ochchappu Kallu and Thekkama N 08.52340, E080.05103
 10.14am arrived at Viyadikulam Tank. The water level has reduced but this large tank had a large amount of water. Birds observed here included Collared Dove, Yellow- wattled Lapwings, Stork-billed Kingfishers Indian Dater, White Ibis, Purple Herons, Open Bill Storks, Purple Coots Painted Storks and Gull-billed Terns.
10.36am 3 Spotted Deer and 3 White-necked Storks between Viyadikulam Tank and Thekkama.
GPS reading of Kuttiyan Kulama N 08.54979, E080.08501
GPS reading of the 1st Rock pool (Twin Rock Pools) from Wilachchiya N 08.50723, E080.11001

12.03pm a Star Tortoise at the Twin rock Polls.
GPS reading of the 2nd rock pool from Wilachchiya N 08.51648, E080.10977
GPS reading of the 3rd Rock Pool from Wilachchiya N 08.51648, E080.10977
I also noticed that these pools did not appear natural and that they have been cut in to the rock.  A flat slab of granite close to this pool which, I have no doubt, is man made further confirmed of these pools being a part of human habitation some time in history.

Distance from Thekkama to Wilachchiya Park entrance is 17.3 kilometres.
2.22pm I drove from Illanda Motte to Eriyakkulampooval. I was not able to drive around this villu as the road from this water body towards Mahapatessa is still under water. A Mugger Crocodile dashed in to the water upon our approach.
3.22pm a “bachelor party” (all stags) 13 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.24am 5 Spotted Deer at Two Sambar feeding at the edge of the water body at Tala Wila.
3.45pm a Barking Deer between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
4.34pm a Grey Langur at Boralu Wala.
4.38pm a Samabar between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.25pm a male Barking Deer approached the water in its characteristic timid manner and drank at Thammanna Wala.

5.50pm left the park.
24th September 2016
6.07am Entered the park with safari jeep driver Hemantha Wimalasena and guide Tissa Ratnayake
 6.10am a herd of eight Wild Boar between the park entrance and the first culvert.
6.15am a Barking Deer between the first glade and Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.19am a Sambar between Paluwinlandaw junction and Thammanna Wala
6.22am one Flapshell Turtle at Thammanna Wala.
6.25am a Barking Deer between Thammanna Wala and Palukola Wala.
6.37am 6 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.52am an adult male Wild Boar between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala.
7.16am a herd of 8 Wild Boar between Borupan Wila junction and Borupan Wila.
7.56am 10 Spotted Deer and two lesser Adjutant Storks at Borupan Wila.
8.21am 8 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.23am a troop of Grey Langur feeding on the ripe berries of Madan Syzygium cumini at Kumbuk Wila.
8.43am 16 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.49am a Barking Deer between Kokkre Sand Dune and Kuruttupandi Road.
9.09am troop of Toque Monkey on Kokkare Villu upper road.
9.10am 1 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
9.36am two Barking Deer drinking at Sudu Muwa Wala.
10.08am an adult male Wild Boar at Sudu Muwa Wala.
10.43am one Barking Deer at Borupan Wila junction. During these dry months where water become scarce there is a rapid increase in the sightings of these timid deer.
10.52am an immature Crested Serpent Eagle between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.

11.28am a Green Garden Lizard Calotes calotes on the road between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila Sand Patch.
11.53am 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
12.05pm an adult Crested Hawk Eagle was perched on a low liana above the road between Nelum Wila and Panikka Wila. After a few minutes the eagle flew down on to a sunny patch on the road, laied on its belly, fanned out its wings and started to “sun bathe”. I have observed many species of birds such as Bee-eaters, Green Imperial Pigeons, Red-vented Bul Buls Ceylon Grey Hornbill and Malabar Pied Hornbills sun bathing at Wilpattu and other wilderness areas in the country. Birds are known to engage in this behaviour as it helps to spread vital oils along the feathers and to rid themselves of any parasites that may be feeding on their plumage.

12.17pm two Golden Jackal at Panikka Wila.
12.18pm a herd of 12 Wild Boar at Panikka Wila.
12.55pm a Barking Deer at Kombansanchipooval.
12.58pm 8 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila upper road.
12.59pm 14 Spotted Deer and a herd of six Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
1.06pm a Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
1.10pm arrived at the freshly built concreate pond at Pilli Motte. During my last visit in mid August I observed that the water in the natural water hole here had almost dried up. I was later told that the water hole dried up completely and the jeep drivers from Eluwankulama had placed a plastic container at this water hole from which many animals including a leopard was seen drinking. DWLC guides and jeep drivers, from Eluwankulama informed me of the importance of building a concreate pond at this locality as there is no other source of water for the animals around this area during the dry months of the year. The closest water sources are the Pomparippu tank and the Pallekandal Tank, which is quite far from here. Having decided to build a concreate pond at this locality from my own funds I contacted DWLC officer Seram who is at the Eluwankulama office to seek his support. Having obtained approval from the warden he readily volunteered to build this pond.  I had already indicated to him where I wanted it built. Seram was very keen to complete the work during my stay in the park. He and his team of workers had worked until 3am today and completed the task.  I’m extremely thankful to Seram, who is one of the most dedicated officers of DWLC, without who’s help this pond would never have been built. The animals around Pilli Motte will now have a permanent source of water to quench their thrust during the dry months of the year.

1.40pm 2 Spotted Deer, about 450-500 Lesser Whistling Teal, a few Cotton Teal, Common Moorhen and Little Grebe at Panikka Wila.
2.34pm 1 Leopard, Kombansanchaipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) at Nelum Wila N 08.40274, E079.98156. It was lying down inside the forest by a small shady pool and was hardly visible. I managed to get a good look through the foliage with by binoculers, which helped me to identify the animal.
As the leopard was sleeping and no photography was possible we decided to drive up to Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.46pm one Sambar on Kokkare Villu Upper road.
4.00pm 2 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Manikkapola Uttu.
4.26pm a first year Crested Hawk Eagle between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
4.30pm 5 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.32pm a herd of 8 Wild Boar at Kokkare Villu upper road.
5.10pm when we returned the leopard had moved and was sleeping on it back in the open grass filed at Nelum Wila. I was not able to spend much time here, as we had to leave to reach the park entrance by 6.00pm.

5.35pm 25 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.45pm a Barking Deer at Palu Kola Wala.
6.00pm a Barking Deer between the first culvert and the park entrance.
6.03pm left the park.

5.30am a Black-naped Hare at the park entrance.
6.00am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayaka.
6.07am decided to drive down the newly built road from Percy Bendi Wewa to Makalanmaduwa.
7.20am arrived at Thel Beepu Wewa. N 08.27392, E080.05664

7.22am two White-necked Storks were perched on the bund. Many species of birds including two Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Common Kingfishers, and Ceylon Swallow were perched on the dead trees of this picturesque tank.

7.40am a Red Spot Duke (Butterfly) between Thel Beepu Wewa and Makalanmaduwa.
8.15am arrived at Makalanmaduwa N 08.24160, E079.99726

9.44am one Ruddy Mongoose between Thel Beepu Wewa and Percy Bendi Wewa.
Distance from Percy Bendi Wewa up to Kala Oya is 23.2Km.
As I had a “flat tire” decide to leave the park and return upon repairing the same.
12.15pm a male Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwilandawa junction.
12.22am two Mugger Crocodiles at Thammanna Wala.

12.37pm 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
1.38pm a herd of 7 Wild Boar and one Common Coot at Panikkar Villu.
1.47pm 3 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
2.07pm an immature Crested Hawk Eagle flew down to drink from the small quantity of water at Pilli Motte.

4.08pm one Wild Buffalo and an adult male Wild Boar across the water body at Kumutu Wila.
4.15pm 12 Spotted Deer and one Elephant at Kanjuran Villu.

5.05pm one leopard between Borupan junction and Walas Wala. It was lying about 15 feet from the edge of the road but was behind some bushes thus I was not able to photograph or identify the leopard.
5.50pm two White-necked Stork at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.54pm one Barking Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.10pm left the park.

18th August 2016
6.10am entered the park in a safari jeep with guide Tissa Ratnayaka.
6.20am  two White-necked Storks at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.28am two White-necked Storks at Palu Kola Wala.
7.15am 16 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
7.26am one leopard on the Pomparippu road. N 08.37702, E 079.89900
About half a kilometer before reaching Pilli Motte on the Pomparippu road a Leopard was seen seated on the road. Just as we spotted the leopard moved in to the forest. I immediately told the jeep driver to stop the vehicle. After a few minutes the leopard cautiously moved back on to the road and sat on its hunches. It was a young female leopard and I estimated its age to be around 2 years and 6 months. She looked in our direction for some time then turned its head in the opposite direction and called out twice. Thereafter she walked for about 50 meters and moved back in o the forest. This is my first sighting of this leopard and the 45th leopard I have photographed in the park. I named it Pomparippu Road Female 1 (PPRF 1).

10.22am one Elephant feeding at Tala Wila.
10.47am a herd of 6 Wild Boar on Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.56 3 Spotted Deer at Kuttupandi Villu.
11.06am one Wild Buffalo between Manikkapola Uttu and Kumutu Villu.
11.07am 2 Wild Boar and 1 Spotted Deer drinking at Kumutu Villu.
11.16am herd of 12 Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.
11.35am 2 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
11.45am one Mugger Crocodile at Marai Villu.
12.06pm 2 Glossy Ibis feeding at Kaya Motte. Both the birds were in peak breeding plumage. Mr. Bimal Eranga Herath of the DWC had seen 5 of these birds at this location two days before and described them to me on the phone. From his accurate descriptions I knew it had to be this species. Thus I decided to check this seldom visited water body. This is my first sighting of this species at Wilpattu. This sighting increases the number of bird species that I have recorded in the park so far to 197.

12.14pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kaya Mottai.
12.19pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kaya Mottai and Avatara Mottai.
12.27pm another Ruddy Mongoose at Marai Villu.
1.15pm between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila another Ruddy Mongoose.
1.22pm a Crested Serpent Eagle was observed with a freshly killed Common Bronze-back Dendrelaphis tristis. The bird flew off with the snake dangling in its talons.
1.25pm four adult Wild Boar close to Mana Wila.
1.55pm we arrived at Herathhamy Wala expecting a leopard to arrive for water.
3.53pm a female Barking Deer at Herathhamy Wala.
4.04pm a Rudy Mongoose at Herathhamy Wala.
4.52pm a male Barking Deer at Herathhamy Wala.

5.00pm despite waiting at this water hole for three hours I had no leopard sightings.
5.05pm 2 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
5.11pm 1 Spotted Deer at Ilanda Mottai.
5.12pm two Ruddy Mongoose between Ilanda Mottai and Manik Wila bungalow.
5.14pm one Elephant feeding at Manikkapola Uttu.
5.23pm two Barking Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kokkare Weli Kanda.
The Thimbiri trees in the park look beautiful, as most of them have produced tender leaves, which are bright maroon in colour.
Wild orchids Vanda spathulata and tessellata are in bloom.
5.28pm 10 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.33pm one leopard across Kumbuk Wila. I was not able to get any clear photos due to inadequate light and the long distance.
6.15pm 7 Spotted Deer and one bull elephant in musth at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.27pm left the park.
19th August 2016
6.07am entered the park with safari jeep driver Hemantha  Wimalasena and guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.08am 9 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the first culvert.
6.12am a Black-naped Hare at the culvert near Ranawara Pitiya.
6.15am 1 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.33am 1 adult male Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
7.01am 1 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.24am 1 Spotted Deer at Madan Gaha Wala.
7.43am 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.06am one Ruddy Mongoose at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.07am 4 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.31am one Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte.
9.10am 4 Lesser Adjutant Storks circling over Pomparippu Pitiya.
9.15am at Pomparippu we witnessed a large gathering of storks in a pool by the road. The water level had receded and the storks were feasting on the trapped fish with ease. As I watched a Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis tilapia Climbing Perch Anabas testudineus. The group included 27 White-necked Storks, 6 Lesser Adjutants and 37 Painted Storks. This is the highest number of White-necked Storks that I have counted at one location during my 30 years of birding in the country.

9.32am we arrived at the Pomparippu tank which had a considerable amount of water.
9.58am 2 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu Tank.
10.06am a Ruddy Mongoose between Pomparippu and Periya Uppu Villu.
10.20am 5 Golden Jackal across the water at Periya Uppu Villu.
10.22am 1 large Mugger Crocodile at the water body across the road from Periya Uppu Villu.
10.27am 5 Mugger Crocodiles at Periya Uppu Villu.
10.40am having observed a large number of Spot-billed Pelicans I decided to take a count. There were 96 birds at Periya Villu. This is the highest number I have observed so far at Wilpattu.
10.47am seven Mugger Crocodiles in a water-body between Periya Villu and Palugahathurei junction.
10.48am a Barking Deer at the above location as well.
11.05am we arrived at the water body at the Palugahathurei junction referred to as the “Crocodile Pond”. This is a part of Periya Naga Villu. I counted 14 large Mugger Crocodiles at this water body. The water level in this pool was low and the fish trapped were continuously coming up for air and returning with a splash. So many fish were engaging in this activity it was almost as if this water body was being pelted with a shower of pebbles continuously. The Crocodiles would swim among these fish and occasionally lunge forward to catch them. There were many sub adult Night Herons and other water birds at this pool as well.

11.29am 1 Spotted Deer at Paya Motte.
11.34am the number of Glossy Ibis feeding at Kaya Motte has increased to five.
12.23pm 8 Spotted Deer and a male Wild Buffalo at Kanjuran Villu.
12.40pm the endemic Painted- lip Lizard Calotes ceylonensis at Kumutu Villu.

1.00pm 4 Wild Buffalo with a new born calf at Manikrala Uraniya.
2.22pm a herd of 12 Wild Boar feeding at the edge of the water body at Panikka Villu.
2.23pm 2 Common Coot at Panikkar Villu.
2.25pm a few male Cotton Teal pursuing a female in flight while making their nasal calls.
2.30pm one sub adult Sambar at Combansanchaipooval.
2.37pm two herds of eleven and 9 Wild Boar drinking at Tala Wila.
2.44pm two Golden Jackal trotting along the Pomparippu road ahead of the vehicle.
3.45pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte
4.28pm a Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.
4.30pm another Barking Deer at Kmbansanchaipooval sand pacth.
4.53pm a wild Buffalo and two Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
5.22pm a Barking Deer at Ibba Wala.
5.35pm two Golden Jackal between Maradanmaduwa and Kimbula Ketu Gala down Ikirigollawa road.
5.45pm 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.04pm 1 Spotted Deer antler between Palu Kola Wala and Kala Gedi Bokkuwa.
6.08pm 2 Barking Deer, a male courting a female at the manmade water hole between Palu Kola Wala and Kala Gedi Bokkuwa.

6.29pm left the park.
20th August 2016
6.03am entered the park with safari jeep driver Hemantha Wimalasena and guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.06am 1 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.37am 1 Spotted Deer and two Golden Jackal at Maradanmaduwa.
6.38am 8 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
6.57am an immature Crested Serpent Eagle perched on a branch overlooking the road at Borupan junction.

7.08am one Blak-naped Hare at Madangaha Wala.
7.16am 6 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
7.49am 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.15am 10 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
10.24am a troop of Grey Lanagur between Kokkare sand dune and Kudapatessa.
10.41am two Barking Deer at Kokkare sand dune.
10.42am another Barking Deer at Kokkare sand dune.
11.17am 6 Spotted Deer and one Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
11.27am a Brown Fish Owl perched on the white sand and Kokkare sand dune. After a few minutes the raptor flew off and I noticed that it had caught a small animal, which was in its talons.

12.01pm one Leopard at Herathhamy Wala. N 08.49333, E 079.98961
We spotted the leopard sleeping under the bushes at the edge of the water. During the three hours of observations the leopard moved its location on a few occasions but did not move out from under the bushes. It was a young male and I estimated the age to be around 1 year and 6 months.
2.41pm the leopard stood up and walked to the edge of the water and had one sip of water before moving back in to the forest. I suspected that the mud at the edge of the water might have been too warm. This is my first sighting of this male and the 46th leopard I have photographed at the park so far. I named it Herathhamy Wala Male 1 (HHWM 1).

3.00pm as the leopard moved in to the forest we left Herathhamy Wala.
3.31pm 5 Spotted Deer resting at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.42pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.39pm one Mugger crocodile at Thammanna Wala.
5.00pm left the park.

6.05am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.06am an Elephant about 100 meters from the park entrance.
6.08am 6 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.39am heard of 8 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa. The adult bull that was seen with this herd had left them now.
6.41am 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa “ Kukul Ktu “ Field.
6.42am 2 Golden Jackal just beyond Maradanmaduwa.
7.21am 8 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.28am 9 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.50am 7 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
7.55am 6 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
8.03am a Barking Deer at Kokkare sand dunes.
8.45am a small baby Star Tortoise on the road at between Down all Pitiya and Illanda Motttai.
8.54am 3 Spotted Deer at Manik Rala Uraniya.
8.56am a Brown Fish Owl flew off from a branch with a snake dangling in its talons. I was not able to identify the snake as only the underside was seen but from its size and build it looked like a Russell’s Viper.
The Ceylon Spider Lilee Pancriatum zeylanicum in bloom on the Uraniya road.
At Manikkapola Uttu bungalow I was informed by guide Sanath of a  Sambar “Kill” on the road to Kumutu Villu.
10.15am arrived at the “kill”. It was an adult male Sambar. We parked about 40 meters down the road expecting the leopard to arrive.

12.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose arrived at the kill and started to feed.

1.28pm Ruddy Mongoose at the “kill”.
1.50pm Ruddy Mongoose feeding on the carcass.
2.03pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose arrived at the “kill”.
3.20pm Ruddy Mongoose at the “Kill”
4.37pm a Sambar alarm calls were heard indicating the presence of a leopard.
4.47pm A Barking Deer started giving out alarm calls but the leopard did not arrive at the “Kill”.
5.50pm we decided to leave to exit from the Eluwankulama entrance.
5.52pm one adult male Wild Buffalo at Kumutu Villu.
5.59pm a Sloth Bear on the road between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
6.02pm 2 Leopards at Kanjuran Villu.  N 08.45680, E 079.95770.
It was an adult female with its playful female cub. As the vehicle moved in to the forest the two leopards moved in to the forest. I turned the vehicle and stopped the engine expecting them to come out. After a few minutes the mother walked out followed by a female cub. I estimated the age of the female to be around 4 years. The cub was about 6 months old. They were quite relaxed and it was a joy to see them play on the “Kok Mota” fields. After some time the cub moved towards the villu and drank. We left them, as we had to reach Eluwankulama. This is my first sighting of these two leopards. I named the female Kanjuran Villu Female 1 (KJF 1) and the cub Kanjuran Villu female 2 (KJFC 2).

6.25pm 1 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
6.35pm One Mugger Crocodile at Kaya Mottai.
7.01pm One Leopard between Maila Villu and Palugahathurei. I was not able to get any photos due to inadequate light.
7.10pm a Black-naped Hare between Palugahathurei and Periya Villu.
7.12pm 2 Indian Gerbil at Periya Villu.
7.14pm another Balck-naped Hare at Kollan Knatte.
7.16pm a Black-naped Hare.
7.20pm two Black-naped Hare n the road.
7.22pm two Indian Gerbil at Vella Mundalama.
7.25pm two Black-naped Hare at Pomparippu.
7.40pm left the park.
31st July 2016
6.00am entered the park.
6.43am a Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwilandawa junction.
7.55am 6 Spotted Deer, a Stork-billed Kingfisher and two large Mugger Crocodiles at Maradanmaduwa.
8.28am 1 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.41am I spotted a dove perched on a dead tree, which looked larger than a Spotted Dove. Upon verification through the binoculars I was happy to see a Collared Dove. I have seen this species at Pukkulama and at Silavathurei in the northern parts of the park. This is my first sighting of this species in the southern part.

8.47am Wild Orchid Vanda tessalata photographed at Kokkare Villu Sand Dune.

8.49am a troop of Grey Langur between Kokare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
9.06am we spotted a Whistling Lizard Calotes ceylonensis on a Thimbiri tree at Kumutu Wila.

9.23am we spotted a female White-rumped Shama with an insect in its beak between Kumutu Wila and Kanjuran Villu. After a few minutes it entered a tree hole and emerged possibly having fed its chicks. It was much duller than the usual male birds of this species.

9.55am a nest of Black-naped Monarch between Kanjuran and Kumutu Villu.

9.57am a Blue Wanderer (butterfly) between Kanjuran and Mumutu Villu.

9.58am 2 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
10.23am a young (first year) Crested Hawk Eagle had caught an immature Malabar Pied Hornbill. The adult Hornbills attacked the young eagle viciously resulting it to leave the carcass on a vine and fly off to a nearby tree.

11.52am a Barking Deer at Thala Wila.
11.58am troop of Grey Langur between Tala Wila and Karamba Kulama on the Galge Vihara road.
12.44pm a granite pillar with ancient inscriptions was photographed between Karamba Kulama and Galge Vihara.

12.55pm a flock of about 20 Pompadour Green Pigeons feeding on the ripe berries of a Banyan Tree Ficus benghalensis at Galge Viharaya.
1.34pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Galge Viharaya and Karamba Kulama.
2.36pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Veerakutti Villu and Thala Wila.
4.38pm a Brown Fish Owl at Percy Bendi Wewa.

4.39pm a Black-naped Hare across Percy Bendi Wewa.
4.40pm a Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Ranawara Pitiya.
4.44pm one Leopard, Ranawara Pitiya Male 1 (RPMC 1) about 100 meters beyond the Ranawara Pitiya culvert. N 08.32726, E 080.13675
When we arrived at Ranawara Pitiya I spotted the leopard by the side of the road beyond the culvert. It was behind a tree and was stalking a male Indian Peafowl on the main road. Upon our approach the young leopard moved in to the forest. I drove about 100 meters passing the point where the leopard entered the forest and parked. After some time the leopard emerged from the forest and started stalking the Indian Peafowl again. After some time the adult male Indian Peafowl detected the Leopard. Having made a few alarm calls the bird started to move closer and closer to the leopard until it was almost few feet from the young cat that was crouching in the ditch. Perhaps as it had been detected the inexperienced leopard (This leopard is approximately one year old) was not able to make up its mind to attack the bird but concealed it self even further as the bird moved closer.

After some time a DWC tractor arrived and the leopard moved in to the forest.
5.51pm a Barking Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.20pm left the park.

5.40am 6.12am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.15am 1 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the first glade.
6.27am wild orchid Vanda tessalata in bloom close to Palu Kola Wala.
6.40am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
6.55am 1 Spotted Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
7.11am a wild fruit of striking orange coloure photographed between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala. Later the same fruit was photographed on the road from Ochchappu Kallu to Lunu Wila. These appear to be poisonous as there were no signs of any animals feeding on them. T belongs to the Annonaceae family but I’m still to find out the species and the common names used for this coloureful fruits.

8.02am 14 Spotted Deer and a herd of 17 Wild Buffalo across Borupan Wila.

8.08am two small snakes were spotted in the pool by the culvert. They were the endemic Sri Lankan Keelback Xenochrophis piscator

8.48am 2 Wild Boar at Kokkare Villu.
9.15am 2 Spotted Deer between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.
9.50am 2 Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
10.15am 2 more Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
10.20am a herd of 6 adult Wild Boar at Thala Wila.
11.06am a Blue Mormon was “mud sipping” (feeding on minerals and salts) on the road to Viranda Wala (formerly reported as "Bora Doya Wala".

11.44am 2 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu uda para.
1.17pm 5 Spotted Deer and an adult male Wild Boar in the company of a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
4.30pm a Banded Peacock, one of the most strikingly beautiful butterflies found in the country was settled on a small sapling with its wings open at Kaali Villu.

4.36pm 2 Spotted Deer between Kaali Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
5.46pm a male Painted Snipe at Borupan Wila. I had photographed this species at this same location during an earlier visit.

6.02pm 18 Spotted Deer and 1 Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
6.15pm we finally spotted a Leopard at Nelum Wila but it was concealed behind a bush and was hardly visible. I was not able to identify or photograph the leopard.
6.28pm reached the Panikka Wila bungalow.

8th July 2016 
5.00am left the bungalow with my guide Tissa.
5.54am 1 Black-naped Hare on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
5.55am 1 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu uda para.
7.40am I Leopard at Ochchappu Kallu N 08.49565, E 080.04472
Having heard Grey Langur alarm calls, while having some biscuits at the large boulder with a drip ledge at Ochchappu Kallu, we hurriedly got in to the vehicle and drove about 30 meters from where the alarm were being made and parked the vehicle.  After some time the intensity of the alarm calls increased and we spotted a sub adult male leopard of about 8-12 months of age in the foliage. It was quite inquisitive but extremely shy and did not break cover. I managed to get only a few record photos, which are adequate for me to see the spot pattern on its forehead. Despite the leopard not stepping in to the open I was thrilled to see a leopard at this location.  I named it Ochchappu Kallu Male Cub 1 (OKMC 1).

8.54am 1 Buffalo between Dan Gaha Uraniya and Etamba Gaha Uraniya.
9.24am 4 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila uda para.
9.45am 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
11.55am 3 Pheasant-tailed Jacana, including gone bird in non-breeding plumage at Borupan Wila.

12.10pm I was observing a small feeding flock of Racket-tailed Drongo, White-rumped Shama, Black- fronted Babblers, two Crimson-backed Woodpeckers, a Drongo Cuckoo, Brown-capped Babblers and a few Velvet-fronted Nuthatches between Panikka Villu and Nelum Wila. All at once a Velvet-fronted Nut hatch flew down from the canopy pursuing a Cicada and caught it. This is a very difficult bird to photograph at Wilpattu as they usually occupy the canopy.

1.22pm 1 Sloth Bear between Borupan Villu and Lunu Wewa bungalow.
3.41pm 3 Wild Buffalo at Mradanmaduwa.
5.33pm 5 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.35pm 1 Sloth Bear between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala.

6.55pm 1 Black-naped Hare at Nelum Wila.
9th July 2016
5.24am left Panikka Wila bungalow with guide Tissa.
5.25am 1 adult male Wild Boar between Panikka bungalow and Panikka Wila junction.
5.30am 1 Indian Gerbil at Panikka Wila junction.
5.40am a Brown Fish Owl feeding on a frog on the road at Kombansanchaipooval. Later the bird flew on to a branch permitting me to take a few difficult photos in low light.

5.45am 2 Golden Jackals at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
5.55am 5 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
6.00am three Wild Boar crossed the road between Tala Wila and Pulli Mottai
6.29am 2 female Barred Bustard Quail engaged in a fight between Pomparippu and Periya Villu.

6.45am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Periya Villu.
6.50am 1 Wild Boar at Periya Uppu Villu.
7.15am 4 Spotted Deer at Avathara Mottai.
7.56am Blue Wanderer photographed at Manikkapola Uttu sand patch.

8.31am a herd of 17 Wild Boar feeding on the fresh grass shoots at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.18am 1 Elephant at Borupan Wila.

10.59am 2 White-necked Storks at the water hole between Nelum Wila pitiya and Mila Wewa.

12.47pm 3 Spotted Deer and 1 Wild Boar between Kuruttupandi and Manikkapola Uttu sand patch.
3.08pm 5 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.
3.18pm 1 Mugger Crocodile at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.23pm a herd of 5 Wild Boar between Manikkapola Uttu sand patch and Manik Wila bungalow  
3.25pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Manik Wila bungalow and Illanda Mottai.
6.15pm 2 Leopards at Kumbuk Wila uda para sand patch. N 08.41976, E080.01466
As I was aware that there was a Wild Boar carcass at Kumbuk Wila uda para sand patch I drove to this location expecting a sighting. We spotted one adult female but it moved in to the forest before I was able to photograph. As we watched a cub moved on to the road and permitted me to take a few photos. It was a female cub and I estimated its age to be around 6 months. This is my first sighting of this leopard and I named it Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2)

At 8.15pm while I was typing these notes in to my lap top computer the assistant bungalow keeper told me that there is a Sloth Bear just out side the main entrance to the bungalow. I flashed the torch to find a male Sloth Bear about 10 feet from the steps of the main entrance.  I tried to take a few photos with the help of the Bungalow keeper Sagara and his assistant Chaminda aiming the torch beams at the Bear but was not successful due to inadequacy of light. As I was the only one occupying the bungalow this night I requested Sagara to remove the fruits on the dining table that was to be left overnight.
10th July 2016
5.25am left Panikkawila Bungalow on a park round with guide Tissa.
5.32am Indian Gerbil between Panikka Wila and Nelum Wila.
5.36am another Indian Gerbil between Panikka Wila and Nelum Wila.
6.02am one Leopard on the road at the Kumbuk Wila uda para sand patch. Unfortunately I was not able to photograph as the animal move off the road instantly.
We drove ahead a short distance an turned back to check whether it had moved on to the road again but spotted a Leopard cub which also moved in to the forest before I was able to take any shots. I was devastated that the leopards did not oblige me with even one photo.
6.23am one Elephant and a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction.
6.37am 2 White-necked Storks and a Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Pitiya Wala.
6.58am 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
8.55am a Ruddy Mongoose between Panikka Wila and Nelum Wila.
10.30am left the park

5.40am 2 Black-naped Hare at park entrance.
6.10am entered the park.
6.14am 3 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.25am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa. The water body is studded with hundreds of freshly bloomed white lotus flowers.
6.37am the wild orchid Vanda tessalata in bloom Kala Gedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.

6.44am a Mugger Crocodile and a Parkers Black Turtle at Palu Kola Wala.
7.00am a Sloth Bear on the main road at Thambi Oluwa.
8.10am a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction
8.25am an Indian Three-toed Kingfisher flew off from a freshly cut drain by the side of the road.
8.28am A herd of seven Wild Boar Between Manikkapola Uttu sand patch and Kumutu Wila junction.
8.40am guide Tissa joined me from Mana Wila.
9.20am an adult male Wild boar at Kaali Villu.
9.30am a Golden jackal at Marai Villu.
9.37am 1 Wild Boar at Avatara Mottai.
9.47am 9 Spotted Deer at Mailagan Mottai
10.04am a Ruddy Mongoose between Maila Villu and Mollikulam.
11.55am a troop of Grey Langur and a Spotted Deer at Kaya Mottai.
12.02pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Avatara Mottai and Kaali Villu
1.30pm arrived at the Mana Wila bungalow and photographed a Ceylon Grey Hornbill feeding its nestlings with a Green Garden Lizard Calotes calotes. The nest was placed in a tree hole behind the Bungalow.

2.15pm a White-rumped Shama patiently permitted me to take some photographs between Kuruttupandi Villu and Kuruttupadi junction.

2.25pm 2 White-necked Stork at Kokkare Villu Weli Kanda.
2.45pm a Mouse Deer ran across the road between Maha Patessa and Demata Wila.
2.55pm 1 Barking Deer between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
3.25pm 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
3.40pm 1 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
4.15pm 2 Golden Jackal at Tala Wila.
4.45pm 2 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
4.55pm a pair of Painted Snipe at Borupan Wila. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

5.05pm an adult female Samabr between Walas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.55pm 8 Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
6.15pm left the park.

As the park entrance was closed from Hunuwilagama due to floods I decided to visit the northern areas of the park. Having left Colombo late afternoon I was able to reach Thanthirimale around 8.30pm. My guide Saman joined me at the Temple junction.
8.50pm on the road to the park entrance I observed Indian Nightjar and Long-tailed Nightjar.
8.55pm an Indian Gerbil at the park entrance. It is not difficult to identify this rodent due to its black tipped tail, bouncing gait and its light colour
8.55pm entered the park from the Thanthirimale entrance with guide Saman to reach the Weewala bungalow located inside the park.
9.45pm a Black-naped Hare between Weewala junction and Weewala bungalow.
10.15pm reached the Weewala bungalow.
21st May 2016
6.53am Ceylon Spider Lily Pancratium zeylanicum in bloom between Weewala junction and Wilachchiya.

7.19am 1 Star Tortoise on the road to Wilachchiya.
8.05am 2 Black Drongo at the glade between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
8.43am 2 Blue Mormon and a Common Jay “mud sipping” at Hikkgoda Wewa.

8.55am 2 Banded Blue Pierrot butterflies “mud sipping” at Hikkgoda Wewa. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

10.45am photographed a species of bat at the Weewala bungalow. Having checked the literature I sent the photos for confirmation of identification Mr. Uditha Hettige who is a Mammal expert. He confirmed that this is Long-armed Seth-tailed Bat Taphozous longimanus. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

11.22am a Grass Jewell butterfly between Weewala junction and Wilachchiya.

11.37am a Group of Grey Langur between Weewala junction and Wilachchiya.
12.30pm a Blue Pansy butterfly between Wilachchiya and Kaju Watta. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

The distance from Wilachchiya through Wilpattu National Park to Kalaaru (river) is 22.2 kilometers.
3.08pm a sub adult (first year) Crested Hawk Eagle between Kalaaru and Wiiachchiya.

4.05pm a Black-naped Hare between Kallaaru and Wilchchiya.
4.20pm after much effort I was able to photograph the Blue Pansy butterfly with its wings open.
4.55pm having spotted a butterfly with a different flight pattern I looked through the binoculars and was thrilled to see a fresh specimen of a Painted Lady. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

4.56pm a Ruddy Mongoose on the Klaaru-Wilachchiya road.
5.38pm a Barking Deer on the Klaaru-Wilachchiya road.
5.41pm a pair of Ceylon Grey Hornbills were “dust bathing” on the Kallaru Wilachchiya road. I observed that while “dust bathing” these birds would periodically pick up and swallow small stoned found on the road.
5.49pm 1 Star Tortoise crossed the road.
5.53pm a Black-naped Hare close to Wilachchiya DWC office.
6.25pm an adult male Samabr with an impressive pair of antlers was seen between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
6.35pm another male Sambar between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
6.40pm a Black-naped Hare on the road.
6.45pm another Black-napd Hare on the road.
6.47pm a Ruddy Mongoose ran across the road.
6.48pm a Black-naped Hare and two Star Tortoises on the road.
Distance from Wilachchiya to Weewala junction is 8.5 kilometers. Weewala junction to the bungalow is 2.7 kilometers. The distance from the Bungalow to the park entrance is 5.3 kilometers.
We had to drive to Thanthirimale to get Dinner.
7.50pm an Indian Gerbil between Weewala junction and Hikgoda tank.
7.51pm an adult female Samabar was seen between Weewala junction and Hikgoda tank.
7.45pm an Indian Gerbil on the road.
7.55pm an Indian Gerbil on the road.
7.57pm while observing two Indian Nightjars on the Hikgoda tank bund noticed a Giant Forest Scorpion Heterometrus swammerdami moving across the road.
9.00pm an Indian Stone Curlew at the park entrance.
9.05pm a Brown Fish Owl flew ahead of the vehicle and alighted on an exposed branch between the park entrance and Hikgoda tank. It had the remains of a toad in its talons.
9.20pm a Black-naped Hare between Hikgoda tank and Weewala bungalow
22nd May 2016
6.30am left the Weewala bungalow with guide Saman.
8.50am photographed a species of bat at the DWC staff quarters at the park entrance. It was also a Long-armed Seth-tailed Bat Taphozous longimanus.

10.36am a female Indian Sunbeam butterfly between Weewala junction and Wilachchiya.
10.39am one Spot Swordtail butterfly was seen between Weewala junction and Wilachchiya. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.
10.50am entered the park from the Wilachchiya entrance. The bridge across the river “Weli Ela” has to be crossed.

11.49am photographed a species of wild flower that I had not seen previously in the park. It was later identified as Purple Twinflower Dyschoriste litoralis. It is a rare species of wild flower.

12.46pm a Black-naped Hare ran across the road. A large troop of Grey Langur was seen between Wilachchiya and Veddagala.
1.00pm we arrived at Kuttiyan Kulama which is a sandy stream flowing from the nearby tank. The recent rains had shifted large mounds of sand on to the stream. We decided that it is impossible to move the vehicle across. However, having got off the vehicle, quite unwisely, decided to take the vehicle across by using the winch. While crossing the wheels got submerged in the wet sand and the winch packed up.  I was not able to move the vehicle or unwind the winch cable. The under carriage of the vehicle was stuck in the sand. It was quite clear that I was not able to move the jeep without the help of a powerful tractor. We both regretted our decision to cross the river. There was no mobile phone signals at this location thus the only option available were for Saman to walk to Thekkama (6 kilometers) to get a tractor either from Wilachchiya or Mollikulama. While waiting for the tractor to arrive I observed and photographed a female Purple-rumped Sunbird collecting nesting material and building a nest just above the water. The male was in the vicinity and periodically visited the nest site. Nest building was carried out exclusively by the female. Around 3.30pm guide Lasantha and Chaminda, having received a SMS message from Saman that my jeep was stuck, arrived on their motorbike from Wilachchiya. With the help of an axe they brought we managed to get the winch cable released from the tree it was attached to by releasing the clip of the hook.  There after I tried to reverse the vehicle with 4 wheels and the differential lock engaged but the vehicle could not be moved. Lasantha and Chaminda left around 4.30pm to Wilachchiya to find out from Saman whether he managed to get a tractor or to get a tractor from Wilachchiya before dark. Around 5pm I was relieved to hear the sound of a tractor approaching. The ranger from Mollikulama had kindly agreed to send their tractor via Thekkama. Our effort to pull the jeep from the front by digging up the wet sand was not successful. With much effort the tractor was moved to the rear of the jeep through the jungle and much to every ones relief after many efforts we managed to pull it out from behind. Our joy was short lived as the tractor, while trying to cross the sandy stream to go back, got stuck in the wet sand and could not be moved. It was dark by this time and the tractor driver misread the ability of his tractor to move on wet sand.  One rear wheel was half submerged in wet sand. All six of us who were drenched in muddy water were quite tired by this time and was quite depressed by of this unforeseen turn of events.  Now we had to use my jeep to pull out the tractor. I approached the tractor as close I could and with a few efforts and push from the men finally managed to pull it out. Yet we had to get the tractor across the stream for them to go back to Thekkama. We used the same path on which the tractor was moved initially and while the five of us pushed from the side to prevent it from sliding in to the wet sand area the driver inched his way across the stream to safety. Despite having helped me through such an ordeal they flatly refused the money I offered them in appreciation. Such men still exist among us.
Despite having a gun travelling in an open tractor in the night through elephant infested jungle is extremely risky. Lasantha followed my jeep on his motorbike while Chaminda got in to the vehicle with his gun. Thankfully we did not meet any elephants or Sloth Bears and I was pleased to learn the next day that the two men in the tractor also had reached the DWLC office without any incident.

7.20pm  2 Black-naped Hare between Kuttiyan Kulama stream and Veddagala.
7.35pm a Black-naped Hare and an Indian Gerbil between Kuttiyan Kulama stream and Veddagala
7.40pm 2 Black-naped Hare at Veddagala.
7.45pm a Mouse Deer between Veddagala and Wilachchiya park entrance.
7.50pm a Black-naped Hare close to Milla Gas mandiya.
7.55pm one adult Mugger Crocodile in a pool of water by the road. Chaminda told us that these Crocodiles come from the nearby tank to prey on fish trapped in these small pools.
8.01pm another Mugger Crocodile in a pool on the road.
8.45pm a Mouse Deer, an Indian Gerbil and a Black-naped Hare was seen between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
8.50pm 1 Sambar between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
8.52pm another sub adult Sambar between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
8.54pm a Black-naped Hare and an Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
8.55pm two more Sambar, an adult female and a calf between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
9.00pm another female Sambar between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
9.02pm 2 more Black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
9.05pm a female Sambar and a Black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
9.06pm another sub adult Sambar and two Black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
9.08pm a Black-naped Hare on the road between Wilachchiya and Weewala junction.
10.30pm 2 Black-naped Hare between Weewala junction Weewala bungalow.
23rd May 2016
6.15am left the bungalow with guide Saman
6.27am a Grey-headed Fish Eagle at Hikkgoda Tank.

6.40am Saman received information that a Spotted Deer calf is kept at a house in the village. We decided to visit this house and rescue the deer.
10.30am we rescued the Spotted Deer and brought it close to the Weewala Bungalow. As it was old enough to feed on vegetation Saman decided to release it close to the bungalow, which is close to the Weewala water hole. Upon being released the small deer walked to the edge of the water and started to drink. It moved in to the forest there after.

10.50am left the bungalow, as I was keen to visit Wilachchiya, Mollikulama and Thekkama DWC officers to thank them for helping me the previous day.
1.05pm I was on my way from Mullikulama to the DWC office at Thekkama. To reach this isolated location of Wilpattu one has to take a road, which goes along the bund of the picturesque Viyadikulam Tank. Across this tank is Wilpattu national park.  While on the bund my guide Saman pointed at two large ducks perched on a dead tree not too far from the bund and asked what they could be. Having looked at them through the bins I was thrilled to see Comb Ducks. I counted a colony of 11 birds perched on dead trees at different location of this large tank. On our way back from Thekkama two more birds had arrived on the same tree.
Even though the Comb Duck is now considered as a very rare winter visitor to the island about a century ago, during Legg’s time, it was known to be a breeding resident during Legge’s time and were known to breed in the Giants Tank in Murunkan, which is not too far from this tank. G.M Henry writes that the breeding season in Sri Lanka was from February to March. However as their breeding season in India is from July to September and as the breeding conditions appear to be suitable in this tank I wanted to visit this tank again to check on them. However to my disappointment on a later visit on the 19th of June not a single bird was observed.
Thus I’m not able to conclude whether these birds bred here or whether they are a flock that strayed down from the mainland accidentally during the non-migrant season.

2.11pm a large troop f Grey Langur at the Thekkama DWC office.
2.21pm one Spotted Deer between Thekkama and Marichakaddi Village.
2.55pm at Kallaru Forest reserve adjoining Wilpattu National Park a pair of Rufous-rumped Shrike with an immature bird. This is my first record of this species on the borders of the park.

3.11pm a Collared Dove feeding on the ground in an open filed.
The distance from Marichchakaddi to Thekkama DWC office is 16.5 kilometers.
4.30pm arrived at the Wilachchiya DWC office. Drove to Kirapetiya village to look for a herd of Elephants but had no success.
7.05pm an Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction.
7.11pm a Black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.12pm an Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.14pm another Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.15pm two more Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.20pm an Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.18pm a black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.27pm a Black-naped Hare and an Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.28pm another Black-naped Hare between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.29pm another Indian Gerbil between Wilachchiya and Weewla junction
7.55pm one Black-naped Hare and an Indian Jerbil between Weewala bungalow and Weewala junction.
7.57pm one adult female Sambar between Hikgoda wewa and Weewla junction
8.10pm 3 Elephants close to the electrified fence at the park entrance.
8.12pm left the park.

6.00am entered the park from the Eluwankulama entrance with guide Hafis.
6.12am 1 Golden Jackal at Kalla Handal.
6.17am 4 Spotted Deer at Moolakanda Weli.
6.20am 1 Mugger Crocodile at Ottamadu Ara.
6.29am 8 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.39am 6 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal pitiya.
6.42am 10 more Spotted Deer and 2 Wild Boar at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.56am 2 Sambar, a mother and a calf, between Pallekandal pitiya and Puli Mottai.
7.1am 24 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
7.22am an adult male Wild Boar and an Elephant at Kombansanchaipooval.

7.31am a sub adult Grey-headed Fish Eagle perched over looking the water hole by the road at Kombansanchaipooval.

7.46am 6 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
8.00am 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.28am a Common Hedge Blue butterfly photographed at Kudapatessa.

9.04am 2 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kumbukk Wila.
9.40am a Hoopoe at Kumbuk Wila sand patch. It was on the ground and flew off upon our arrival. This is my second sighting of this species in the park.
9.45am 2 Spotted Deer and a herd of 11 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
9.47am 2 Golden Jackal between Boarupan Wila and Lunu Wewa junction.
9.59am 1 Mouse Deer between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
10.03am 1 Barking Deer between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
10.33am 1 Leopard at Kokkare Villu.  N 08.42186, E079.98961.
It was sleeping inside a small forest patch bordering the waters edge and its presence was only apparent when it rolled from one side to the other. I parked by the side of this forest patch and decided to wait as I expected it to move out and walk in the direction of Kokkare Villu weli Kanda.
12.40pm my long stay in the hot and humid sun paid off when the leopard stood up, stretched and started to move through the forest in our direction. It stopped inside the forest upon a few jeeps moving closer. I signaled them to switch off their engines and they obliged. After a few minutes of silence the leopard broke cover and moved out on to the road and slowly walked in the direction of Kokkare Weli Kanda. I was able to instantly identify him from the spot pattern as Kombansanchaipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) fondly referred to by many as “Natta”. This is one of the most commonly seen leopards in the park during 2012 to mid 2015. However since then there were only a few reports till December 2015 and I had not received any evidence of sightings from January 2015 up until May. Thus I was so pleased to see this leopard. My last sighting of him was almost one year ago on 23rd May 2015. I was able to photograph it as it walked very close to my vehicle.

1.38pm one Barking Deer at Kokkare Villu.
1.58pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu Weli Kanda and Kudapatessa.
2.10pm a troop of grey langur at Kokkare Villu weli Kanda.
2.30pm I stopped the vehicle upon observing a Green Garden Lizard Calotes calotes running on the road towards the vehicle. It was being pursued by a Boulenger’s Bronze-back Dendrelaphis bifrenalis, a long slender snake that is commonly found in the park. The fortunate lizard was able to get away due to my arrival as the snake moved in to the forest being disturbed by the vehicle.
2.57pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Ilanda Mottai and Manikkapola Uttu.
2.58pm 9 Spotted Deer at Illanda Mottai.
4.10pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.12pm 3 Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
4.32pm 8 Spotted Deer and one Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
4.33pm 23 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.48pm 1 Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) at Panikkar Villu. N 08.39565, E079.95521
The leopard was sleeping at the edge of the forest. I managed to get a few photos as the young leopard raised its head.

5.30pm we had to leave in order to exit the park on time from the Eluwankulama entrance.
5.35pm a herd of 15 Wild Boar crossed the road between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
6.00pm I arrived at the Pomparippu pitiya to be greeted by a breath taking sight of 47 Elephants in scattered herds. Among them were two tuskers, one with a single tusk and a younger male of about 15 years in age. After some time I was disappointed to see the tusker with a single tusk picking up an old three-wheeler tire. The amount of garbage disposed from the vehicles that use this road has increased. The road is littered with plastic bottles, bags etc. Most vehicles including passenger buses speed along this road and at a few locations I observed people climbing the fruiting Palu trees, chopping off branches to get at the fruits.  The DWLC and the government should take immediate action to stop the negative impact these illegal activities will have on forest and the animals.

6.21pm 2 Wild Boar at Kalla Handal.
6.30pm left the park.
6.40pm many Indian Nightjar on the concrete road.
8th May 2016
5.45am photographed the birds of the large mixed roosting site before the park entrance at Eluwankulama. Indian Pond Herons, Little and Median Egrets and Little Cormorants are observed in large numbers. I estimated the numbers to around 4000 birds.

5.50am 2 Spotted Deer about 2 km before the park entrance. I was quite pleased to observe these animals out side the park.
6.05am entered the park.
6.09am 2 Golden Jackal at Kallahandal.
6.11am 3 Wild Boar at Moolakandaweli.
6.20am 1 Elephant at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.25am 4 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu.
6.32am 8 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.36am 1 Sambar between Pallekandal and Puli Mottai.
6.56am 1 Brown Shrike between Puli Mottai  and Tala Wila.
7.02am 21 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
7.05am 5 More Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
7.06am 1 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila uda para.
7.41am 8 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.45am 7 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu uda para.
7.48am 1 Barking Deer on Kokkare villu uda para.
7.58am 1 Sub adult Sambar and a troop of Grey Langur at Kudapatessa.
8.05am 3 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
8.10am 4 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
8.37am 1 Common Coot at Kokkare Villu.

8.41am 2 Black-necked Stork at Kokkare Villu.

9.32am 2 Common Mormon butterflies “mud sipping’ on the road and Kumbuk Wila uda para junction.

9.44am 1 Grey Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
9.57am 3 Sambar, 1 female accompanied by a tiny calf and another a few months older between Kokkare Villu and Kudapatessa.
10.05am a number of Plains Cupid butterflies settled on fresh Sloth Bear droppings between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.

10.45am a pair of Indian Three-toed Kingfisher at Kudapatessa. The higher pitched calls of these birds alerted me to look for them and I was fortunate enough to get a few images of these beautiful, exquisitely coloured birds. It appeared that they had a nest near by as one was observed taking food in its beak.

11.01am while photographing the kingfishers I was also pleased to observe a Tamil Lacewing butterfly settled on a leaf. I have been looking to photograph this species for some time in the park.

11.36am a troop of Grey Langur on the road down Kokare Villu uda para. The immature members of the troop were playfully wrestling with each other. I observed them for some time and observed that there were a few Spotted Deer in the vicinity as well.

11.43am 1 adult male antler Sambar feeding on the water plants at Nelum Wila.
12.10pm 3 Wild Boar between Puli Mottai and Pallekandal pitiya.
12.42pm the tusker with a single tusk was seen at Pomparippu pitiya.

12.55pm a Golden Jackal and a Mugger Crocodile at Pala Mottai.
2.10pm a herd of Elephants crossed the road and moved to Periya Villu.

2.33pm 5 Spotted Deer at Periya Villu.
2.39pm 7 Spotted Deer at Sinna Uppu Villu.
2.56pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Vellamundal and Pomparippu.
3.00pm it started to rain very heavily and I decided to park overlooking the open filed at Pomparippu to wait out the rain.
3.20pm a flock of Spot-billed Pelican flew over the Pompparippu field towards Tala Wila.

3.40pm the rain gradually ceased and I counted 58 Elephants including two Tuskers at Pomparippu. The younger tusker moved away upon being approached by the older tusker with a single tusk.

5.02pm left the park.
5.15pm a troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey about 1km from the park entrance.

12.08pm entered the park with Nanda Senanayake and guide C.K.Dissanayake.
12.15pm wild orchid Vanda tessalata in bloom between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.

12.27pm a herd of 8 Wild Buffalo at Thammanna Wala.   This is the same herd that is usually seen around Maradanmaduwa.  All the members of the herd, including the newly born calf, were seen except the adult male bull. A Flap Shell Turtle at water’s edge.

12.42pm 8 Spotted Deer between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduw.
12.48pm a troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
12.57pm 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
12.59pm 10 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
1.20pm 8 Spotted Deer and herd of 15 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
The wild Orchid Vanilla walkerae in bloom at Borupan Wila.
1.28pm 4 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
2.32pm I observed a number of small butterflies settled on a pile of fresh Elephant dung on the Lunu Wewa road. A look through my binoculars confirmed that other than Quaker ( a commonly seen butterfly species during this time in the park) they included Lineblue’s. I was excited, as I had not observed any Lineblue species in the park. The photos confirmed that the Lineblue’s were Common Lineblue’s Prosotas nora airdates.

2.42pm 6 Spotted Deer at Lunu Wila Wala.
We decided to drive up to Ochchappu Kallu from Lunu Wewa on the road that was cleared recently by the members of the Young Zoologists Association.
3.02pm a number of small butterflies observed on the road at Etamba Gaha Uraniya (GPS reading N 08.46442, E080.03013). They were settled on rotting pieces of wood of a broken branch. The species included Plains Cupid Chilades pandava lanka, Common Lineblue Prosotas nora airdates and Small Cupid Chilades parrhasius nila.

3.17pm we arrived at Dangaha Uraniya (GPS reading N 08.48088, E080.04318)
3.21pm adult Male Sambar following a female between Dan Gaha Uraniya and Makulgaha Uraniya.
3.34pm reached Makulu Ganga Uraniya (GPS reading N 08.48434, E080.04714)
3.39pm along the road, between Dan Gaha Uraniya and Occhappu Kallu, some of the Nelu plants Strobilanthes excerta were in bloom. This is the first time that I observed the flowers of this species at Wilpattu despite visiting the park regularly during the last four years. However flowers were only seen in this area.

Occhappu Kallu GPS reading N 08.49934, E080.04563
Nelu plants Strobilanthes excerta was in bloom at Occhappu Kallu as well.

4.02pm photographed a Lime Blue butterfly at Ochappu Kallu.
4.15pm the “Pudan” Benkara malabarica shrubs were in bloom and the air around was filled with the sweet fragrance emanating from these flowers.

Distance from Lunu Wila bungalow to Occhappu Kallu is 7.7 kilometers.
5.03pm a herd of 8 male Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

5.08pm 3 Sambar and 3 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
5.09pm 1 Leopard crossed the road ahead of the vehicle as I turned towards Kumbuk Wila from Thimbiri. No photography was possible as we only had fleeting glance of the cat.
5.18pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.22pm 21 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.

5.26pm 1 Black-naped hare and a Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
Most mature vines of Sudu Kala Wel (S) Derris paviflora were in bloom at many locations in the park.
5.27pm 1 Grey Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
5.40pm three Sambar at Thimbiri Wila. An adult male was pursuing a female with a calf. Adult male Antler mounted a female on a few occasions.

6.12pm 2 Golden Jackal between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.17pm the same herd of Buffalo seen earlier at Thammanna Wala had moved to Palu Kola Wala.
6.19pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose between Palu Kola Wala and Kala Gedi Bokkuwa.
6.28pm left the park.
6.55pm we arrived at Holambala Gama tank. While driving on the bund along the “electric fence” spotted a herd of 6 Elephants. They moved across the water and entered the forest.

22nd April 2016
6.02am entered the park.
6.05am 1 Barking Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.08am a White-necked Stork at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.10am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.23am a herd of eight Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
6.33am 14 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa  Kukul Katu Plains.
6.56am 32 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.
7.03am a herd of 14 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
7.03am a male Orange-breasted Greenpigeon was perched on a dead branch.

7.04am 12 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.13am 7 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.20am a herd of nine Wild Boar accompanied by an adult male at Kokkare Villu.

7.22am 15 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
The carnivorous plant Tropical Sundew (Watessa (S)) Drosera burmanni in bloom at Kokkare Villu.
7.43am 5 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu uda para.
7.54am a Giant Squirrel ran across the road between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu. It had taken to the ground upon being pursued by a sub adult Crested Hawk Eagle.
Large numbers of Quaker (small butterfly) are seen on most roads. These button-sized insects fly few inched off the ground and settle frequently on damp soil or fresh Elephant dung.
7.56am a species of wild flower species of Ixora observed between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu was photographed. I’m yet to determine the species of this plant.

8.00am 4 Wild Boar feeding across Aalam Villu.
8.04am a herd of 14 Wild Boar feeding at Panikkar Villu.
8.05am a Golden Jackal was mobbed by a sub adult Crested Hawk Eagle at Panikkar Villu.
8.11am a Ruddy Mongoose ran across the road between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
8.13am 6 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.23am 3 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
8.19am an adult male Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
8.25am one adult male Wild Boar on Pomparippu road.
9.01am a Wild Boar in a pool of mud at Pallekandal pitiya.
9.25am 2 Spotted Deer cautiously crossed the road at Pallekandal Pitiya.

10.37am a troop of Grey Langur at Kokkare Villu uda para.
10.55am a Common Sand Piper and a Common Greenshank at Kuruttupandi Villu.
11.00am on the road to Manikkapola Uttu sand patch observed and photographed a large number of Quaker and Common Lineblue butterflies settled on a damp patch on the road.

11.20am observed another large collection of butterflies settled on some fresh Elephant dung between Manikkapola Uttu sand patch and Kumutu Wila.  They included Quaker, Three Spot Grass Yellow, a Common Hedge Blue, Malayan and a Common Gull. 

12.14pm a Brown Fish Owl flew ahead of the vehicle and settled on branch inside the forest.
12.20pm 3 White-necked Stork at Nelum Wila pitiya.
12.22pm 1 adult male Wild Boar and a Lesser Adjutant in a water hole at Nelum Wila pitiya.
12.29pm 8 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
1.16pm a Ruddy Mongoose on the Pomparippu road.
1.20pm a Golden Jackal on the Pomparippu road.
1.24pm 3 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
2.35pm 2 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Aalam Villu.
3.12pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa.
3.41pm 12 Wild Boar between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
3.58pm 1 Leopard at Tala Wila. It was sleeping under a bush across the villu and was hardly visible without the aid of Binoculars.
4.49pm 5 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila uda para.
4.52pm a herd of 12 Wild Boar between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.
5.55pm 1 Leopard, Maradanmaduwa Male 2 ( MMMC 2) on Ikirigollawa road.  N 08.37260, E080.07259
I was driving towards Maradanmaduwa and met the leopard on the road as I approached the plains. It moved a few feet in to the forest, sat down briefly and moved further in to the forest.

6.06pm one small Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
6.25pm left the park.
S.P COUNT – 94
23rd April 2016
6.01am entered the park with guide Sanath.
6.29am 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.34am 5 more Spotted Deer at “Kukul Katu” filed at Maradanmaduwa.
6.42am 3 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.12am 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
7.18am 2 Cotton Teal at Thimbiri Wila.
7.33am 2 Lesser adjutant, 2 Painted Stork and 2 White-necked Stork feeding on fish trapped in a receding pool at Nelum Wila pitiya.

7.34am 21 Spotted Deer accompanies by a troop of Grey Langur also at Nelum Wila pitiya.
8.13am 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
9.19am a Wild Boar on the Tala Wila Pomparippu Road.
9.23am 3 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
9.30am a White-rumped Shama flew close to the parked vehicle and perched on a dead stump close to where a pair of Brown-capped Babbler was foraging.
9.57am 1 Leopard between Nelum Wila sand patch and Nelum Wila. N 08.40274, E079.98156.
It was lying on the road but moved in to the forest upon seeing the vehicle. We drove pass where the leopard was seen up to Nelum Wila and waited for a few minutes before turning back. As we approached where the leopard was seen spotted him again hiding behind a decaying log and drove ahead towards the sand patch. Turned back and parked at a distance where we were able to have a view of the road where the leopard was seen. After about 10 minutes the leopard walked on to the road looked in our direction and started walking away from us towards Nelum Wila. When he walked out of sight we advanced and the shy animal immediately moved back in to the forest. This is my first sighting of this leopard. It is a mature male and I estimated its age to be around 6 years. I names it Nelum Wila Male 3 (NWM 3)

10.10am had a flat tyre due to the valve coming off the tyre. Safari jeep drivers Jagath Wimalasena from Hunuwilagama and Akalanka from Eluwankulama kindly helped me and guide Sanath to fix the spare wheel in the shortest possible time. I’m very grateful to them for the support extended.
10.50 a Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
11.21am the herd of eight Wild Buffalo had returned to Maradanmaduwa.
12.01pm 22 Spotted Deer close to the bungalow at Maradanmadua.
1.03pm 1 Spotted Deer stag between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
1.11pm 9 Spotted Deer, 9 Wild Boar, Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Whiskered Tern and some Black-winged Stilts at Kuruttupandi Villu.

2.00pm when we stopped for lunch at Kumbuk Wila observed some butterflies on the damp ground close o the water tap. I managed to get images of Common Lineblue, Quaker, Indian Sunbeam and a very elusive male Tawny Raja.

3.04pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu junction.
3.14pm we spotted some pugmarks on the road at Nelum Wila. The leopard had come on to the road briefly and moved in again. As they were quite fresh we waited for about 5 minutes and advanced and found the pub marks again on the road, which avoids the two large pools on the road. Sanath spotted the leopard in the strip of between the large pool (now dried up) and this upper road. We moved ahead and parked at a distance expecting the leopard to cross the road. The crafty leopard had moved forward and crossed the road where it was not clearly visible for any photography.
3.43pm 3 Wild Boar between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
3.56pm 3 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.08pm 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
5.38pm troop of Grey Langur down Pomparippu road.
5.54pm close to Pallekandal Pitiya.
The Indian Cadaba Cadaba trifoliate in bloom at Pallekandal Pitiya.
5.59pm 5 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu.
6.07pm at the “Eda Palama” ( slanted bridge) 2 large Mugger Crocodiles.
8.10pm a Rusty Spotted Cat and a Mouse Deer at Hunuwilagama.
24th May 2015
I had not planned to go in to the park thus after a quite breakfast I was photographing birds that come to the bird bath at Anawila Bungalow while having a chat with Mr. Nanda Senanayake who kindly invited me t stay over night at his bungalow. Around 8.45am I got guide Sanath called to inform that they had spotted three leopards on a tree Palu tree at Maradanmaduwa. We decided to make a dash for the sighting and quickly drove toward the park entrance.
9.06am 4 Wild Boar at the first glade.
9.39am 8 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa “Kukul Katu” field.
9.40am 2 Leopards on a Palu tree at Maradanmaduwa. I was able to instantly identify them as the Maradanmaduwa Male 1 and 2 (MMMC 1 & MMMC 2). N 08.37967, E080.06647
They were sleeping on the branches. I parked the vehicle at a spot where I had a better view to observe and photograph them. One of them stood up and moved towards its brother and started to lick him on its back. After this show of affection they got off the tree. MMMC 1 climbed a tree at a distance and the MMMC 1 started to walk in the direction of Thambi Oluwa. I drove down towards Thimbu Oluwa and on my returned spotted him on the bent log where I had photographed him on two occasions. These two leopards are now around 1 year and six months of age and are seen on their own but will stay with their mother for another 5 months before becoming independent.

10.15am two more safari jeeps arrived and we decided to move so that they can get a better view. Nanda suggested that we drive down a little on the Maha Wewa road and I was quite glade we did.
10.19am one Sloth Bear was seated on the road, looking in our direction. Upon our arrival the Bear stood up and started to walk in the direction of Maha Wewa. After a short distance it moved in to the forest.

> 10.35am arrived back at the location where the leopards were seen and spotted MMMC 2 on the same bent log where I had photographed them previously.

10.39am having taken a few photos left the leopard permitting other jeeps to get a better view.
11.12am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Madangaha Wala.
11.14am 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
11.30am 11 Wild Boar and one Lesser Adjutant at Panikkar Villu.
11.38am 5 Spotted Deer stags and one adult male Wild Boar feeding in the open at Tala Wila.
12.08pm 4 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
12.44pm 2 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Palu Kola Wala.
12.57pm a troop of Grey Langur between the first glade and Weli Ela.
1.00pm left the park.

10.24am entered the park with guide Sanath Priyantha
10.33am the sighting of 2 Golden Jackal at Weli Ela, heightened our hopes of a good leopard sighting. (It is a belief at Wilpattu that if two jackals are seen a leopard sighting may follow).
11.05am 25 Spotted Deer and a Wild Boar at Maha Wewa.
11.14am 37 Wild Buffalo, 34 Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Sand Plover, Little Stint and a herd of 17 Wild Boar at Maha Wewa.

12.27pm 1 Barking Deer close to Kumbuk wila Sand Patch.
12.34pm 7 Spotted Deer and 2 White-necked Stork at Kumbuk Wila.
1.09pm a herd of 12 Wild Boar feeding in the water at Thimbiri Wila.
1.16pm 3 Spotted Deer and a Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
1.41pm troop of Grey Langur at Madangaha Wala.
3.14pm 3 adult Male Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
3.51pm 5 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.54pm one Barking Deer on Tala Wila uda para.
The beautiful yellow flowers of the wild orchid Vanda Spathulata is seen at many locations in the park.
4.20pm 1 Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2), sleeping across Aalam Villu. N 08.40275, E079.95454 We waded around the water body on the road, which is now submerged, to get close to where the leopard that was lying down and parked keeping a distance of about 30 meters from the sleeping leopard.
4.30PM with the arrival of 4 more safari jeeps loaded with local tourists the leopard stood up and started to sniff a nearby bush. There after it moved in to the forest and moved out again passing the vehicles and walked along the edge of the water for about 20 meters before moving in to the forest in the direction of Panikkar Villu.

5.25pm 1 male Sambar feeding at Kurutupandi Villu.

5.31pm a Star Tortoise at Kokkare Weli Kanda.
5.32pm an adult male Wild Boar and an Orange-headed Ground Thrush between Kokkare Weli Kanda and Kokkare Villu.
5.33pm 31 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.35pm 6 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.40pm 16 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
5.41pm a Black-naped Hare ran across the road from Kumbuk Wila to Thimbiri Wila.
5.47am one Golden Jackal at Walas Wala.
20th March 2016
7.30am entered the park.
8.32pm 1 Golden Jackal between Percy Bendi Wewa and Thammanna Wala.
8.36am 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Andaragollawa junction.
9.47am there were many butterflies settled on the road at Kumbuk Wila sand patch. They were “mud sipping” (feeding on minerals and other nutrients from the mud) and as we approached them some of the Lesser Albatross and a Common Jay started to fly. Among them I noticed one with an unusual fast flight and reversed to permit them to settle down again. It was a Nawab. A species, which is seldom seen in Wilpattu. Prior to this sighting I had seen this butterfly at Panikkar Villu.

9.58am 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.28am 2 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.36am 1 adult male Wild Boar at Kohombansanchaipooval.
11.30am 1 Giant Squirrel at Kokkare Villu uda para.
11.32am a Forest Wagtail flew up on to a low branch upon our arrival at Nelum Wila and posed for a few photos.

12.42pm one Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
12.56pm 1 male leopard at Kohombansanchaipooval sand patch. It was at the edge of the road and moved in to the forest upon our arrival. I was not able to identify the leopard or get any photos.
1.19pm 1 Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) at Tala Wila uda para. It was lying down about 40 feet inside the forest and was barely visible. No photography was possible.
1.24pm 1 Grey Mongoose at Kohombansanchaipooval.
1.33pm a troop of Grey Langur between Panikkar Villu and Kohombansanchaipooval.
1.40pm 1 Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) walking in our direction followed by a vehicle between Kohombansanchaipooval water hole and Tala Wila. The leopard walked for about 15 meters and lay down on a shady spot on the road permitting me to take a few photos.  After a few minutes of resting the leopard stood up and resumed his walk forcing me to reverse. I kept on reversing to permit the leopard to move along the road. Having reached the Kohobansanchaipooval water hole it drank water from a small muddy pool on the road. There after moved in to the forest.

I drove to Panikkar Villu and returned to find the leopard seated on the road at Kohombansanchaipooval. After some time it walked in my direction and laid down on a shady spot on the road for some time before resuming its walk. I started to reverse permitting the leopard to move forward. Having got a few photos I permitted the vehicles parked behind me to get in front for a better view.  N 08.38870, E 079.95112
3.06pm left the leopard.

3.40pm 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
4.02pm 1 Leopard at where the Pomparippu road enters Tala Wila. It was hardly visible to the naked eye but some parts of its skin could be seen with the help of binoculars. No photography was possible. We waited for some time expecting the animal to break cover but the leopard did not oblige.  
5.15pm 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
5.17pm an adult male Sambar feeding on leaves of water lilies at Nelum Wila.

6.15pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.28pm left the park.
On the 21st I attended office and returned to Wilpattu for a park round the next day.
22nd March 2016
7.26am entered the park with Uditha Hettige and guide Sanath Priyantha.
7.40am herd of 5 Water Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
8.00am a Barking Deer between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala.
8.12am 6 Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
8.24am 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.34am pair of Little Ringed Plover of the resident race Jerdoni performed courtship display at Kuruttupandi Villu.

8.40pm a Spotted Deer crossed the road on Kuruttupandi uda para.
8.44am 2 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.20am one Mugger Crocodile at Mana Wila.
9.24am 5 newly hatched mugger Crocodile swam towards the Main water body from a pool created by the overflowing waters of Mana Wila.
9.50am one Ruddy Mongoose at the sand patch between Mana Wila and Kali Villu.
10.29am a mixed group of butterflies including Common Gull, Common Jay, Lesser Albatross and Yellow Orange-tip “mud sipping” on the road at Illanda Mottai.

11.13am a clump of Pink Ixora flowers among the usual Flame of the Forest (Rath Mal (S)) Ixora coccinea. The structure of the flowers and the leaves are different from those of the Flame of the Forest. The shape and the structure of the flowers and the leaves of this pink Ixora is also different from the Wild Pink Ixora that I had photographed between Illanda Mottai and Mana Wila in April 2014.

11.29am one adult male Samabr and two Spotted Deer stags feeding at Kuruttupandi Villu.

1.28pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
1.37pm 1 Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
1.58pm left the park

8.05am entered the park with guide Sanath.
8.11am troop of Toque Monkey at Weli Ela.
8.12am a Ruddy Mongoose crossed the road between Ranawara Pitiya and Weli Ela.
8.31am a Parkers Black Turtle at Palu Kola Wala.
9.39am we arrived at the main rocky out crop on the Ikirigollawa road. A Land Monitor sun bathing on a boulder indicated the absence of any leopards.

10.58am a Grey-headed Fish Eagle that was perched on the ground flew on to a Madan tree upon our arrival at Kumbuk Wila.

11.47am a troop of Grey Langur were playing at Nelum Wila.
12.23pm two Drongo Cuckoo at Kohombansanchaipooval.

12.26pm 14 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
1.00pm A Pointed Ciliate Blue, a first record for me at Wilpattu and a Common Pierrot butterfly at Pallekandal Pitiya.

1.05pm a flock of 124 Painted Storks at Pallekandal  Pitiya.
1.12pm 4 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
The beautiful orange flowers of the Yellow Hedge Baleria (Katu-Karandu) Baleria prionitis werein bloom at Pallekandal church road.
2.24pm two Golden Jackal at Pallekandal Pitiya raised our hope of a leopard sighting.
2.32pm it started to rain while we were on the freshly cleared up Pomparippu road which has now become extremely slippery.
2.54pm 34 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila. 14 had increased to 34.

3.00pm a beautiful specimen of a male Ceylon Jungle Fowl, and an Indian Grey Mongoose seen at Tala Wila.

3.10pm a female Barking Deer at Kohombansanchaipooval sand patch.
3.19am a short tailed male Indian Paradise Flycatcher at Kohombansanchaipooval water hole. I noticed a few such short-tailed individuals of this species during this trip.

4.03pm 32 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
The striking flowers of Indian Cadaba Cadaba trifoliata were in bloom at many locations of the park.
4.27pm two Ruddy Mongoose at Manikkapola Uttu.
4.32pm a male Common Kingfisher perched on an exposed branch offered me a splendid photographic opportunity at Illanda Mottai.

4.59pm a herd of 15 Wild Boar between Illanda Mottai and Manik Wila bungalow.

5.02pm an Elephant feeding on the reeds at Manikkapola Uttu.
5.05pm a Black-naped Hare at Manikkapola Uttu sand patch.
5.12pm a male antler Barking Deer followed a female between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
5.22pm a Water Cock at Kokkare Villu.
5.33pm 21 Spotted Deer and an Indian Grey Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
5.40pm 15 Spotted Deer and a herd of 16 Wild Boar drinking at Kumbuk Wila.

5.59pm 1 Leopard, Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2) was seen at Maradanmaduwa. N 08.38048, E 080.06506.
The jeep that was following the leopard kindly permitted me to go ahead to take some photographs. Having walked for a short distance the leopard lied down on the road. After a few minutes it moved in to the forest upon a vehicle that arrived from the opposite direction moving too close to the animal. It was about a 100 meters from where I photographed it first with its brother and mother on 19th September 2015. When I saw this leopard for the first time on the 19th of September 2015 where I did not have a clear view of its hind-quarters I suspected it to be a female as it was smaller in size compared to its brother Maradanmaduwa Male 1 (MMMC 1).  

6.14pm 6 Spotted Deer at the three causeways at Maradanmaduwa.
6.27pm 2 leopard cubs, Ranawara Pitiya Male 1 (RPMC 1) and Ranawara Pitiya Female 1 ( RPFC 1) at Percy Bendi Wewa. N 08.33282, E 080.13078
As I approached the end of the bund one leopard was seen on the middle of the road in a stalking position. In a few seconds we spotted the second cub by the side of the road. Later upon examination of the photos I learnt that the leopard on the road was RPFC 1 and the other was RPMC 1.

6.28pm as we drove towards the entrance spotted a Golden Jackal. The leopards were alerted by the Jackal and were stalking it.

20th February 2016
6.09am entered the park with guide Sanath and his five-year-old son Jehan.
7.33am 5 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
7.36am 4 more Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
7.43am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
7.50am two Painted Storks at Palu Kola Wala.
8.02am 1 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.04am 4 more Spotted Deer at “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
8.19am 3 Spotted Deer and Orange Minivet at Thambi Oluwa. This is my first record of this bird species in the park.
8.52am 1 Leopard, Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2) at Maradanmaduwa. N 08.37961, E 080.06660
Having spotted this leopard at this location the previous evening and having noted the foul smell of a possible “kill” I decided to park the vehicle close this location today as well. Within a short time of our arrival a leopard was seen on the road about 200 meters from where I was parked but moved in to the forest before I was able to get any photos. I moved close to where the leopard had entered the forest and was fortunate enough to get a few photos, which enabled me to identify the leopard.
10.16am the leopard is still lying in the under growth and can only be seen through the foliage with the help of Binoculars.

11.32am MMMC 2 climbed on to the same fallen log on which I photographed it for the first time on the 19th of September 2016. Safari jeep driver Supun very kindly moved his jeep permitting me to photograph the leopard. Having photographed I quickly moved back permitting Supun to move back so that his visitors were also able to view and photograph the leopard.

12.00 noon left the leopard to drive towards Percy Bendi Wewa.
12.04pm an adult male Wild Boar at the “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
12.09pm a lone male Wild Buffalo on the road between “Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade and the Grave.
12.36pm a troop of Toque Monkey at Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.15pm arrived back at the location where MMMC 2 was seen and found it sleeping on the fallen log in the same position at the time I left. The jeep drivers told me that a second leopard was seen just below the fallen log. It was not visible at the time of my arrival.
1.25pm I was told of a leopard at the “Eda Kohomba Gaha” field by guide Dissanayake who had seen it less than 10 minutes ago on his way in to the park. Sanath and I decided to drive to that location.
2.28pm 5 Spotted Deer on the Maha Wewa road at Maradanmaduwa.
We arrived at the ‘Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade but it appeared that the leopard had left. Considering the direction in which it was likely for the leopard to move I decided to drive down Ikirigollawa road.
2.36pm 7 Spotted Deer down Ikirigollawa road.
2.40pm I spotted faint pugmarks on the road and drove at a reduced speed.
2.42pm 1 Leopard, Walas Wala Male 1 (WWMC 1) down Ikirigollawa road. N 08.36769, E 080.06854
It was a big mature male leopard and was walking in the direction of Kimbula Ketu Gala. As we spotted the leopard it moved in to the forest and I stopped the engine. In a few seconds it moved back on to the road and started to walk ahead of the vehicle. It was “scent marking” by spraying the bushes and scraping the ground every 20 to 30meter distance. On one occasion it stood on its hind legs to sniff a tall bush. I noted that this is a very shy animal as it kept looking back at the vehicle and thus maintained a fair distance of about 30 meters from the walking leopard.
2.55pm the leopard walked for about 200 meters and moved in to the forest just as it started to rain. As it was a very heavy down pour I expected it to end soon and it did. We drove back to look for any sign of the leopard but noticed by the absence of any pugmarks on the road that it had not moved back on to the road. Later upon examination of the photos I learnt that this is the Walas Wala Male 1 (WWMC 1)

3.15pm 2 Spotted Deer and a Star Tortoise were seen on Ikirigollawa road.
3.45pm we arrived back at Maradanmaduwa where MMMC 2 was seen. I was thrilled to see another leopard on the log but was not able to photograph. They were quite playful and kept jumping on and off the log. By the time I was able to move my vehicle to a location where I was able to get a few shots only MMMC 2 was remaining on the log. After some time the young leopard stood up, stretched and jumped on to the nearby vertical tree and jumped back on to the log. Judging by the appearance and behaviour it is likely that the second leopard is MMMC 1.

5.30pm we decided to drive towards Percy Bendi Wewa to try our luck with the cubs seen the previous evening.
5.39pm an adult antler Sambar at Maradanmaduwa.
6.06pm a Golden Jackal at Ranawarapitiya.

6.20pm left the park
21st February 2016
6.01am entered the park with guide Sanath.
6.01am Black-naped Hare at the park entrance.
6.05am a Black-naped Hare between the park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.10am a Brown Fish Owl that was perched on the bund flew across the water body on to a tree.
6.19am an adult male Wild Buffalo at the glade before Palu Kola Wala.
6.21am a sub adult Sambar crossed the road at Palu Kola Wala.
6.28am a Golden Jackal at the Grave  - Maradanmaduwa.
6.29am 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.30am a Golden Jackal trotted ahead of the vehicle and moved in to the forest at Maradanmaduwa.
6.33am 10 Spotted Deer at “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
6.40am an adult female Samabar at Thambioluwa.
6.45am two female Sambar resting by the side of the road at Ibba Wala.
7.10am 8 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
7.11am 12 more Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
7.14am 5 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.23am 25 Spotted Deer and one Barking Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.28am 4 More Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.30am a male antler Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Borupan junction.
8.06am one Leopard, Maradanmaduwa Male 1 (MMMC 1) at Thambioluwa. N 08.38052, E 080.06468
The leopard was resting on an earth mound covered with foliage and was barely visible. I managed to get a few photos, which enabled me to identify the leopard.

9.35am I left the leopard to proceed towards the Lunu Wewa bungalow.
11.36am I spotted the colourful caterpillars of a species butterfly known as the Tamil Lacewing feeding voraciously on the deeply lobed leaves of a “Hondala Wine” Adenia hondala between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.

11.42am a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
12.05pm one leopard, Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2) sleeping on the same fallen tree trunk.
Every 30 to 40 minutes the leopard would yawn and changed the direction it was facing permitting me to get some good images of this young leopard.

2.49pm upon the arrival of my friend Namal Kamalgoda (a very keen wild life photographer) I decided to move my vehicle from where I was parked so that he could also photograph the leopard and proceed towards Periya Villu.
3.24pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.28pm 1 Elephant at Pallekandal Pitiya.
4.40pm a herd of 5 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
5.20pm 5 Spotted Deer and 2 Elephants at Sinna Uppu Villu.

5.33am 12 Spotted Deer and 1 Elephant feeding on the reeds at Periya Villu. While observing the water body noticed a Ruddy Mongoose on the road.
5.34pm 11 More Spotted Deer at Periya Villu.
5.35pm 12 more Spotted Deer at Periya Villu.
5.45pm observed fresh pugmarks of a leopard that had walked on the road at Palugahathurei junction. At nearby water body observed many Egrets and Herons and a Mugger Crocodile just below the heronry. We started our journey back to Eluwankulam.
5.48pm Wild Boar between Palu Gahathirai junction and Periya Villu.
5.54pm 1 More Elephant has joined the other at Periya Villu. The sight was quite serene with the moon in the background.

6.06pm a herd of 4 Elephants with a small calf at Periya Villu.
6.07pm a herd of about 10 Wild Boar crossed the road at Periya Villu.
6.40pm 2 Elephants on the road moved down to the open filed and trumpeted expressing their displeasure of having to hurriedly move off the road.
6.45pm exited from the Eluwankulama entrance.
9.00pm I was informed by Athula, the owner of Dolosmahe guest house of a snake that has been found during the day in a nearby field that was being cleared and went with him to have a look. There were 3 Hump-nosed Vipers Hypnale hypnale in a large barrel. I decided to release them inside the park the next day.  
22nd February 2016
6.10am entered the park.
The park looks quite different due to heavy mist.

6.48am 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.52am two Golden Jackal down Ikirigollawa road.
7.02am 3 Spotted Deer and an Indian Cuckoo down Ikirigollawa road close to the large rock.

7.12am a Common Coucal moved on to a nearby boulder and started to sunning.
7.20am 3 Hump-nosed Vipers Hypnale hypnale that I found at Hunuwilagama the previous night were photographed and released at the large rock down Ikirigollawa road.

8.01am photographed a male Purple Sun Bird exhibiting its iridescent colours in the morning sun at Maradanmaduwa.
8.21am an Indian Plaintive Cuckoo was perched on a thorny “Kukul Katu” bush at Maradanmaduwa.

8.48am a leopard was seen between Kuda Boralu wala and Ibba Wala. I was not able to get any photos as there were a few vehicles ahead of me and the animal moved in to the forest.
9.11am a male Barking Deer at Thambioluwa.
9.49am an immature Shikra perched on an exposed branch down Kumbuk Wila uda para.
The water level at Kudapatessa has increased even further due to the heavy rain on Saturday. The water level at Mahapatessa and Kokkare Villu also has gone up by a few inches.

11.51am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kuda Boralu Wala and Thambioluwa.
12.33pm two Golden Jackal at Ranawara Pitiya.
12.39pm two Ruddy Mongoose crossed the road between Ranawara Pitiya and Weli Ela.
12.45pm left the park.

6.09am   entered the park with guide Tissara. It was quite dark and misty.

6.13am a Small Indian Civet was on the road about 150 meters from the park entrance. We observed it with the help of the headlights of the vehicle.

6.20am a female Sambar at the first Glade.

6.36am a Sloth Bear was on the road close to Palu Kola Wala. Having looked at the vehicle it moved in to the forest.

6.40am a Barking Deer between Palu Kola Wala and the Grave.

6.45am a single Wild Boar at the “Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade.

6.50am one Sloth Bear and 2 Spotted Deer at the “Kukul Katu” plains at Maradanmaduwa.

6.58am a female Sambar close to the Maradanmaduwa tank.

8.00am a Flap Shell Turtle at Aalam Villu.

8.06am 1 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.

8.15am Chestnut-headed Bee Eater at Panikka Wila Sand Patch.

8.17am two Ruddy Mongoose digging the soft sand on Panikkar Villu upper road.

8.21am A Wild Boar at Kohombansanchaipooval sand patch.

8.22am 2 Spotted Deer at Kohombansanchaipooval Water Hole.

8.29am a herd of 16 Wild Boar at the glade before Tala Wila.

8.44am we came across a Golden Jackal on the Tala Wila Pomparippu road.

There is a belief among the guides at Wilpattu that Jackal’s bring good luck to those interested in seeing leopard. Tissara reminded me of this belief and was quite positive that we will have a leopard sighting soon.

8.58am a Lesser Adjutant and two White-necked Stork at Pallekandal Pitiya.

9.07am 4 Spotted Deer and one Elephant at Pallekandal Pitiya.

9.49am an Indian Grey Mongoose at Pomparippu.

9.56am a small herd of four Wild Boar at Pallekandal pitiya.

10.08am a Barking Deer crossed the road between Pallekandal pitiya and Pallekandal Wala.

10.24am a male Leopard between Pallekandal pitiya and Tala Wila.  N 08.38392, E079.92994
The leopard was walking in the direction of Tala Wila. As I followed the animal I maintained a distance of about 50 meters to ensure it is not disturbed.   When the leopard stopped to engage in “scent marking” I managed to get a few photos and it was later identified as NWMC 2 known to the guides as the “Y kotiya”.  Having walked for about 100 meters he was alerted by an alarm call of a Barking Deer and, much to my dissatisfaction, moved off the road. As the Leopard moved in to the forest a Mouse Deer ran across the road in the opposite direction.

We drove down to Tala Wila and back a couple of times expecting the leopard to be back on the road but had no luck.

11.52am we spotted the leopard (NWMC 2) at Tala Wila. It was lying down under a Thimbiri Tree. N 08.37965, E 079.94432

 After a few minutes the young leopard walked in to the forest in the direction of Kohombansanchaipooval.

11.57am 11 Spotted Deer across Tala Wila.

12.51pm 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

12.53pm a small Mugger Crocodile in a “road pool” at Nelum Wila. The small reptile had figured out the importance of quickly moving out of the pool when vehicles approach the pool.

1.51pm two large Mugger Crocodile “sunning” at Kokkare Villu.

2.25pm a Ruddy Mongoose ran across the road at Kumbuk Wila upper road.

2.26pm 2 Spotted Deer stags at Madan Gaha Wala.

2.33pm 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

4.34pm 7 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.

4.44pm a small herd of 5 Elephants and a large bull Elephant feeding at Pallekandal Pitiya.

5.10pm I heard the call of a Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker and spotted a pair on a leafless tree at Pallekandal pitiya. The female arrived first and was followed by its mate.

5.46pm a female Samabr was being followed by an impressive male antler at Pomparippu.

6.05pm as we crossed the Kala Oya spotted a herd of 16 Elephants at Eluwankulama. A few including the matriarch had already crossed the road but the rest of the herd, which included two small calves, were yet to cross. Two Navy officers on pushbikes cycling towards the Kala Oya Navy Camp were seen at a distance and they stopped until the elephants to move in to the forest. After a few minutes the herd crossed and I managed to get a few photos of the herd crossing the road to join the rest.

31st January 2016

7am entered the park with guide Thisara Madushanka.

7.26am a Wild Boar feeding on the fresh grass shoots at Kalagedi Bokkuwa glade.

7.30am 1 Spotted Deer at Palu Kola Wala.

7.43am a Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.

7.55am a herd of fifteen Wild Boar was grazing at the first glade passing ‘Kukul Katu” field.

8.07am a Forest Wagtail that was on the road flew up on to an exposed branch upon our arrival permitting me to take a photo. While all other wagtails move their tails up and down the Forest Wagtails move the bodies sideways.

We turned back at Maradanmaduwa to drive towards Percy Bendi Wewa upon being told by a jeep driver that they had seen two leopard cubs at Ranawara pitiya.

8.10am two Golden Jackal trotted for about a hundred meters on the road before moving in to the forest between the Grave and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.

8.43am two leopard cubs at Ranawara Pitiya. N 08.32856, E 080.13555

It was a male and a female and I estimated their age to be around 6 to 7 months. The male cub displayed typical male cub behavior in being bolder than the female in moving out in pursuit of a Jerdon’s Bush Lark to the open in a shot while after the engines were turned off. The female concealed it self behind the foliage. They both displayed typical playful behavior for leopards of this age in biting the branches and the twigs of the bushes close to them.  Having heard of these two cubs during my previous visits and not having any luck in seeing them, I was thrilled to have finally seen and photographed them. I named them Ranawara Pitiya Male 1 (RPMC 1) and Ranawara Pitiya Female 1 (RPFC 1).

9.54am with the heat of the rising sun the male also moved in to the forest.

10.31am while observing the leopards I noticed two Little Green Bee Eaters pursuing Dragonflies. One succeeded in catching one of these fast flying insects.

10.55am a Layard’s Flycatcher in the forest patch before the Percy Bendi Wewa bund.

11.12am 11 Spotted Deer at Thammanna Wala.

11.31am 1 Spotted Deer in the company of a troop of Toque Monkey at Maradanmaduwa.

11.34am an adult female Wild Boar with 5 stripped piglets at Maradanmaduwa. I was surprised to see that this female not being accompanied by a herd. We discussed how difficult it would be for her to protect the young piglets from predators without the support of a herd.

12.01pm 4 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

12.05pm 1 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.

12.46pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila.

1.27pm a splendid specimen of an adult Crested Hawk Eagle was perched on a mature vine.

1.32pm a herd of five Wild Boar feeding across the water body at Panikkar Villu.

1.38pm a Ruddy Mongoose crossed the road at Panikkar Villu sand patch.

1.42pm while driving along the wooded road between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila we heard what appeared to be a distress call of some wild animal and stopped the vehicle. Having searched we spotted two Ruddy Mongoose that appeared to be mating. A male, which was bigger in size than the other, had mounted a female, which was giving out these loud screams.

1.49pm 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

The wild orchid Vanda spathulata in bloom at many locations in the park.

1.55pm a female Sambar at Kumbuk Wila upper road.

1.57pm a troop of Grey langur drinking at Madan Gaha Wala.

2.32pm while having lunch at Kumbuk Wila summer hut I spotted a Sri Lankan Flying Snake Chrysopelea taprobanica on the roof of the shelter and managed to get a few photos of this colourful snake.

2.43pm a herd of twelve Wild Boars that had crossed the road to drink at Kumbuk Wila moved back in to the forest ahead of the vehicle.

3.20pm a first year Crested Hawk Eagle with a freshly killed Ceylon Grey Hornbill in its talons perched on a low branch offered me an opportunity take a few photographs between “Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya” and Thambi Oluwa.

3.22pm 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

3.23pm a female Wild Boar rushed on to the road followed by two piglets stood for a few seconds and ran off the road. They appeared to be quite agitated. Just then a Spotted Deer barked out an alarm call and we spotted a male Leopard in the “Kukul Katu” field with one piglet in its mouth. My worst fears for the single parent wild boar family had come true. The leopard walked to the edge of the forest, left the piglet and walked back on to the open field again. To my surprise it picked up another piglet. Having carried the second piglet to the same spot where the first was deposited the leopard started to feed. It was partly covered by the bushes and grass but was clearly visible through the binoculars. After about 10 minutes the leopard sat on its hunches with the other piglet in its mouth. To my great surprise the little piglet was still alive and was swinging its hind legs vigorously. Having sat for about a minute or so the leopard walked in to the forest with the struggling piglet. Having studied the spot pattern I realized that this is the Walas Wala Male 1.   N 08.37377, E 080.07162

4.10pm 5 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.

4.24pm 3 Spotted Deer and a Parker’s Black Turtle at Palu Kola Wala.

4.38pm 2 Barking Deer between Paluwindawa junction and Percy Bendi Wewa.

4.50pm a Black-naped Hare at the same spot where the leopards were seen in the morning at Ranawara Pitiya.

6.24pm 1 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.

6.30pm left the park.

6.06am entered the park accompanied by guide Sanath and jeep driver Hemantha.
6.07am a Black-naped Hare at the park entrance.
It was extremely chilly and misty inside the park.
6.28am 1 Spotted Deer antler raised its head to look at us as we drove on to the bund at Percy Bendi Wewa. An adult Mugger Crocodile swam across the gloomy water body.
7.12am a single sub-adult Wild Boar at the three cause ways before Maradanmaduwa.
7.17am a herd of 21 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.15am I released an Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus (Thel Karawala) that I found at Hunuwilagama the previous night down Ikirigollawa road. It was a difficult animal to photograph; as I had to get close enough to capture the images I needed while being careful not to get bitten, as it is a deadly venomous snake. There are few species of snake that look similar to this species. This species can be differentiated due to the larger and hexagonal scales on its vertebra compared to the scales on the rest of its body. The vertebral scales of the other non-venomous snakes species are uniform in size with those on the rest of its body.

8.23am a herd of 21 Wild Boar, 9 Wild Buffalo and 4 Spotted Deer scattered at the “Kukul Katu” plains at Maradanmaduwa. I was pleased to observe one female Buffalo suckling a new born calf. This herd comprised of only 4 animals in 2012.
8.31am a restless fawn followed an adult female Sambar between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa.
8.49am a Mugger Crocodile on the bund across the water at Humbas Wala. This is my first sighting of an adult Crocodile at this water body.
9.07am 6 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
9.50am we drove back after having breakfast at Kumbuk Wila “summer hut”. Two Wild Boar had joined the feeding Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
9.52am a Land Monitor stood on its hind legs to get a better view of its surrounding at Kumbuk Wila pitiya. Perhaps it was alerted by the presence of a predator. A Grey Mongoose casually trotted past the agitated reptile but took no notice of its unusual posture.

10.01am 2 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
10.09am 2 Spotted Deer, a female followed by a fawn, ran across the road at Kokkare Villu Uda Para.
10.19am a small herd of 5 Spotted Deer accompanied by a troop of Grey Langurs and one Toque Monkey at Kumbuk Wila uda para junction. I have often seen these monkeys and Spotted Deer together.  This union increases their ability, as a unit, to detect the presence of predators such as leopards and Pythons that regularly prey on both these species.
10.41am 4 Spotted Deer across Aalam Villu.
10.50am we stopped to examine a bright red fruit on Pomparippu road and spotted an interesting insect on a small tree. It is commonly known as the Hooded Grasshopper Teratodes monticollis, which is native to India and Sri Lanka.

12.12pm a Giant Squirrel hurried across the canopy on Tala Wila upper road.
12.25pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kohombansanchaipooval.
1.21pm 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para junction.
1.26pm between Borupan Junction and Borupan Wila a Ruddy Mongoose foraged for food among the leaf litter.
1.31pm a lone bull Elephant was feeding on the reeds at Borupan Wila. An adult Sambar antler raised its head to look at us and went back to feed on the grass at the water’s edge.

1.49pm 7 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
The picturesque Small Horsefly’s Eye Dopatrium nudicaule flowers were in bloom at close to some of the water bodies like Kumbuk Wila and Borupan Wila.

2.41pm two striped pig-lets, accompanied by a herd of 7 Wild Boar, chased each other on the open plains at Kumbuk Wila pitiya. Every now and then they snuggled up to the adults resting among the Pipeworts  (Erioaulonflowers) (Kok Mota).

3.45pm a flock of Blue-tailed Bee Eaters sun bathed on a patch of soft white sand at Tala Wila. As they alight on the sand each bird would spread their tail feathers and wings after a short spell of sand/dust bathing. Some held their heads at awkward angles to allow sunlight to fall on their necks.

4.09pm a male barking Deer dashed in to the forest upon our arrival between Kohombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
4.16pm 2 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
4.24pm 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.27pm at Nelum wila a small Mugger Crocodile in a pool on the road darted out as the tyres hit the water. Turtles and small Crocodiles often can be found in these large “road pools” created by the recent excessive rain. One needs to be extremely cautious in permitting enough time for these animals to move out before wading their vehicles across such pools.
5.10pm an adult male Sambar with an impressive pair of antlers rubbed them vigorously on a tree close to a muddy pool at Ibba Wala. It was trying to attract a female across the road.

5.17pm one more Sambar at Thambi Oluwa.
5.22pm herd of 28 Spotted Deer at feeding at “Kukul Katu” at Maradanmaduwa.
5.28pm 2 Spotted Deer at “Eda Kohomba Gaha”glade at Mardanmaduwa.
5.54pm 2 Spotted Deer hurried across the road between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.04pm left the park.

16th January 2016
6.00am as I was about to get in to the safari jeep parked at the park office I observed an Elephant walking pass the vehicle towards the park entrance.
6.03am the elephant was near the park entrance as I entered the park accompanied by guide Sanath and jeep driver Hemantha.
6.25am a Brown Fish Owl was perched at the water’s edge at the “Gravel Pit” between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwilandawa turn off.
6.31am a Barking Deer that was feeding on grass by the side of the road between Paluwilandawa junction and Thammanna Wala moved in to the forest upon our arrival.
6.38am driving over the “Kalagedi Bokkuwa” saw a sub-adult Mugger Crocodile in a small pool of water of the dried up stream.
6.58am 2 male Spotted Deer locked horns for a few minutes at “Eda Kohomba Gaha” glade.
6.59am 11 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.00am 15 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.04am a small herd of 8 Spotted Deer were feeding on the dew drenched grass at “Kukul Katu” plains.
7.43am 6 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila uda para.
7.49am 4 Spotted Deer feeding on leaves of a vine by the road on Kokkare Villu upper road. A Ruddy Mongoose that was on the road few feet from the feeding deer walked in to the forest upon our arrival.
8.14am 2 Spotted Deer, a small fawn and a female trotted along the road towards Nelum Wila. A male Barking Deer crossed the road towards Kumbuk Wila in its typical catious manner at Kokare Villu junction.
8.34am two Brown-capped Babblers foraging among the leaf litter, between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu, reacted when I mimicked their calls. One flew on to the upper branches of a tree and started to make its threatening call (song). A shot-tailed male Indian Paradise Flycatcher that was in the vicinity of the babblers flew to and fro a few feet above them pursuing its insect prey. I have often observed Paradise Flycatchers in the company of the Brown-capped Babblers. Perhaps the flycatchers benefit form preying on the insects that would fly up when the Babblers borage on the ground.

8.50am at Panikkar Villu a Pin-tailed Snipe, resting on a small piece of wood with its feet exposed permitted me to take a few photos. These birds are usually seen in damp areas of the park probing the soft earth with their long beaks and their legs are seldom seen as their lower bodies are covered by grass.

10.20am two Rudy Mongoose walked all over the road aimlessly and moved hurriedly in to the forest at the Nelum Wila sand patch.
10.38am a Brown Fish Owl perched on an exposed branch offered me a good photo opportunity at Nelum Wila.

11.03am 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
11.09am a Lesser Adjutant Stork walked among the tall grass at Kumbuk Wila.
11.24am 3 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
12.05pm a Mugger Crocodile on basking on the surface of Borupan Pitiya Wala with only its nostrils and eyes out of the water dived down upon our arrival.
12.17pm a Barking Deer at Borupan junction.
12.28pm a female Sambar between Boralu Wala and Humbas Wala.
12.31pm between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala a Barking Deer fed on the grass by the side of the road while a troop of Grey Langur fed on the leaves on trees above.
12.58pm  12 Spotted Deer on Maha Wewa road.
The Tamil Lacewing butterfly, which is usually uncommon at Wilpattu, was seen throughout the park.
1.20pm  a Barking Deer between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
1.27pm two Ruddy Mongoose between Humbas Wala and Boralu Wala.
1.35pm a “bachelor party” of 14 male Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
2.10pm 5 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Kokkare Villu weli Kanda. The geography of this area has changed due to water from Kudapatessa overflowing and reaching Kokkare Villu. Part of the weli kanda road has got washed off and the overflowing waters had created a stream.
3.27pm herd of 5 adult Wild Boar feeding on grass at Thimbiri Wila.
4.35pm an Indian Paradise Flycatcher plunged in to a pool of water for its evening bath at Madan Gas Wala.
4.53pm an Indian Paradise Flycatcher and two sub adult Paradise Flycatchers bathed at the “man made” pool at Walas Wala.
5.07pm an adult male Sambar Antler was following a female at Ibba Wala.

5.27pm a herd of nine Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
5.31pm  a Barking Deer at “three causeways” Maradanmaduwa.
4.48pm a Wild Buffalo partly submerged in water at Thammanna Wala.
6.04pm 1 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.10pm Left the park.

17th January 2015
6.00am entered the park accompanied by guide Sanath and jeep driver Hemantha. A Black-naped Hare on the road moved in to the forest as the vehicle advanced out of the park entrance.
6.27am a male Orange –headed Ground Thrush at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.33am a few meters before Thammanna Wala a female Sambar crossed the road ahead of the vehicle.
7.01am 15 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.56am a “bachelor party” of 15 male Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
7.57am 2 Spotted Deer at the sand patch before the Kumbuk Wila upper road turn off.
8.22am a Ruddy Mongoose between Madangaha Wala and Nelum Wila junction.
8.26am a female Barking Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
8.53am an adult male Sambar antler at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
At most of the “road pools” are inhabited by large numbers of Skipper Frogs Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and a lesser number of   Indian Green Frogs Euphlyctis hexadactylus. As the park has been receiving a substantial amount of rain most of the larger pools retained water for almost 12 months. I have been observing an interesting behaviour of these frogs and the Indian Pond Herons usually found close to these pools. As the pools get formed the frogs seated on the edge of the water would jump in or move in o the deeper parts of the pool resulting in some individuals being run over by the vehicles. Within a short time some of the frogs had figured out the importance of jumping out of the pool or swimming towards the edges of the pool as a vehicle splashes through in order to avoid being run over. Having observed this behaviour of the frogs the Indian Pond Herons that used to fly away upon the approach of a vehicle altered their behaviour to cease the opportunity of an easy meal. Now they come flying close to the vehicles as they see or hear a vehicle wading through one of these pools to prey on the frogs that jump out of the pools. Thus many of the frogs have now learnt to jump out/ swim towards the edges as the tyres hit the water and jump back in to the safety of the deeper areas of the pool instantly upon a vehicle moving away to avoid the attack by the herons. The more bolder and faster herons feast on the less agile frogs each time a vehicle moves through these pools.  Only the fittest and the smartest frogs survive to carry on the next generation of frogs. Where there are a few pools in close proximity these herons fly along with the vehicles from one pool to the other looking for their amphibian prey.
9.42am between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala an adult male Sambar with an impressive pair of antlers fed in the company of a female and her fawn.
9.57am a Barking Deer and a troop of Toque Monkey at Kuda Boralu Wala.
10.15am a herd of 8 Spotted Deer and a Barking Deer on Maha Wewa road.
10.36am 1 Samabr between Palu Kola Wala and  Andaragollawa turn off.
10.40am 8 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
12.10pm seven Mugger Crocodiles at the edge of the water at Maradanmaduwa wewa. On a few occasions the largest, perhaps the territorial male lunged towards the smaller crocodiles causing quite a splash.
12.56pm a Spotted Deer stag crossed the road between Borupan junction and Kumbuk wila upper road turn off.
1.08pm between Madangaha Wala and Nelum Wila junction 5 Spotted Deer in the company of a troop of Grey Langur.
1.12pm a troop of Grey Langur seated on the road at Nelum Wila. The sub adult members of the troop engaged in play fighting as the adults watched.

1.31pm two Ruddy Mongoose at Panikkar Villu upper road.
1.44pm one Leopard, Nelum Wila Male 2 (NWMC 2) on Tala Wila Pomparippu road. N 08.38191, E 079.93413
As we spotted the animal it was walking in the direction of Pomparippu resulting in the vehicle ahead to reverse. We stopped and began advancing giving adequate space for the leopard. Both the jeep drivers kept about 50 meters distance from the leopard to ensure that it is not disturbed. It would walk for about 50 meters and stop to engage in “scent marking”.  Other than spraying urine on to a selected bush he would defecate and scrape the ground with its hind feet before resuming its walk.  Having walked for about 10-15 minutes it would lie down on the road. On the 14th of this month guide C.K Dissanayake had photographed a pair of leopards mating at Tala Wila around 5.30pm. Having examined the photos I was able to identify the male as NWMC 2, fondly referred to by the guides as “Y kotiya”.    
Around 2.50pm a Grey Langur gave out an alarm calls from the direction of Tala Wila and the leopard instantly stood up and moved in to the forest in the direction where the alarm calls emanated. After a few minutes both the vehicles drove back to Tala Wila expecting the leopard to arrive at the villu. After waiting for about 15 minutes without any success the second vehicle left and I decided to drive back on the Pomparippu road and was thrilled to see the leopard lying down on the road close to where it entered the forest. Unlike on the previous occasion it was now lying down with its head towards Tala Wila indicating that it would walk back. The leopard had walked 1200 meters on this road from the Tala Wila.
During the sighting a few Indian Palm Squirrels gave out alarm calls but there was no reaction from the leopard. How ever it was immediately alerted by the alarm calls made by the Grey Langur.
At 4.40pm we left the leopard, still sleeping on the road, as we had to reach the park entrance by 6.pm.

4.47pm 6 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Tala Wila.
4.52pm a “bachelor party” of 10 male Spotted Deer stags between Kohombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
5.20pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Walas Wala.
5.33pm a Sloth Bear seated at the edge of the forest at “Kukul Katu” plains at Maradanmaduwa. The small herd of Spotted Deer having seen the Bear did not give out any alarm calls but moved away. The Bear stood up and walked in to the forest.

5.40pm a herd of 7 Wild Boar crossed the road at Maradanmaduwa.
6.15pm left the park