A long traffic-filled bus ride from Alleppy to the Bird Sanctuary. We alit in what was supposed to be the small village of Kothamangalam (we don't think at this point in our travels that small villages exist!). There were at least a dozen buses at the depot and masses of people. It was lunch time and the options were slim, if not dicey. What to do? We crossed our fingers and went in here to make our choice. Very little English was spoken but they were so accommodating and helpful. When in doubt always go to the fallback choice of chicken biryani. They watched our luggage as we ate - and of course watched us as well. I think they approved of our ability and willingness to eat with our hands. Our guts were safe!!
What a joy to be out in nature after so many days in extremely populated areas. And in a homestay with a family that also loves nature.
Got some great bird shots - here's an anhinga drying its wings.
And a rufous backed woodpecker as seen from our balcony.
Finally found out the name of this beauty seen in Sri Lanka - an Asian Paradise Flycatcher, of the female variety. The male has a long tail like the drongo.
A chestnut headed bee eater.
A red vented bulbul
Amazing giant squirrels here! Tails about 2-3 feet long. They eat the coconuts off the trees.
Rocket tailed drongo!!!
Sri Lankan Frogmouths
An Imperial Mountain Pigeon - 2 feet tall!
A blue tailed bee eater.
A blue winged leaf bird.
A rufous treepie.
And a Malabar trogon.
Well I could go on - but you got the idea. We may never be satisfied with our home birds again!!!
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