Bird watching during the first quarter of the year 2010

Bird watchers, who do it as a hobby, can also participate in conservation programmes. ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ is such a ‘citizen science programme’. Through this initiative, data provided by bird watchers are taken into consideration for the conservation efforts, not only in Sri Lanka, but also in global level.

After nearly two years and four months from the launch of the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ database, number of observations recorded in the system reached 60,000 while number of visits arrived at 3000. Summary results of the analysis for the first quarter of the year 2010 are given in this report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 16th April 2010.

Membership
New members (70)
Total members (453)
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Number of visits (317)
Total Number of Observations (7240)
Number of Species (288)
Number of Endemic Species (25)
Number of Proposed endemic Species (7)
Number of migrant species (84)

Rare migrant species; White-headed stilt, Brown Noddy, European Bee-eater, Pied avocet, Blyth’s Pipit, Northern Shoveler, and vagrants; Ruddy Shelduck and Southern Grey Shrike, were among the noteworthy observations recorded during the three months period.

Nesting records
Number of observations (44)
Number of species (20)

Species - Asian Palm-swift, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Baya Weaver, Brown Hawk -owl, Brown-headed Barbet, Common Tailorbird, Coppersmith Barbet, Long-billed Sunbird, Oriental Magpie Robin, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Purple Swamphen, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Scaly-breasted Munia, Streaked Weaver, White-bellied Drongo, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Yellow-eyed Babbler

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Red-vented Bulbul (184)
Common Myna (184)
House Crow (181)
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (167)
Yellow-billed Babbler (160)
White-throated Kingfisher (160)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (2186)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (1131)
Ivan Maggini (705)
Amila Sumanapala (704)
Chaminda Jayarathna (674)

A total of 119 locations were visited during the period by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (1481) as in many previous months. Birding locations which were visited during the period showed wide range, including many sites in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

To see current statistics that describe the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system, visit the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ .

Bird watching during the Christmas period - December 2009

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, Sri Lankan section of the global effort of bird conservation named ‘Worldbirds’ completed highly successful month by the end of December 2009. Number of observations recorded in the system reached 50,000; marking an important landmark during this month. Summary results of the analysis for December 2009 are given in this report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 17th January 2010.

Membership
New members (21)
Total members (407)
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Number of visits (151)
Total Number of Observations (3331)
Number of Species (234)
Number of Endemic Species (21)
Number of Proposed endemic Species (7)
Number of migrant species (55)

Total number of observations, number of species, and number of migrant species recorded for the month marked the highest values so far.

Bar-tailed Godwits recorded at Giant’s Tank and Vankalai National park were noteworthy observations recorded during the month.

Nesting records
Number of observations (17)
Number of species (13)

Species - Baya Weaver, Brahminy Kite, Shikra, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brown-headed Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Common Myna, Dark-fronted Babbler, House Crow, White-browed Fantail, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, and Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Red-vented Bulbul (109)
Yellow-billed Babbler (88)
Common Myna (88)
White-throated Kingfisher (84)
House Crow (84)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (980)
Chandanie Wanigatunge (733)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (546)
Rahula Perera (224)
Nishantha Ganeshapriya (205)

A total of 84 locations were visited during December by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (560) as in many previous months. It is important to note that some of the locations of North and Eastern provinces were also visited by the members during the month.

Current statistics describing the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system, are displayed on the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ .

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards conservation of birds through this initiative.

November 2009 – Most successful month for bird watching

FOGSL’s citizen science programme for bird conservation - ‘Sri Lanka Birds’, completed its most successful month by the end of November 2009. A short summary of the results obtained during the month of November is given in this brief report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 21st December 2009.

Membership
New members - 15
Total members - 385
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Total Number of Observations - 2883
Number of Species - 226
Number of Endemic Species - 22
Number of Proposed endemic Species - 7
Number of migrant species - 52

Highest number of observations for a month was recorded during November 2009. Number of species recorded during the month was the highest number recorded too. Maximum number of migrants was also recorded during this month. Brown Noddy and Sooty Tern at Gorapadu, Kalpitiya Sandwitch Tern at Keerimundel, Kalpitiya and Bar-tailed godwits at Gorapadu, Giant’s tank and Mannar were noteworthy observations recorded during the month.

Nesting records
Number of observations - 6
Number of species - 2
Purple-rumped Sunbird and Red-wattled Lapwing were the species observed with nesting activities. Brahminy Kite and Indian Robin were recorded in breeding stages other than nesting.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (71)
Red-vented Bulbul (55)
House Crow (55)
Yellow-billed Babbler (53)
Rose-ringed Parakeet (46)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (705)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (568)
Amila Sumanapala (510)
Rahula Perera (450)
Chinthaka Kaluthota (390)

A total of 42 locations were visited during November by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (491) as in many previous months. Members were able to visit wide range of habitats during the month. Visits to the locations in the Northern Province are important since very limited number of locations of the region were previously visited.

Visit the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ to see current statistics describing the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system.

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards conservation of birds through this initiative.

It is DECEMBER again - the Bird Counting Month..!!

Bird Counting Month is an opportunity for you to pay attention to the birds. In ‘December’ Sri Lanka will be having the peak number of birds as it is middle of the migration season, hence the best time to do this exercise.

Participating for the Bird Counting is simple. What you have to do is to make a list of birds that you have been able to identify in a given location and email the records to fogsl@slt.lk or directly feed the data into "Sri Lanka Birds" database (http://www.worldbirds.org/srilanka). The list should include the date, time, location, weather at the time, the habitat that the bird observation is carried out, and the name and contact details of the observer. You can also include the number of each species seen at the location, so that this number can be used roughly to compare the population next year.

If you participated the Bird Counting last year, do the counting in the same area this year too. The list of birds and numbers can be tallied with the last few years. If the conditions of the counting are same, then yourself can have an assesment of the status of birds in that area.

Pass the message.. Get your friends to join too…!!

For more information on 'how to participate', read the announcement on the 'Bird counting month 2008'.

Bird Watching in October 2009 - ‘Sri Lanka Birds’

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, online data base for bird observations around the country, completed another successful month by the end of October 2009. A short summary of the results obtained during the month of October is given in this brief report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 16th November 2009.

Membership
New members -9
Total members -370
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Total Number of Observations -1753
Number of Species -178
Number of Endemic Species -22
Number of Proposed endemic Species -7
Number of migrant species -20

Nesting records
Number of observations -14
Number of species -10
Baya Weaver, Black-crowned Night Heron, Common Tailorbird, Great Cormorant, Great Egret, House Sparrow, Intermediate Egret, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Scaly-breasted Munia were the species observed with nesting activities.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
House Crow (60)
Yellow-billed Babbler (55)
Red-vented Bulbul (54)
White-throated Kingfisher (51)
White-bellied Drongo (51)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (661)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (373)
Rahula Perera (215)
Amila Sumanapala (205)
Susantha Weerappulige(63)

A total of 34 locations were visited during October by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (389) as in many previous months. Most of the locations visited during the month were in Colombo city.

Current statistics describing the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system, are displayed on the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ - www.worldbirds.org/srilanka.

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards conservation of birds through this initiative.

‘Sri Lanka Birds’ in the month of September 2009

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, Sri Lankan section of the global effort of bird conservation named ‘Worldbirds’ completed another fruitful month by the end of September 2009. Summary results of the analysis for September are given in this report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 14th October 2009.

Membership
New members -14
Total members -361
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Total Number of Observations -1557
Number of Species -198
Number of Endemic Species -21
Number of Proposed endemic Species - 7
Number of migrant species -32
Sand Martins and Great knots observed at Bundala National Park and Bar-tailed Godwits observed at Yala National Park are noteworthy records entered during the month.

Nesting records
Number of observations -4
Number of species - 3
Black-hooded Oriole, Red-vented Bulbul and Black Eagle were the species observed with nesting activities.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Red-vented Bulbul (55)
Yellow-billed Babbler (51)
White-throated Kingfisher (51)
Common Myna (50)
House Crow (38)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (428)
Kasun Dayananda (372)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (303)
Chinthaka Kaluthota (149)
Amila Sumanapala (92)

A total of 42 locations were visited during September by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (360) as in many previous months. Many new locations were added to the system with interesting visits during the month.

Current statistics describing the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system, are displayed on the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’.

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards conservation of birds through this initiative.

Bird observations during the month of August

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, web based data entry system for Sri Lanka completed another successful month by the end of August. An analysis of data entered by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members for the month of August is provided in this brief report. The analysis is based on the data downloaded on 14th September 2009.

Membership
New members 10
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community. FOGSL hopes they will enjoy the system while contributing towards the conservation of Sri Lankan birds.

Observations
Total Number of Observations 1714
Number of Species 149
Number of Endemic Species 22
Number of Proposed endemic Species 7
Number of migrant species 9
Observations of Wire-tailed Swallow, which is vagrant to Sri Lanka, at Kanthale tank and Nilaveli Beach by Nadika Hapuarachchi are noteworthy records.

Nesting records
Number of observations 16
Number of species 8
Species (Black-throated Munia, Brown-headed Barbet, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, House Crow, Red-vented Bulbul, and Oriental Magpie Robin)
Red-vented Bulbul and Brown Hawk-owl were also reported in breeding stages other than nesting.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Red-vented Bulbul (67)
House Crow (65)
Common Myna (60)
Yellow-billed Babbler (54)
White-bellied Drongo (48) and Common Tailorbird (48)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (659)
Nadika Hapuarachchi(313)
Rahula Perera (221)
Chinthaka Kaluthota (157)
Nirama (126)

A total of 40 locations were visited during August by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (519) as in many previous months. It is important to notice more visits to the Eastern province, which was rarely visited by birders in earlier months.

Visit the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ www.worldbirds.org/srilanka to see current statistics that shows the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system.

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards the conservation of birds through this initiative.

Birds we watched during the month of July

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, online data base for bird observations around the country, completed another successful month by the end of July 2009. A short summary of the results obtained during the month of July is given in this brief report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 17th August 2009.

Membership
New members 10
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ family. FOGSL encourages them to record their bird observations in the system as it will contribute to the conservation of Sri Lankan birds.

Observations
Total Number of Observations 1663
Number of Species 170
Number of Endemic Species 21
Number of Proposed endemic Species 7
Number of migrant species 7


Nesting records
Number of observations 18
Number of species 9
Species (Black-headed Munia, Common Myna, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, House Crow, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Barbet and White-bellied Drongo)
Oriental Magpie Robin, Brown-headed Barbet, White-rumped Shama and White-breasted Waterhen were also reported in breeding stages other than nesting.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Red-vented Bulbul (63)
Oriental Magpie Robin (53)
White-throated Kingfisher (51)
Common Myna (49)
White bellied Drongo (48)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (762)
Rahula Perera (202)
Nadika Hapuarachchi (196)
Nishantha Ganeshapriya (181)
Chandanie Wanigatunge (170)


A total of 37 locations were visited during July by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (390) as in many previous months.

Latest values for the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system are shown in the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ www.worldbirds.org/srilanka.

FOGSL highly appreciates the contributions of members towards the conservation of birds through this initiative.

Bird observations during the month of June

‘Worldbirds’, the data base for bird observations around the globe, now have 133 countries online. Total observations recorded in the system exceeded two million recently. Its Sri Lankan counterpart “Sri Lanka Birds” was able to record 2000 visits with nearly 38,000 bird observations recently.

This brief report provides an analysis of data entered by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members for the month of June. The analysis is based on the data downloaded on 21st July 2009.

Membership
New members 13
FOGSL warmly welcomes new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community. FOGSL hopes they will enjoy the system while contributing towards the conservation of Sri Lankan birds.

Observations
Total Number of Observations 1316
Number of Species 138
Number of Endemic Species 22
Number of Proposed endemic Species 6
Number of migrant species 4

Nesting records
Number of observations 22
Number of species 10
Species (Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, House Crow, Jungle Crow, House Swift, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove and White-bellied Sea-Eagle)
Pale-billed Flowerpecker was also reported in breeding stages other than nesting.

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
House Crow (54)
White-bellied Drongo (50)
Common Myna (47)
Red-vented Bulbul (46)
Common Tailorbird (45)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (559)
Rahula Perera (332)
Amila Sumanapala (208)
Nadika Hapuarachchi(167)
Rienzie Fernando (25)

A total of 32 locations were visited during June by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (381) as in many previous months. It is important to notice some visits to the Eastern province during the month.

Current statistics that shows the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system are given in the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ www.worldbirds.org/srilanka.

Contributions of members towards the conservation of birds through this initiative are highly appreciated by the FOGSL.

‘Sri Lanka Birds’ in the month of February 2009

‘Sri Lanka Birds’, Sri Lankan section of the global effort of bird conservation named ‘Worldbirds’ completed another fruitful month by the end of February 2009. Summary results of the analysis for February are given in this report. This analysis is based on the data downloaded on 21st March 2009.

Membership
New members 15
Total members 254
We warmly welcome new members to the ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ community.

Observations
Total Number of Observations 1446
Number of Species 178
Number of Endemic Species 8
Number of Proposed endemic Species 7
Number of migrant species 34

Nesting records
Number of observations 5
Number of species 5
Species (Brown-headed Barbet, Black-rumped Flameback, Shikra, Indian Roller, Brahminy Kite)

Mostly recorded species (No: of observations)
Yellow-billed Babbler (57)
Red-vented Bulbul (49)
House Crow (48)
Common Myna (48)
Oriental Magpie Robin (46)

Top five users (No: of observations)
Newton Jayawardane (558)
Chandanie Wanigatunge (164)
Chaminda Jayaratne (161)
Rienzie Fernando(141)
Rahula Perera (141)


A total of 36 locations were visited during February by ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ members. Highest number of observations was made at Ragama (346) as in many previous months.

Current statistics describing the number of field visits, number of observations and bird species, as well as the number of users registered in the system, are displayed on the login page of ‘Sri Lanka Birds’ - www.worldbirds.org/srilanka .

We would like to thank all the members for entering their valuable observations into Sri Lanka Birds. We highly appreciate the contributions of members towards conservation of birds through this initiative.

BIRD COUNTING MONTH - DECEMBER, 2008

Birds are a common sight in Sri Lanka but many of us fail to appreciate them. To increase the awareness of the public about our feathered friends, the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) has launched its annual nationwide program to assess and study the distribution and presence of birds in Sri Lanka.

December has been declared Bird Counting Month as migrant birds that arrive from other countries too peak in this month. Participation is simple and one need not be an expert birder to get involve. Those who would like to participate has only to watch birds in as many places as possible - own home gardens, school premises, workplace, lakesides, paddy fields -anywhere that is frequented by birds. They can make a list of birds that they can identify in a given location and either email or post it to FOGSL. The list should include the date, location, weather at the time, the habitat that the bird was observed in, birds seen and the name with the contact details of the observer. Participants can also enter data directly to “Sri Lanka Birds” which is a part of the international database used to analyze status of birds.

The numbers of birds in various areas are also dwindling due to causes such as deforestation, wetland reclamation and changes in habitat. Even the birds that are common today can be diminished without our knowledge. So no species can be labeled as safe, no matter what its number is today. It is only when the public become aware of the value of these beautiful creatures, can more be achieved towards protecting them. Creating this awareness is another aim of Bird Month.

Prof.Kotagama on the ‘Value of observing birds and keeping records’

“Numbers can have great meaning. It helps us to keep track of changes, gives us confidence to effect changes, and to make good decisions”

“Birds are good indicators of environmental changes. For instance, an increase in the crow population of Colombo would indicate that there has been poor garbage clearance, and a polluted environment. An increase in beautiful birds such as the Sunbird would show that we live in an environment of quality”

Another example is the House Sparrow decline. A decade ago, most of the houses had nest boxes inviting this cute bird. But they are not to be seen in many areas, where they were previously common. So no species can be labeled, as safe no matter what its number is today. It is only when the public become aware of the value of these beautiful creatures, can more be achieved towards protecting them.

‘Bird Counting Month’ as a Citizen Science Project

‘Bird Counting Month’ exercise can be considered as a Citizen Science project where general public can participate. Citizen science is a term used for projects or ongoing program in which a network of volunteers, many of whom are not experts in the field perform or manage research-related tasks such as observation, measurement or computation. The use of citizen-science networks often allows scientists to accomplish research objectives more feasibly than would otherwise be possible. In addition, these projects aim to promote public engagement with the research, as well as with science in general.

Bird Month 2008 – FAQ

1. Why a Bird Counting Month..?

The environment around us is changing, How do we know this? One easy indicator is the common birds that visit our garden, the Magpie Robin that was present may not be there any more, The Crow population in the area may be on the increase; these changes are indicators of what is to come - inhospitable surroundings. To be more aware of this change and to commence a method to change this trend would be to keep tag of the birds in the area. - So count the birds at least once a year on the same day at the same time. You are sure going to help to make the environment - more importantly your own environment better. Beyond your home, in your neighborhood, in the province and the country needs this help from you.

Bird counting month is an opportunity for you to pay attention to the birds around you, count them and record them.

2. Why ‘December’..?

In ‘December’ we will be having the peak number of birds in Sri Lanka as it is middle of the migration season. December too is a holiday month, where you visit various locations, so you get more opportunity to observe birds. December is the last month of the year, so that you can also compile the records that you keep during the year and compile together.

3. How can I participate..?

Participation is simple.

i) Observe birds in as many places as you can. This need not necessarily be a wilderness - your home garden, school premises, workplace too are good places for starting this exercise.

ii) Keep a note about Birds. We all have "pencils and papers". The traditional reliable devices will never get replaced. If you have a computer and suitable software do so electronically.

iii) Send your records to FOGSL or feed the data directly to ‘Sri Lanka Birds’, a part of a global database “Worldbirds”.

4. I’m not an expert at identifying birds. Can I still participate..?

Definitely YES. We all can identify a "bird". Do not worry about what bird to start with, Just the bird. Black, blue or gold does not matter. You will be surprised at what you will see when you begin. Your own initiative will make you seek to get to know your friends, thus to identify them by name - here is the beginning - seek the help of a person or a field book at that point. (Note- To record at Sri Lanka Birds, you need to identify the species)

5. If participants are not expert, this won’t be accurate..?

Do not worry about that, If you only let us know that this is your first time we will compensate that situation. The important thing is we have to be more responsible to our environment, and birds can help us for that.

6. Do I necessarily have to visit a jungle to observe birds..?

You do not necessarily visit a wilderness to watch birds. You can do this in your home garden, school premises or at your workplace. It is through that wetlands and rainforests carries rich bird diversity, but the home gardens in Sri Lanka too are home for many birds. First learn about these neighbors.

7. How many birds may I see from my Home Garden..?

From an average home garden, you can observe at least 15 - 20 birds. Following are some of the common birds that most of the Srilankans can identify.

1. Red-vented Bulbul (konda kurulla)
2. Yellow-billed Babbler (demalichcha)
3. Oriental Magpie-robin (polkichcha)
4. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Rena girawa)
5. Common Tailorbird (battichcha)
6. Common Myna (myna)
7. Asian Koel (koha)
8. White-throated Kingfisher(pilihuduwa)
9. Spotted Dove (alu Kobeiya)
10. Red-backed Woodpecker(kerala)
11. White-bellied Drongo (kawda)
12. Brown-headed Barbet (kottoruwa)
13. Pale-billed Flowerpecker (pilalichcha)
14. Black-hooded Oriole (kaha kurulla)

This list includes the smallest bird in Sri Lanka, Pale-billed Flowerpecker and some of the best singers like Oriental Magpie Robin. Some species of Birds of prey (ukussa) or owls (bassa) too are sometimes visiting the Home gardens.

Perhaps your Home Garden is home for many other birds, you will never know. So go out and watch the birds and participate Bird Counting Month.

8. Can I see Migrants too from my Home Garden..?

Yes, some of the migrants can be seen in your home gardens. This includes beautiful birds like Indian Pitta (avichchiya), Forest Wagtail (kele halapenda), Asian Paradise Flycatcher (sudu redi hora), Blue-tailed Bee-eater (nil peda binguharaya), Brown Flycatcher (dumburu masimara), Barn Swallow (atu wehilihiniya).

9. Is there an Ideal time of the day to observe birds..?

Birds are most active in the morning, thus a morning count will be the best - Between 07.30 and 09.30.am. Evening hours from 0500 – 0630 pm will also good to observe birds.

10. I do not have internet. How can I participate..?

Just send your records by post. Indicate your postal address and the closest town so that we can place your information in the right location.