NOTES ON FIELD TRIPS TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

8.00am to 12.45pm I participated as a resource person of the training program conducted by the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO) for the safari jeep drivers and the DWLC guides.
1.01pm entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
2.06pm two leopards on Kumbuk Wila upper road.  N 08.41837, E 080.00825
 It was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5) and Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). As we approached the bent Ficus Tree on this road saw a male leopard crossing the road. I was not able to get any images of this animal as he moved in to the forest towards Kumbuk Wila. After a few minutes a female leopard emerged from where the male leopard moved on to the road. She walked for a few meters in our direction and moved in to the forest following the male. I was able to get a few good images of this animal and identified her as KWFC 2. Upon examining photos taken by another visitor I was able to confirm that the male was NWMC 5.

4.24pm one Leopard between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction. N 08.41954, E 080.01528
We spotted the leopard moving through the jungle in the direction of the road and reversed to ensure its path is not obstructed. The Leopard walked on to the road, walked in the direction of Borupan junction for a few meters and entered the forest towards Borupan Wila. Having examined the images I was able to identify the animal as Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) the female I photographed in the morning.

 Mammals  - Spotted Deer 55, Golden jackal 2, Grey Langer, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Indian Grey Mongoose 1, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4
18th November 2018
6.06am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
7.10am two Leopards between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch. N 08.41796, E 080.02127
Even though we observed both the leopards playing at a distance I managed to photograph only one as the other had already moved in to the forest by the time I arrived close enough to get any images. The one I got was Borupan Wila Female 3 (BWFC 3). She walked on the edge of the road and moved in to the forest.  After some time I decided to move forward and spotted her seated inside the forest and was able to get a few images of her. After a few minutes she moved further into the forest.

7.54am one Leopard at Lunuwew road junction. N 08.42844, E 080.02660
We drove from Borupan Wila on to the Lunuwewa road and spotted a Leopard at the junction. I reversed the vehicle as I was too close to the leopard and was keen to give it adequate space. The Leopard, after sniffing the decaying tree at the junction, started to walk in the direction of Lunu Wewa. I followed the animal maintaining a distance of about 30 meters. He marked the bushes and turned and looked in our direction permitting me to take a few images. It was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5).  The young male was in excellent condition. I was so thrilled to see this male that had eluded me during my past few trips. Having walked about 40 meters the Leopard moved in to the forest.

8.59am photographed a species of Mushroom that I had not seen before in the park.

11.12am fresh specimens of Lemon Emigrants, Yellow Orange tips, Lesser Albatross and Common Gulls mud sipping on the Mannar road between Kollan Kananththa and Malila Villu.

11.25am a pair of industries Sri Lankan Dung Beetles Onthophagus Sagittarius  at work on a pile of Elephant dung rolling it in to “brood balls”. I have observed these beetles roll the dung in to balls which are more than 15 to 20 times heavier than them and roll it with relentless determination to their chosen location despite having to negotiate many obstacles such as grass and plants. The strength they possess for their size is truly amazing. Their nest chambers are usually not far from the where the pile of dung is found and they bury these balls with others similar sized dung balls. Each ball would be impregnated with a single egg. Upon being born the larva will feed on the dung and emerge as an adult dung beetle. Research has revealed that these humble beetles are capable to moving dung rolled in to brood balls approximately 250 times their body weight in a single night.

11.54am the recent rains have resulted in a carpet of fresh grass at Maila Villu. We counted 23 Elephants in three scattered herds feeding. One herd with 1o had a sub adult Tusker.

1.21pm a Hoopoe at Kaali Villu.

1.30pm started to rain. It was a very heavy shower.
2.05pm a sub adult Indian Rock Python drinking water from a pool on the road between Mana Wila and Mana Wila sand patch.

3.45pm one Leopard on Lunu Wewa road. N 08.44161, E 080.02019
We drove down to Lunu Wewa bungalow and were on our way back when we spotted the Leopard seated by the side of the road. It was a female and was sniffing the bushes intently. On a few occasions she lifted both her paws up to reach up to sniff the bushes. In less than two minutes she walked across the road and moved in to the forest. Having examined the images I noted that it is Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). This female is now 2 years and 8 months old and is showing signs of being in eustress for the first time. She appear to be following the male in whose company she was observed yesterday on Kumbuk Wila upper road and which male I photographed in the morning on this road. However this male is now about the same age as the female and is yet to reach sexual maturity. Even though female leopards reach sexually mature around 2 years and 6 months and are able to conceive males appear to take a longer period to reach sexual maturity.

4.25pm one Leopard between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction. N 0841862, E 080.01897
While driving in the direction of Borupan junction we spotted a leopard on to our left. She was seated and I managed to get a few images while handholding the camera. As I photographed her I realized that this is Borupan Female 2 (BWF 2) the mother of the two Borupan cubs BWFC 3 & BWFC 4. She started to walk towards the road and trotted across the road. Thereafter she walked deep in to the forest.

Mammals  - Elephant 25 (23 at Maila Villu with one Tusker), Wild Buffalo 10 (9 at Periya Villu), Sambhur 5, Spotted Deer 126, Wild Boar 1, Barking Deer 2, Golden jackal 1, Grey Langer, Toque Monkey, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Mouse Deer 1, Black-naped Hare 2, Ruddy Mongoose 5, Indian Grey Mongoose 1, Giant Squirrel 1 & Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4, Flapshell Turtle 2 & Star Tortoise 1, Indian Rock Python 1
19th November 2018
6.12 entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake
8.21am two orange Stink Horn mushrooms between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Kumbuk Wila.

11.48am one Leopard at Kumbuk Wila. N 08.42204, E 080.00693
I stopped at Kumbuk Wila “summer hut” briefly and learnt from the jeep drivers that there had been no leopard sightings till then. We advanced about 100 meters in the direction of Borupan junction and I was alerted by the alarm call of an Indian Palm Squirrel. Having examined the foliage my guide Tissa spotted a Leopard lying down on a small mound of earth partly covered by foliage less than 10 feet from the edge of the road. I managed to get a few record images to identify the leopard. It was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5). In a few minutes the young leopard stood up and walked in to the jungle.

1.13pm one Leopad between Boralu Wala and Humbas Wala. N 08.40477, E 080.04742
It was a female Leopard and as we spotted she moved in to the forest. I managed to get a few images of her hindquarters as she walked away. Examination these images with those in my data base revealed that of my image the Leopard was Boralu Wala Female 2 BRWFC 2. Despite not being able to get a shot of her face I managed to identify her with the spot pattern of her right upper leg.

2.45pm started to rain. It was a very heavy downpour.
5.15pm left the park.
Mammals  - Elephant 1, Wild Buffalo 30 (with 15 from Maha Wewa), Sambhur 4, Spotted Deer 220, Wild Boar 33 (one sounder of 32 at Kombansanchaipooval), Barking Deer 4, Golden jackal 1, Grey Langer, Toque Monkey, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Mouse Deer 1, Black-naped Hare 1, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Giant Squirrel 1, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Flapshell Turtle 7, Star Tortoise 1
20th November 2018
6.11am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
A herd of 53 Spotted Deer had congregated on the road. The heavy mist made great opportunity to make a few pleasant images.

9.00am two Spoonbills at Kaali Villu.

9.20am one Elephant at Nelum Wila.

9.45am 2 Leopard cubs at Panikkar villu. N 08.39854, E 079.95776
We drove from Nelum Wila and turned on to the Panikkar villu bungalow road. The two cubs were few feet off the road and moved quickly in to the forest. I managed to get a few images of one cub that was curious enough to look in our direction prior to moving in to the forest. I estimated their age to be around 3 - 4 months. This is my first sighting of this cub.  Even though I was not able to determine its sex during my sighting, this cub was photographed, on the 23rd November 2018, by Isuru Dayananda who kindly shared his images with me which enabled me to determine that it’s a female.  I named it Panikkar Villu Female 3 (PVFC 3)

11.40am left the park.
11.51am on my way to Wilpattu Safari Camp where I was staying over Photographed Devil’s Claw flowers (Nagadharana) Martynia annua.

12.07pm A nesting Baya Wever at Radagama.

12.13pm Black Drongo at Radagama.

Mammals  - Elephant 1, Wild Buffalo 1, Sambhur 2, Spotted Deer 136, Wild Boar, Barking Deer 3, Grey Langer, Toque Monkey, Black-naped Hare 1, Ruddy Mongoose 2, Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 3, Flapshell Turtle 1, Star Tortoise 1,

Birds, Butterflies  & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – 2 Wood Owls, Crimson-backed, Golden-backed, Pygmy, Golden-backed, Crimson-backed  and Rufous Woodpeckers, Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Ceylon Trogon, Racket-tailed Drongo & Spoonbills
Migrants - Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Hoopoe, Indian Pitta, Black-tailed Godwits, Pin-tailed Snipe and Forest Wagtail.
Butterflies – Crimson Rose, Common Mormon, Lemon Migrant, Blue Mormon, Great Eggfly, Blue Wanderer, Lesser Albatross, Lime Butterfly, Dark Blue & Blue Tigers, Plain Tiger,
Wild Orchids – Vanda spathulata
Fruiting trees – Heen Karamba
Wild Flowers - Ceylon Leadwort (Ela Nithol) Plumbago zeylanica, Yellow Orchid Tree (Kaha Pethan) Bauhinia tomentosa, Maple-leaved Mallow (Kapukinissa) Hibiscus eriocarpus, Glory Lily (Niyangala) Gloriosa superba, Ker Gawl (Heen Tholabo) Crinum defixum 

6.06am entered the park from Hunuwilagama with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
7.40am an Indian Cuckoo, a Golden-backed Woodpecker and a Grey Drongo at Nelum Wila pitiya.

8.30am 2 Leopards between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction. N 08.41827, E 080.02020
The two leopards were seated together by the side of the road and one moved across the road as we approached them. In less than 10 minutes it moved out again to join the other. Having checked their spot pattern I identified them as Borupan Wila Female 3 & 4 (BWFC 3& 4) These two cubs are around 1 year and three months now.
9.20am left the leopards

12.30pm on our way back from Thelambugas Wala observed a Ruddy Mongoose feeding on something on the road ahead of us. I stopped the vehicle to ensure that this little hunter is not disturbed while feeding. A look through the binoculars confirmed that the prey is a snake. After feeding for a few minutes the Mongoose left a part of the snakes body on the road and moved in to the forest. I examined the part that was left to identify the snake. It was a Sri Lankan Flying Snake Chrysopelea taprobanica, which is an endemic species.

1.15pm started to rain and developed in to a very heavy shower, which turned most roads in to waterways.
2.46am one Leopard between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction.  N 08.41826, E 080.02012
It was Borupan Wila Female 4 (BWFC 4). The young leopard has climbed on to a log by the side of the road. It was seated exposed to moderate rain and shook the water from its body on a few occasions. With the arrival of another vehicle she moved down to the ground and started to lick its self. She moved in to the forest upon the arrival of a few other vehicles.

3.58pm an adult Sambhur stag with an impressive pair of antlers at Thambi Oluwa.

5.20pm left the park.

Other species observed during the day
Mammals  - Elephant 1, Wild Buffalo 1, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 137, Wild Boar 2, Barking Deer 3, Golden jackal 3, Grey Langer, Black-naped Hare 2, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Birds – Lesser Adjutant 2, Painted Storks 12, White-necked Stork 3, Grey Wagtail 2, Spoonbills, Golden Plover, Indian Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo (vocalizing), Black-tailed Godwits, Little Ringed plover, Common Redshank, Common, Wood & Marsh Sandpiper, Pin-tailed Snipe, Grey Drongo, Black Drongo.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 5, Flapshell Turtle 1, Parker’s Black Turtles 1
Butterflies – Crimson Rose, Chocolate Soldier, Danaid Eggfly

25th October 2018
6.05am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
8.54am wild mushroom, Stink Horn at Kombansanchaipooval.

10.00am observed a species of Mushroom that I had not seen before on Lunu Wewa road.

2.23pm photographed a female Shikra at Nelum Wila.

2.30pm started to rain. I was happy to park at Borupan Wila and observe two Crocodiles catching fish at the causeway.
5.06pm left the park.
Other species observed during the day
Mammals  - Elephant 1, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 105, Wild Boar, Barking Deer 2, Golden jackal 1, Grey Langer, Mouse Deer, Black-naped Hare 2, Ruddy Mongoose 4, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Birds – Lesser Adjutant 6, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork 2,
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 5, Flapshell Turtle 2, Parker’s Black Turtles 1
Butterflies – Crimson Rose, Lesser Albatross,

26th October 2018
6.02am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.55am 3 Ruddy Mongoose feeding on Winged Termites on the road (Meru) between Walas Wala and Borupan junction.
8.20am observed Green Imperial Pigeons feeding on the ripe berries of Blue Mist (Kora Kaha) on Lunu Wewa road.
10.02am one Leopard at Nelum Wila. There was no opportunity to photograph as the animal instantly moved in to the forest.
1.54pm started to rain.
5.35pm 3 Elephants frolicking in a small water hole between Koon Gaha Ela and Park entrance.

5.55pm left the park.

Other species observed during the day
Mammals  - Elephant 4, Wild Buffalo 8, Sambhur 4, Spotted Deer 203, Wild Boar 1, Barking Deer, Golden jackal 1, Grey Langer, Mouse Deer 1, Black-naped Hare 1, Ruddy Mongoose 6, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Birds – Lesser Adjutant 1, Painted Storks 18, White-necked Stork 2,
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 5, Flapshell Turtle 1, Parker’s Black Turtles 1, Star tortoise 1

27th October 2018
6.09am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
8.45am Borupan Wila Female 4 (BWFC 4) at Borupan pitiya. N 08.42478, E 080.02370
At Borupan pitiya the jeep drivers informed us that they observed a Leopard and it moved in to the thicket about 30 minutes before my arrival. We searched the area and were able to spot the leopard at a distance but were partly covered by bushes. It was Borupan Wila Female 4 (BWFC 4). After a few minutes she broke cover started to stalk some prey permitting me to get a few good images. With the arrival of a number of vehicles and the increase in human voices the young leopard moved back in to cover.

11.30am Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) on Kumbuk Wila upper road. N 08.41977, E 080.01146
The leopardess was walking in the direction of Kokkare villu. I stopped and revered to ensure its path is not obstructed. She walked on the road in our direction for a short distance permitting me to get a few good images of her and moved in to the forest. I was pleased to observe that she is in excellent condition. Considering her that she has reached the age (2 years and 9 months) and her being observed less frequently by the jeep drivers I suspect that she is pregnant.

11.46am observed and photographed a Brown-capped Babbler bathing in a puddle on the road.

11.52am Borupan Wila Female 4 (BWFC 4) at Wilanda Wala end of Borupan pitiya. N 08.42521, E 080.02734
We spotted the leopard sleeping on an earth mound. As we arrived she raised her head to look at us but went back too sleep. We left the leopard to reach Maradanmaduwa as we were invited to have lunch with the WNPS members.

7.30pm observed an Indian Crested Porcupine, which has now become quite tame and walk in to the compound begging for food.

Other species observed during the day
Mammals  - Spotted Deer 179, Sambhur 6, Indian Palm Squirrel, Ruddy Mongoose, Indian Crested Porcupine 1, Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Elephant, Mouse Deer 1, Wild Buffalo, Golden jackal, Barking Deer, Black-naped Hare
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, White-necked Stork, Spoonbills 2, Golden Plover, Drongo Cuckoo (vocalizing), Black-tailed Godwits, Little Ringed plover, Grey Drongo, Black Drongo.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodiles, Flapshell and Parker’s Black Turtles, Star Tortoise
Butterflies – Danaid Eggfly

28th October 2018
6.00am left the Maradanmaduwa bungalow with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
8.42am Percy Bendi Wewa Male 2 (PBWMC 2) between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa. N 08.34010, E 080.12281
The young male leopard was lying at the foot of a tree and was partly covered with foliage.

11.26am observed the rarely seen Wild Tumeric Curcuma oligantha flowers that bloom in October at Maradanmaduwa.

12.20pm left the park
Flora observed during the trip
Wild Orchids in bloom - Vanilla walkerae,  Geodorum densiflorum and Vanda spathulata in bloom

Fruiting trees - Madan and Bol Pana in fruit. A few of the Ila Paththa trees and “Yaki Narang” bushes are also in fruit.

Wild Flowers in bloom – Wild Turmeric at Maradanmaduwa. “Kukuruman” and Wild Jasmine in bloom at many locations in the park.

6.24am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.

6.33am 1 Spotted Deer between park entrance and the first glade.

6.41am 4 Spotted Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa on the Makalanmaduwa road.

7.24am troop of Grey langur close to Them Beep Wewa junction.

8.17am a Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker at Them Beepu Wewa.

8.30am a Giant Squirrel between Thel Beepu Wewa and Galge Viharaya.

8.38am a first year Crested Serpent Eagle perched on an exposed branch over the road permitted me to get some good images between Thel Beepu Wewa and Galge Viharaya.

8.39am a large Water Monitor at the junction to Maradanmaduwa.

8.46am the deep red berries of Ulkenda was observed between Thel Beepu Wewa and Galge Viharaya.

9.13am a Ruddy Mongoose and a Great Orange Tip butterfly at Makalanmaduwa.

9.21am 1 Wild Boar between Thel Beepu Wewa and Galge Viharaya.

9.25am Grey Heron and a small Mugger Crocodile at Galge Viharaya Tank, which is full of water.

10.37am 4 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.

10.54am one Barking Deer between Pilli Motte and Pallekandal Pitiya.

11.59am a troop of Grey Langur at Eluwankulama.

12.08pm a Rusty Spotted cat ran across the road at Pomparippu.

12.37pm 5 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.

1.03pm a sounder of 13 Wild boar at Nelum Wila.

1.05pm 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

1.10pm 5 Spotted Deer on Kokkare villu upper road.

1.16pm 7 Spotted Deer, a large troop of Grey Langur and a few Toque Monkey between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction.

1.50pm 4 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.

2.23pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Thelambugas Wala, which is completely devoid of water.

2.57am visited Dharshana Uttu, which contains a good amount of water.

5.00pm one Elephant at Maradanmaduwa on Maha Wewa road.

5.18pm 1 Barking Deer at Walvetiya Wala.

5.20pm 13 Spotted Deer between Welvetiya Wala and Maradanmaduwa.

5.43pm a troop of toque Monkey at Palu Kola Wala.

6.10pm one Leopard at Thammanna Wala. It was on a tree and was not possible to get any images.

6.21pm 7 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.

6.28pm left the park.

9.00pm Hemantha Wimalasena informed me that a family of Fishing cats are seen at Hunuwilagama Tank. I observed and photographed an adult female with two extremely active and playful two cubs. This is my first sighting of this species in the park.

27th July 2018

6.06am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.

6.07am 15 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.

6.13am 12 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.19am a Mugger crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.

6.30am one Leopard at Palu Kola Wala. N 08.36354, E 080.09956
The female leopard was seated on the bund and moved on to the large concrete Culvert and lied down on the same. It was a very brief sighting of about 10 minutes as she moved in to the forest upon the arrival of the second vehicle. Later the examination of its spot pattern revealed that this is the Divulgas Mandiya Female 1 (DGMF 1).

6.33am one Barking Deer between Galwanguwa pond and Maradanmaduwa.

7.41am one male Sloth Bear between Maradanmaduwa and Thambioluwa. Having spotted the Bear I stopped the vehicle about 50 meters from the animal. He was feeding on some “Weera” berries on the ground and moved across the road in to the jungle.

7.55am one Leopard at Walas Wala. N 08.41428, E 080.03085

It is a sub adult male and was lying on the bund across the “wala”. I was instantly able to identify the leopard from the spot pattern on its forehead as the Walas Wala Leopard 2 on my site. Even though this is my first sighting of this leopard I had received images of it from many who contribute images to my study of leopards in the park. This is one of the first litter cubs of the Walas Wala Female 1 (WWFC 1). I was quite pleased as this leopard that had eluded me for some time. He was quite relaxed despite the many vehicles on the road. I estimated the age of this leopard to be 1 year and 5 months. I observed the leopard for about half an hour and left as I expected the leopard to move in to cover with the sun becoming stronger. I named it Walas Wala Male 3 (WWMC 3).

7.49am 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

7.57am a Ruddy Mongoose at Thimbiri Wila.

8.00am 5 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.

8.16am 18 Wild Buffalo at Kokkare Villu.

8.40am sounder of 13 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila.

8.59am 1 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.

 9.07am one Ruddy Mongoose between Manikkapolauttu and Kumutu Villu.

9.15am 24 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Wila.

9.18am a Troop of Grey Langur between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.

9.21am 7 Spotted Between Kumutu and Kanjuran.

9.23am 4 Lesser Adjutants and Kanjuran Villu.

9.33am 7 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 15 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.

9.40am 5 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Mara Wila.

10.01am 6 more Wild Boar and a Barking Deer at Mara Wila.

10.07am one adult male Wild Boar at Kuda Mara Wila.

10.29am 10 Spotted Deer between Kanjuran Villu and Kumutu Villu.

10.40am a first year Crested Hawk Eagle feeding on a “bird kill” between Kanjuran Villu and Kumutu Villu.

12.09pm 1 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.

12.57pm 4 Spotted Deer and a troop of Gray Langur at Maradanmaduwa.

1.20pm one Elephant at Thambi Oluwa.

3.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose ran across the road at Kumbuk Wila uppe r road.

3.41pm 8 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.

3.46pm 3 Spotted Deer between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan Junction.

4.08pm troop of Grey Langur on Borupan Wila upper road.

5.40pm a troop of Toque Monkey, two Parker’s Black Turtle’s, a Lesser Adjutant and two White-necked Storks at Thammanna Wala.

6.05pm a Barking Deer at Thammanna Wala.

6.15pm a sounder of about 15 Wild Boar at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.25pm left the park.

28th July 2018

6.05am entered the park with Guide Tissa Ratnayake.

6.14am a troop of grey Langur between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paalu Wilandawa junction.

6.23am one Black-naped Hare between Divulgas Mandiya and Palu Kola Wala.

6.44am one Wild Buffalo at Ibba Wala.

6.48am one Ruddy Mongoose just before Walas Wala.

6.57am 3 Leopards between Borupan junction and Borupan Wila. N 08.41996, E 080.02377

Having noticed the alarm calls of the Grey Langur’s we stopped the vehicle and listened. The calls were moving towards the road. I angled the vehicle in expectation of a leopard moving on to the road. After a few minutes Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2) and her two female cubs, Borupan Wila Female 3 (BWFC 3) and the cub I had not photographed Borupan Pitiya Leopard 3 walked on to the road. The mother as usual was quite keen to move out of sight. They walked in the direction of Borupan Wila and moved in to the forest. I was able to capture few images of the second female cub I did not have and named it Borupan Wila Female 4 (BWFC 4).  The cubs are one year old now.

7.33am Rose-ringed Parakeet feeding on ripe Kiri Koon fruits.

7.55am 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

8.20am 3 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu. One is much lighter coloured than the others. Looks a Leusistic individual. I have seen this individual at the same location in January and June 2017 as well.

8.57am 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.

8.59am one Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila pitiya.

10.48am a troop of Grey Langur between Down Hall Pitiya and Mana Wila.

11.13am 5 Spotted Deer between Mana Wila and Down Hall pitiya.

12.45pm. one Leopard between Percy Bendi Wewa and Ranawara pitiya. N 08.33021, E 080.13386

It was a male cub of and was sleeping on an anthill covered with foliage. I had received images of this leopard from others thus recognized him as the Percy Bendi Wewa Leopard 2 on my site. I observed this leopard from12.45pm to 1.50pm.  Except for raising its head and shifting its position on a few occasions the leopard did not move out of cover. I estimated its age to be around one year and 3 months. This is my first sighting of this leopard. I named it Percy Bendi Wewa Male 2 (PBWMC 2)

1.55pm a White-rumped Shama with a caterpillar in its beak between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paalu Wilandawa junction.

2.53pm 2 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa on Maha Wewa road.

4.53pm herd of 33 Wild Buffalo at Nelum Wila.

5.20pm one Leopard at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.  N 08.42155, E 080.00854

The leopard was lying with its back towards us across the open filed. Later upon examination of the spot pattern I was able to identify the leopard as Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). As we had to reach the park entrance by 6.30pm we left.

5.40pm 2 Sambhur at Ibba Wala.

5.48pm one Ruddy Mongoose at Maradanmaduwa.

5.50pm one Barking Deer at the Galwanguwa pond.

5.52pm another Barking Deer between Galwanguwa pond and Palu Kola Wala.

 5.55pm a Flapshell Turtle on the road between Palu Kola Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.

6.10pm 3 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.

29th July 2018

6.10am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.

6.16am 6 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.

6.20am 2 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.

6.21am 2 Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paaluwilandawa junction.

6.31am one Mugger Crocodile and a Black-naped Hare at Palu Kola Wala.

6.38am one Barking deer at Maradanmaduwa.

6.43am a Ruddy Mongoose at Thambi Oluwa pond.

7.05am 9 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.

8.54am 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.

11.58am troop of Northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey between Ibba Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.

12.09pm 7 Spotted deer at Maradanmaduwa.

12.13pm 5 Mugger Crocodiles at Maradanmaduwa.

12.31pm One Leopard at Maradanmaduwa. N 08.37917, E 080.07514

My guide Tissa spotted the leopard sleeping under a Thimbiri Tree at the foot of Maradanmaduwa bund. It was partially visible and was covered by the broad leaves of the tree. I stopped the vehicle to take at least a record shot when the leopard raised its head to look at us through the foliage and moved further under the tree and was not visible. I was thrilled to note that this is the big male leopard referred to as “Gota” by the jeep drivers and guides. It is listed as Maradanmaduwa Leopard 1 under “Leopards of Wilpattu- Guest” section on my site. It is yet another leopard that I had received images taken by others from as far back as December 2015 but had not photographed my self. As the animal went back to sleep we decided to do a drive and come back later. I named it Maradanmaduwa Male 3 (MMM 3).  I estimated its age to be around 6 and a half.

1.30pm one Elephant was observed below the bund at Maha Wewa. We decided to park on the bund and have lunch. The Elephant started to feed on the grass growing on the sides of the bund and gradually moved up on to the bund. Then he started to walk in our direction making us go through a few anxious moments but thankfully walked down to the tank and started to feed on the water plants and grass much to our relief.

1.51pm about 42 Wild Buffalo in a few scattered herds and a flock of 32 Painted Storks at Maha Wewa.

1.53pm a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.

2.08pm troop of Grey Langur between Maha Wewa and Thammanna Wala.

2.53pm one Elephant at Thambi Oluwa.

3.42pm one Rat Snake at Kokkare Villu.

3.50pm one Leopard at Kudapatessa.  N 08.43123, E 079.99348

 We drove from Kokkare Villu sand dune towards Kudapatessa and spotted the leopard about 50 meters before Kudapatessa turn off. It was a female leopard and marked the bushes as she walked towards Kudapatessa. We followed her while maintaining a safe distance of about 50 meters. Mush to my joy she walked down to Kudapatessa and started to drink. She drank for almost 6 minutes. A flock of Peafowl took particular interest in her and walked in her direction but maintained a fair distance. Having finished her drink the leopard held her tail up and walked passed the inquisitive flock of peafowl that started to follow her until she disappeared in to the forest in the direction of Mahapatessa. Examination of the spot pattern revealed that this is Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1)

4.05pm a Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.

4.30pm one Barking Deer between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.

5.27pm one Leopard Maradanmaduwa Male 3 (MMM3) at Maradanmaduwa.

We arrived at the spot where the leopard was sleeping and spotted him still sleeping under the tree. In a few minutes we heard the breaking of branches, which was followed by the appearance of an Elephant. The sleeping leopard was disturbed by the approaching Elephant and woke up. He started to lick its paws for a while and moved out in to the open permitting me to take a few images. Having looked in our direction for a few minutes the leopard started to move up the bund and was out of sight. I immediately reversed the vehicle and slightly angled it to allow me to get a few images. As expected the leopard moved on to the bund, looked in our direction and moved down to the tank to drink. I decided to leave the leopard and drive off in order to reach the park entrance by 6.30pm.

5.57pm another leopard was seen crossing the road at Galwanguwa pond but I was not able to get any images as there were two other jeeps ahead of me.

6.27pm left the park.

The Black Termite nests that were hardly visible during the wet season have been rebuilt with most having long funneled shaped openings extending 6 to 12 inches from the tree holes.

Fruiting trees - Weera, Kiri Koon, Gon Karapinchcha and Ilkenda in Fruit

Wild Orchids -  Vanda tessalata in bloom.

Wild Flowers – Indian Cadaba (Ira Wara), Wellangiriya and

Butterflies – Blue Mormon, Red-spot Duke, Great Orange- tip, Crimson Rose, Blue Wanderer, Banded Peacock, .

22nd June 2018
11.15pm one Elephant on the approach road to our bungalow, Wild Wadi at Eluwankulama.
6.28am entered the park from Eluwankulama.
6.32am one Elephant between park entrance and Uththamadaaru Bridge.
6.44am a small herd of 7 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.47am a sounder of 15 Wild Boar and Black-headed Munia at Pallekandal Pitiya.
7.40am a Ruddy Mongoose and a Barking Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.48am 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
7.45am 3 Golden Jackal and a Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
8.10am 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
8.43pm one Caspian Tern at Kokkare Villu. This is my first sighting of this species at Kokkare Villu.

8.46am 3 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
8.59am 2 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
9.15am One Leopard at Kumutu Wila. N 08.45941, E 079.97356
It was lying down at the edge of the forest across the Villu. Upon seeing a Spotted Deer stag coming down to water the leopard started to stalk and moved in the direction of the deer that was oblivious of the crouching leopard. Having moved very close to the deer the leopard crouched against the reeds. The stag did not notice the leopard and walked passed the crouching leopard. Much to my disappointment the leopard did not attack and watched the deer move back in to the forest.  There after the leopard trotted in the same direction and disparaged into the forest. Later upon the examination of the images I was thrilled to note that this is Nelum Wila Male 4 (NWMC 4) that I had first seen in August 2014 and last seen in February 2015. I had not received any images of this leopard for more than three years from any of the contributors to my site. I was extremely pleased to note that this leopard is live and well.

9.47am sounder of 8 Wild Boar ran across the road at Manan Wila.
9.51am a Barking Deer at Thelambugas Wala (Herathhamy Wala).
11.00am a troop of Grey Langur at Eriyakkulampooval.
11.40am 12 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
11.45am one Flapshell Turtle at Thimbiri Wila.
11.52am one Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
11.55am toque Monkey and Grey Langur troop on Lunu Wewa Road.
12.34pm one Elephant at Borupan Wila.
1.00pm one Adult male Wild Boar ran across the road on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.15pm sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Manikkapolauttu.
2.30pm between Kumutu Wila and Kanjuran Villu observed a nest of White-rumpled Shama built in a tree hole. I photographed both the longer tailed male and the shorter tailed female feeding the chicks. The primary and the secondary feathers of the female are much duller and is brown in colour than those of the male which are black.

2.55pm troop of Grey Langur between Kumutu Wila and Kanjuran Villu.
3.00pm a herd of 21 Wild Buffalo at Kanjuran Villu.

3.45pm a Crested Hawk Eagle with a Jungle Fowl kill observed between Kuruttupandi junction and Kudapatassa.

4.17pm two Barking Deer between Borupan Wila junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
4.50pm one Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
4.59pm White-necked Stork at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
5.20pm a troop of Grey Langur at Borupan Wila junction.
5.43pm 7 Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
8.53pm observed a Termite-hill Gecko Hemidactylus triedrus lankae on a Termite Hill close to the bungalow.

24th June 2018
 5.55am left the Manik Wila bungalow.
6.20am troop of Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
6.50am 2 Ruddy Mongoose and a Barking Deer at Sudu Muwa Wala.
7.00am one Wild Boar and 4 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.01am a Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu.
7.20am one adult male Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
10.05am one Barking Deer between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
10.06am troop of Grey Langur between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.

10.40am we arrived at Borupan pitiya where many vehicles were parked expecting two leopard cubs to move out of the thicket.
12.47pm one Leopard cub at Borupan Pitiya. N 08.42531, E 080.02728
Even though we were able to observe the two cubs in the thicket no photography was possible as they were hardy visible without a binoculars. At 12.47pm one moved to the edge of the forest and started to feed on grass blades. I have observed Leopards engaging in this behavior and vomiting there after. Having bitten off and swallowing grass for about 4 minutes the young female leopard vomited and moved in to the forest again.

4.39pm the same Leopard cub moved out again walked along the edge of the forest and sat down on its hunches permitting us to get a few clear images. There after she moved back in to the forest and started “Clawing a Tree” before climbing up. Having examined the images I noted that this is one of the two cubs of the third litter of Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2), which I have named as Borupan Pitiya Leopard 2 in Leopards of Wilpattu-Guest section based on images received from other contributors to my site. As this is my first sighting of this female leopard I named it Borupan Wila Female 3 (BWF 3). Having received images of these cubs when they were about one month they are now 11 months old.

5.01pm as we had to reach the Eluwankulama entrance by 6.00pm we left.
5.35pm 8 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
5.50pm a herd of 4 Elephants at Pallekandal Pitiya.
5.52pm another herd of 5 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.00pm left the park.
Most Weera trees were in fruit. A few Kiri Koon, Bolpana & Keena Dan trees also beginning to bear Fruit
Butterflies - Cornelian, Great Orange tip, Blue Mormon, Red-spot Duke, Common Mormon, Crimson Rose and Common Crow seen.

9.45am entered the park with Bathiya, Sujeewa, Sasaka and Ashan accompanied by guide Tissa Ratnayake.
An adult male Spotted Deer crossed the road at the park entrance.
9.50am 8 Spotted deer between Park entrance and Weli Ela.
9.58am a troop of Toque Monkey at Percy bendi Wewa.
10.10am a Mugger Crocodile at Palu Kola Wala.
 10.21am 1 Spotted Deer between the grave pond and Maradanmaduwa.
10.25am 25 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
10.40am 2 Spotted Deer at the Leopard enclosure.
11.10am 2 Spotted Deer at Ibba Wala.
11.26am 2 Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
11.37am an adult male Wild Boar ran across the road on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
11.40am 2 Giant Squirrel between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila.
11.43am one Flapshell Turtle and 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
12.noon one Sambhur between Kokkare junction and Kuruttupandi junction.
12.12pm 22 Spotted Deer at Manikkapolauttu.
12.24pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Downhall pitiya and Mana Wila.
3.30pm 8 Spotted Deer at Manikkapolauttu.
3.35pm one Black-naped Hare and 3 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.40pm troop of Grey Langur between Kuruttupandi junction and Kokkare Villu.
3.45pm a bright orange mushroom at Kokkare Villu upper road.

3.50pm 12 Spotted Deer, a Black-naped Hare and a Lesser Adjutant at Nelum Wila pitiya.
4.00pm one Mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila.
4.08pm one Leopard on Kumbuk Wila upper road. N 08.41812, E 080.00120
Upon checking the spot patterns images I was able to conform that it is Nelum Wila Male Cub 5 (NWMC 5). The young male leopard was by the side of the road and walked across the road. Having sniffed the ground he defecated and walked on to the road and started to walk away from the vehicle. After a few minutes he lay down and rested on the road. I managed to get a few images and allowed the vehicle following me to move ahead for a better view. Upon another vehicle arriving from the opposite direction the leopard moved in to the forest.

4.35pm a “bachelor party” of 8 adult Spotted Deer stags on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
4.45pm one Leopard sleeping on a tree at Kumbuk Wila upper road junction. No photography was possible as it was only slightly visible through the foliage.
5.00pm 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
5.05pm a Black-naped Hare at Thimbiri Wila.
5.10pm a herd of 17 Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
5.20pm 15 Spotted Deer and one Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
5.30pm five Mugger Crocodiles at Kudapatessa.
6.05pm reached the Mana Wila bungalow.
27th May 2018
6.00am left Mana Wila bungalow.
6.10am a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Illanda Motte.
6.20am one adult male Wild Boar close to Manikkapolauttu bungalow.
6.30am 13 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
6.40am one Barking Deer between Kokkare junction and Nelum Wila.
6.45am 15 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
7.15am herd of 12 Wild Buffalo and a herd of 8 male spotted deer at Borupan Wila.
7.17am 1 Spotted Deer between Borupan Wila to Lunu Wewa junction.
7.50am one Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
7.53am male Thilapia fish has made sand depressions to attract females at Mahapatessa.

8.18am one Leopard at Madangaha Wala. N 08.41572, E079.99854
Having heard that two leopards had crossed the main road we arrived at Madangaha Wala. There were two vehicles parked in expectation of the leopards. I decided to park away from the parked vehicles expecting the leopards to cross the road towards Nelum Wila from the forested area of the road. One leopard emerged from the thicket and I managed to get a few images. I was able to instantly recognize that this is Nelum Wila Male Cub 5 (NWMC 5). He was bold enough to cross the road in between the vehicles and disappear in to the forest.

10.45am one adult male antler Sambhur between Mana Wila and Downhall Pitiya.
10.51am a Flapshell Turtle at Illanda Motte.
11.33am 3 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.noon one Elephant and 11 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
12.15pm 24 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
12.20pm   one adult male Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
12.38pm 41 Spotted Deer at Panikkar villu (increased to 41 from 11)
12.47pm before driving to the bungalow for lunch I decided to drive down to Madangaha Wala to record the GPS reading of the former leopard sighting. While checking the reading we heard the low growl of a leopard and decided park at bordering the open glade.
1.04pm Two Leopards at Madangaha Wala. N 08.41539, E 079.99796
A female Leopard emerged from the thicket followed by another male. Later upon checking their spot patterns I was able to ID them as Nelum Wila Female 3 (NWFC 3) and Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5). It was wonderful to see these youngster siblings chasing each other and play fighting like a pair of domestic cats. We watched them for about 10 minutes and left to proceed to the bungalow.

1.29pm one Mugger Crocodile at Madangaha Wala.
1.37pm a sub adult Grey-headed Fish Eagle drying its wings after the short burst of rain at Manikkapolauttu.

3.44pm 6 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kurutupandi junction.
3.55pm one Leopard on Kumbuk Wila upper road. N 08.41808, E 080.00737
It was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5). It was a very brief sighting. The young Leopard was disturbed by the number of vehicles that had gathered at this spot and retreated in to the forest.

4.15pm 22 Spotted Deer and a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila.
4.20pm a troop of Grey Langur at Borupan Wila junction.
4.45pm one female Sambhur between Maradanmaduwa and Palu Kola Wala.
4.50pm one Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
5.00pm 4 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.03pm 2 Black-naped Hare and 8 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya.
5.05pm 12 Spotted Deer at between Ranawara Pitiya and Weli Ela.
5.07pm 8 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and the park entrance.
5.10pm left the park.

Wild Orchid Vanilla walkerae in bloom.

6.21am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.29am 4 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and the first glade.
6.31am 1 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.52am 3 Spotted Deer between the three causeways and Matadanmaduwa.
6.53am heard of 11 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
6.54am 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.55am 8 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa “Kukul Katu” field.
6.58am 2 Sambhur between Maradanmaduwa and Thambioluwa.
7.02am 2 more Sambhur between Kuda Boralu Wala and Ibba Wala.
7.16am 24 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
 7.17am a Mugger Crocodile was feeding on a freshly caught Little Cormorant at Borupan Wila.

7.50am a Yellow Wagtail of the race Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail Motacila flava  thunbergi at Borupan Wila.

7.57am one Elephant at Thimbiri Wila.
8.00am 12 Spotted Deer and a troop of Toque at Kumbuk Wila.
8.11am 3 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
8.20am 3 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
8.22am a troop of Grey Langur making their booming calls at Mahapatessa.
8.28am one Mugger Crocodile and a Yellow Wagtail with a white supercilium at Kudapatessa.
8.38am 4 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.12am 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.16am another 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.26am 12 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 12 Wild Boar with about 18 piglets at Panikkar Villu.

10.21am 2 Spotted Deer and one Lesser Adjutant at Illanda Motte.
10.37am 2 adult female Sambhur with a calf at Mana Wila.
10.41am a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Kaya Motte.
11.25am an Indian Three-toed Kingfisher at Thelambugas Wala.
11.55am a Wild Buffalo at Kaali Villu.
11.58am 10 Spotted Deer between Kaali Villu and Kuda Mara Wila.
12.05pm a Barking Deer at Mara Wila.
12.28pm 3 Wild Boar at Kuda Mara Wila.
12.35 2 Spotted Deer and one adult male Sambhur antler drinking at Kaali Villu.
12.45pm 2 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
2.00pm 4 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
2.14pm 3 Spotted Deer at Illanda Motte.
2.21pm a herd of 9 Wild Buffalo at Manikrala Uraniya.
2.24pma troop of Grey Langur between Manikrala Uraniya and Eriyakkulampooval.
2.57pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila.
3.30pm started to rain. It was a heavy down pour.
 4.04pm 2 Spotted Deer at the first glade.
4.06pm a Ruddy Mongoose between first glade and Weli Ela.
8th April 2018
6.10am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.19am 7 Spotted Deer between park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.24am one large Mugger Crocodile at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.42am 3 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.10am 17 Spotted Deer and one Indian Grey Mongoose at Borupan Wila.
7.11am 18 more Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.15am 12 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
7.27am one Elephant at Thimbiri Wila

7.34am a Jerdon’s Bush Lark feeding its young at Kokkare Villu.

7.38am 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
7.51am 15 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.04am 12 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
8.45am 42 Spotted Deer at Panikkar villu.
8.50am 3 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.59am 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
9.02am a Barking Deer at Tala Wila.
9.28am 10 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.30am 12 more Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.38am troop of Grey Langur between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
9.50am one Ruddy Mongoose on Manik Wila upper road.
9.52am 5 Spotted Deer at Manikkapolauttu.
9.51am 4 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Illanda Motte.
10.22am troop of Grey Langur between Mana Wila and Kuveni Palace.
10.54am Black-tailed Godwit in partial breeding plumage at Mara Wila.

11.06am one Wild Buffalo at Kaali Villu.
11.17am one Male Wild Buffalo at Kanjuran Villu.
12.07am a troop of Grey Langur and a Brown Fish Owl on Kumbuk Wila upper road.

12.37pm one Leopard between Borupan junction and Walas Wala. N 08.41495, E 080.02911
It was Walas Wala Female 1 (WWFC 1). She was sleeping on a bent ficus tree trunk. I photographed the leopard from a distance and approached it gradually. She looked in our direction but went back to sleep. After a few minutes two more jeeps arrived resulting the leopard to jump off the tree and move in to the forest.

1.50pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.
1.51pm a Sambhur at Boralu Wala.
1.54pm the rain had resulted in the appearance of a large number of Lesser Albatross butterflies. Many of these fast-flying insects could be seen all over the park.

2.12pm one Ruddy Mongoose and a troop of Grey Langur between Borupan junction and Borupan Wila.
2.30pm a male Painted Snipe with 3 chicks at Thimbiri Wila.

2.48pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
3.55pm 3 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
4.30pm one Elephant on Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.47pm one Mugger Crocodile at Kokkare Villu.
5.05pm 42 Spotted Deer and an Indian Peacock displaying against a strong breeze at Kumbuk Wila.

6.15pm a Brown Fish Owl and a Barking Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.

> 6.28pm left the park.
Fruiting trees - Palu trees had started to fruit early this year.
Wild Orchids – Vanda tessellate Vanilla walker
Wild Flowers – Yaki Nanang Atalantia ceylanica in bloom.

22nd March 2018
8.56pm about 2 kilometers before reaching Saliyawewa observed an Indian Pangolin on Nawagaththegama Saliyawewa road.
23rd March 2018
6.17am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.19am 2 Spotted Deer between Tamarind Tree and the first glade.
6.20am a Barking Deer between Tamarind Tree and the first glade.
6.32am a Brown Fish Owl flew across Thammanna Wala while a Sambhur was seen across the water body.
6.48am 5 Spotted Deer and a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
6.54am a Ruddy Mongoose on Maha Wewa road.
7.06am a troop of grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
7.11am about 8 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.15am a Barking Deer at Thambioluwa.
7.21am three Sambahur between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
7.34am 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.40am a pair of nesting Painted Snipe at Thimbiri Wila. The female is incubating while the male is perched a little distance from the nest.

7.41am a Large Egret with an Indian Green Frog Euphlyctis hexadactylus in its beak at Thimbiri Wila.

7.50am 3 Spotted Deer and one Elephant at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
8.09am 5 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
8.10am Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.
8.34am 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
8.56am 5 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.06am a Ruddy Mongoose at Illanda Motte.
9.55am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Kuveni Palace.
10.08am a Barking Deer at Kuda Mara Wila.
10.09am an adult male Wild Boar and a Mugger Crocodile at Kuda Mara Wila.
10.17am 6 Spotted Deer at Avatara Motte.
10.19am one Nelu plant n bloom between Avatara Motte and Mara Wila.
10.28am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kuda Mara Wila.
10.33am 3 Spotted Deer between Kuda Mara Wila and Kaali Villu.
10.34am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
10.37am a single Temmink’s Stint probing the soft mud at waters edge at Kaali Villu. This is my first sighting of this species at Wilpattu.

10.55am one Ruddy Mongoose between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
11.06am 5 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
11.15am a Wild Boar at Kattarambu Villu.
11.47am drove on the road from Mana Wila to Dangaha Uraniya. A sounder of 4 Wild Boar at Kaya Motte (Mana Wila).
12.05pm from Kaya Motte took the newly cleared road to Cheena Uttu.

12.10pm from Cheena Uttu drove down and arrived at another picturesque water hole, which is between Cheena Uttu and Dangaha Uraniya. I was surprised to see that a platform has been constructed on a tree overlooking the water body. These platforms are built by poachers during the dry season at locations where animals come to drink and where there is no road access for visitors. Hopefully the clearing of these roads and more raids by the DWC staff will deter the poachers. As there seems to be no name for this water hole in any map I called it Dharshana Uttu.

12.25pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Cheena Uttu.
12.40pm I was pleased to observe and photograph a male and a female Orange-headed Ground Thrush at Thelambugas Wala. During the migrant season most birds recorded of this species happens to be males. The female has browner upperparts as oppose to the blue-grey upperparts of the male.

12.58pm 4 Spotted Deer at Illanda Mote.
1.14pm troop of Grey Langur at Kudapatessa.
1.19pm an adult male Wild Boar drinking across the water at Kudapatessa.
2.16pm Pompadour Green Pigeon at Vilanda Wala.

2.25pm one Golden Jackal at Walas Wala.

2.43pm 3 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.46pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
3.05pm the Gargany ducks at Nelum Wila had acquired almost full breeding plumage.

3.55pm 23 Spotted Deer and one Sambhur at Aalam Villu.
4.05pm a sounder of 15 Wild Boar with 27 piglets at Kombansanchaipooval.
4.06pm 2 Spotted Deer and another adult male Wild Boar also at Kombansanchaipooval.
4.10pm 27 Spotted Deer and a Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
4.50pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Thimbiri Wila.
4.58pm a male Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail belonging to the race M.f. thunbergi in partial breeding plumage at Borupan Wila.

5.00pm a Golden Jackal at Borupan Wila.
5.01pm a sun adult Sambhur between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
5.04pm one Leopard between Borupan Junction and Walas Wala. N 08.41560, E 080. 02744
It was Borupan Wila Female 2 (BWF 2). The leopard was lying down at a depressed part of the road and was hardly visible. I parked at a distance of about 50 yards to ensure that the animal is not disturbed. Having got a few images we decided to advance the vehicle further for a better view. The leopard was quite relaxed but stood up and walked in to the forest upon the arrival of two other vehicles.

5.31pm a troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
5.55pm one Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
6.18pm 3 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Wala and Paaluwilandawa junction.
6.28pm left the park.
7.23pm photographed an Indian Nightjar at Radagama.

7.36pm observed and photographed two large Mugger Crocodiles at Holambalagama Tank.

24th March 2018
6.30am arrived at the mist laden Pimburellegama tank, which is bordering the park.

7.34am photographed a Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Pimburellegama tank.

9.36am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
9.37am troop of Grey langur at the park entrance.
9.45am a Barking Deer between Percy Bnedi Wewa and Paaluwilandawa junction.
10.06am 12 Spotted Deer at Mardanmaduwa.
10.20am a troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
10.25am one Leopard at Welvatiya Wala. N 08.38716, E 080.08398
It was Maradanmaduwa Female 1 (MMFC 1). The water hole had almost dried up except for a moisture-laden mud. Interestingly while the Leopard was under the shade of a tree growing at the edge of the water hole an adult male Sambhur antler was also seen about 30 feet from the resting feline. The Sambhur kept on looking in the direction of the leopard and stamping its front feet interchangeably but did not make any alarm calls. The Leopard on a few occasions looked in the direction of the Sambhur and snarled but did not take much notice and slept with its back towards the bebiviour.
11.27am a Ruddy Mongoose arrived at the water hole and walked in the direction of the resting leopard, which was looking at it intently. Upon the Mongoose detecting the leopard it instantly turned back and ran away with its fur puffed up.
12.15pm a Land Monitor arrived at the water hole and moved quite close to the Leopard who again did not show much interest in the reptile. Upon detecting the Leopard the terrified reptile stood tall, puffed up its throat and moved away very cautiously.
4.15 pm the silence was suddenly broken by the frantic alarm calls of a Barking Deer.
I observed this leopard for 6 and half hours until 5pm. She was taking very short breaths and did not appear to have any interest in hunting. I was most interested in the behavior of the Sambhur. The confidence portrayed by the prey in such close proximity to an adult female leopard appear to be a clear indication of its ability to surmise that the predator was not interested in hunting that day.
5.00pm left Welvatiya Wala with the leopard still resting at the same spot.

5.02pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Welvatiya Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
5.03pm 2 Wild Boar and a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.04pm a large Mugger Crocodile sunning on the Maradanmaduwa tank Bund.

5.06pm a Black-naped Hare between Maradanmaduwa and the first culvert on Maha Wewa road.
5.28pm one Elephant and 2 adult male Wild Buffalo at Maha Wewa.

5.33pm 42 Spotted Deer, 28 Wild Buffalo and a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.

5.35pm a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
6.15pm left the park.
6.24pm one Elephant and 2 Night Herons at Holmbalagama Tank.
25th March 2018
6.10am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.44am a Crested Hawk Eagle with plumage suggesting that its less than one year since it had left the nest, at Maradanmaduwa “Kukul Katu” filed.

7.03am 5 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.07am a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
7.16am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
7.41am an Elephant on Kokkare Villu upper road.
 7.43am 4 Spotted Deer between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
7.47am 7 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.59am 5 Spotted Deer at Illanda Motte.
8.25am an adult male Wild Boar at Cheena Uttu.

9.16am 4 Spotted Deer at Thelambugas Wala.
9.23am a Mouse Deer darted across the road at Mana Wila.
9.38am one Leopard at Down Hall Pitiya. N 08.46567, E 079.99095
We arrived at Down Hall Pitiya from Mana Wila and spotted the leopard walking in the direction of Illanda Motte. I managed to get a few images and realized that this is “Eye One”, the female leopard that had eluded me for 6 years. I was thrilled with this long awaited sighting. She walked through the jungle and moved on to the road at the sand patch. On two occasions she turned back to have a look at the vehicle permitting me to get some priced images.  We followed her keeping a reasonable distance. As expected she walked up to Illanda Motte walked along the bund and drank at the water hole across the main water body. Thereafter she walked in to the forest beyond the water holes in the direction of Manikrala Uraniya. This is my first sighting of this leopard, which I have listed under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section by the name “Illanda Motte Leopard 1”. Considering the location of my first sighting I named her Down Hall Pitiya Female 1 (DHPF 1). As depicted by images taken in 2011 by Mr. Palitha Antony and Dr. Rishani Gunasighe the “cataract” in her right eye may be a birth defect, which persists to this day. In 2011 I estimated her age to be around 2 years. Thus I estimated her age to be 9 years now.

10.24am 2 Wild Buffalo at Manikkapolauttu.
10.40am 8 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila junction.
12.01pm one Golden Jackal at Lunu Wewa.
12.09pm a Sambhur at Etambagaha Uraniya.
12.40pm stopped at Ochchappukallu to have lunch. Enjoyed the breath taking view of the surrounding jungle having climbed the rock.

2.40pm a single Spotted Deer at Nabada Wila.
2.44pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kattarambu Villu.
3.50pm one Leopard at Manikrala Uraniya. N 08.45051, E 079.99454
It was a young female leopard and she was stalking a sounder of Wild Boar. After a minute or so she sprinted in to the forest in pursuit of her prey. But her fate reversed almost instantly when the Wild Boar came together to charge her. She moved back on to the road and walked in to the forest. Having examined the spot pattern I was able to identify this leopard as the Kuruttupandi Leopard 1 listed under “Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest” section. This is my first sighting of this leopard. I estimated her age to be around 2 years and 6 months. I named her Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1).

4.01pm 3 Spotted Deer and a Sambhur at Mahapatessa.
4.30pm 12 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.34pm 4 more Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
5.04pm a Barking Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
5.09pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
5.11pm 10 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
5.33pm a female Sambhur with a fawn between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
6.18pm Left the park.
 Wild Orchids – Vanda tessalata in bloom.
Wild Flowers - Lunu Warana trees are in bloom

8.57am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadhipathy and guide D.M. Wasantha.
9.00am a troop of Northern Purple-faced Leaf Monkey at Uththamadaru Bridge.

9.13am a Ruddy Mongoose at Pallekandal Pitiya.
9.27am a Ruddy Mongoose between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
9.32am a troop of Grey Langur between Pilli Motte and Tala Wila.
9.38am a sounder of 5 Wild Boar and 3 Spotted Deer sprinted across the open filed upon our arrival at Tala Wila.
9.43am 9 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchipooval.
9.45am a troop of Grey Langur between Kombansanchipooval and Panikkar Villu.
10.03am an adult male Sambhur antler feeding on water plants at Nelum Wila.

10.05am Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.
10.54am 12 Wild Boar and a Wild Buffalo at Manikkapolauttu.
11.27am one Leopard at Herathhamy Wala. N 08.49345, E 079.98955
We arrived at this picturesque water hole and as there no signs of any animal decided to park and observe. (Usually when no other animals are present at a water hole there is a likely hood of the presence of a Leopard)  I drove ahead, turned the vehicle and parked with the water hole on the driving side. Thereafter I started to scan the areas under the low bushes across the water hole carefully. To my delight I spotted a Leopard sleeping under a bush. It was quite hard to detect as it was perfectly camouflaged in the dappled light. It was a female leopard and she was looking in our direction. After about 10 minutes she started to lick her paws and other parts of her body. As with domestic cats Leopards clean their skin by licking. Having examined the spot pattern I was able to identify her as the Herathhamywala Female 1 (HHWF 1), which I photographed during my previous visit at the same location. At 12.03pm she stood up, yawned and cautiously walked up to the edge of the water.  She looked in our direction for a moment and perhaps having realized that we pose no danger to her started to drink. She drank for about 4 minutes permitting us to get a few precious images before walking along the edge of the water hole and disappearing in to the forest.

12.15pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Herathhamywala and Kattarambu Villu.
12.31pm 6 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
12.45pm a Wild Buffalo in the water hole at Illanda Motte.
12.47pm 4 Spotted Deer between Illanda Motte and Manikrala Uraniya.
2.21pm adult Crested Hawk Eagle perched on an exposed branch offered us good photo opportunity.

2.27pm 7 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
2.30pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
3.03pm about 3 pairs of Gargany in breeding plumage at Nelum Wila.

3.06pm a Mugger Crocodile at Nelum Wila.
3.10pm 4 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Nelum Wila.
3.28pm a “Bachelor Party” of six Spotted Deer stags between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi junction.
3.30pm a troop of Toque Monkey between Kuruttupandi junction and Kudapatessa.
3.37pm a Leopard at Eriyakkulampooval. It moved in to the forest before I was able to get any images.
4.46pm a pair of Malabar Pied Hornbill on an exposed tree flew down and started  “sand bathing” at Tala Wila.

5.10pm a herd of 7 Elephants at Pallekandal Pitiya.
5.30pm one Tusker and 5 more Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
6.20 left the park.
Wild Flowers – Horsefly’s Eye Dopatrium Junceum, Indian Cadaba Cadaba trifoliate and Indian Caper Capparis brevispina in bloom.

9.12am entered the park with Nanda Senanayake and guide Tissa Ratnayake.
9.20am 6 Spotted Deer between Ranawara Pitiya and Percy bendi Wewa.
10.00am troop of Grey Langur between Maradanmaduwa and first water hole on Maha Wewa road.
10.13am 3 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Welwatiya Wala.
10.21am a Star Tortoise between Maradanmaduwa and Moragollawa Tank.
11.10am 5 Spotted Deer and one adult male Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa Tank.
12.09pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
12.31pm 12 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.46pm a Pea Blue butterfly settled on a stalk of Yellow Rattlepod Flowers at Nelum Wila.

12.47pm 2 White-necked Storks at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
12.55pm one Leopard at Nelum Wila pitiya. As it was sleeping on a branch inside the forest no photography was possible due to the view being obstructed by many shrubs and branches.
1.20pm one Lesser Adjutant at Kumutu Wila.
1.25pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
1.35pm 7 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 5 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
2.25pm an Indian Cuckoo at Kaali Villu.
2.33pm one Ruddy Mongoose at Kuveni Palace.
2.44pm a baby Star Tortoise between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
2.56pm a sounder of 6 Wild Boar at Mana Wila.
2.55pm one Leopard at Herathhamy Wala. N 08.49342, E 079.98959
It was lying at the edge of the forest to the right of the water hole and was covered by some tall grass.  After about 20 minutes she got up and walked in to the forest. In less than a minute she walked on to the road permitting me to take a few clear images. Having examined her spot pattern I noted that this is Kok Motte leopard 2 listed under “Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest” section. I have received images of this leopard only from Mr. John Wilson. He captured images of this leopard on the 7th of August 2016 on Kok Motte road and I estimated her age to be around one year then. Thus she is now around 2 and half years. The Leopard walked towards Kattarambu Villu for a short distance and moved in to the forest. This is my first sighting of this leopard and I names it Herathhamy Wala Female 1 (HHWF – 1)

3.39pm a Flapshell Turtle and a Wild Boar at Herathhamy Wala.
3.45pm a Spotted Deer between Mana Wila and Mana Wila sand patch.
4.11pm one Elephant at the edge of the water at Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.13pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose on Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.43pm a Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
5.00pm 4 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and the first water hole on Maha Wewa road.
5.30pm 18 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
6.15pm left the park.
18th February 2018
6.39am to 7.16am photographed a Green Sandpiper, a small nesting colony of Striated Weaver and two Indian Shags at Holambalagama Tank.

8.03am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
8.07am 2 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
8.39am troop of Grey Langur at Maradanmaduwa.
9.33am troop of Grey Langur between Welwetiya Wala and Maradanmaduwa
9.52am a Layard’s Flycatcher between Maradanmaduwa and kuda Boralu Wala.

9.53am a Spotted Deer between Kuda Boralu Wala and Ibba Wala.
9.59am a Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.
10.44am 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.45am Nelum Wila Female 3 (NWFC – 3) at Nelum Wila Pitiya. N 08.40622, E 079.98846
The Leopard had moved in to a patch of tall grass before we arrived. A few Safari jeeps remained in expectation of the leopard to move out in to the open. In a short while we spotted the leopard looking intently in the direction of Maila Wewa road where there was a small heard of Spotted Deer behind a patch of forest. As it was an open field we were able to see the leopard as well as the Deer. She moved with her body close to the ground taking cover of the forest patch between them and disappeared in to the same. I drove to the far end of the “pitiya” and managed to get a few more photos of her partly concealed in the foliage. But the Deer detected the young leopard and fled. After a few minutes she moved in to the forest.

11.55am a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Herath Hamy Wala.
11.56am a Barking Deer at Herath Hamy Wala.
12.24pm one Sambhur between Nabbada Wila and Kok Motte.
1.16pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Nebbada Wila and Herath Hamy Wala
1.34pm a sounder of 5 Wild Boar at Mana Wila.
2.02pm 2 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
2.10pm one Flapshell Turtle at Kuda Mara Wila.
2.12pm 4 Spotted Deer and one Wild Boar at Mara Wila.
2.26pm a Flapshell Turtle and a few Indian Shag at Kaali Villu.
2.55pm a Mugger crocodile at Herath Hamy Wala.
3.30pm one Leopard at Manikkapolauttu sand pacth. The foliage concealed it and I was not able to get any images.
4.02pm 9 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.23pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchipooval.
4.26pm 8 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.33pm 2 Barking Deer between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.
4.36pm 2 Barking Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Panikkar Villu.
4.37pm a sounder of 5 Wild Boar and 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
4.54pm a Black-capped Purple Kingfisher at Nelum Wila.
5.40pm 15 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
5.56pm 2 Wild Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
19th February 2018
7.25am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake
7.56am a Male Indian Paradise Flycatcher at Maradanmaduwa.

7.55am 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.15am one Wild Boar at Walas Wala.
8.26am Indian Grey Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
8.29am a Little Stint at Kokkare Villu.

8.45am Common Swallows perched on a dead tree at Nelum Wila.

9.13am 2 Spotted Deer at Illanda Motte.
9.21am Barking Deer between Down Hall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
9.31am 2 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
9.56am 7 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 10 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
10.03am a Golden Jackal at Kaali Villu.
10.12am a Ruddy Mongoose at Marar Wila.
10.21am 3 Spotted Deer between Kaali Villu and kuda Mara Wila.
10.23am an Indian Cuckoo between Kuda Mara Wila and Kaali Villu.

10.31am a Ruddy Mongoose on Kaali Villu upper road.
10.40am 4 Spotted Deer between Kaali and Kanjuran Villu.
10.43am 12 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
11.12am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.
11.41am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
11.50am an Adult male Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
12.10pm a Wild Buffalo at Ibba Wala.
12.34pm left the park
Pea Blue, Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock, Tawny Raja, Lime Butterfly, Blue Wanderer
Nelu Stenosiphonium cordifolium, Ceylon osbekia, Dutu Sathutu and Kapukinissa
Vanda tessalata & Spathulata
2.40pm arrived at Mahawilachchiya, which is a part of the Wilpattu forest area complex. It is connected to the park by jungle corridors. Many Yellow Wagtails including one Sykes’s Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava bema. Also observed Pallid Harrier and a pair of Indian Sky Larks.

6.56am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
9.02am one Wild Buffalo at Ibba Wala.
9.06am observed the bright orange fruits of Uvaria sphenocarpa between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala.

9.51am 9 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
9.54am a Star Tortoise between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
9.55am 6 Spotted Deer at Thimibiri Wila.
10.28am 2 Barking Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
10.32am a troop of Grey Langur between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
11.35am a Grey Drongo with a small mixed feeding flock between Kuruttupandi and Kumutu Wila permitted me to take a few images.

11.38pm pair of Golden-backed Woodpecker in the same feeding flock. The facial white markings of this race are broader than the race (Red-backed Woodpecker) found in the southern parts of the island.

11.49am one Elephant at Kanjuran Villu.
12.01pm a sounder of 4 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
12.03pm a sounder of 12 Wild Boar between Kaali Villu and Mare Villu.
12.06pm a Barking Deer between Kaai Villu and Kuda Mara Wila.
1.12pm one Flapshell Turtle at Kaali Villu.
1.15pm 4 Spotted Deer at Kaali Villu.
1.33pm a Spotted Deer stag between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
2.08pm sounder of 7 Wild Boar on Mana Wila upper road.
2.40pm one Elephant and a Sambhur at Manik Wila. I noticed that the Sambhur had its tail raised indicating that it had sensed danger. Having looked at a bush intently he started to make its bellowing alarm calls. We had no way for reaching the location. The Elephant continued to feed and took no notice of the Sambhur or its actions.

2.43pm 3 Spotted Deer between Manikkapolauttu and Kuruttupandi Villu.
2.47pm troop of grey Langur between Kuruttupandi and Kokkare Villu.
2.49pm a Giant Squirrel on Kokkare Villu upper road
2.52pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Kokkare Villu upper road.
3.01pm a Barking Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
3.05pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Walas Wala and Boralu Wala.
3.24pm 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.26pm a Golden jackal at Eda Kohomba Gaha Pitiya.
3.42pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Andaragollawa Road.
3.54pm 5 Spotted Deer at Andaragollawa Tank.
4.05pm spend some time observing the picturesque surroundings from the Andaragollawa rock.

4.24pm one Barking Deer between Andaragollawa and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
4.30pm a Sambhur on Andaragollawa Road.

4.56pm 2 Spotted Deer and a Star Tortoise between Percy Bendi Wewa and Thelbeepu Wewa.
5.28pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Thelbeepu Wewa and Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.00pm left the park.
4th February 2018
 6.05am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.22am one Wild Buffalo between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.27am a Ruddy Mongoose between Palu Kola Wala and the Grave Pond.
6.33am a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo including two tiny calfs at Maradanmaduwa.
7.26am 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
7.34am 15 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
7.36am a Barking Deer between Borupan and Thimbiri Wila.
7.43am 3 Spotted Der at Mahapatessa.
7.45am a Barking Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.05am 8 Spotted Deer at Panikkar villu.
8.06am an Indian Nightjar with two chicks at the Panikkar villu sand patch. As the chicks are exposed to the sun they huddle under the mothers wings.

8.23am a Barking Deer at Panikkar villu junction.
9.56am a Ruddy Mongoose at Illanda Motte.
10.08am a Ruddy Mongoose at Mana Wila sand-patch.
10.11am 4 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
10.15am a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Kuveni Palace.
10.34am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kaali Villu.
10.37am a non-hepatic juvenile Common Cuckoo at Kaali Villu. This is my first sighting of this species. The points to remember in differentiating this species from other cuckoos are as follows;

• Iris is yellow thus it is not Indian Cuckoo or a Lesser Cuckoo.
• Fine barring on the breast and rufous patches on head unlike the broad barring of the Indian Cuckoo.
• No broad terminal band in the tail except for white spots.
• I was not able to see whether the inner wing-coverts are barred or not but the vent is white not buff thus I ruled out a Himalayan Cuckoo. (In Himalayan Cuckoo the inner wing-coverts are not barred as with the Indian Cuckoo)
• It was about the size of a domestic pigeon but slender.
• Its behaviour of being in the open very much similar to the Grey-bellied Cuckoos. 

10.54am a Mugger Crocodile at Avatara Motte.
11.10am 2 Spotted Deer between Kuda Mara Wila and Kaali Villu.
11.12am Many Indian Plaintive Cuckoos at Kaali Villu

11.30am troop of Grey Langur between Kaali Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
11.51am one Leopard between Kokkare Villu junction and Nelum Wila. N 08.40936, E 079.98470
It was Kumbuk Wila upper road Leopard 1 listed under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section. This is my first sighting of this young male leopard. I estimated its age to be around 2 years. He was lying on the ground about 15 feet from the road. After about 10 minutes, with the build up of vehicles, he stood up and walked further in to the forest and lay on the floor again. Having slept for about an hour he was alerted by an alarm call of an Indian Palm Squirrel and walked on to the road, sat on its hunches and walked across to the opposite side. I named this leopard Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5)

1.15pm a Malay Bittern between Nelum Wila and Maila Wila. This is my first record of this species in the park.
2.07pm an adult Sambhur antler between Indi Pitiya and Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.09pm 3 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.11pm a Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.38pm 3 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
2.50pm a Green Imperial Pigeon, perched on an exposed branch, permitted me to make a few images.

3.02pm photographed a pair of Crested Tree Swifts at Thimbiri Wila.

3.15pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila.
3.55pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Maradanmaduwa.
4.10pm one Leopard between Maradanmaduwa and the first culvert on Maha Wewa road. N 08.37959, E 080.08483
Upon examination of its spot pattern I recognized it as the Maradanmaduwa Leopard 3 listed under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section. This is my first sighting of this female cub. She is now around one year and is usually seen with her sister and mother, Maradanmaduwa Female 1 (MMFC 1). Her first litter was two male cubs and this is her second. The leopard was sleeping on a high up branch of a Kumbuk Tree.

5.43pm 3 Sambhur between Palu Kola Wala and Divulgasmandiya.
5.50pm one Wild Boar at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.02pm left the park.
Wild flowers Ceylon Osbekia, Indian Cadaba in bloom
Wild Orchids Vanda spathulata in bloom