Noctua_Grace
Owl-obsessed Birder
It’s funny how life works sometimes. I’ve only recently developed a true passion for birding, and it wasn’t until Google Photos sent me a reminder of a trip I took to Sri Lanka 10 years ago that I realized just how special that experience was for birdwatching (wow, I had completely forgotten many of the details!).
As I scrolled through old photos, memories began to flood back. What made Sri Lanka such an ideal destination for birding wasn’t just its breathtaking landscapes—rivers, mountains, lakes, and oceans—but also the harmony between the people and nature. The locals’ respect for animals was evident everywhere. Even in cities, parks, and street corners, I was amazed by how many birds and small animals coexisted with humans without fear.
Ten years is a long time, and I can’t help but wonder how much Sri Lanka may have changed since then. It’s a country that left a lasting impression on me, and I’d love to go back and experience it all over again. Here’s hoping I can catch a glimpse of that same birding magic once more!
⬇️Back then, all I had was a mirrorless camera with an 18-55mm zoom lens—definitely not the ideal setup for bird photography, and I didn’t have binoculars either. The zoom was nowhere near enough for capturing distant birds, making it a real challenge. But looking back at my old photos, I can see just how much effort I put into trying to capture those beautiful little birds（yellow-wattled Lapwing）, even if the results weren’t great. （Thanks to Google Photos for keeping a record of my photo settings!）
⬇️This is one of my favorite shots. In this country, all animals seem to coexist so naturally and peacefully—and they aren’t afraid of people.
⬇️This spot-billed pelican was completely unbothered by people!
⬇️I spent a month in Galle, Sri Lanka, as part of a volunteer program. During one of the public holidays, we visited a place that was said to be perfect for wildlife watching, especially birding. Our host at the guesthouse was a birding guide, and he took us on a birdwatching tour in his 4x4.
Painted Stork
Oriental Darter
Indian peafowl
⬇️It was there that I saw a wild crocodile for the first time in my life!
As I scrolled through old photos, memories began to flood back. What made Sri Lanka such an ideal destination for birding wasn’t just its breathtaking landscapes—rivers, mountains, lakes, and oceans—but also the harmony between the people and nature. The locals’ respect for animals was evident everywhere. Even in cities, parks, and street corners, I was amazed by how many birds and small animals coexisted with humans without fear.
Ten years is a long time, and I can’t help but wonder how much Sri Lanka may have changed since then. It’s a country that left a lasting impression on me, and I’d love to go back and experience it all over again. Here’s hoping I can catch a glimpse of that same birding magic once more!
⬇️Back then, all I had was a mirrorless camera with an 18-55mm zoom lens—definitely not the ideal setup for bird photography, and I didn’t have binoculars either. The zoom was nowhere near enough for capturing distant birds, making it a real challenge. But looking back at my old photos, I can see just how much effort I put into trying to capture those beautiful little birds（yellow-wattled Lapwing）, even if the results weren’t great. （Thanks to Google Photos for keeping a record of my photo settings!）
⬇️This is one of my favorite shots. In this country, all animals seem to coexist so naturally and peacefully—and they aren’t afraid of people.
⬇️This spot-billed pelican was completely unbothered by people!
⬇️I spent a month in Galle, Sri Lanka, as part of a volunteer program. During one of the public holidays, we visited a place that was said to be perfect for wildlife watching, especially birding. Our host at the guesthouse was a birding guide, and he took us on a birdwatching tour in his 4x4.
Painted Stork
Oriental Darter
Indian peafowl
⬇️It was there that I saw a wild crocodile for the first time in my life!
Sri Lanka is a wonderful country! I travelled in Sri Lanka a long time back too and the highlights for me were the birds in the highlands of Horton's Plains NP.
