NOTES ON FIELD TRIPS TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

1.28pm entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M. Wasantha
1.40pm at Uththamadaru Bridge observed a small colony of nesting Baya Weavers.

1.44pm a herd of 4 Elephants and two White-necked Storks at Pomparippu Pitiya.
1.46pm  2 Lesser Adjutant Storks at Pallekandal Pitiya.
1.48pm it started to rain.
1.58pm wild orchid Roxburgh’s Habenaria Habenaria roxberghii in bloom between Pallekandal pitiya and Pilli Motte.
2.13pm 31 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
2.16pm 3 Spotted Deer stags at Kombansanchaipooval.
2.23pm 13 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
2.38pm 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.35pm one Elephant at Nelum Wila.
2.40pm 22 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.46pm 25 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
3.15pm 3 Spotted Deer between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
3.26pm 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa “ Kukul Katu” filed.
3.27pm 22 more Spotted Deer and two Golden Jackal at Maradanmaduwa “ Kukul Katu” filed.
3.57pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
4.33pm 12 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
4.40pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.42pm 25 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.09pm 13 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu has increased by 22 to 35.
5.37pm 6 Spotted Deer between Pilli Motte and Pallekandal pitiya.
5.50pm one lone bull Elephant at Moolakanda Weli.
6.02pm left the park.
16th December 2017
6.04am entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M. Wasantha
6.05am 2 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the first culvert.
6.14am one Wild Boar at Moolakandaweli.
6.21am 2 Golden Jackal between the Mannar road and Pallekanal pitiya.
6.22am 7 Spotted Deer at Palekandal Pitiya.
6.25am 6 more Spotted Deer at Pallekandal pitiya.
6.41am a Barking Deer between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
6.45am 57 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
6.54am 4 Spotted Deer stags at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.59am 29 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
7.10am 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.12am one Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.

7.26am 11 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
8.15am one Barking Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
8.29am a Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapolauttu.
8.33am 2 Spotted Deer between Manikkapola uttu and Kumutu Wila junction.
9.01am 3 Spotted Deer at Kuda Mara Wila.
9.15am 2 Softshell Turtles at Avatara Motte.
9.48am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
10.02am a Ruddy Mongoose just before Mana Wila.
10.10am a Mugger Crocodile at Herath Hamy Wala.
10.24am a Golden Jackal at Mana Wila sand patch.
10.26am 1 Spotted Deer at Illanda Motte.
10.46am 4 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
10.53am 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
11.21am 3 Flapshell Turtles at Borupan Wila.
11.33am 12 Spotted Deer close to Madangaha Wala.
12.42pm 4 Flapshell Turtles at Nelum Wila.
1.12pm a Black-naped Hare at Panikkar Villu upper road.
1.15pm a Rat Snake slithered across the road at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
2.17pm a small herd of 4 Spotted Deer accompanied by a troop of Grey Langur on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.21pm a female Sambhur on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.37pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan junction and Sudu Muwa Wala.
2.40pm 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Borupan Wila.
3.04pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
4.04pm 2 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
4.11pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Thimbiri Wila.
4.22pm 27 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya. (7 has increased to 27)
4.23pm 8 more Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
4.30pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.47pm observed a “Hondala” Adenia hondala vine laden with fruit between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila.

4.54pm 1 Spotted Deer stag at Aalam Villu.
5.37pm a herd of 8 Elephants feeding at Pomparippu pitiya.

5.58pm left the park.
17th December 2017
5.50am entered the park with  Shanil who is a member of the Civil Defense force as no DWC guide was available.
5.59am one Golden Jackal at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.21am 62 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
6.24am 2 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.26am 26 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant at Panikkar Villu.
6.46am Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.
6.59am an immature Indian Golden Oriole at Nelum Wila.

10.44am a troop of Northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
11.02am a troop of Grey Langur at Tala Wila.
11.10am a troop of Grey Langur between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
11.47am 4 Flapshell Turtles sunning them selves at Borupan Wila.
11.55am a Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
12.20pm 1 Spotted Deer stag at Kuruttupandi upper road.
12.28pm 1 Spotted Deer at Manikkapolauttu.
12.50pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Kuveni’s Palace.
12.55pm another Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Kuveni’s Palace.
12.56pm a few Indian Shag among the Little Cormorants at Kaali Villu.
12.59pm I Leopard between Mara Wila and Kaali Villu. N 08.48435, E079.93292
It was on the road from Mara Wila and about 100 meters from reaching the Villu. I was able to instantly identify it as Kombansanchipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) popularly referred to as “Natta”. Upon seeing the vehicle he sat on his hunches. I reversed the vehicle, parked at an angle and started to photograph. In less than a minute the leopard stood up and started to walk towards the vehicle much to the discomfort of the novice guide who had never seen a Leopard before in the wild. Having walked up to the vehicle the trusting animal casually walked pass the vehicle stopping briefly to look directly at us. The distance between the leopard and the vehicle when he walked passed was only about five feet and I had to use my 200mm lens to as it was too close for photogrphy. I proceeded forward to look for a place to turn the vehicle and observed another Leopard by the side of the road. It looked a female but darted across the road and disappeared in to the forest before I was able to get any images. When I drove back KSPMC 2 was still on the road and continued to walk down the road up to Kaali Villu.  Having almost reached the Villu he stopped to “scent mark” a bush by the side of the road and moved in to the forest.

2.20pm about 14 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
2.31pm two Sambhur between Manikkapola sand patch and Kurutupandi Villu.
2.35pm one Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandivillu.
2.43pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.00pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
5.06pm a herd of 5 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
5.16pm a herd of 8 Elephants including two small calves’s at Moolakandaweli Pitiya.
5.32pm left the park.
Wild Orchids Vanda spathulata and Habenaria roxberghii in bloom.
Wild Flowers - Gloriosa superba, Kapukinissa, Heen Bimsavan, Rat Mal, Ranawara
Wild Fruits - Adenia hondala in fruit.
Butterflies – Lemon Migrant, Tawny Raja, Crimson Rose, Lesser Albatross, Tawny Coaster, Chocolate Soldier, Common Jay, Tailed Jay, Blue Mormon, Common Crow.

6.28am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake for a three day over night stay at Maha Wewa bungalow.
2 Spotted Deer at the park entrance
6.31am 9 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.32am 5 more Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela
6.40am 2 Spotted Deer between Paluwilandawa junction and Thamanna Wala.
6.48am 2 Wild Buffalo at Divul Gas Mandiya.

7.00am 6 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.02am 3 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.09am 3 Sambhur between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
7.22am 14 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.25am one Indian Grey Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
7.27am 5 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
8.00am arrived at the Wild Boar kill at Mahapatessa. It was a full-grown massive animal. We decided to wait at the kill with the expectation of seeing the leopard on the kill.
8.01am 1 Spotted Deer stag across the villu at Mahaatessa.
8.55am a Mugger Crocodile moved out of the water and walked up to the kill.
9.00am the Crocodile was at the kill for about 5 minutes and walked back to water. It did not feed on the kill.

9.10am one Leopard arrived at the kill. N 08.43257, E 080.00440
It was Kudapatessa Female 1 (KPFC 1). She walked up to the kill, which was few feet from the edge of the forest and dragged it closer to the edge before starting to feed. She exhibited her extreme strength is pulling this massive carcass with ease. Having fed for about 6 minutes she moved back in to the forest.

9.30am 2 Sambhur drinking at Mahapatessa.
9.35am 4 Wild Boar and a Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
9.41am 1 Spotted Deer at between Kuruttupandi junction and Kuruttupandi.
9.55am a Wild Boar and 5 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
10.11am a large white coloured mushroom on Kokkare Villu upper road. It was about 7 inches across on the upper surface. I had not come across this species in the park earlier.

10.12am a Ruddy Mongoose on Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.14am 5 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu junction.
10.20am one Leopard on Kumbuk Wila Upper road. N 08.41644, E 079.99993
It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). She was walking in the direction of Madan Gaha wala. I reversed and started to photograph while she kept on walking in my direction. Having walked about 30 feet close to the vehicle she moved in to the forest.

10.29am 12 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
10.39am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.
10.40am a Giants Squirrel between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.
10.50am nine Wild buffalo with a very small calf at Maradanmaduwa.
11.33am 2 Spotted Deer stags and a troop of Grey Langur at Thammanna Wala.
11.45am 2 Spotted Deer and 8 Wild Buffalo at Maha Wewa.
11.52am a Ruddy Mongoose at Maha Wewa.
1.22pm 5 Spotted Deer between Maha Wewa and the first bridge on Maha Wewa Maradanmaduwa road.
1.26pm 3 Spotted Deer on Maha Wewa Maradanmaduwa road.
1.31pm 3 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa “van ela”.
1.33pm a troop of Grey Langur between Maha Wewa Van Ela and Maradanmaduwa.
1.44am 6 Spotted Deer between the cause way and the second bridge on Maha Wewa Maradanmaduwa road.
1.47pm 2 Spotted Deer accompanied by a troop of Grey Langur between the second bridge and Maradanmaduwa.
1.49pm 1 Spotted Deer on Maha Wewa Maradanmaduwa road.
2.05pm wild Orchid Nodding Swamp Orchid Geodorum densiflorum in bloom at Maradanmaduwa.

2.20pm one Leopard at Humbas Wala. Unfortunately it moved off the road and in to the forest before I was able to get any photos.
2.38pm 3 Spotted Deer between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala.
2.41am one Flapshell Turtle at Walas Wala.
2.46pm 2 Flapshell Turtles at Borupan Wila.
2.51am 2 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
2.56pm the Wild Boar kill at Mahapatessa had been dragged in to the forest and was out of sight.
3.17pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.22pm a small bee hive on Kokkare Villu upper road. When a beehive is well established the worker bees start feeding some larva with a special food referred to as “royal jelly” and a new queens are born. These will leave the hive along with a small group of bees to establish a new hive. Until they locate a suitable place they some times rest in open places. This is such a temporary hive.

3.31pm 2 Barking Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
3.33pm 9 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
3.34pm 4 more Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
3.38pm 2 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
3.46pm 11 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
3.50pm 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila and patch.
4.00mpm 9 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
4.03pm 20 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.

4.17pm 51 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.25pm a Parker’s Black Turtle at Kombansanchaipooval.
4.42pm a Black-naped Hare and one Elephant at Panikkar Villu.

4.47pm 4 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
4.53pm a Barking Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
5.02pm 12 Lesser Whistling Teal at Nelum Wila.

5.05pm one Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
5.12pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
5.14pm one Parker’s Black Turtle at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
5.20pm an Indian Grey Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Kumbuk Wila.
5.35pm 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.42pm a Sloth Bear at “Eda Kohombagaha Pitiya”. The Bear walked up to a small pool of water and drank. There after it walked up to the bent Margosa tree and continued to sniff the ground. I left the Bear, as I needed to reach the bungalow before dark.

5.56pm 3 Sambhur between Palu Kola Wala and Thammanna Wala.
6.00pm 3 Spotted Deer at Thammanna Wala Pitiya.
6.10pm a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.15pm one Indian Jerbill at Maha Wewa.
6.18pm a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.20pm a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.21pm 2 Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.22pm arrived at the Maha Wewa bungalow.
17th November 2017
5.33am left Maha Wewa bungalow with guide Tissa Rtanayake.
5.35am one Otter at Mahapatessa.
5.38am one adult male Wild Buffalo at Maha Wewa.
5.40am one Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
5.57am Two Sambhur, a female and its sub adult calf, at Thamanna Wala pitiya.
5.59am one adult male Wild Buffalo at Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
6.11am 3 Spotted Deer between Gal Wanguwa and Maradanmaduwa.
6.20am a troop of northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Thambi Oluwa.
6.38am 18 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
7.00am 4 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Viluu.
7.06am one Wild Buffalo between Manikrala Uranniya and Kumutu Wila.
7.07am another Wild Buffalo at Kumutu Wila.
7.15am 3 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu which has filled with the recent rains.
7.36am 18 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Mara Wila.

7.43am 2 large Mugger Crocodiles at Mara Wila.
7.45am one Ruddy Mongoose at Mara Wila.
7.47am one Barking Deer between Mara Wila and Kanjuran villu.
7.55am 12 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
8.05am one Mugger Crocodile at Kanjuran Villu.
8.16am one Barking Deer between Manikkapola Uttu and Kuruttupandi Villu.
8.27am two Ruddy Mongoose on Kokkare Villu upper road.
8.31am 6 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
8.34am 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
8.35am 8 more Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
8.37am 6 Spotted Deer at Kumbukk Wila.
8.54am 8 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
10.26am one Lesser Adjutant at Maha Wewa.

10.28am 15 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
10.56am 9 Wild Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Eda Kohombagaha Pitiya.
11.07am one male Orange Minivet at Thambioluwa.
12.25pm 7 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
12.34pm 8 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
12.37pm one Elephant and a Golden Jackal at Panikkar Villu.
12.49pm 7 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
1.15pm 12 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
1.49pm 1 Spotted Deer on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
1.54pm 3 Spotted Deer on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
1.57pm 4 Spotted Deer on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
2.02pm 2 Spotted Deer stags and an Indian Grey Mongoose between the cause way and the last bridge on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
2.03pm 3 more Spotted Deer at the last bridge Maradan – Maha Wewa road.
2.11pm a Spotted Deer stag about 100 meters form the Maha Wewa Bungalow.
2.52pm a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.
3.07pm one Spotted Deer crossed the road between Thamnanna Wala and the first glade.
4.15pm a Mugger Crocodile feeding on what looked like a piece of the Wild Boar kill at Mahapatessa.

4.21pm one Lesser adjutant at Kudapatessa.
5.18pm 2 Black-naped Hare and two Mugger Crocodiles at Thimbiri Wila.
6.04pm arrived at the Maha Wewa bungalow.
18th November 2017
5.00am Grey Langur and Spotted Deer making frantic alarm calls about 100 meters from the bungalow.
5.32am left Maha Wewa bungalow with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
5.39am a herd of 12 Spotted Deer ran across the road between Maha Wewa and Van Ela.
5.49am one Sambhur Stag between the cause way and the last bridge.
6.08am one Sloth Bear at Maradanmaduwa.
6.26am 2 Mugger Crocodiles and 7 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
6.31am a Parker’s Black Turtle at Borupan Wila.
6.33am 20 Spotted Deer and 2 Golden Jackal at Borupan Wila.
7.07am 7 Spotted Deer, a Ruddy Mongoose and one Lesser Adjutant at Kudapatessa.
7.13am 15 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.15am a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Manikkapola Uttu.
7.20am a Flapshell Turtle between Manikkapola Uttu and ilanda Motte.
7.26am one Spotted Deer at Down all Pitiya.
7.51am 9 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
8.53am 4 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and the first bridge on Maha Wewa road.
9.05am 3 Spotted Deer at the second bridge.
9.16am 4 Spotted Deer between the Maha Wewa Pitiya and the Bungalow.
9.53am 2 Lesser Adjutant at Maha Wewa.
9.56am a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.
10.01am 5 Spotted Deer between Maha Wewa and Thammanna Wala.
10.17am 2 Spotted Deer between Palu Kola Wala and Eda Kohombagaha Pitiya.
11.37am I was quite pleased to see one White Wagtail at Kokkare Villu. This is my second sighting of this elusive migrant at Wilpattu.

11.44am 2 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.56pm one Golden Jackal between Maradanmaduwa and the first bridge on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
1.58pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Maha Wewa.
2.03pm 17 Spotted Deer between Maha Wewa and Thammanna Wala.
2.15pm a herd of 13 Spotted Deer companied by a troop of Grey Langur at Thammanna Wala. I was pleased to see the melanistic female calf with this herd.
3.37pm 4 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu junction and the bungalow.
3.40pm 2 Wild Boar and 4 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
3.52pm a sounder of 12 Wild Boar resting in mud at Kombansanchipooval. The animals were stayed absolutely still and made no movement even as we arrived at the location.

3.56pm 36 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.

4.07pm one adult male Wild Boar on Tala Wila upper road.
4.08pm 4 Spotted Deer between Tala Wila Kombansanchaipooval.
4.10pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
5.30pm one Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.46pm 5 Spotted Deer between the first bridge and the causeway.
5.57pm 2 Elephants at the glade just before Maha Wewa bungalow.
5.58pm one Sloth Bear between the glade and the Maha Wewa bungalow.
19th November 2017
5.00am heard the calls of Ceylon Frogmouth and Stone Curlew.
5.28am left the Maha Wewa bungalow with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
One Wild Buffalo at the Bungalow.
5.31am a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
5.33am Indian Jerbill at Maha Wewa.
5.34am 2 Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.00am one Wild Boar between Palu Kola Wala and the Grave pond.
6.02am 4 Spotted Deer at the 3 causeways.
6.08am one Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.29am 41 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
6.37am 12 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila.
6.43am 12 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
6.49am 29 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
6.55am 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.16am 29 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
7.26am 48 Spotted Deer and 9 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
7.47am 7 Spotted Deer at Alam Villu.
8.05am a Green Sandpiper at Nelum Wila Pitiya.

8.18am an Indian Grey Mongoose between Nelum Wila and Kokkare Villu junction.
8.30am a Brown Mongoose between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
8.35am 3 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Wila.
8.45am a troop of Grey Langur at Kanjuran Villu.
8.49am 4 Spotted Deer between Kanjuran Villu and Kaali Villu.
8.54am 3 Spotted Deer and one Wild Buffalo at Kaali Villu.
9.00am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar at Kuda Mara Wila.
9.03am 7 Spotted Deer at Mara Wila.
9.12am a Ruddy Mongoose at Avatara Motte.
9.14am 2 Spotted Deer at Kaya Motte.
9.42am one Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
9.59am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
10.03am a Barking Deer on Kokkare Upper road.
10.20am a Sambhur ran across the road between Boralu Wala and Humbas Wala.
10.24am a male Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher at Ibba Wala.

10.30am 8 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
10.48am 6 Spotted Deer at the first bridge at the second bridge from Maradanmaduwa to Maha Wewa.
10.49am another Spotted Deer stag at Van Ela.
11.32am a Large Mugger crocodile and two White-necked Storks at Maha Wewa.
11.36am an Indian Grey Mongoose at Maha Wewa.
11.39am 2 Spotted Deer stags at Maha Wewa.
11.47am a Water Monitor between Maha Wewa and Thamanna Wala.
12.01pm 2 White-necked Storks at Eda Kohombagaha Pitiya.
12.54pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
1.12pm one adult male Wild Boar on Panikkar Villu upper road.
1.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Panikkar villu upper road.
1.21pm  5 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
1.34pm one Leopard between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval sand patch. N 08.38546, E 079.94999
The leopard was by the side of the road and swiftly moved in to the forest. It was a female cub and I estimated its age to be around one year. As it moved in to the forest I managed to get a few images adequate enough to identify the animal. Later upon examination of the images I was able to identify it as the Kombansanchaipooval Leopard 2 listed under ‘Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section”. I named it Kombansanchaipooval Female 2 ( KSPFC 2).

1.46pm 8 Spotted Deer between Panikkar villu junction and the bungalow.
1.47am 4 more Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu bungalow.
2.13pm wild flower Ceylon Leadwort Plumbago zeylanica in bloom on Panikkar Villu upper road.
2.14pm one Barking Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
2.20pm 3 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila.
2.31pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila.
2.33pm 8 Spotted Deer and a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
2.36pm a Black-naped Hare at Thimbiri Wila.
3.36pm started to rain.
3.47am one Sambhur at Humbas Wala.
4.11pm 3 Sambhur between Palu Kola Wala and Divulgas Mandiya.
4.20pm left the park.

Butterflies seen included – Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Chocolate Soldier, Lesser Albatross, Crimson Rose, Great Eggfly, Leopard, Great Orange tip, Lime Butterfly, Common Jay, Tailed Jay, Mime, Blue Tiger, Common Crow Tawny Coaster and a Large Oakblue.
Wild Orchids Vanda spathulata and Geodorum densiflorum in bloom.

7.16am 1.15pm entered the park with Mr. Nanda Senanayake.
15 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
1.20pm 4 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
1.22pm 10 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
1.23pm 7 Spotted Deer between Ranawara Pitiya and Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.24pm 1 Spotted Deer stag just before Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.24pm 8 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa, which was full with the recent rains.
1.47pm 3 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
2.15pm 22 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
2.16pm 4 more Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
2.20pm 25 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
2.28pm 7 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
2.29pm a Barking Deer between Mahapatessa and Demata Wila.
2,31pm 8 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
2.45pm 3 Spotted deer and one Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
3.17pm 16 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Wila.
3.23pm 1 Wild Buffalo galloping down the road ahead of the vehicle between Kumutu and Kanjuran. He ran all the way up to Kanjuran Villu.
3.24pm 16 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
3.33pm a troop of about 25 Grey Langur feeding on the unripe mango at Kaali Villu bungalow.
3.34pm 41 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
3.35pm 6 more Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
3.43pm 4 Spotted Deer and 4 one foot long immature Mugger Crocodiles at Kuda Mara Wila which had acquired a small amount of water with the few showers.
3.44pm 26 Spotted Deer at Mara Wila.
3.56pm Kaali Villu had receded exposing a considerable lake show right round. With the help of my binoculars I counted 79 Mugger Crocodiles at the edge of the water. On 1st October I counted 56 of them around 4.30pm at Kaali. This is highest number of these reptiles I have counted at this water body.
4.35pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
4.45pm a number of Lime Blue butterflies and a Euchromia Polymena moth feeding Kumburu Caesalpinia bonducella flowers on Kumbuk Wila Upper road.

5.18pm 5 Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
5.24pm 3 Sambhur at Humbas Wala.
5.44pm a Star Tortoise at Thammanna Wala pitiya.
5.55pm left the park.
6.40pm with the heavy showers a few Maroon & Gold Paddy Field Crabs Oziotelphusa hippocastanum on the road between park entrance and Wilpattu junction. These crabs are seen with the first rains in October. I had photographed them for the first time on the 26th of October in 2015 with the beginning of the monsoonal rains.
7.46pm arrived at Pimburallegama tank and observed 4 Jungle Cats and managed to get a record shot with the help of my torch.

8.10pm rescued a “Kata Kaluwa” / Trinket Snake Coelognathus Helena on the main road close to a house at Hunuwilagama and decided to release it inside the park the next day.
29th October 2017
5.23am a Small Indian Civet between Aaana Wila bungalow and the main road.
6.07am entered the park with guide Sampath Jayawardena.
6.09am a Ruddy Mongoose between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.13am 7 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.15am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.22am 2 Spotted Deer at Thamanna Wala.
6.37am 6 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.39am 6 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.42am 11 Spotted Deer on the “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
7.07am one Elepahant at Borupan Wila.

7.56am drove in to Kuda Boralu Wala and released the Trinket Snake rescued the previous day.

8.00am Sampath was firmly of the view that we should visit Ibba Wala for a leopard sighting. Thus we decided to park there and have breakfast. 
8.20am one Leopard at Ibba Wala. N08.39524, E 080.05643.
As we finished having our sandwiches a Red-wattled Lapwing flew up with its characteristic alarm call announcing the presence of danger. Shortly thereafter a Jungle Fowl made its alarm call. I pulled up the vehicle to see a fine young leopard at Ibba Wala. It was lying down on the floor and with the arrival of another vehicle stood up and moved in to the forest. Later having examined its spot pattern I realized that I had received images of this leopard from a few photographers who contribute to my study and that I have listed it as Ibba Wala Leopard 2 under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section. It is a male cub and I estimated its age to be around 10- 12 months. I was very pleased to have got a new leopard and named it Ibba Wala Male 2 (IWMC 2).

8.57am 2 Sambhur at Humbas Wala.
9.02am 2 Ruddy Mongoose an adult with a pup between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala.
9.04am 25 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
9.16am 17 Spotted Deer between Thimbiri Wila and Borupan Wila.
9.21am a Flapshell Turtle at Borupan Pitiya Wala.
9.36am a Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
9.51am a troop of Toque Monkey between Eriyakkulampooval and Manikrala Uraniya.   
9.55am one Sambhur between Eriyakkulampooval and Manikrala Uraniya   
10.08am Wild Orchid Acampe praemorsa in bloom at Illanda Motte.

10.37am one Elephant feeding on Hydrella at Kudapatessa.

10.39am a Brown Fish Owl between Kudapatessa and Kuruttupandi junction.
10.45am one Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
10.50am one Leopard on the cross road from Kokkare Villu sand patch to Kokkare-Kuruttupandi road. It was lying down few feet from the road and moved in quickly as we approached it. It was not possible to get any photos for identification.
11.59am a Sambur between Kokkare Villu sand pacth.
11.11am 5 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
11.28am a White-rumped Shama vocalizing between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila.

11.30am 22 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
11.54am 1 more Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
12.03pm 6 Spotted Deer between panikkar Villu junction and the bungalow.
12.12pm 4 Spotted Deer on Panikkar Villu upper road.
12.23pm 54 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
1.30pm 4 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
Started rain very heavily at Pallekanda pitiya.
1.42pm a Star Tortoise drinking off a puddle on the road between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
2.03pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
2.06pm 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
2.21pm 57 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.25pm 7 more Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
2.58pm 15 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.59pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.00pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.01pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.06pm adult male Sambhur stag at Kokkare Villu sand patch.

3.16pm a Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapola Uttu.
3.35pm troop of Grey Langur at Mahapatessa.
3.50pm 12 Spotted Deer and 8 Wild Boar at Demata Wila.

4.10pm a Rat Snake on a Madan tree at Walas Wala.

4.29pm a Sambhur at Maradanmaduwa.
4.30pm 25 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
4.46pm one Leopard at Percy Bendi Wewa. N 08.33402, E 080.12881
 As we approached Percy Bendi Wewa spotted a big male leopard on the road to Makalanmaduwa. I drove past the leopard, rested the camera on the beanbag and reversed gradually. As the leopard came in to sight it turned at looked in the direction of the vehicle for about a minute before walking away, permitting me to take a few photos. Thereafter he walked a short distance “marked” and moved in to the forest in the direction of the water body. I drove on to the bund and had a glimpse of it moving across at the end of the bund and disappeared in to the forest. Having examined the spot patterns I realized that this is a new leopard for me and that I had not even received any images of this male even from any of the guests that contribute to my study. I estimated its age to be around 8 years and named it Percy Bendi Wewa Male 1 (PBWM 1).

5.20pm left the park.
Butterfly species seen included Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock, Common and Lesser Gull, Small Salmon Arab, Common Mormon, Slate Flash, Great Eggfly, Lime Blue, Lime Butterfly, Common Jay and Red Spot Duke.

6.50am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake
6.56am 4 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
7.01am 2 Spotted Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwinlandawa junction.
7.05am a Barking Deer between Paluwilandawa junction and Thamanna Wala.
7.07am 8 White-necked Stork son the road at Thamanna Wala.
7.13am managed to photograph a pair of Velvet-fronted Nut Hatch between Kalagedi bokkuwa and Divulgas Mandiya.

7.16am 3 Spotted Deer just before Palu Kola Wala.
7.20am 2 More White-necked Stork between Palu Kola Wala and the Grave pond.
7.55am one Wild Buffalo at Borupan Pitiya.

8.00am a mixed species kaleidoscope of Butterflies feeding on the “Heerassa” Cissus quadrangularis (Devil's Backbone)which was in bloom at Borupan Wila. They included Lesser Albatross, Common Mormon, Long-banded Silverline and Lime Butterflies.

8.14am 8 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.23am 32 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
9.06am 2 Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manikkapola Uttu.
9.10am 7 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 22 Wild Boar at Manikkapola Uttu.
9.15am a lone male Wild Buffalo at Kumutu Villu.
9.22am 8 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran.
9.29am a Barking Deer at Kaali Villu.
9.36am 6 Spotted Deer, 2 Mugger Crocodiles, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser sand Plover, Golden Plover, Little Stint, Marsh, Common and Wood Sandpipers, Kentish plover, Green Shank, Common Red Shank and Pin-tailed Snipe at Kaali Villu.

9.41am 5 Spotted Deer at Kuda Mara Wila.
9.52am a fine specimen of a Spot-swordtail “mud sipping” along with Common Gulls, Lime Butterflies and Common Jay’s. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

9.53am 21 Spotted Deer at Mara Wila.
11.57am a Spotted Deer stag between Panikkar Villu and Aalam Villu.
11.59am 4 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
12. 04pm 5 Spotted Deer on Panikkar Villu upper road.
12.06pm 2 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
12.13pm 36 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
1.15pm observed a large number of butterflies of different species feeding on the flowers of a “Pupula” Asteraceae ceylanica vine. They included a few rare and uncommon species such as the Spot Swordtail, Slate Flash, Joker and Yellow Pansy. It was a breathtaking spectacle and a rare opportunity to see such a diversity of species in one location. I managed to get some good images of them.

2.37pm a small Mugger Crocodile, troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey at the first bridge from the Eluwankulama park entrance.
2.45pm 8 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
2.50pm 12 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
2.55pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Pallekanda Pitiya.
3.20pm a Female Tawny Raja at Kombansanchaipooval.
3. 25am 17 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
3.32am 13 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu feeding on the ripe berries fallen on the ground beneath a “Madan” tree.
3.38pm one Spotted Deer stag between Panikkar villu and Nelum Wila.
3.39pm 10 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
3.44pm 12 Spotted Deer at Nelumm Wila.
3.46pm 6 Mugger Crocodiles at Nelum Wila.
4.07pm 3 Spotted Deer and a large Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
4.14pm 9 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
4.24pm 3 Mugger Crocodiles at Mahapatessa.
4.29pm 9 Spotted Deer at Thimibiri Wila
4.33pm 22 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
4.36pm 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
4.55pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa Kukulkatu Pitiya.
5.22pm 1 Spotted Deer at Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya.
5.42pm 2 Spotted Deer between Thamanna Wala and Paluwilandawa junction.
5.54pm 1 Elephant between Weli Ela and park entrance.
7.09pm 1 Mouse Deer at Radagama.
7.13pm 2 Slender Loris at Radagama.
7.31pm photographed a Large Egret and a Grey Heron perched on the dead trees at Holambalagama Tank.

8.06pm one Jungle Cat at Holambalagama.
15th October 2017
6.04am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.12am 7 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.23am a troop of Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Divul Gas Mandiya.
6.40am 3 White-necked Stork at Thamanna Wala.
6.52am 1 Spotted Deer between Ranawara Pitiya and Weli Ela.
6.55am a Barking Deer between Ranawara Pitiya and Weli Ela.
7.16am 3 White-necked Stork down Makalanmaduwa road.
7.55am one Spotted Deer stag at between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paaluwilandawa junction.
9.24am a Red Spot Duke between Humbas Wala and Humbas Wala.
9.55am 4 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
10.22am number of butterflies at Mahapatessa feeding on “Podi Singo maran flowers”. A single Spot Swordtail and a female Blue Wanderer offered good photo opportunities.

10.25am a lone Wild Buffalo at Kudapatessa.
10.47am 5 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
12.16pm 27 Spotted Deer and one adult male antler Sambhur at Mara Wila.
1.26pm the number of Spotted Deer at Kanjuran has increased up to 10.
1.46pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.00pm one Leopard at Nelum Wila Pitiya. N 08.40550, E 079.98946.
It was lying on a mound of earth about 15 feet inside the forest at the beginning of the road to Maila Wewa. I m grateful to Susil of Dolosmahe Guest House for informing of the location of this leopard and photographer Sivagajan Arudchelvam who kindly moved his vehicle permitting me to take a few images. Upon examination of the images I was able to identify the leopard as Nelum Wila Female 3 (NWFC 3). I was told that the leopard had been sleeping at this location for more than 2 hours. I got a few images and moved out.

2.37pm 25 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.48pm 17 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
2.50pm 17 Spotted Deer and one Elephant at Panikkar Villu.
3.06pm 46 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.50pm 9 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
4.10pm Yellow Pansy butterfly at Lunu Wila.
4.16pm one Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
4.21pm 41 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
4.24pm 3 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
4.51pm 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.04pm 4 Spotted Deer between Palu Kola Wala and Divulgas Mandiya.
5.35pm 1 Leopard crossed the road ahead of the vehicle at Divul Pitiya. I was not able photograph or identify the leopard.
5.55pm left the park.
During the two days the following was observed in the park.
Wild Flowers – Indian Cadaba.
Wild orchids Vanda spathulata.
Butterflies - Spot Swordtail, Yellow Pansy, Large Salmon Arab, Joker, Tailed Jay, Common Jay, Plains Cupid, Lime Butterfly, Yellow Orange Tip, White Orange Tip, Blue Wanderer, Plain Tiber, Common Tiger, Great Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Peacock Pansy, Lemon Pansy, Red-spot Duke, Small Salmon Arab, Mottled Emigrant, Lemon Emigrant, Pioneer, Common Gull, Sri Lankan Gull, Crimson Rose, Common Rose, Banded Peacock, Tawny Raja, Lon-banded Silverline, Slate Flash, Jezebel, Psyche, Blue Tiger, Common Crow, Double-banded Crow, Angled Castor, Leopard, Chocolate Soldier, Chestnut Streaked Sailor, Common Sailor, Tawny Coaster & Glade-eye Bushbrown.

On 29th September I arrived at Leopard Den Hotel with my friend Bathiya Senadipathy around 8.00pm. While unloading our bags I received a call from safari Jeep driver Samantha to visit his residence immediately to help remove a snake. Having arrived at the premises I observed a large Cobra that had moved in to a small enclosure where the chickens are kept at night. Despite not having any equipment I was determined to catch this snake, as the people who had gathered were getting ready with swords to kill it. With much effort I managed to catch the snake and secure it in a fertilizer bag with the idea of releasing it inside the park where it would be safe from persecution.

6.20am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadipathy and guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.27am 3 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.31am 2 White-necked Stork at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.45am released the Cobra at Paluwilandawa campsite.

6.54am a small herd of 4 Spotted Deer at Thamanna Wala. One small female calf was dark brown in colour. I was quite surprised with this sighting as it is the second such Spotted Deer I observed at Wilpattu. With the first being at Pomparippu on the 17th of August 2017. There have been no reports of such Spotted Deer from any other parts of the country so far. Thus I was fascinated to have observed and photographed two such individuals at Wilpattu during such a short span of time.

7.25am 3 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.33am a Ruddy Mongoose between kuda Boralu Wla and Ibba Wala.
7.44am troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala.
8.00am 12 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.15am 12 Spotted Deer and two Mugger Crocodiles at Mahapatessa.
8.40am  1 Spotted Deer antler at Eriyakkulampooval.
8.46am 2 Spotted Deer, a Mugger Crocodile and 10 Wild Buffalo at Kudapatessa.
9.01am one Spotted Deer at Manikkapola uttu.
9.04am a lone adult male Wild Buffalo and a Spotted Deer at Kumutu Wila.
9.11am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kanjuran and Kaali Villu.
9.52am 6 Spotted Deer at Mara Villu.
10.01am a troop of Grey Langur at Kaali Villu.
11.17am 15 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila.
11.51am one Golden Jackal at Maradanmaduwa.
12.46pm 12 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.20pm a Grey Mongoose at park entrance.

1.38pm large congregations of Lime Butterflies and Common Mormons between the park entrance and Ranawarapitiya.

1.55pm a herd of 57 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
2.00pm 5 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
2.50pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.54pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare junction.
3.10pm a well camouflaged Bark Gecko at Manikkapolauttu.

3.21pm 3 Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
3.23pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
3.43pm 4 Sambhur and 12 Spotted Deer at Mara Villu.
4.16pm 4 more Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
4.37pm one Elephant feeding on water plants, probably Hydrella growing on the bed of the water body, at Kudapatessa.

4.52pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.20pm 25 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
6.02pm a Black-naped Hare at Percy bendi wewa.
6.06pm another Black-naped Hare at Ranawara pitiya and Weli Ela.
6.07pm a Barking Deer between Weli Ela and park entrance.
1st October 2017
6.16am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy and guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.21am 3 Spotted Deer between Weli ela and Ranawara pitiya.
6.25pm 4 White-necked Stork on the road close to Percy bendi Wewa.
6.37am a troop of Grey Langur at Palu Kola Wala.
6.46am one Sloth Bear at Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya. The Bear moved in t o the forest before we were able to get any photos.
7.24am 15 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
7.32am one Leopard at Nelum Wila. N 08.40405, E 079.98243. It was Nelum Wila Female 3 (NWFC 3). The young female was lying down on a sand patch and moved further in with the arrival of another vehicle. We managed to get a few images of this unique feline born with its eyes in two colours.

8.45am 13 Spotted Deer one Sambhur and 2 Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
8.50am 14 Spotted Deer and one Lesser Adjutant at Kombansanchaipooval.
9.20am 17 Spotted Deer and Eight Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
9.22am Having observed an unusual blackish animal coming to water across the water body at Tala Wila I looked through my bins to find a Porcupine. Despite being very common this is my first sighting of this species during the day at the park.
9.24am I observed pugmarks on the road from Tala Wila and drove quite slowly towards Kombansanchaipooval. As we approached the sand patch heard the alarm calls of a Spotted Deer. The Deer was on to our right but was looking in our direction while calling out. I immediately started checking the forest to our left and spotted a leopard moving through the bushes. Unfortunately no photography was possible. We decided to drive down to Panikkar villu and come back giving enough time for the Leopard to move back to the road.
9.33am 2 Golden Jackal and a Barking Deer at Panikkar Villu.
9.46am the rare butterfly Yellow Pansy and Large Salmon Arab at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch but no signs of the Leopard.
9.56am a Lesser Adjutant at Kombansanchaipooval water hole.
10.04am one Leopard at Kombansanchaipooval water hole. N 08.38774, E 079.95086
As we drove ahead towards the culvert our guide Tissa alerted us of a leopard at the edge of the forest. As the leopard was crouched down I suspected that it would move quickly in to the forest. Thus almost instinctively reached for my lens and managed to get a few images while handholding the camera and whispering to my friend to do so as well. As he was keen to get some “proper photographs” I drove ahead to turn the vehicle so that we would be able to rest our lenses on the beanbags but as I suspected the leopard had disappeared. However we decided to wait expecting the leopard to come to water. After about 10 minutes a sounder of 15 female Wild Boar accompanied by an adult male walked across the glade and entered the same forest patch the leopard moved in to. Almost instantly a sub adult Sambhur emerged from the forest patch in a state of panic, made a bellowing alarm call while running across the water body in our direction and dissapered in to the forest. In less than a minute a adult female Sambhur moved out of the same forest patch as well. I told my friend to keep the camera ready as any moment now the leopard could walk out and so he did. Perhaps the Wild Boar disturbed the leopards hunt. The leopard moved along the edge of the water body and lay down under the shade of a tree permitting us to get a few images. In a few minutes the male Wild Boar moved in to the water and did not notice the leopard. One by one the rest of the sounder moved in and as their numbers grew the Leopard quickly moved out of sight. Having examined the images I was able to identify this leopard as the Aalam Villu Male 2 (AVM 2).

10.50am one Sambhur on Kokkare villu upper road.
11.16am a herd of 9 Wild Buffalo including an adult male at Manikkapola Uttu.
12.30pm managed to get a few images of the rare butterfly Yellow Pansy down Ikirigollawa Road.

1.40pm 22 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
1.46pm a Cobra moved across the road ahead of the vehicle between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.
2.10pm  a Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
2.23pm troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu uppe road.
2.36pm 4 Spotted Deer at Manikkapola Uttu.
2.42pm 12 Spotted Deer and a single male Wild Buffalo at Kumutu Villu.
2.56pm 31 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 6 Wild boar at Kaali Villu.
4.16am 22 Spotted Deer, a Mugger Crocodile and one Flapshell Turtle at Mara Villu.
4.27pm most mugger Crocodiles at Kalli Villu had moved to the edge of the water. I counted 56 of these reptiles.

4.28pm a Sambhur and a Stork-billed Kingfisher at Kaali Villu.
5.01pm 14 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
5.05pm one Elephant a single Spotted Deer and 2 Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
 5.30pm 2 Mugger crocodile at Borupan Wila.
6.25pm left the park.

2.26pm entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M. Wasantha. The park is now opened from 6am to 10am in the morning and 2.30pm to 6pm in the evening. All the vehicles that enter the park at 6am have to return by 10am to the park entrance and those that enter at 2.30pm have to reach the entrance by 6pm.
2.27pm a troop of Grey Langur along with a troop of Toque Monkey at the first Bridge from park entrance.
2.42pm troop of Grey Langur between Pallekandal and Pilli Motte.
2.54pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
3.0pm 23 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.15pm 2 Sambhur between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
3.22pm 4 Spotted Deer, 7 Wild Buffalo and a sounder of 5 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila which is reduced to a very small pool.

3.24pm 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
3.41pm 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
3.47pm one Wild Buffalo at Thimbiri Wila.
3.53pm a Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
3.56pm 7 Spotted Deer at Lunu Wila.
4.07pm 2 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
4.14pm 37 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
4.16pm a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila.
4.24pm 5 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
4.26pm one Grey Mongoose at Kokkare Villu junction.
4.37pm a Barking Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.46pm an Adult male Wild Boar on Panikkar Villu upper road.
4.48pm 5 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
4.56pm 9 Spotted Deer on Galge Vihara road behind the Tala Wila bungalow.
5.40pm 5 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
5.46pm 7 Spotted Deer just before Uththamadaru Bridge.
5.50pm a herd of 12 Spotted Deer at Moolakanda Weli with one blackish brown individual. This is my first sighting of such a Spotted Deer.
I had received information from Mr. Seram who is an officer attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation of a black deer like animal that had been seen once or twice with a herd of Spotted Deer close to Pomparippu. No one was certain of the identity of the species of this strange animal, as no one had seen such an animal in the wild. While some were of the opinion that it could be an immature Sambhur others wondered whether it is a Hog Deer.
I was fortunate enough to have a single brief sighting of this uniquely coloured animal for about 10 minutes. Having examined the images I was able to confirm that it is an extremely rare melanistic male Spotted Deer Axis axis. 

Melanisem is the development of dark-coloured pigment, melanin, in the skin or its appendages and is the opposite of albinism, where the skin colour is white. While there have been a few records of albino mammals in the wild from Sri Lanka melanistic animals such as the Black Leopard that was caught in an illegal snare in March 2009  from a village close to Deniyaya have been extremely rare. 

Spotted Deer are native to the Indian sub continent. In Sri Lanka They are found in the dry lowlands and are commonly seen at all the dry zone national parks. The upper parts of their skins are golden to rufous and are covered in white spots. The abdomen, rump, throat, insides of legs, ears and tail are all white.  There have a few records of white coloured (albino) Spotted Deer in the past from our jungles, including Wilpattu National park where a water hole is named after albino Spotted Deer that was seen in the early 60's as "sudu muwa wala".

6.01pm left the park.
18th August 2017
5.50am entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M.Wasantha.
5.53am an immature Mugger Crocodile and the second culvert from the park entrance.
5.59am 6 Mugger Crocodiles at Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.00am 6 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.15am one Leopard at Pilli Motte.  N 08.37278, E 079.89649
We spotted it moving in to the forest from the direction of the water hole. Having walked a few feet it lied down at the foot of a large tree. Even though it’ s view was obstructed by the under growth but I managed to get a few images to help with the identification. After about 10 minutes with the arrival of another safari jeep the Leopard stood up and walked in to the forest. It is a male leopard of about 5 years of age. This is my first sighting of this animal and I named it. Pilli Motte Male 2 (PMM 2)

7.08am 2 Barking Deer at Pilli Motte.
7.28am 19 Spotted Deer and three Barking Deer at Tala Wila.
7.34am a Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.
7.52am 5 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
7.53am 2 Barking Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.24am observed and photographed a granite pillar with inscriptions between Karamba Kulama and Galge Viharaya.
PHOTO 6-7
8.35am the water level at Galge Vihara tank has reduced drastically but yet contains a fair amount of water. I photographed a row of holes made in to a granite boulder at this ancient tank.

8.58am 4 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Karamba Kulama.
9.41am one Elephant at Pomparippu pitiya.
9.45am a troop of dry zone Purple –faced Leaf Monkey at the Uththamadaru Bridge.
10.15am a Ruddy Mongoose crossed the road between Vellamundalama and Periya Uppu Villu.
10.48am the concrete pond built at Periya Villu has been filled by the DWC. I inspected three of such ponds built in close proximity to these water bodies, which are completely dry. Considering that there was no water anywhere near this location at the time it was built it was amazing to see that a few Skipper frogs Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis had already taken up residence in these newly built up ponds.
These will be a life - line to many species of animals during this severe drought.

10.55am I arrived at the water body at the turn off to Palugahathure referred to as the “Crocodile Pool” which is adjacent to Periya Naga Villu, which cannot be seen from the road. This pool has receded in size but still holds a fair amount of water to accommodate a number of Mugger Crocodiles. I counted 17 of these reptiles feasting on the fish trapped in this pool. The actual number must have been much more as I was only able to count the one’s which had their heads above the water. I noticed the absence of the largest of the Crocodiles that I had observed in this pool when it was full of water. Across the water were a number of large burrows dug in to the bank. The larger individuals may have taken refuge in these burrows, as they are known to do during the dry season, until the rains in October. There was a herd of 17 Spotted Deer resting in the shade of a “Mila Tree”. As I watched two Barking Deer, a mother and its doe, arrived at the water hole to drink. A male Night Heron, in full breeding plumage, was probing the water with its beak from the water edge. The bird holds its mandibles slightly parted during the search. As I watched the bird, perhaps accidentally, it jabbed a small mugger Crocodile that sprung at the bird with its mouth wide opened mostly in protest. The alarmed bird flew off to fish at another location.

1.36pm a troop of about 15 Purple-faced Leaf Monkey between the 31st and 30th Km posts, just outside the park.

The water resources Board has built a large reservoir, which receives water from a canal built from Kala Oya above the causeway. It has been filled with water two weeks ago. The main purpose of building this tank is to provide water up to Chilaw. This large lake and the canal will also be a great asset to the people and the wildlife in the area particularly during the dry months.

2.22pm 2 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at the first culvert from the park entrance.
2.46pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte.
3.24pm 7 Wild Buffalo and 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila which is reduced to a small pool.
3.27pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.34pm 57 Spotted Deer and five Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila.
3.35pm a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
3.55pm 2 small Mugger Crocodiles at Maila Wala.
4.06pm 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
4.17pm an adult male Sambhur and two Mugger Crocodiles at Mahapatessa.
4.18pm a pair of Common Kingfisher perched on a dried up branch permitted me to take a few images.

4.43pm an Elephant feeding on, what appeared to be water plants, at Kudapatessa.

4.48pm 6 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
4.45pm a Brown Fish Owl perched on a low branch at Kokkare Villu upper road.

5.47pm 22 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
5.02pm 1 Spotted Deer between Nelum and Panikkar Villu.
5.10pm a Barking Deer at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
5.15pm 52 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
5.45pm 5 Spotted Deer between Pomparippu and Uththamadaru Bridge.
5.55pm left the park.
6.15pm 2 Elephants on Gange Wadiya road.

19th August 2017
5.55am entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M. Wasantha
6.00am a sounder of 6 Wild Boar at Moolakandweli.
6.03am 12 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.20am 27 Spotted Deer, 2 Golden Jackal and 12 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
6.45am a Sloth Bear on the Galge Vihara road between Karambakulama and the stone inscription pillar.
7.04am 2 Ruddy Mongooses at Galge Viharaya.
7.20am the wild flower referred to as the Beautiful Crinum Crinum zeylanicum in bloom between the stone inscription pillar and Galge Viharaya.

7.35am 3 Spotted Deer and an adult male Wild Boar close to the Tala Wila bungalow.
7.55am we stopped to have breakfast while watching the animals at Tala Wila and were lucky to see a male Sloth Bear walk down from the edge of the forest to drink. Having reached the water’s edge the Bear spent less than a minute to quench its thirst and walked back to the forest as quickly as it appeared.
I once watched a Bear drink at Thammanna Wala where the animal finished drinking so soon that I was only able to get two images before it started its walk back to the forest.  Unlike Leopards that take more than a 6 to 7 minutes to drink the Sloth Bear will not spend more than a minute to finish. The difference is in the manner they take in water. The Leopards lap up water with a backward curled tongue. Thus only a very small quantity of water will enter the mouth each time the animal dart its tongue and pull it back in to the mouth. Whereas the Bears use their tongues like a funnel to suck water in to the mouth which is instantly swallowed. Thus they are able to finish drinking quite fast.

8.10am 32 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.26am 6 Spotted Deer and a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo and one Golden Jackal at Kokkare Villu.
8.43am one Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
8.56am 2 Spotted Dee on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
9.05am 8 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
9.35am a troop of Northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Uththamadaru Bridge.
10.31am one Ruddy Mongoose ran across the road between Moolakandaweli and Uththamadaru Bridge.
10.53am a Ruddy Mongoose between Wellamundalama and Periya Uppu Villu.
11.01am another Ruddy Mongoose at Periya Uppu Villu.
11.26am one Ruddy Mongoose at Mailagan Motte.
11.31am I came across a bush by the road side between Periya Villu and Sinna Uppu Villu that was in bloom with maroon flowers. As I had not come across these flowers thus far in the park I photographed them to help me with identification later.

2.05pm the second culvert from park entrance a small Mugger Crocodile.
2.35am a sounder of 18 Wild Boar and 4 Barking Deer at Tala Wila.
2.46pm a well grown adult male Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.

2.52pm a Golden Jackal at Panikkar Villu. Considering that we had seen many Jackals today and this one seated facing us, I remarked to Wasantha that we should see Leopard before the end of day. As it is a belief in Wilpattu that if one sees a Golden Jackal moving towards your vehicle a leopard sighting is eminent.
3.00pm two Leopards at Aalam Villu. N 08.40158, E 079.95377
We drove down to Aalam Villu, which has completely dried up, and I started to survey the forest edge with my binoculars. To my sheer delight I spotted two leopards lying down at the edge of the forest across the dried up villu. One was a female and the other an adult male. Later upon examining the images I was able to identify the female as Panikkar Villu Female 2 PVFC 2. The male was about 6 years of age and this is my first sighting of this leopard. I named it Aalam Villu Male 2 AVM 2.
Even though we did not observe mating I suspected them to be a mating pair. In a few minutes the female moved in to the forest and the male was fast asleep. After about 12 minutes the male rolled over and in the process detected the presence of my vehicle. It looked in our direction and moved quickly in to the forest. We decided to do a short park round and come back to give the animals time to move back in to the open.

3.30pm 12 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
3.33pm 2 Spotted Deer at Panikkar  Villu junction.
The wild flower referred to as the Beautiful Crinum Crinum zeylanicum in bloom at Panikkar Villu sand patch.
3.44pm a sounder of 6 Wild Boar digging up the soft mud at Nelum Wila.
3.51pm 6 Spotted Deer and a first year Crested Hawk Eagle at Nelum Wila pitiya. In all probability this is the same immature eagle that I had photographed as a nest ling in its nest and leaving the nest.  The eagle was perched in the same tree where the nest is found. I have observed at Walas Wala and Aalam Villu that the immature Crested Hawk Eagles spend the first year close to where they are born.

4.04pm one Elephant, two Mugger Crocodiles and 5 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
4.10pm two male Sambhur antlers and one female lying down at the edge of water at different locations at Mahapatessa. One male darted in to the forest upon our arrival.
4.11pm 3 Spotted Deer and 2 large Mugger Crocodiles at Demata Wila.
4.44pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
5.00pm we arrived at Aalam Villu and spotted the two leopards close to where they were seen earlier. The male was asleep sprawled on the soft sand and the female was by him but quite alert. Having looked in our direction for few minutes the female moved under a bush where she was partly visible. The male was oblivious to the arrival of our vehicle.  After a few minutes two other vehicles arrived and the male looked in our direction and moved close to where the female was seated.
5.24pm then both of them walked together in to the thicket and out of sight. This time I was able to get better images of them.

5.24pm while were observing the two leopards I was alerted by the Spotted Deer and a few Grey Langur alarm calls from the direction of Panikkar Villu. Suspecting the presence of the leopard I decided to go look for the cause of alarm.
5.27pm one Leopard at Panikkar Villu.  N 08.39491, E 079.95237
We drove in to Panikkar Villu from Aalam Villu and noticed the Spotted Deer barking out alarm calls while looking in one direction. The Leopard had been drinking and as we spotted it started to walk back to the forest. As the water level of the villu has reduced the leopard had to walk a longer distance to reach the edge of the water and back.  I managed to get a few images of the animal as it walked back to the forest ignoring the frantic alarm calls of the Deer and the Grey Langurs. Later upon examination of the spot and rosette patter of its left flank I was able to identify it as the Kombansanchaipooval Female 1 KSPF 1.

5.43pm one Leopard close to Pilli Motte. N 08.37337, E 079.89604
I was only able to get a few images as the leopard moved in to the forest through the foliage. It was on the edge of the road but unfortunately was disturbed by the vehicle in front, which moved too close. It was a male but I was not able to get adequately clear images to identify the animal.

5.51pm a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.01pm left the park.
20th August 2017
6.01am entered the park from Eluwankulama with guide D.M.Wasantha.
6.02am a small Mugger Crocodile at the first broken bridge.
6.04am 5 Spotted Deer at Moolakandaweli.
6.10am asunder of 12 Wild Boar at Pallakandal Pitiya.
6.11am 2 Sambhur trotted across the plains and crossed the road ahead of the vehicle at Pallekandal pitiya.
6.16am a Sloth Bear between Pallekandal pitiya and Pilli Motte.
6.31am 28 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
6.37am a barking Deer and a Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.38am 1 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.41am 21 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
7.19am troop of Grey Langur between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
7.25am a Ruddy Mongoose and a Black-naped Hare on Panikkar Villu upper road.
7.36am a sounder of 15 Wild Boar and a troop of Grey Langur at Tala Wila.
7.41am a Sloth Bear between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte. The Bear walked on to the road from the right and as I stopped the vehicle moved quickly in to the forest.
8.58am one Spotted Deer arrived at the water hole at Pilli Motte.
9.11am the Spotted Deer was quite cautious and looked in all directions but could not gather enough interest to drink.

9.55am 4 Spotted Deer, a troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey at Uththamadaru Bridge.
2.35pm arrived at Pilli Motte to stay till 5.45pm expecting a leopard to arrive.
4.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose arrived at the water hole.
5.00pm another Ruddy Mongoose drank at the water hole.
5.20pm a White-bellied Sea Eagle flew down and drank at he water hole.
5.45pm left the water hole to arrive at the park entrance by 6.00pm
6.01pm left the park.

27th July 2017 I visited the Holambalagama Tank around 5.15pm. The water in this tank has reduced to a few deep pools. One Elephant arrived at the lakeshore. Hundreds of Orange-breasted Green Pigeons were seen perched on the trees growing on the bund. Wave after wave of these birds would fly down to drink along with Green Imperial Pigeons.

28th July 2017
6.04am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.12am an Adult male Wild Boar at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.14am 6 Lesser Adjutants, seven Spot-billed Pelicans at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.24am one Wild Buffalo at Divulgas Mandiya.
6.27am a Barking Deer at Palu Kola Wala.
6.30am a Black-naped Hare between Palu Kola Wala and Sohon Pitiya.
6.36am a Black-naled Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
6.38am 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.46am 2 Sambhur, a mother and a sub adult drinking at Humbas Wala.

7.00am 15 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.04am a Sloth Bear walked towards our vehicle between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila. It looked an old male with a number of wounds on its head.

7.06am a large mixed flock of about 400 water birds including Painted Storks, Lesser Adjutants, White Ibis and Egrets picking up the fish trapped at Thimbiri Wila where the water level is quite low.

7.23am a sounder of 18 Wild Boar at Demata Wila.
7.25am a Barking Deer at Demata Wila.
7.36am 4 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval. This water body is reduced to two small pools of water, which may dry up completely in about two weeks.
7.37am 10 Spotted Deer, two Mugger Crocodiles and a troop of Grey Langur at Mahapatessa.
7.43am a sounder of about 15 Wild Boar at Kudapatessa.
7.44am 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Kudapatessa.
7.48am a Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi  junction.
7.49am a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo grazing on dried up grass at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.55am 6 Spotted Deer at Ilanda Motte.
8.13am a Sloth Bear between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu. This looked a young animal. The Bear darted in to the forest upon seeing the vehicle.
8.19am an adult male Wild Buffalo between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuan Villu.
9.05am 37 Spotted Deer, 5 Barking Deer and 6 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.

9.15am one Collared Dove at Kaali Villu.

9.25am 49 Spotted Deer, a Barking Deer and a sounder of Wild Boar at Mara Wila.
9.33am a Rapacious Flangetail (Dragonfly) at Mara Wila.

9.38am 4 Spotted Deer between Mara Wila and Kaali Villu.
10.14am a Spotted Deer, Mugger Crocodile and a troop of Grey Langur at Mana Wila.
10.45am a Barking Deer at Kuruttupandi Junction.
10.55am 2 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
10.56am 3 Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
11.30am one Leopard at Borupan Wila. N 08.42701, E 080.02008 We drove from Thimbiri Wila and as we entered Borupan Wila spotted a Leopard walking away from the water with a number of Painted Storks following it. Distance between the birds and the leopards was not more than 15 feet. The leopard, Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2) walked hurriedly and the birds followed her until she disappeared in to the forest. After the Leopard disappeared in to the forest the Painted Storks walked back to the water. It was a very brief sighting of less than a minute.

11.40am 7 Lesser Adjutant, 35 Painted Storks and 27 White Ibis at Borupan Wila.
11.45am 3 Barking Deer at Viranda Wila which has dried up completely.
11.56am a small herd of 4 Elephants between Borupan junction and Sudu Muwa Wala.
12.10pm we arrived at Maila Wala, which contains a fair amount of water. As I tuned off the engine I was overwhelmed by the calls of what must have been at least 500 Black-capped Bul Buls. The location was reverberating with the continuous calls of these birds. They were flying in form all directions to drink.

12.33am a male Grey Langur between Borupan Junction and Kumbuk Wila.
12.47pm troop of Grey Langur on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
1.21pm 2 Spotted Deer and a Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
2.41pm 11 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
2.55pm 4 Spotted Deer and a flock of 17 Spot-billed Pelican at Nelum Wila.

3.02pm 4 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
3.11pm a Barking Deer at Borupan Junction.
3.19pm 3 Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
3.21pm 1 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
3.49pm Black-capped Bul Buls drinking at Divulgas Mandiya.

4.01pm Three male Indian Peafowl drank at Divulgas Mandiya.

4.05pm a Ruddy Mongoose drinking at Divulagas Mandiya.
4.20pm 3 Barking Deer drinking at Divulgas Mandiya.
6.00pm one Leopard at Divulgas Mandiya. N 08.35962, E 080.10841
A number of vehicles were parked at this location as leopards have been seen at this locality during the past few days in the evenings. At 5.55pm we spotted a leopard behind some foliage. It appeared to be a young female and did not move in to the open. After a few minutes the leopard moved back in to the forest. I managed to get a few images of the animal and having examined the images estimated its age to be around 1 year and six months. This is my first sighting of this animal and I named it Divulgas Mandiya Female 1 (DGMF 1)

6.17pm 8 White-necked Storks, 3 Lesser Adjutants and 30 Painted Storks at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.25pm a troop of Grey Langur at the park entrance.
6.29pm left the park.
6.35pm 26 Elephants, including a small Tusker, walking towards the pools of water at Hunuwilagama Tank.

29th July 2017
6.05am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake
6.10am 2 Spotted Deer at Weli Ela.
6.42am One Leopard at Thambi Oluwa. N 08.38267, E080.06187
I noticed that a vehicle is parked close to Thambi Oluwa water hole and we observed a leopard on the road ahead of the vehicle. I approached at very low speed and stopped the engine. Upon seeing a Sloth Bear at a distance the leopard moved to the left edge of the road sat down and watched it for some time. The Bear did not show any signs of being alerted by the leopard and kept on advancing while sniffing the ground off and on. When the distance from the Bear was about 15-20 feet the leopard walked across the road very slowly in to the forest. I was fortunate enough to get the leopard and the Sloth Bear in one frame. Upon examining the images I noted that the leopard was Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2)

7.43am a Sloth Bear at Thambi Oluwa. The Bear remained on the road for some time after the leopard had left.

7.23am a Barking Deer at Walas Wala.
7.25am 27-Spotted Deer Borupan Wila.
7.31am seven Lesser Adjutants and one adult male Wild Boar at Thimbiri Wila.
7.40am One Leopard at Mahapatessa. N 08.43077, E080.00390
We proceeded from Thimbiri Wila towards Mahapatessa and I noticed pugmarks of a leopard walking towards the water body.  As I drove down to the edge of water at Mahapatessa a leopard was spotted to the right. It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). The young female leopard walked along the edge of the water and drank. Having drunk its fill she moved further away. A troop of Grey Langur was alreted by the alarm calls of a Barking Deer and started to give out alarm calls. Then the leopard moved in to the forest.

7.56am 2 Spotted Deer and a Wild Boar at Demata Wila.
8.12am one Adult male Sambhur at Eriyakkulampooval.

8.25am eleven Wild Buffalo and one Wild Boar at Kudapatessa.
9.22am a Leopard between Mahapatessa and Thimbiri Wila.
9.46am 4 Barking Deer, 6 Lesser Adjutant and about 250 Painted Storks at Borupan Wila.
10.07am a Barking Deer at Ibba Wala.
10.10am 9 Spotted Deer at Thambioluwa.
10.16am 15 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.24am 12 Spotted Deer and 7 Mugger Crocodiles at Maradanmaduwa tank.
10.25am 9 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.57am a troop of Grey Langur on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
10.59am another troop of grey Langur at on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
11.36am a pair of Ceylon Swallow nesting at Maha Wewa bungalow.
11.44am 81 Wild Buffalo, 2 Barking Deer, 14 Spoonbills and a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.

11.51am a troop of Grey Langur on Maha Wewa to Thammanna Wala.
12.04pm a Barking Deer at Thammanna Wala.
12.10pm 2 Spotted Deer, one Elephant, a troop of Grey Langur, a Barking Deer, six Lesser Adjutants, three White-necked Storks and a few Painted Storks at Percy Bendi Wewa.

12.15pm a sounder of 14 Wild Boar at Ranawara Pitiya.
12.17pm 12 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
12.38pm one Wild Buffalo and a small flock of Little Minivets at Palu Kola Wala.
12.53pm a Blue-faced Malkoha at Maradanmaduwa.
1.00pm 4 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
1.09pm 3 Sambhur and a troop of grey Langur drinking at Walas Wala.
1.15pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
1.23pm 3 Sambhur and a single adult male Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
2.07pm one Elephant at Mahapatessa.
2.16pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.35pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Panikkar Villu junction and Aalam Villu.
3.45pm 3 Barking Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
3.52pm 3 Spotted Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
4.10pm one Wild Buffalo at Nelum Wila pitiya.
4.27pm a sounder of 5 Wild Boar at Thimbiri Wila.
4.37pm 12 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
4.38pm one Black-naped Hare at Demata Wila.
4.41pm 2 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 6 Wild Boar at Lunu Wila.
4.45pm 7 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Mahapatessa.
4.48pm 5 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
4.50pm 7 Spotted Deer and 2 Sambhur at Mahapatessa.
5.11pm an adult male Sambhur at Borupan Wila. The animal had an injury on its shoulder and was limping.

5.15pm one leopard at Borupan Wila. N 08.42695, E 080.02007
We arrived at Borupan Wila from Thimbiri Wila and spotted a Sambhur antler lying at the edge of the water. After a few minutes a Barking Deer made a few alarm calls and the Sambhur stood up and started looking in the direction of the forest intently. The raised tail and stamping the ground indicated that the animal had detected the presence of a Leopard.  The Painted Storks moved out of the water and walked in the direction of the forest edge as well. In less than a minute a Leopard emerged from the forest edge and lay down under a bush. Even though the Sambhur was injured the leopard did not show any interest but was alerted by the arrival of a Barking Deer. The female Leopard, later identified as Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2) stalked and charged the Barking Deer but the small herbivore managed to escape while making a few frantic alarm calls. When the leopard stood up the Painted Storks that walked in the direction of the leopard flew off instantly and perched about 30 feet away form the leopard. We left the leopard, as we had to reach the park entrance by 6.30pm.

5.37pm a Sambhur at Walas Wala.
5.39pm one Barking Deer between Walas Wala and Humbas Wala.
5.43pm one Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.52pm one Barking Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.02pm one black-naped Hare at Palu Kola Wala.
6.27pm left the park.
30th July 2017
5.06am on the way to the park entrance one Star Tortoise on the road at Wanamalgama.
6.01am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.11am one Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paluwilandawa junction.
6.12am 7 Spotted Deer at Paluwilandawa junction.
6.20am one Leopard at Divulgas Mandiya. N 08.35962, E 080.10841
The Leopard was lying at the edge of the water hole. She remained for about two minutes and walked in to the forest upon the arrival of a second vehicle. Upon examining the spot pattern I noted that this is the Divulgas Mandiya Female 1 (DGMF 1).

6.25am one Golden Jackal between Sohon Pitiya and Maradanmaduwa.
6.34am one Sloth Bear between Maradanmaduwa and Thambioluwa.
6.43am a Barking Deer at Humbas Wala.
6.47am 2 Barking Deer at Walas Wala.
6.56am 1 Spotted Deer, 2 Wild Boar and a Barking Deer at Maila Wala.
6.57am another Wild Boar between Maila Wala and Maila Wewa.
7.02am a Ruddy Mongoose between Maila Wala and Sudu Muwa Wala.
7.05am a Parker’s Black Turtle walking towards Sudu Muwa Wala at Borupan Junction.
7.11am 5 Spotted Deer, 18 Lesser Adjutant and a sounder of 13 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila. This is the highest number of Lesser Adjutants I have seen at one location any where in the country so far.
7.16am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar at Thimbiri Wila.
7.24am one Sambhur at Mahapatessa.
7.36am a Red Shank at Demata Wila.
7.45am 5 Spotted Deer, a Mugger Crocodile and one Wild Boar at Kudapatessa.
7.55am a Ruddy Mongoose between Illanda Motte and Kumutu Villu.
8.42am 9 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 8 Wild Boar, a Barking Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Mana Wila.
9.06am 15 Spotted Deer and 12 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
9.15am 38 Spotted Deer, a Barking Deer and a sounder of 11 Wild Boar at Mara Wila.
9.46am a Barking Deer, 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Kaali Villu.
9.50am a Pied Kingfisher perched at the edge of water at Kaali Villu. This species is seldom seen inside Wilpattu.

10.36am 1 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.37am a Barking Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
11.30am one Spotted Deer and a Wild Buffalo at Nelum Wila. This water body is now reduced to two large pools of water.
11.31am 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
11.33am 2 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
11.34am 1 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
11.58am a Barking Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose at Maila Wala.
12.20pm a Brown-headed Barbet perched on an exposed branch permitted me to get some good images.

12.36pm 6 Spotted Deer accompanies by a troop of Grey Langur at Ibba Wala.
1.05pm from Maradanmaduwa proceeded to Moragollawa where an enclosure has been built by the side of this road.  GPS reading OF Moragollawa  N 08.39709, E080.09013

1.53pm a White-spotted Chevrotain (mouse Deer) at Maradanmaduwa.
4.14pm 4 Spotted deer at Maila Wewa.
4.47pm a Barking Deer at Maila Wala.
5.00pm 2 Spotted Deer drank at Maila Wala.
5.10pm two Barking Deer drank at Maila Wala.
5.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose arrived at the edge of the water body and drank at Maila Wala.
5.15pm another Barking Deer drank at Maila Wala.
5.29pm one Leopard at Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42439, E 080.01178
We drove down to Thimbiri Wila from Kumbuk Wila and spotted the leopard at the edge of the water body. We arrived in the nick of time as the leopard was stalking some prey and moved in to the forest permitting me to get only a few images. Upon examining the images I note that it is Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2).

5.32pm 1 Spotted Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Borupan junction.
5.47pm 13 Spotted Deer between Thambioluwa and Maradanmaduwa.
5.54pm one adult male Sambhur antler at Sohon pitiya water hole.
6.04pm one Elephant between Divulgas Mandiya and Thammanna Wala.
6.25pm left the park.
The butterflies Crimson Rose, Common Mormon, a single Blue Wanderer and a Leopard seen during this field trip.

8.31am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
8.46am at Percybendi Wewa 12 Spotted Deer and one Barking Deer.
10.05am a Black Eagle circling above the canopy between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
10.27am wild orchid Vanda tessellate in bloom on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.

10.39am 14 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
11.07am two Barking Deer and a troop of Grey Langur drinking at Sudu Muwa Wala. Two White-necked Storks picking up life that is left in this receding pool.
11.15am a Barking Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.02pm a lone bull Elephant at Tala Wila.
12.12pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
12.25pm another Rudddy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
12.45pm a Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
1.24pm six Lesser Adjutants along with many Painted Storks, a few Spotted-billed Pelicans, Grey and Purple Herons and Egrets and at Nelum Wila.
1.31pm a Grey Heron with a freshly caught fish was chased by a White-bellied Sea Eagle until it dropped the fish, which was ceased in an instant by the raptor at Nelum Wila pitiya.

1.33pm a troop of Grey Langur came down to drink at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
1.44pm a Sambhur at Kokkare Villu.
2.14pm one Mouse Deer between Downall Pitiya and Illanda Motte.
2.36pm a Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
2.38am a Spotted Deer accompanied by a troop of Grey Langur between Mahapatessa and Eriyakkulampooval.
2.45pm 8 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Demata Wila.
3.12pm wild orchid Vanda spathulata in bloom at Kumbuk Wila.
3.16pm 2 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
3.17pm a male Malabar Pied Hornbill at Mahapatessa.

3.39pm a Sloth Bear on the road between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
4.43pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Andaragollawa road.
5.03pm 15 Spotted Deer and 9 Wild Buffalo at Andaragollawa Tank.

6.09pm a sub adult Sambhur at Percybendi Wewa.
6.20pm left the park.

9th July 2017
6.15am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake
6.22am 2 Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose at Percybendi Wewa.
6.33am 3 Wild Boar at Divulgas Mandiya
6.35am a Balck-naped Hare and two White-necked Stork at Palu Kola Wala.
6.40am 2 Barking Deer at the man made pond between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.44am 10 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.59am 8 Mote Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.03am a Sloth Bear between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa.
7.15am one Elephant at Thambi Oluwa
7.35am 12 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
7.57am 6 Adjutants and 42 Painted Storks along with other water birds at Nelum Wila.
8.07am 3 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
8.09am a sounder of 8 Wild Boar and 4 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.16am 9 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
9.13am a Barking Deer and a lone bull Elephant at Tala Wila. He carefully selects the Sedge Plants among the water lilies with its trunk to feed.

9.23am an Indian Nightjar with two tiny chicks at Tala Wila.

9.27am Grey Langur and Toque Monkey drinking at Tala Wila.
9.39am a Barking Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
9.43am an immature Golden Jackal at Panikkar Villu.
9.58am a Barking Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.13am herd of 10 Wild Buffalo at Kuruttupandi.

11.15am about 30 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
11.20am a Barking Deer at Kaali Villu.
11.42am 6 Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Illanda Motte.
11.59am troop of Grey Langur at Mahapatessa.
12.17pm 4 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
12.18pm an Elephant at Mahapatessa Demata Wila road.
12.31pm 2 Barking Deer at Lunu Wila.
12.12.42am the Elephant we observed earlier had moved down to Mahapatessa to drink.

1.24pm a Spotted Deer and a Barking Deer drinking at Viranda Wala (formally referred to as Boradiya Wala).
1.39pm a Barking Deer between Sudu Muwa Wala and Maila Wala.
2.36pm one Spotted Deer sprinted across the road between Thambi Oluwa and Maradanmaduwa.
2.45pm 14 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.11pm troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
3.14pm 12 Mugger Crocodiles at Maradanmaduwa tank.

3.31pm 2 Spotted Deer on Maradanmaduwa Maha Wewa road.
4.00pm a Barking Deer and 4 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
4.13pm a Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
4.20pm a Mugger Crocodile at Demata Wila.
4.23pm 3 Spotted Deer at Lunu Wila.
4.24pm another Barking Deer at Demata Wila.
4.40pm a sounder of 15 Wild Boar moved hurriedly in to the forest at Kudapatessa. A Mugger Crocodile at the waters edge.

4.47pm a sounder of 7 Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
4.50pm a male Common Kingfisher perched on a dried up stick by a receding pool at Eriyakkulampooval.

5.25pm a Black-naped Hare at Madangaha Wala.
5.47pm an Elephant between Humbas Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.

5.46am 2 Spotted Deer between Eluwankulama and Kala Oya.
5.55am entered the park from Eluwankulama entrance with guide D.M. Wasantha.
6.02am a Ruddy Mongoose between park entrance and Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.05am two Brown Fish Owls, a troop of 8 Northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.11am 2 Sambhur, adult male antler and a sub adult, at Pallekandal pitiya. They sprinted across the open plains.
6.34am 29 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
6.36am a Lesser Adjutant at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.40am 8 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
7.06am 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.07am a Black-naped Hare at Nelum Wila.
6.27am 2 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
7.55am 5 Spoonbills, 4 Painted Storks, 2 White-necked Storks and a few Large, median and Little Egrets feeding on the fish trapped at Borupan Pitiya Wala.

7.54am 29 Spotted Deer, 2 White-necked Stork and 4 Lesser Adjutants at Borupan Wila.
8.03am a lone male Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila.
8.27am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila
 8.39am 2 Indian Three-toed Kingfisher flew across the road ahead of the vehicle between Borupan junction and Borupan Wila.
9.50am one adult Crested Hawk Eagle was in a nest with a Loris in its talons, feeding its well grown immature at Nelum Wila pitiya. I observed this nest once a month from April this year. The adult while feeding the chick fed as well. While the adult was in the nest the chick called out continuously the adult called out intermittently. After finishing the prey the adult flew off the nest.

10.13am 1 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
10.15am at Panikkar Villu the number of Spotted Deer that was 8 had now increased to 30.
11.05am set off on foot with armed DWC officers from Eluwankulama office to reach an archeological site referred to as Veli Vehera.  (This is possible as I have been granted a research permit from the DWLC which enables me to be on foot inside the park with DWC guards). This ancient site is situated about 2 km from the Eluwankulama office. As there is no clear road to the site we had to take animal tracks and creep through thorny bushes to reach the location. When we arrived at the location I was thrilled to see that parts of the perimeter wall of this ancient pagoda (Chaithyaya) was still intact. As with many unprotected archeological sites in the jungles of Sri Lanka, the pagoda had been dug in to by treasure hunters. The area around the pagoda (Maluwa) had been paved with granite slabs. There were two sitting posture Buddha statutes but the heads have been destroyed.  Part of the steps to reach the pagoda, granite slabs to offer flowers and granite structures to drain water from the compound were seen at the location. I was please to have visited this ancient site as even during the comprehensive study that was conducted by the LUCN in 2006 the team had not been able to trace this site. (Resource Inventry of Wilpattu National Park – the Final Report – World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka December 2006.) GPS reading of Veli Vehera  N 08.30487, E079, 89754.

12.02pm I was pleased to find fresh Leopard droppings close to Weli Vehera.
12.10pm a large troop of Grey Langur between Veli Vehera and Eluwankulama DWC office.
12.25pm having reached the Eluwankulam office I started the game drive with guide Wasantha. One Mugger Crocodile at the first culvert from the park entrance.
1.05pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Kollankanatte road.
2.12pm 21 Wild Buffalo at Mila Villu.  The Buffalos were at the natural water hole which is filled by the DWC. Mila Villu has completely dried up.

2.25pm Kaya, Paya and Avatara Motte have completely dried up.
2.31pm 11 Spotted Deer, a Mugger Crocodile and a Parker’s Black Turtle at Mara Villu. Even though the water level has reduced this water body still holds a fair amount of water.
2.44pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
Kanjuran Villu has completely dried up. Kumutu Vilu contains a fair amount of water.
3.18pm a male Sambur resting a short distance from the road between Kuruttupandi junction and Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.40pm 4 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
3.56pm we drove from Mahapatessa and were on our way to Kokkare sand dune. As we drove past Kudaptessa I heard the alarm calls of a few Red Wattle Lapwings and Black-winged Stilts and stopped to check. I also noticed a few White Ibis, Black-winged Stilts and Egrets flying off. As we drove down to Kudapatessa I noticed that the alarm was caused by an adult male Sambhur that had walked in to the Villu. The Sambhur looked majestic with its fine pair of antlers. He walked along the edge of the water for some distance with an eager Cattle Egret following it, and lay down on the soft mud. Almost immediately two Common Mynas flew in to settle down on his antlers. On another part of this scenic water body two Mugger Crocodiles were basking in the evening sun at the water’s edge.

4.11pm 2 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
4.15pm a troop of Grey Langur drinking at Kumbuk Wila.
4.25pm 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
 4.47pm 2 Barking Deer between Mila Wala and Maila Wewa.
5.06pm a herd of 5 Elephants with a tiny calf between Mila Wewa and Nelum Wila.
4.29pm a lone Wild Boar drinking at Nelum Wila.
5.36pm 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
5.40pm one Elephant and a sounder of 9 Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
 6.02pm one Leopard at Pilli Motte.  N 08.37422, E079.89581. It was on the road and was walking towards the water hole. I managed to get a few images before the animal moved off the road. It was a young male and I estimated its age to be around 2 years. We waited for it to come back to the road but as there were two other jeeps behind me I had to move forward to the place where the leopard moved off the road. It was seated among the bushes few feed from the road. I managed to get a few images of the animal and drove off to permit the people in the two vehicles behind me also to have a look. Upon examining its spot pattern I identified the leopard as Pilli Motte Leopard 1, which is listed on my site under “Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest”. This is my first sighting of this leopard. I named it Pilli Motte Male 1 (PMM 1).

6.20pm left the park.
24th June 2017
 5.50am entered the park from Eluwnkulama with guide D.M. Wasantha
5.57am 6 Mugger Crocodiles at Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.03am one Ruddy Mongoose between Pallekandal pitiy and Pilli Motte.
6.21am 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
6.22am a Barking Deer at Tala Wila.
6.25am one Barking Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.26am 12 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 10 Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu.
6.30am 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
7.00am one Sambhur at Nelum Wila.
7.14am 4 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi junction and Kudapatessa.
7.37am 5 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila.
7.38am 7 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant at Thimbiri Wila.
7.40am 8 Spotted Deer and 3 Lesser Adjutants at Borupan Wila.
7.45am one Barking Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.46am 2 more Barking Deer between Lunu Wewa junction and Borupan Pitiya.
8.38am one Barking Deer at Kokkare Villu upper road.
841am I was please to see that the crested Hawk Eagle Chick that I photographed being fed yesterday had left the nest. It was perched on a tree close to the nest.

9.25am 23 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu, including the leucistic (lighter coloured) male.

9.36am 25 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
9.42am one adult male Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
9.43am two Barking Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Tala Wila.
9.57am troop of Grey Langur between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
10.14am a Ruddy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
10.25am 9 Spotted Deer between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
10.43am 2 Sambhur and 5 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
11.06am troop of Grey Langur between Mila Wewa and Nelum Wila.
11.23 a Barking Deer between Kuruttupndi junction and Kudapatessa.
11.25am 1 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
11.42am a Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
11.45am one Barking Deer at Mahapatessa.
12.01pm a Painted –lip Lizard Calotes ceylonensis and a Lesser Adjutant at Demata Wila.
 2.40pm 6 Mugger Crocodiles at Nelum Wila.
3.15pm one Elephant walked in to Nelum Wila. After drinking his fill he started to feed on the water plants.

4.48pm 7 Spotted Deer on Panikkar Villu upper road.
4.52pm one Lesser Adjutant at Kombansanchaipooval.
5.03pm a barking Deer between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
5.15pm a Leopard on the road at Pilli Motte. Unfortunately for me the animal moved in to the forest before I was able to take any photographs.
6.19pm one Elephant at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.30pm left the park.
25th June 2017
5.55am entered the park with guide D.M.Wasantha.
5.51am 5 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the first culvert.
 5.58am two Brown Fish Owl and one small Mugger Crocodile at the first culvert.
6.05am one Elephant at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.07am 4 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.25am a troop of Grey Langur between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
6.27am one Ruddy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
6.30am 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila
6.33am one Lesser Adjutant at Kombansanchaipooval.
6.54am 2 Spotted Deer drinking at Nelum Wila.
7.00am a Leopard on Kokkare Villu upper road. Having detected the pugmarks I realized that they were quite fresh. We followed the pugmarks at minimum speed and came upon the Leopard walking ahead of us. Unfortunately the shy animal moved off the road before I was able to get any images. I drove ahead and waited for about 10 minutes expecting the Leopard to come back on to the road but had no luck.  It looked like a sub adult female.
7.25am one Wild Boar at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.39am having observed fresh pug marks from Ilandamotte I drove slowly and spotted a Leopard walking in the direction of Downall pitiya. It was a big male.  Unfortunately I only managed to get a few images of it walking away from us.

8.26am 2 Elephants between Downall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
8.58am 12 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Kumutu Villu.
9.27am a Barking Deer between Illanda Motte and Manikrala Uraniya.
9.30am a sounder of 10 Wild Boar between Illanda Motte and Manikrala Uraniya.
9.51am 4 Spotted Deer, a Lesser Adjutant and a troop of Grey Langur Eriyakkulampooval.
10.04am a sounder of 9 Wild Boar with nine piglets digging the soft earth at the waters edge at Mahapatessa.

10.17am a Barking Deer at Kokkare sand dunes.
10.20am 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
10.26am a Barking Deer drinking at Kokkare Villu.
10.32am a Leopard cub of about 5 months close to Kokkare Villu junction. It was on the road for a few minutes and moved in to the forest towards Kokkare Villu. As the leopard did not come back on to the road I moved forward and spotted it on a Weera tree about 15 feet from the road. It was hardly visible. After a few minutes the young leopard pounced on an Indian Palm Squirrel but failed to succeed. Thereafter she climbed down and moved in to the forest. This is my first sighting of this female cub. Having examined the images taken by some other visitors I was able to identify this leopard as one of the cubs seen at Nelum Wila. I named it Nelum Wila Female 3 (NWFC 3).

11.55am one male Wild Boar ran across the road between Manikkapola uttu and Kumutu Villu
12.42pm 4 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
12.50pm a Sambhur between Herath Hamy Wala and Kattarambu Villu.
2.08pm six Mugger Crocodiles at kuda Mara Wila.
2.19pm 63 Spotted Deer and 19 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
2.42pm a male Wild Boar at Manikkapolauttu.
3.20pm a Barking Deer on Manikkapolauttu upper road.
4.12pm 4 Spotted Deer and 2 Mugger crocodiles at Kudapatessa.
4.35pm 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.41pm a Barking Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
5.00pm a leopard seated on the road at Kombansanchaipooval.
It was an adult female leopard. She was facing the opposite direction from the waterhole. I knocked off the engine and started to photograph the Leopard. A sound emanating from the water hole caught her attention and she moved instantly in that direction. I drove forward permitting the vehicle behind me to observe the leopard. In less than a minute noticed a terrified Wild Boar running away from the water hole. Having examined the images I identified this female as the Tala Wila Leopard 1 listed under the heading “Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest” on my site.  I named it Kombansanchaipooval Female 1 (KSPF 1).

5.05pm one Elephant at Tala Wila.
6.12pm an Elephant that was drinking at Uththamadaru Bridge was disturbed by our arrival and moved hurriedly while trumpeting.
6.28pm left the park.
Periya Villu, Mila Villu, Kanjuran Villu, Kaya Motte, Paya Mott end Avatara Motte has dried up completely.
As rains are not expected until early October I suspect that Nelum Wila, Manikkapolauttu, Borupan Wila, Kumutu Wila, Demata Wila, Lunu Wewa, Eriyakkulampooval, Thel Beepu Wewa, Thammanna Wala, Sudu Muwa Wala, Ilanda Motte and Kombansanchaipooval will completely dry up before the park received rains in early October. Thus it is paramount importance for the DWC to be ready with their water bourses to fill the manmade water holes throughout the park and conduct regular raids to keep the poaching to a minimal.
Tala Wila, Panikkar Villu, Galge Vihara Tank, Mahapatessa, Kudapatessa, Kaali Villu, Kokkare Villu, Mila Wewa, Kumbuk Wila, Mana Wila and Thimbiri Wila should hold a reasonable amount of water until the rains.
 Wild orchid’s Vanilla walkerae and Vanda tessellate and wild flowers Ehela &Fire Cracker Flowers in bloom. Some of the Weera trees still carry ripe berries but Palu season had come to an end. All the Madan trees have flowers and very young tiny fruits.
Despite the strong “Kachchan” winds that sweep across the park Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock and Red Spot Duke butterflies were also seen.

5.59am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.05am 7 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Ranawara pitiya.
6.07am 6 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya.
6.09am 9 Elephants at Percy Bendi Wewa.  5 were in a herd while the other 4 were lone males. The four male Elephants quickly moved in to the forest. The herd moved up to the bund after their drink permitting me to take a few images.

6.15am A Barking Deer between Paluwilandawa junction and Thamanna Wala.
6.17am 2 Spotted Deer between Paluwilandawa junction and Thamanna Wala.
6.26am 2 Golden Jackal trotting in our direction at between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.29am 7 Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.35am a Sloth Bear on the road at Maradanmaduwa. It was feeding on the ripe “Weera Berries” fallen on the ground. After a few minutes the curious animal crawled in to a concrete culvert and disappeared from sight. Making use of the opportunity I drove closer and positioned my vehicle and the camera expecting it to appear from the other end. As expected the Bear emerged looked in our direction permitting me to take a few images and walked in the direction of Ibba Wala.

6.52am the unmistakable call of the Orange Minivet at Maradanmaduwa. This is a seldom seen bird at Wilpattu.
7.17am 1 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
7.18am 4 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.24am 2 Spotted Deer at Thimibri Wila.
7.40am 9 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.47am a Large Cormorant at Kokkare Villu.
8.39am herd of 12 Wild Buffalo at Manikrala Uraniya.

8.43am 6 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Kumutu Villu which contained a reasonable amount of water.
8.56am 6 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu. This villu has almost dried up.
9.25am 10 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu junction.
9.30am 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
9.36am arrived at the Crested Hawk Eagle nest at the end of Nelum Wila pitiya. The chick had grown in to a fine young eagle. It was perched at the edge of the nest and flapped its wings indicating of taking its maiden flight soon.

9.52am 9 Spotted Deer and 1 Barking Deer at Aalam Villu.
10.04am a Barking Deer drinking at Kombansanchaipooval.
10.15am 2 Elephants at Tala Wila. They carefully select the grass like Sage Plants Sacciolepis indica growing among the water lilies with their trunks. After some time they moved in to the forest.

11.45am one Barking Deer between pilli Motte and Mannar road turn off.
11.50am having noticed that the water hole was almost devoid of water, I drove to the Eluwankulama office. The water bowser was dysfunctional. Thus with the permission of the DWC officers, arranged for a bowser to be brought to Pilli Motte. I’m thankful to DWC officers Seram, Aslam and the Tractor owner Kumara from Eluwankulama for facilitating this exercise.

12.24PM a dark morph Crested Honey Buzzard at Panikkar Villu.

1.15pm one Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte.
3.43pm a Barking Deer drank at Pilli Motte.

4.53pm another Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte.
4.55pm anther Barking Deer at Pilli Motte.
6.07pm one Sloth Bear between Pilli Motte and Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.19pm one Wild Boar between Uththamadaru Bridge and Eluwankulama park entrance.
Both Weera Drypetes sepiaria and Palu Manilkara hexandra trees were in fruit.

4th June 2017
6.23am entered the park with Guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.32am 5 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
6.35am one Mugger Crocodile at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.56am troop of Grey Langur at Kukul Katuwa junction on Maha Wewa road.
7.00am 6 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.08am 18 Spotted Deer, 127 Wild Buffalo, a Golden Jackal and Yellow Wattled Lapwing at Maha Wewa.

7.13am 27 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.21am a Grey-headed Fish Eagle feeding on a Thilapia Fish at Maha Wewa.

7.39am troop of Grey Langur feeding on ripe Palu Berries at Maha Wewa.
8.41am as we arrived at Thamanna Wala herd the rumbling calls of Elephants. There were fresh signs of Elephant at this water hole. They appear to have moved in to the forest just before we arrived.
Water level had reseeded at Thammanna Wala. I observed a Mugger Crocodile, Painted Stork, Brahminy Kite, and a Stork-billed Kingfisher preying on Fish trapped in this small water body.

an Indian Pond Heron perched on the edge of the water caught a fish that was killed and swallowed. The fish was later identified with the help of Mr. Nadika Hapuarachchi as a Carverii Rasbora/ Narrow line Rasbora Rasbora microcephalus

8.55am 12 Spotted Deer and herd of 17 Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
9.25am an endemic Painted-lip Lizard Caloted ceylonensis at Sudu Muwa Wala.

9.32am 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
9.45am one Leopard between Borupan and Thimbiri Wila. I was not able to photograph as it was lying inside the forest.
11.01am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila turn off and Madangaha Wala.
11.10am as I drove past Nelum Wila a large Dragonfly flew in to the vehicle and was trapped. After flying against the windscreen for some time the insect settled on the dashboard permitting me to take a few photos with my phone. I had seen a similar insect flying over the water at Panikkar villu and Kombansachaipooval but was never successful in photographing it as never settled down despite observing it for many hours. Thus I was never able to I identify this large insect. Later having examined the literature (DRAGONFLY FAUNA OF SRI LANKA: distribution and biology, with threat status of its endemics – Matjaz Bedjanic, Karen Conniff, Nancy van der Poorten & Ali Salamun) I was quite pleased to find that it is the Blue-eyed Pondcruiser Epophthalmia vittata, which is a rare endemic species.

11.21am 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
11.34am 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
11.35am one adult male Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
11.39am 7 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
12.30pm a Barking Deer at Pilli Motte.
12.37pm a Crested Serpent Eagle feeding on a large Centipede between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.

12.55pm 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Wila.
1.11pm 6 Spotted Deer Kokkare upper road.
1.14pm 6 Spotted Deer and a female Sambar at Kokkare upper road.
1.33pm 98 Painted Storks, 8 Lesser Adjutants and a large Mugger crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.

2.10pm one Leopard, Kudapatessa Female 1 (KPFC 1) at Mahapatessa. N 08.43070, E080.00392
We were on our way to Demata Wila when the Leopard was spotted across the water body. She drank for almost 8 minutes before walking back to the jungle. On the 28th of May this female was seen at Kokkare Villu with a cub of about 1 month.

12.57pm Madu trees Cycas circinalis beginning to bare fruits at Nelum Wila.

2.14pm an adult male Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
2.19pm a barking Deer between Kudapatessa and Kurutupandi junction.
2.36pm a Leopard ran across the road on Kumbuk Wila upper road. There was no time available for any photography.
3.00pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
4.34pm a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare villu and Kokkare sand dune.
5.26pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.29pm 6 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.33pm 1 Elephant at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
5.37pm a Barking Deer at Borupan Wila.
5.38pm a troop of Grey Langur at Borupan Wila.
6.20pm a Sloth Bear at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.28pm 1 Star Tortoise at the park entrance.
Wild orchids Vanda tessalata, Vanda spathulata and Vanilla walkerae was in bloom. Weera and Palu were in fruit.

2.46pm entered the park with my wife Dilki Gunawardena and Mrs. Tara Wickramanayake.
2.46pm 14 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
2.49pm 2 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
2.53pm a Sambhur crossed the road at Ranawara Pitiya
3.08pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala
3.23pm 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.32pm a Barking Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Ibba Wala.
3.33pm 4 Sambar at Ibba Wala.
3.47pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Walas Wala and Borupan junction.
3.58pm troop of Grey Langur at Boradiya Wala.
4.01pm 08 Spotted Deer and one Elephant at Borupan Wila.
4.02am 15 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
4.10pm 10 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
5.03pm 2 Wild Boar with two tiny piglets ran across the road between Kuruttupandi and Kokkare Junction. A Barking Deer was seen near by as well.
5.12pm White-winged Black Terns at Kokare Villu along with Whiskered Terns. Most were in breeding plumage.

5.19pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.24pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
5.25pm 1 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.30pm 39 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila.
5.47pm 3 Spotted Deer between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
6.09pm this area had received heavy rains and a Flapshell Turtle was seen in water that was flowing along the road
6.10pm one Sambhur at Palu Kola Wala.
6.25pm left the park.
11th May 217  
6.14am entered the park with Dr. Srinath Senevirathne.
6.26am 2 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
6.26am an adult male Wild Buffalo close to Palu Kola Wala.
6.39am the herd of nine wild buffalo, including the Dominant Bull, between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.40am 28 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.41am 32 Spotted Deer at “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa.
6.40am one Ruddy Mongoose on Ikirugollawa road.
7.21am one Barking Deer between Walas Wala and Borupan junction.
7.27am one Black-naped Hare at Borupan Wila.
7.28am a Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork and an Openbill feeding at Borupan Wila.

7.45am the nesting Great Stone Plover pair that was observed during my previous visits at Borupan Wila is still incubating.

8.48am the wild flower Ceylon Spider Lily in Bloom on Kumbuk Wila upper road
8.57am the adult and the chick were photographed at the Crested Hawk Eagle nest at Nelum Wila pitiya.

9.11am a troop of Grey Langur between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu
9.18am 6 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Aalam Villu.
9.22am 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar villu.
9.38am a Barking Deer at Tala Wila.
9.40am troop of Grey Langur between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
10.04am a Brown Fish Owl and a barking Deer at Pilli Motte.

10.41am photographed a Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.

11.07am 2 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
11.17am 5 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
11.25am the endemic Purple-faced Leaf Monkey between Ibba Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.

11.40am a Ruddy Mongoose at Palu Kola Wala.
11.49am 7 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
11.51am 2 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
12.01pm about 40 Whiskered Terns at Hunuwilagama Tank. Most were in different stages of acquiring their breeding plumage.

2.20pm 25 Spotted Deer at Hunuwilagama Tank
2.34pm 4 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
2.35pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Park Entrance and Ranawara pitiya.
3.14pm a troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey at Thambi Oluwa.
3.24pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala
3.31pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
3.35pm 2 Parkers Black Turtles at Boradiya Wala.
3.37pm 2 Spotted Deer and a Black-naped Hare at Borupan pitiya
3.44pm 15 Spotted Deer and a Black-naped Hare at Thimbiri Wila.
3.48pm a few Asiatic Golden Plover and Kentish plover at Thimbiri Wila.
3.53am one Sambhur and 2 Lesser Adjutant Storks ant Mahapatessa.
4.35pm 2 Sambhur, a mother with a sub adult between Borupan junction and Borupan Wila
4.43pm 8 Spotted Deer, 2 Black-naped Hare and 7 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
5.39pm a Black-naped Hare between Maradanmaduwa and Ikirigollawa large rocks
6.01pm 2 Sambhur between Maradanmaduwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.20pm left the park.
6.35pm having left the park we drove on the Hunuwilagama tank bund to get to our camp. While the villages were having their evening bath on one side of the tank a herd of 8 Elephants were drinking about 100 meters from them. The lakeshore had about 150 Spotted Deer.

12th May 2017
6.20am entered the park with my wife Dilki Gunawardena and Mrs. Tara Wickramanayake.
6.25am a Barking Deer between Weli Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
6.28am one Black-naped Hare at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.31am a Mugger Crocodile at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.42am two Ruddy Mongoose between Kala Gedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.43am the herd of 9 Wild Buffalo between Kala Gedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.44am a Mugger Crocodile in a burrow that has been dug in to the bund across the water body. I have observed crocodiles in this burrow on a few occasions during previous years as well.

7.01am a troop of Grey Langur between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa
7.28am one Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila upper road sand patch.
7.35am 8 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.40am a Grey Mongoose at Borupan Wila.
8.47am one Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
8.50am 2 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
9.22am 2 Spotted Deer and a Sambhur drinking at Kumutu Wila.
9.54am 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
10.02am 8 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 11 Wild Boar at Panikkar Villu. 
10.20am 25 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.53am 5 more Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
11.44am 2 Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
11.46am 4 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
12.12pm troop of Grey Langur and 4 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
12.16pm 15 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Park entrance.
3.18pm a Sambhur and 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.43pm 35 Spotted Deer, a single Elephant and a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila.
4.02pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu Kuruttupandi junction.
4.36pm 5 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
4.46pm 3 Spotted Deer stags at Kombansanchaipooval.
4.46pm sounder of 4 Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.

5.01pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Panikkar Villu and Aalam Villu.
5.18pm an adult male Wild Boar on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
6.24pm left the park.
13th May 2017
6.30am we stayed over night at the Wilpattu Safari Camp bordering the park and early morning I walked out to photograph birds. Managed to get some good images of a nesting pair of Purple-rumped Sunbirds, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Large Cuckoo Shrike, Ashy Prinia and a pair of Ceylon Swallow collecting mud to build a nest.

7.16am entered the park with Nanda Senanayake and guide, Aslam.
7.17am a troop of Grey Langur and Toque Monkey at the water hole near the broken bridge.
7.21am a   troop of Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at the Uththamadaru Bridge.
7.28am a sounder of 8 Wild Boar with 19 sub-adult piglets.
7.52am a Barking Deer between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
7.58am 28 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 13 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
8.02am 5 Spotted Deer on Tala Wila upper road.
8.07am 2 Spotted Deer and a Barking Deer at Kombansanchipooval.
8.09am 5 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.15am 7 Spotted Deer, 2 Wild Boar and some Cotton Teal at Panikkar Villu.
8.36am 3 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
8.51am 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.39am 1 adult male Wild Boar feeding at the center of the water body trotted in to the forest upon our arrival at Kanjuran Villu.
10.04am 3 Spotted Deer and a single Wild Boar at Kumutu Villu.
10.05am the rare wild flower, White Jungle Flame Sudu Rath Mal Ixora thwaitesii was in bloom between Kumutu Villu junction and Manikkapolauttu.

10.13am a troop of grey Langur Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.29am one leopard at Panikkar Villu junction. We spotted it walking towards the sand patch. It was a very shy animal and moved hurriedly in to the forest before I was able to get photos.
11.23am a Rudy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
11.31am 18 Spotted Deer on Tala Wila upper road.
12.19pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila,
12.30pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
12.32pm a few Asiatic Golden plover at Borupan Wila.

12.33pm observed and photographed the nesting Great Stone Plover that, I photographed during my previous visit on 22nd of April 2017.

1.55pm 5 Spotted Deer between Boradiya Wala and Kandegamuwa.
2.59pm 15 Spotted Deer at Kokkare villu.
3.00pm 1 Samabhur antler at Kokkare Villu.
3.15pm White-winged Black Terns and Whiskered Terns at Kokkare Villu.

4.10pm the Spotted Deer at Tala Wila had increased to 62.
4.42pm a female Sambhur at Tala Wila.
4.57pm 19 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
5.12pm 32 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
5.13am 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
5.15pm troop of Grey Langur and a Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
5.35pm one Barking Deer at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
5.53pm one Ruddy Mongoose at Pilli Motte.
6.06pm one Mugger Crocodile at Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.20pm left the park.

6.02am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.12am I spotted an Indian Three-toed Kingfisher about 100 meters before reaching the Percy Bendi Wewa bund. This jewel of a bird was perched on an exposed branch by the side of the road.

6.17am 2 Mugger Crocodiles and a Grey-headed Fish Eagle at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.42am a lone male Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
6.53am we decided to drive down Ikirigollawa road. One Sloth Bear that was foraging close to the large rocky outcrop before Kimbula Ketu Gala ran in to the forest upon our approach.
6.55am two Golden Jackals between Kimbula Ketu Gala and Maradanmaduwa.
7.10am one Sambhur at Maradanmaduwa.
7.13am 14 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
The wild wine, Kala Wel Derris parviflora was in bloom at most locations in the park.
7.17am one Barking Deer at Thambi Oluwa.
7.46am 4 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
7.49am 7 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
7.54am two Barking Deer and a troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila.
8.05am 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.18am 3 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
8.20am 11 Spotted Deer and one Lesser Adjutant Stork at Aalam Villu.
9.00am 12 Spotted Deer a sounder of 14 Wild Boar feeding at Tala Wila.
9.18am a sounder of 4 Wild Boar between Pilli Motte and Mannar road turn off.
9.40am one Sambhur crossed the road between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
10.20am 2 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu junction and Kokkare Villu.
10.21am one Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Villu.
10.38am a sounder 13 Wild Boar and 3 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
10.51am a Barking Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
10.56am 2 Spotted Deer between Kanjuran Villu and Kaali Villu.
11.42am a small sounder of 5 Wild Boar at Mare Villu.
2.02pm about seven Wild Boar feeding at the water edge at Mahapatessa.
2.15am 13 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.51pm a Sambhur lying down at the water edge at Bora Diya Wala.
2.55pm 15 Spotted Deer, a Barking Deer and a Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
3.04pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
3.18pm 1 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila feeding on water plants.
3.40pm 7 Spotted Deer making alarm calls. We anxiously awaited the arrival of a Leopard but had no luck.

4.06pm one Sambhur drinking at Panikkar Villu.
4.16pm 5 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
5.28pm two Leopards at Borupan Pitiya. N 08.42384, E080.02508
 Having observed few jeeps parked at the turn off to Borupan pitiya I approached them and realized that they were watching a leopard. Guide Supun signaled me to take the vehicle forward. The female cub was with an adult male leopard. It was an extremely brief sighting of about 3 minutes. Both the leopards moved in to the forest upon the arrival of other jeeps. Later upon examination of the images I was able to identify both the leopards. The male was Nelum Wila Male 3 (NWM 3) and the female cub was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2).
Four days ago, on the 18th of April Namal Kamalgoda observed the same male mating with Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2), the mother of this female cub. As the cub, which is only one year and 4 months, is yet to become totally independent and far too young to mate I assumed that its mother also would have been close. It could well be that this male is her father. This sighting is of great importance to me as it was an interaction between an adult male and a cub, which is seldom observed in the wild. I’m extremely thankful to guide Supun for permitting me to take the vehicle forward at the most crucial time, which enable me to photograph the two leopards.

 5.58pm one Barking Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.28pm left the park.

23rd April 2017
6.03am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.04am 4 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.08am 4 Spotted Deer at Divul Pitiya.
6.10am a sounder of 15 Wild Boar, which included 7 sub adults foraging at Percy Bendi Wewa. A Mugger Crocodile basking in the morning rays of the sun.
6.21am 2 White-necked Storks at Palu Kola Wala.
6.31am one Sloth Bear at “Kukul Katu” field at Maradanmaduwa. The bear ran across the field and disappeared in to the forest.
6.40pm a Barking Deer at Thambioluwa pond by the road.
6.58am 12 Spotted Deer and a White-necked Stork at Borupan Wila.
7.08am 9 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.12am 2 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
7.22am one Barking Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.
7.24am another female Barking Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.
7.50am a herd of 7 Spotted Deer, a Barking Deer and a Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.
7.53am one Barking Deer between Kanjuran and Kaali Villu.
8.13am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kaali Villu.
8.22am a Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher at Kaali Villu.

8.26am 3 Spotted Deer and a Barking Deer at Mara Vila.
8.29am 3 Mugger Crocodiles at Mara Vila.
8.51am 6 Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, 3 Wild Boar and a Ruddy Mongoose at Mara Vila.
9.01am one lesser Adjutant at Kaya Motte.
9.07am a sounder of 13 adult female Wild Boar with 19 stripped piglets at Paya Motte.

9.29am a herd of 21 Wild Buffalo, 17 Wild Boar and about 15 Spotted Deer at Mila Villu.

9.36am one Golden Jackal between Mila Villu and Periya Villu.
9.55am a Barking Deer at Periya Uppu Villu.
10.18am a troop of Grey Langur and a Barking Deer between Pallekandal and Pilli Motte.
10.38am 4 Spotted Deer between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
10.53am 5 Spotted Deer between Tala Wila and Karamba Kulama.
11.01am one Ruddy Mongoose between Tala Wila and Karamba Kulama.
11.26am a Mugger Crocodile, Night Herons and 4 Painted Storks at Galge Vihare Tank.
11.42am a troop of Grey Langur between Galge Vihare and Makalanmaduwa.
Pan Ela between Galge Vihare and Makalanmaduwa was completely dried up. N 08.27800, E 079.98420

1.12pm a troop of Grey langur between Makalanmaduwa and Thel Beepu Wewa.
1.35pm a Green Sandpiper at Thel Beepu Wewa.

Pan Ela between Makalanmaduwa and Ikirigollawa tank N 08.28577, E080.02388
Ikirigollawa Tank N 08.28778, E 080.02332
2.47pm 2 Spotted Deer between Ikirigollawa Tank and Kimbula Ketu Gala.
Distance from Makalanmaduwa through Ikirigollawa to Maradanmaduwa is 15 Kilometers.
3.15pm a Barking Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Thambi Oluwa.
3.32pm a troop of Grey Langur at Thambi Oluwa.
4.00pm observed the pair of Great Stone plover nesting at Borupan Wila. A Crested Hawk Eagle started to circle above Borupan Wila. The nesting bird lowered its head to the ground producing a perfect camouflage.

5.00pm the incubating bird stood up upon its partner approaching it and the birds swapped nesting duties. The nest is just a small depression on the ground and it contained two dark grey eggs covered in blackish blotches.

While observing the nesting Great Stone Plovers I managed to photograph a Yellow Wagtail of the race Thunbergi.

5.15pm one Elephant at Borupan Wila.

5.30pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Sudu Muwa Wala and Borupan Junction.
5.39pm a Female Sambar accompanied by a sub adult at Humbas Wala.
5.40pm a Barking Deer crossed the road between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
6.04pm an Indian Peahen with three chicks between Palu Koka Wala and Kala Gedi Bokkuwa.

The wild orchid Vanda Tessalata in Bloom.
6.15pm one Elephant drinking and a few Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.19pm 5 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Park entrance.
6.25pm left the park.

7.00am entered the park from Eluwankulama entrance with guide Wasantha.
7.50am one Elephant and 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
8.10am 10 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.30am a female Sambhur crossed the road between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
8.33am a herd of 13 Wild Boar feeding at Tala Wila.
8.39am 12 Spotted Deer at Panikkar villu bungalow junction.
8.44am an Adult male Wild Boar at Panikkar villu bungalow junction.
9.00am a troop of Grey langur at Nelum Wila.
9.22am a Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapolauttu.
9.31am one Lesser Adjutant along with a few White Ibis and other water birds at Kumutu Villu.
9.52am troop of Grey Langur between Kuruttupandi and Kokkare Villu.
9.56am troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu upper road.
9.58am 2 Spotted Deer at Thammanna Gaha junction.
10.05 5 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
10.44am a few Asiatic Golden Plover at Thimbiri Wila. Many were in an advanced stage of acquiring their breeding plumage.

11.00am a Flarshell Turtle sunbathing at Borupan Pitiya Wala.
11.02am a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
11.21am troop of Grey Langur on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
11.22am another troop of Grey Langur on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.04pm 9 Spotted Deer on Tala Wila upper road.
1.09pm two Ruddy Mongoose between Tala Wila and Pilli Motte.
1.55pm we parked at Pilli Motte water hole and had lunch. A Ruddy Mongoose cautiously approached the water hole and started to drink. A White-bellied Sea Eagle perched on a nearby tree flew down and Mongoose darted in to the forest.

2.10pm a Brown Fish Owl flew down on the ground at Pilli Motte. The raptor remained on the grown for a few minutes before flying off.

2.44pm 3 Spotted Deer between Tala Wila and Galge Vihare.
2.57pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Galge Vihare and Tala Wila.
4.32pm 1 Leopard at Tala Wila. N 08.37978, E079.94468
It was lying at the edge of the forest across the villu close the Pomparippu road. It was a male and I estimated its age to be around 6 years. The leopard was observing the sounder of Wild Boar feeding on the edge of the water. They were moving closer to where the leopard was lying down. After some time one adult female Wild Boar started to look in the direction of the leopard and walked about 30 meters from the Leopard in to the forest and walked back again to join the rest. The Leopard remained with its head down. Later upon examining the images I was able to identify the leopard as the male photographed by Hemantha Wimalasena at Panikkar Villu on the 17th of February 2017. I have listed it under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section under the name Panikkar Villu Leopard 1. This is my first sighting of this animal. I named it Tala Wila Male 1 (TWM 1)
5.32pm we left the sleeping leopard, as we had to reach the park entrance by 6.30pm.

5.55pm As we approached the Pallekandal Pitiya my guise Wasantha said “ sir as we have about 25 minutes lets look for the big Tusker” and I readily agreed. However as no elephants have been seen the previous day I was doubtful. Within a few minutes to my great surprise we found the big Tusker feeding at Pallekandal Pitiya. It was not in the company of the small herd of about 8 Elephants feeding at a distance. My guide cautioned me as this the Tusker is known to charge vehicles including buses. However it appeared that the effects of “must” have diminished, as the animal was quite relaxed and continued to feed about 50 to 60 meters from the road. This is my first sighting of this magnificent animal. I estimated its age to be around 30-35 years.

6.11pm 2 Wild buffalo between Pomparippu and the Uththamada Aru bridge.
6.16pm a Wild Boar between Uththamada Aru Bridge and the park entrance.
6.25pm left the park.

8.29am entered the park from Eluwankulam entrance with Bathiya Senadhipathy and guide Wasantha.
8.33am one Mugger Crocodile in a small pool at the first culvert.
8.39am a troop of Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Uththamadaaru Bridge.
9.07am a troop of Grey Langur between Phill Motte and Tala Wila.
9.09am 5 Spotted Deer and a herd of 14 Wild Boar with one tiny piglet at Tala Wila.

9.25am 2 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
9.45am a nest of Crested Hawk Eagle was observed at Nelum Wila Pitiya.

9.50am 8 Spotted Deer between Kokkare upper road.
10.51am 2 more Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
11.17am a Crested Serpent Eagle at Kumbuk Wila upper road sand patch.

12.35pm 1 Elephant at Tala Wla.
2.08pm 2 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu junction.
2.18pm 4 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Kokkare Villu junction.
2.52pm one Black-naped Hare at Madangaha Wala.
3.03pm 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila sand patch.
4.06pm a troop of Grey Langur at Tala Wila.
4.45pm a Spotted Deer and a female Sambhur between Panikkar Villu junction and the Bungalow.
5.15pm “dust bathing” Malabar Pied Hornbills at Tala Wila.

5.29pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
5.33pm 45 Spotted Deer feeding at Tala Wila.
5.55pm 2 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.02pm a herd of 9 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.04pm a Black-naped Hare on the road at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.10pm a herd of 17 Elephants accompanied by a tusker of about 7-8 years at Pomparippu Pitiya.

6.16pm a Barking Deer between Uththamadaru Bridge and the park entrance.
6.25pm left the park.

8th February 2017
7.30pm two Elephants on the road between 7th and 8th Km post on the Puttalam Anuradapura road. Another Elephant by the road between 20th and 21st Km post (Karuwalagswewa and Saliya Wewa).
9th February 2017
5.38am 1 Black-naped Hare at the park entrance.
6.17am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.18am 21 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.21am 2 Adult Sambhur between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.44am 2 Sambhur, adult female with a calf, between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.54am 5 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.56am 42 Spotted Deer and a Sambhur at Maradanmaduwa “Kukul Katu Field”
7.02am one more Sambhur at Thambi Oluwa.
7.09am one Barking Deer between Humbas Wala and Boralu Wala.
7.25am 15 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila Pitiya.
7.47am 2 Leopards walking ahead of the vehicles towards Kumbuk Wila sand patch on the Borupan Kumbuk road. I was not able to get any photos, as there were two vehicles ahead of me. The two leopards entered the forest at the sand patch.
7.51am 5 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya.
7.55am one Golden Jackal at Thimbiri Wila.
8.00am 12 Wild Boar and a Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.
8.05am one Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Pitiya Wala.
8.25am 9 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
11.10am one Leopard on the road between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa. N 08.42720, E080.00903
Safari Jeep driver Samantha who was parked ahead of me kindly moved his jeep to enable me to photograph the leopard. Thankfully I managed to get one photo in the nick of time before it moved in to the forest due to a vehicle that arrived from the opposite side.  Having examined the photos I realized that this is Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2).

11.28am herd of 7 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila.
11.38am 2 Spotted Deer between Thimbiri Wila and Borupan Wila.
11.47am 7 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Lunu Wewa.
12.00 herd of 5 Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
12.15pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.
12.46pm 2 Spotted Deer between Ibba Wala and Humbus Wla.
1.30pm while having lunch at Kumbuk Wila I observed a troop of Grey Langur on a nearby tree. Three individuals started to chase each other. All at once the three of them fell on to the ground resulting in a few Jungle Fowl and some Indian Peafowl on the ground to fly away screaming out their distress calls.
1.48pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.
1.55am the ground dwelling waders at Thimbiri Wila included 12 Golden Plover, 14 Lesser Sand Plover, 4 Curlew Sandpiper.
2.04pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Borupan Junction.
2.40pm a herd of 10 Wild Boar at Panikka Wila.
3.34pm 1 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.53pm  Bu Nelu Stenosiphonium cordifolium in bloom at Pilli Motte. Having visited the park almost every month from 2012 this is the first occasion I observed this species in bloom in this area of the park. My first observation of these flowers was in April 2016 at Ochchappukallu where I observed a few of these shrubs carrying a few flowers. At Pilli Motte each and every shrub of this species along the road was full of flowers. It is a spectacular sight. It is also quite interesting that many populations of this species growing along the roads else where in the park had no flowers.

4.03pm one Golden Jackal at Pallekandal Pitiya.
4.05pm a herd of 14 Elephants at Pomparippu Pitiya.
4.33pm 2 Golden Jackal and a Flapshell Turtle at Tala Wila.
5.34pm 2 Samabhur at Humbus Wala.
5.50pm One Leopard at “Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya” at Maradanmaduwa. N 08.36927, E080.07764
The Leopard was sleeping on the edge of the glade. After a few minutes the leopard raised its head, yawned and started to lick its paws. Having got a few photos I moved away as I wanted to reach the park entrance by 6.30pm. When it raised its head I was able to instantly identify the leopard as Maradanmaduwa Male 2 (MMMC 2).

6.26pm 1 Elephant drinking at Percy Bendi Wewa.
10TH February 2017
6.18am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.57am 1 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.58am 48 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.25am 1 Leopard, Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2), on a leafless tree at Kumbuk Wila Pitiya. N 08.42107, E080.01009
The young leopard exhibited typical juvenile behaviour in being alerted by the birds that would alight on the thin branches of the tree and intently observing the Spotted Deer grazing at a distance. The Grey Langurs continued to make their alarm calls announcing to all the presence of a leopard.  At 8.15am she climbed down and walked across the open field in to the forest resulting the Grey Langurs to intensify their alarm calls.

7.28am I counted about 14 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
9.06am 2 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
9.07am 6 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
9.31am a Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkapolauttu and Kumutu Wila
9.44am 3 Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.
10.50am one adult male Wild Boar at the water hole before Kudiramale point.
11.20am Bu Nelu Stenosiphonium cordifolium in bloom at Kudiramale Point.
11.27am I counted 14 White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Caspian Terns, Large Crested Terns, Gull-billed Terns and Little terns in flight at Kudiramale Point.
11.42am large flocks of Rosy Starlings at Kudiramale Point.

12.08pm 1 Ruddy Mongoose at Mila Villu.
12.30pm at least 29 large Mugger Crocodiles at the “Crocodile Pool” at the turn off to Palugahathure.

 1.56pm a herd of 5 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
2.03pm I observed a Ruddy Mongoose running across the road carrying something in its mouth. Upon closer examination it appeared that it was carrying a dead snake.

3.00pm a Golden Jackal at Thimbiri Wila.
3.13pm another Jackal at Borupan Wila.
3.17pm one Barking Deer between Borupan Wila and Lunu Wewa.
3.24pm 2 Hardshell Terrapins at Boradiya Wala.
3.37pm 1 Spotted Deer between Boradiya Wala and Galbedi Neeraviya.
3.38pm 12 Spotted Deer between Boradiya Wala and Galbedi Neeraviya.
3.42pm   Bu Nelu Stenosiphonium cordifolium in bloom beyond the third glade down Galbedi Neeraviya road from Boradiya Wala. It was interesting to note that this species was only in bloom at a few locations in the park. Plants at many other locations did not bear any flowers. In April 2016 I observed a small population of these flowers at Ochchappukallu.
The GPS reading of the dried up lake between Boradiya Wala and Galbendi Neeraviya N 08.43867, E080.06779
4.25pm two Green Imperial Pigeons perched on an exposed branch at Borupan Wila.

4.33pm 1 Leopard, Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2), at Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42438, E080.01219.
It was lying at the edge of the water close to the Kumbuk Wila road end. After a few minutes she stood up and started to walk towards the Mahapatessa road end. On a few occasions she approached the water but snarled and retreated without drinking. Perhaps she may have had a bad experience with a Crocodile. I left upon the young leopard moving in to the forest.

5.02pm 3 Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
5.04pm one Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.05pm one Sambhur drinking at Ibba Wala.
6.25pm left the park.

2.50pm entered the park from Eluwankulama entrance with Nanda Senanayake accompanied by guide Wasantha.
2.55pm a baby Mugger Crocodile and a troop of Grey Langur at the first causeway.
2.58pm a troop of Toque Monkey at Uththumadaru Bridge
3.06pm a small herd of 9 Elephants at Pomparippu Pitiya.
3.08pm 13 more Elephants at Pomparippu Pitiya.
3.20pm 5 More Elephants at Pallekandal Pitiya.
3.40pm a Barking Deer between Pill Motte and Thala Wila.
3.48pm 36 Spotted Deer and 1 Elephant at Tala Wila.
4.03pm 18 Spotted Deer at Panikka Wila.
4.04pm  a large number of birds at Panikka Wila. The mixed flock included Whistling Teal, Common Coot, Common Teal, Shoveller, Pintail and Gargany.

4.28pm 7 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
4.43pm 5 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila.
4.46pm 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
4.47pm 7 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
4.49pm 15 more Spotted Deer and a mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila pitiya.
5.14pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchipooval.
5.38pm a Flapshell Turtle at Pill Motte.
5.45pm a female Barking Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
5.47pm 5 Spotted Deer at Pallekandal Pitiya.
5.59pm 9 Wild Boar at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.25pm 12 Spotted Deer and 6 Elephants at Moolakanda Weli.
6.29pm hear of 8 Elephants crossed the road ahead of the vehicle between Uththamadaru bridge and the park entrance.
21st January 2017
6.14am entered the park from Eluwankulama entrance with Nanda Senanayake and guide Wasantha.
6.25am 2 Wild Buffalo at the glade before Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.24am 4 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu Pitiya.
6.34am 7 Elephants at Pllekandal Pitiya.
6.36am 6 Spotted Deer and 2 Wild Boar at Pallekandal Pitiya.
6.37am a Sambhur crossed the road at Pallekandal pitiya.
6.40am the Wild Flower, Bu-nelu Stenosiphonium cordifolium was in bloom between Pallekandal pitiya and Pill Motte.

7.10am 34 Spotted Deer at Thala Wila.
7.15am 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
7.17am 2 more Spotted Deer at Kombnasanchaipooval sand patch.
7.19am 2 Barking Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
7.23am 4 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.01am troop of Grey Langur and 7 Spotted Deer on Tala Wila upper road.
8.11am 1 Mouse Deer (White-spotted Chevrotain) on Panikkar Villu upper road.
8.12am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Panikkar Villu junction.
8.16am Ruddy Mongoose between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
8.27am 33 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
8.57am 6 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.04am 2 Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapola Uttu.
9.06am an adult male Wild Boar trotted across the road between Manikkapola Uttu and Kumutu Wila.
9.10am 8 Spotted Deer and one Mugger Crocodile at Kumutu Wila.
9.22am 9 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
9.57am I was thrilled to see a Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Kaali Villu. This is my second sighting on this rare winter visitor to the park. Unfortunately it was “mobbed” by a White-bellied Drongo and flew off before I was able to get any photos.
10.45am a Yellow Wagtail at Kaali Villu. This is my first record of this species in the park.

10.26am 1 Spotted Deer and Lesser Adjutant at Kanjuran Villu.
11.08am a Lesser Adjutant at Manikkapola Uttu
11.23am 23 Spotted Deer at Kokkare villu.
 11.32am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
11.44am one Grey Mongoose at Borupan pitiya wala.
11.47am a Parker’s Black Turtle at Wiranda Wala.
1.35pm a Sri Lankan Flying Snake Chrysopelea taprobanica at Kumbuk Wila summer hut.
1.38pm a Brahminy Kite feeding on a frog at Kumbuk Wila.

1.40pm 6 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
1.44pm 4 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
1.45pm 1 Golden Jackal between Thimbiri Wila and Borupan Wila.
2.03pm a Spotted Deer stag and a troop of Grey Langur between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
2.04pm one Barking Deer at Borupan junction.
2.05pm another Barking Deer on Sudu Muwa Wala road.
2.40pm one leopard, between Borupan junction and Walas Wala. It was an adult female. That walked from Walas Wala in the direction of Borupan junction for a short distance before entering the forest. Upon examination of the photos I realized that this is the elusive adult female leopard that had eluded me for such a long time. I had photographed the two cubs of her first litter (Kumbuk Wila Female 1 (KWFC 1) and Borupan Wila Male 2 (BWMC 2) in 2014 and the playful female cub of her second litter Kumbuk Wila Female 1 KWFC 2 in 2016. I had only managed to photograph the hind of this leopard walking in to the forest at the Kumbuk Wila sand patch on 3rd of April 2015. I was thrilled that I had finally managed to get a few photos of this elusive leopard that I had kept track of based ton photos sent in by people who contribute to my study of the leopards. I named it Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWFC 2). N 08.41461, E080.02996.

3.18pm a Balck-naped Hare at Borupan pitiya.
3.45pm 30 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
3.50pm 4 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
3.52pm a Black-naped Hare at Thimbiri Wila.

3.58pm 8 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
5.03pm 9 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu. One of the males was pale in colour.

5.21pm 21 Spotted Deer and One Golden Jackal at Panikka Wila.
5.32pm one Elephant feeding at Tala Wila.
6.05pm heard of 5 Elephants accompanied by Cattle Egrets feeding at Pallekandal pitiya.

22nd January 2017
6.00am entered the park with Nanda Senanayake and guide Wasantha.
6.05am a Fish Owl perched on the road between park entrance and the Uththamadaru Bridge.
6.11am a herd of 7 Wild Boar at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.21am 3 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.32am a Star Tortoise on the road at Pomparippu.
6.58am 15 Spotted Deer at Periya Villu.
7.12am herd of 9 Wild Buffalo at Maila Villu.
7.18am 7 Spotted Deer at Avatara Motte.
7.19am 34 Common Teal at Paya Motte.
7.20am 5 Wild Boar and a Mugger Crocodile also at Paya Motte.
7.34am 3 Mugger Crocodile at Mare Villu.
7.55am a White Wagtail at Kaali Villu. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.
9.34am 23 Spotted Deer and 4 Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.
9.40am 7 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
9.55am 5 Spotted Deer at Kurutupandi Villu.
10.02am 41 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
10.03am 14 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
10.04am 2 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
10.08am 22Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
10.19am 30 Spotted Deer at Borupan pitiya.
10.47am a female sambhur with a small calf between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.

10.53am 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.54am 12 Spotted Deer, 2 White-necked Stork and a Lesser Adjutant at Borupan Wila.
11.34am 13 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
11.44am another female Samabhur has joined the female Sambhur and the calf.
11.49am 4 Spotted Deer between Humbas Wala and Walas Wala
11.53am a Barking Deer between Borupan Junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
12.04pm a troop of Grey Langur on the road between Vilanda Wala and the first glade.
12.14pm 2 Parker’s Black Turtles at Vilanda Wala.
12.32pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Thammanna Gaha junction and Nelum Wila.
12.48pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
12.54pm a Crested Hawk Eagle at Tala Wila.

1.00pm 1 Leopard walked across the road about 100 meters from Tala Wila on the Pomparippu road. I was not able to get any photos as the animals moved hurriedly in to the forest.
1.58pm 19 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.

2.10pm left the park.