International Conference on Mixed Species Bird Flocks and Forest Conservation

The phenomenon of Mixed Species Bird Flocks (MSBF), in forest systems has been well documented and studied in various parts of the world. These studies have resulted in unraveling the adaptive benefits of MSBF and understanding their composition, dynamics and foraging ecology.  MSBF are visible, audible and therefore have potential to be key indicator for forest quality. Yet there are many more areas to explore, especially their role in forest ecosystem and community ecology, and how they should be incorporated into conservation and management plans.  As the year 2011 is declared by the United Nations as “the year of forests”, it is most appropriate to bring together scientists throughout the world to one platform in order to plan the future of this exciting field. 

The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) organizes the international conference on “Mixed species bird flocks and forest conservation” from 5^th to 10^th August 2011. Conference will be held in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.

The objectives of this important conference are:

• To document the present knowledge on MSBF
• To establish a MSBF study group
• To develop a programme and strategy for the future
• To highlight the importance and significance of MSBF in forest conservation and the 2020 Biodiversity targets.

For more information click here.

Caterpillars outsmart birds

Yes, they are smart enough to beat birds. Caterpillars that masquerade as twigs to avoid becoming a bird's dinner are actually using clever behavioural strategies to outwit their predators, a new study reveals.

Dr. John Skelhorn, a lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said: "The caterpillars are not just blindly mimicking inedible objects in the environment and hoping for the best, they are actually using complex habitat-selection strategies which exploit predators' hunting behaviour. According to the study, twig mimicking ‘Early Thorn moth’ caterpillars (Selenia dentaria) choose their location to maximise their chances of fooling their predators into thinking they are twigs.

Using domestic chicks (gallus gallus domesticus) as predators of the caterpillars, research showed that caterpillars are more likely to fool birds when twigs are common. In order to exploit birds' behaviour, caterpillars position themselves in locations where twigs are in abundance during the day -- even if they're not good locations for feeding. At night, when the predators cannot hunt by sight, the caterpillars go to rich feeding grounds -- regardless of twig abundance.

Study reveals that chicks are less likely to search for masquerading prey when the object they mimic, in this case twigs, is in abundance.

"The caterpillars make the most of this by selecting habitats where twigs are common during the day, but then abandon them at night, when there are no visually-hunting predators around, in order to go in search of the best feeding grounds."

When the caterpillars were given two options; one with few twigs but plenty of food, and another with more twigs but no food, Caterpillars showed a strong preference for the branch with lots of twigs, offering the best protection from their predators, during the daylight. At night, they opted for the food-rich branch.

Links

Caterpillars aren’t so bird brained after all

John Skelhorn, Hannah M. Rowland, Jon Delf, Michael P. Speed, Graeme D. Ruxton. Density-dependent predation influences the evolution and behavior of masquerading prey. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1014629108

FOGSL Annual Workshop on the Bird Flocks of Sinharaja

Mixed species feeding flocks of birds are one of the major highlights of the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area (SNHWA) as they provide sound to otherwise silent forest and also because most of the birds that one desires to see are found in them. So far 59 bird species (out of 144 found in SNHWA), including 19 endemics have been recorded to form flocks. The two most frequent species observed in these flocks are the Orange-billed Babbler and the Greater-crested Drongo.

Each year FOGSL organizes a field workshop for its members at SNHWA with the objective of providing an opportunity to understand the function and structure of mixed species feeding flocks. This year’s workshop was held from 10-12th September 2010.

We left the University of Colombo on the 9th around seven at night and reached Kudawa at 11.15pm. Thankfully Martin was waiting with his pickup for the luggage, and few of us also managed to get a lift to his lodge where we were stationed for the next three days. Wake up call on the 10th was at 5.30 am and by then the colourful Sri Lanka Magpies were already making noises from nearby trees. We took an early morning short walk to stretch our legs and after a good breakfast entered the protective zone of the forest for serious bird watching. Thirty three bird species were recorded during that day and several bird flock formations were also observed. Species such as Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka White-faced Starling, Black-naped Monarch, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Malabar Trogon together with the Orange-billed Babbler and the Great Crested Drongo were some of the common species observed in association with these flocks. The highlight of the day was observing a Besra that was perched on a tree stalk. After dinner Martin gave a talk on the history of Sinharaja. He was born in a nearby village and in 1958 moved to his present home, which borders the forest and since then has been involved in activities going within the forest. He spoke about the Government’s selective logging initiatives in the early 1970s and thereafter how the forest became a strictly protected in the late 1980s. Further he mentioned about his observations on the receding water levels of the surrounding streams during the past few decades.

Next day we had a very close encounter with two Sri Lanka Magpies, who came and perched on the wooden beams of the dining hall of the lodge. During our morning walk, the adventurous and young at heart decided to climb Mulawella while the rest opted to go in search for day roosting sites of owls. The scenery form the top of Mulawella was worth the strenuous climb, while on the journey various amphibians, lizards, butterflies and fish were observed. We encountered a large bird flock on the way down. Back on the road, we had an interesting observation where a Spot-winged thrush was attacking a Sri Lanka Magpie. The owl searches were very lucky and had close sighting of the Serendib Scops-Owl and the Chestnut-backed Owlet, both endemic to Sri Lanka. Later, we listen to an interesting lecturer given by Prof. Kotagama on Bird Flocks of Sinharaja as well as the milestone happening towards conserving the forest.

At the very start of day three, a Grey Hornbill was observed near to the lodge and during our walk to the research station several bird flocks were encountered, and tagging behind one flock were two giant squirrels. On our way back, we had a rare opportunity of seeing an Oak Leaf butterfly that repeatedly closed and opened its wings to show us its splendor. After the lunch we returned to Colombo with lots of good memories of birds and other animals as well as shared laughter!


Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s last large viable area of the virgin primary tropical rainforest which used to cover most of the island in the long gone past. 64% of its trees are endemic and many of them are rare. The reserve is also home to 23% of Sri Lanka’s endemic animals, including 85% of the country’s endemic birds and over 50% of its endemic mammals, reptiles and butterflies.


Participants
Mr. Dinu Ranasinha, Mr. Tharindu Gunaratne, Mr. Asitha Samarawickrama, Ms. Sulakmi Weragama, Ms. Lakshini Bambaradeniya, Mr. Rohan Kaththiriarachchi, Ms. Komila Stanislaus, Mr. Shivarumar Selvaraj, Ms. Devika Gunawardena, Mr. Nilantha Megasuriya, Mr. P.D.R.C. Karunanayake, Mr. Sethiya N. Perera, Mr. Helaranga P. Perera, Mr. K.K.D.L. Ruvinka, Mr. G.D. Illeperuma, Mr. S.K.K. Suraweera, Mr. Ranathunga Chathuranga, Ms. Amaley Munasinghe, Ms. Nishanthi Perera, Mr. D.S. Perera, Mr. Saman Abesingha, Ms. Sindy de Silva, Mr. Amila Salgado, Mr. Kusum Fernando, Mr. Indrika Pradeepa, Mr. Ravindra , Prof. S.W. Kotagama

Bird list: Indrika Pradeepa
Photos and Report: Nishanthi Perera

Birds List
Sri Lanka Spurfowl (h)
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Crested Serpent-eagle
Besra
White-breasted Waterhen
Emerald Dove
Green Imperial-pigeon
Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot
Sri Lanka Emerald-collared Parakeet
Sri Lanka Red-faced Malkoha
Greater Coucal
Sri Lanka Green-billed Coucal (h)
Sri Lanka Serendib Scops-owl
Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet
Frogmouth (h)
Indian Swiftlet
Malabar Trogon
White-throated Kingfisher
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
Brown-headed Barbet
Sri Lanka Yellow-fronted Barbet
Lesser Yellownape
Black-rumped Flameback
Greater Flameback
Scarlet Minivet
White-bellied Drongo
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Black-naped Monarch
Sri Lanka Magpie
Black-crested Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
Yellow-browed Bulbul
Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler
Dark-fronted Babbler
Sri Lanka Orange-billed Babbler
Sri Lanka Ashy-headed Laughingthrush
Sri Lanka White-eye
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Sri Lanka Myna
Sri Lanka White-faced Starling
Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush
Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush
Golden-fronted Leafbird
Sri Lanka White-throated Flowerpecker
Pale-billed Flowerpecker
Purple-rumped Sunbird
White-rumped Munia

FOG-Kids Workshop on Survival Skills

A workshop on Survival Skills for kids members of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka was held at the Mirigama scout camp from 19th-20th of June 2010. Eleven FOG kids were accompanied by five parents along with five FOGSL staff members. This was the first trip where kids spent a night out as all other fog-kids trips were one-day trips.

The participants were told to gather at the Fort Railway Station at six ‘o’clock on the 19th morning to catch the train to Mirigama. The participants were picked up from the Mirigama station and taken to the scout camp.

Upon arriving at the camp everyone refreshed themselves with a drink of ‘thambili’. After refreshments, a brief introduction to the workshop was given and the children were divided into two groups. Each of these groups appointed a member to lead the group. After this the participants were taught how to clean the camp grounds with the use of jungle material and how to set up tents. Each group were to set up one tent each. As there were no carpets to prevent sand getting inside the tents, a smart boy collected dead Jak leaves and put them together with sticks in order to make a makeshift carpet.

By now the tired children were quite hungry and everyone tucked into rice packets bought along the way. After everyone had filled their stomachs with lunch the eager kids were briefed about the survival skills. The children were taught the importance of staying together to avoid getting lost, how to tie different types of knots, first aid and how to light a fire using a magnifying glass, using stones and using wood.

After lighting a fire, the participants had the opportunity to fry a fish over the fire. A fish which had been purchased from the town was wrapped in Jak leaves and put over the fire. While the fish was being cooked, the members learnt how to find direction with the use of a needle. A bowl was filled with water and when the needle was put into it the side with the eye of the needle turned towards the north. Most of us had never known how to find directions using just a needle and a bowl of water.

One of the most important aspects of survival is having enough water to drink. A bowl of water was filled, covered with foil and a stone placed over it. This bowl was then buried in the soil. After a few hours water droplets begin to form on the foil and this water can be used to drink.

Participants were then taught how to clean and eat raw sweet potatoes by cleaning them with a penknife.

At dinner time the one of the groups were given the task of making noodles and the other group were to make sandwiches. The parents were not allowed to help the children and all the work was done by the children themselves. It was very nice to see these young kids working as a team in order to get the job done. The prepared dinner was taken to the campfire and everyone enjoyed the dinner cooked by the children.

The next morning everyone was up early to go on an early morning walk. Common birds such as the Myna and Red-vented Bulbul were observed. The children were also taught how to find a footpath if ever they got lost in the jungle. After arriving back at camp, breakfast which had been made by the parents was eaten and the kids had a break and played card games with each other.

Soon after lunch it was time to leave and all the participating FOG kids were given a gift each.

This workshop was a great experience for the kids and the parents as well and no doubt it everyone who participated benefited from this workshop.

Reported by: Asitha Samarawickrema

Participants
Kids: Kalindu Premarathne, Minandi Wilathgamuwa, Jayath Manura, Thusith Venura, Senuja Weerasinghe, Thilina Weerasinghe, Savindu Weerasinghe, Thenusha Jayathilake, Maneesha Jayathilake, Vinuja Weerasooriya, Namesha Perera
Parents: Mrs. D.H.N. Wijeratne, Mrs. Karini Kathriarachchi, Mrs. R.D. Ranawaka Arachchi, Mrs. Chandima Weerasinghe, Mrs. Sunethra Jayathilake
fogsl Staff: Mr. Upul Wickremasinghe, Mr. Susantha De Silva, Mr. Chaminda Rathnayake, Mrs. Shamila Corea, Ms. Shyama Weerakulasuriya

Field Workshop at Belihul Oya

The field workshop at Belihul Oya was held from 27th to 30th of May 2010. Our campsite was an abandoned school in Kumbalgama which was a few kilometres away from the Sabaragamuwa University.

We were given a few brief lectures at the Colombo University by Professor Sarath Kotagama as an introduction to the workshop. After leaving the Colombo University at about 10.00h we reached the camp site around 15.30h. Lunch was eaten at a roadside boutique.

Upon arriving at the campsite we were given the chance to introduce ourselves. We were then divided into four groups. Each of these groups had four members and was named after a particular bird group. Each of the four members had to learn about one of the birds in the group of birds chosen.

The rest of the day was spent getting to know the trails and doing some birding in the grasslands and the forested areas. Birds like Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Spotted Dove, Malabar-pied Hornbill, Lorikeet, Coppersmith Barbet were observed. After dinner we were given a lecture by Chinthaka on counting methods.

The next morning we did transects of which the main objective was counting how many birds found in an area. Three 200m paths were marked and all the bird species and numbers were taken down.

After breakfast we set up mist nets in order to capture a few birds. Two Dark-fronted Babblers were captured, processed and released. Here we were taught how to handle the birds and how to fill the data sheets. The basic grip also called the ringers grip was taught and each of us had the opportunity to handle the birds. The evening was spent doing point counts. Here, five circles within a radius of 25m were marked and group members observed and noted down birds seen at a 360 degree angle from the centre of each circle. A graph was also drawn to show how many new bird species were seen in each circle.

At night we were given a very interesting lecture on animal behaviour. Here, four behaviour study methods were stressed upon, them being Ad libitum method, one-zero method, focal animal method and scan sampling method. Here two groups chose White-rumped Shama and the other two chose the White-browed Fantail and we were study on each of these birds the next day. After this we were shown a small presentation on bird ringing and tracking. It was amazing to see how technology has developed and how you can track a bird anywhere in the world using satellite transmitters.

On the third day nets were set up early morning once again. The nets were monitored every half an hour. Here an Oriental White-eye and three Tawny-bellied Babblers were captured and processed. The hungry netters were treated with vadai and tea by a kind-hearted lady who lived close by.

After arriving back at camp and having breakfast the groups had a small opportunity to take a deserved break which we made the most of.

By noon we were up and ready to track down Shamas and Fantails in order to do our behaviour study. This was a very rewarding experience as it wasn’t easy! At first we didn’t get a chance to observe the Shama for even five minutes but as it got used to us it settled down for extended periods and we were able to sit on the ground and study it for long periods. It was an amazing experience sharing space with this beautiful bird. Our group also managed to mark the territory of this particular Shama. This was done by crawling through the bushes and following the Shama at every possible moment.

By lunch time we were very tired and took a small break after lunch. By about 15.00h we were up once again to study the Shama. Here we were very lucky indeed as we saw two female Shamas attacking each other possibly over territory. As we crawled through the bushes following the Shama we found a new pathway leading to the grasslands we had explored on the first day. At one point the Shama was within touching distance of the group.

After everyone arrived at camp each of the group members described the bird chosen by them on the first day, to an eager audience. After this an ethogram was formed on the screen based on the behaviour we saw studying the Shama. Many groups stayed up well into the night in order to finish their group reports.

On the last morning we managed to put in about 45 minutes of birding in between the rush of writing group and individual reports. After breakfast we discussed the events which we did during this workshop and soon after it was time to pack our tents and bags to head back to Colombo.

It was hard to say goodbye to all the new friends we had got to know and meet during our trip to Belihul Oya. I would like to thank all the senior members at the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka for making this workshop possible in such a short space of time, as the workshop which was to be held at Buttala could not take place due to unavoidable circumstances.

All in all this was a great learning experience for me and I only hope to improve my skills in the future. I am looking forward to the many other workshops including the one at Sinharaja which I am sure will be another wonderful experience just like this.

Reported By: Asitha Samarawickrama
Photos and Bird list: Indrika Pradeepa

[Participants were asked to write reports on their experience, as an exercise. Asitha’s report was selected as the best trip report]

Participants: Asitha Samarawickrama, D.M.D.A. Bandara, Amila Sumanapala, Rasika P. Jayasinha, N. Amantha Jayoda, S. Sankaja Jayoda, Nihal B. Mawella, Varanga de Silva, Migara Maduranga, Asoka Jayasekara, H.D. Ruwan Prasad, Carl Fenando, Nishanthi Perera, Sanjeewa Udawatta, Shamila Perera, J.M.A. Shyamal, B.A.Y.B. Jayawardhana, Kasun Dayananda, Chinthaka Kaluthota, Indrika Pradeepa

Bird species recorded
Sri Lanka Spurfowl
Indian Peafowl
Woolly-necked Stork
Black-headed Ibis
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Brahminy Kite
Crested Serpent-eagle
Pallid Harrier
White-breasted Waterhen
Red-wattled Lapwing
Spotted Dove
Pompadour Green-pigeon
Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Emerald-collared Parakeet
Asian Koel
Blue-faced Malkoha
Greater Coucal
Brown-backed Needletail
Little Swift
Crested Treeswift
White-throated Kingfisher
Black-backed Kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
Little Green Bee-eater
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Brown-headed Barbet
Crimson-fronted Barbet
Coppersmith Barbet
Brown-capped Woodpecker
Black-rumped Flameback
Greater Flameback
Common Iora
Common Woodshrike
Black-headed Cuckooshrike
Small Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike
Black-hooded Oriole
White-bellied Drongo
White-browed Fantail
Black-naped Monarch
House Crow
Jungle Crow
Great Tit
Zitting Cisticola
Plain Prinia
Black-crested Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
White-browed Bulbul
Common Tailorbird
Brown-capped Babbler
Tawny-bellied Babbler
Dark-fronted Babbler
Yellow-billed Babbler
Oriental White-eye
Hill Myna
Common Myna
Oriental Magpie-robin
White-rumped Shama
Indian Robin
Tickell's Blue-flycatcher
Jerdon's Leafbird
Golden-fronted Leafbird
Thick-billed Flowerpecker
Pale-billed Flowerpecker
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Purple Sunbird
Long-billed Sunbird
Baya Weaver
White-rumped Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia

Annual Wader Studies Workshop at Bundala

Bundala National Park is one of the best places to watch birds, especially the waders and some other waterbirds, in the South. Many of the amateur bird watchers face difficulties in identification of Waders (Shorebirds). Therefore, annual field workshop of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka on the wader studies at Bundala is an important event for its members. A team of 22 FOGSL members headed by Prof. Sarath Kotagama participated in this event from 28th November to 01st December 2009. Due to heavy rains prevailed in the area few days ago, water level at the Bundala lagoon and other surrounding water bodies were high. Hence, numbers of birds on the mudflats of Bundala lagoon were comparatively very low. However, members were able to record a total of 121 species including 21 wader species during the four day period. During the Workshop, members actively participated in bird identification sessions, bird counting exercises and also the data analysis on simple studies. Several seminars were also conducted for the members during the period. Participants: Mr. Janaka Dissanayaka, Mr. Ashoka Jayasekara, Miss. Uraji Karunaratne, Ms. Mallika Peeris, Mr. Adrian Gabriel, Ms. Sujatha Mayadunnage, Mrs. Cheryl Silva, Miss. Ayanthi Samarajeewa, Ms. D.H.M. Wijeratne, Mr. S.D. Pemaratne, Kid. Kalidu Pemaratne, Mr. Rohan Kaththiriarachchi, Mr. Rohantha Samarajeewa, Ms. Sindy de Silva, Mr. Asantha Sirimanna, Mr. Riyad Rissai, Mr. Thilanka S. Abesinha, Mrs. Shamila Perera, Mr. Malaka Rodrigo, Mr. Janaka Perera, Mr. Indrika Pradeepa, Prof. S.W. Kotagama.

Photos and Bird List: Indrika Pradeepa List of Birds observed
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Indian Peafowl
Lesser Whistling-duck
Garganey
Little Grebe
Painted Stork
Asian Openbill
Black-headed Ibis
Eurasian Spoonbill
Yellow Bittern
Black Bittern
Black-crowned Night-heron
Striated Heron
Indian Pond-heron
Cattle Egret
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Great Egret
Intermediate Egret
Little Egret
Spot-billed Pelican
Little Cormorant
Indian Cormorant
Oriental Darter
Black-winged Kite
Brahminy Kite
Crested Serpent-eagle
Shikra
White-breasted Waterhen
Purple Swamphen
Common Moorhen
Common Coot
Eurasian Thick-knee
Great Thick-knee
Black-winged Stilt
Red-wattled Lapwing
Pacific Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Little Ringed Plover
Kentish Plover
Lesser Sand Plover
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Black-tailed Godwit
Common Redshank
Marsh Sandpiper
Common Greenshank
Wood Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone
Little Stint
Curlew Sandpiper
Broad-billed Sandpiper
Brown-headed Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Common Tern
Little Tern
Whiskered Tern
Rock Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Emerald Dove
Pompadour Green-pigeon
Green Imperial-pigeon
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Pied Cuckoo
Asian Koel
Blue-faced Malkoha
Sirkeer Malkoha
Greater Coucal
Asian Palm-swift
Crested Treeswift
Indian Roller
Stork-billed Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Little Green Bee-eater
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Eurasian Hoopoe
Brown-headed Barbet
Brown-capped Woodpecker
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
Indian Pitta
Ashy Woodswallow
Common Iora
Common Woodshrike
Small Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
Brown Shrike
Black-hooded Oriole
White-bellied Drongo
White-browed Fantail
Asian Paradise-flycatcher
House Crow
Jungle Crow
Barn Swallow
Jerdon's Bushlark
Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark
Ashy Prinia
Plain Prinia
Red-vented Bulbul
White-browed Bulbul
Common Tailorbird
Blyth's Reed-warbler
Clamorous Reed-warbler
Brown-capped Babbler
Tawny-bellied Babbler
Yellow-billed Babbler
Common Myna
Oriental Magpie-robin
Indian Robin
Jerdon's Leafbird
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Purple Sunbird
Long-billed Sunbird
House Sparrow
Streaked Weaver
Black-throated Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia
Yellow Wagtail
Paddyfield Pipit

Gateway to the World of Birds

A Sinhala Lecture Series, aimed at motivating young students towards the fascinating world of birds, has been planned to facilitate participation of all who are interested without disturbing their busy schedules. This evening lecture series is scheduled from 26^th to 31^st October. This week long “knowledge festival” will be held at the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo.

For more information, contact FOGSL office.