Sometimes you have to work hard to see the best birds.  Other times you can just sit back, relax and let them come to you.  Kithulgala Resthouse is like this.  You can sit in the garden, on your own patio or on the balcony at the restaurant.  Since we were pretty tired that first day, we enjoyed a relaxing day just birding the grounds and even got several Sri Lankan endemics, including the beautiful Layard’s Parakeet – albeit from a distance.

The White-throated Kingfisher was easily spotted with his bright blue back and kept us entertained as he caught insects for dinner and fished in the river.  I don’t know if this is the same one or not but we never saw two together.

There were several Layard’s Parakeets flying over the river.  They never came close enough for a good photo but at least we got to see them!  It’s really hard to spot them amidst the foliage and zooming in only blurred them even more.

Alexandrine Parakeets were distinguishable by their larger size and longer tail even though they didn’t want to come any closer.

This Orange Minivet tried to hide from the camera but his bright colours gave him away.

Some Sri Lanka Wood Pigeons were hanging around near the restaurant.

The staff kindly came and got me during lunch when a pair of Sri Lanka Grey Hornbills was spotted in a tree in the front.

A Little Cormorant showing off.

Cute Red-vented Bulbul

Shy Sri Lanka Drongo………..and one not so shy.

Common Mynahs foraging.

Not sure about these, any help?

Last but not least, a squirrel.