Zeylanica

This charming bird is from the family Vanellus and are ‘wading’ birds. There are more than twenty varieties around the world out of which three are seen in Sri Lanka. Lapwings are closely related to plovers and some of them are even referred to as plovers.

Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)

Homagama, Sri Lanka.

The Red-wattled Lapwing is a common bird in the wet, marshy lands in the low country regions. They frequent paddy fields are also known as “Did-he-do-it”, due to its call.

Yellow-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus malabaricus)

The Yellow-wattled Lapwing is slightly smaller than the Red-wattled Lapwing and in contrast is seen mainly in the dry zone. This fine specimen was seen in Bundala, Sri Lanka in December 2008.

Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)

[Picture not available on Zeylanica yet]

There is one other Lapwing spotted in Sri lanka, by the name of Sociable Lapwing, that is listed as Critically endangered by the IUCN. However, recent conservation effort has paid off, and this lapwing is said to be ‘living up to its name’ in some areas of Turkey, where a superflock of 3200 were discovered.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapwing

http://www.arkive.org/sociable-lapwing/vanellus-gregarius/

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3172&m=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociable_Lapwing

Bingzy Avifauna, Contributors, Nature, Nilu Rajapakse Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Sociable Lapwing, Vanellus gregarius, Venellus indicus, Venellus malabaricus, Yellow-wattled Lapwing

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In a hasty official visit to Polonnaruwa recently, I made an even more speedy call to the infamous ruins of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Sadly some of the macro pictures were lost in confusion. Promising myself to make a more productive visit photographically, I offer this for the time being.

Polonnaruwa was the second Kingdom of unified Sri Lanka under King Vijayabahu I (1055-1110) who restored the Island from Chola rule. The two other powerful kings who reigned during the Pollonnaruwa Kingdom were Parakramabahu I (1153-86) and Nissanka Malla (1187-96). The Kingdom ended in 1255. During the periods of these three powerful kings there were vast developments in administration, irrigation in the dry zone, construction and architecture. However periodic invasions from south India destroyed most of the architectural marvels and the way of life, from which the Island never fully recovered.

Ruins of Polonnaruwa are what remains of the entrance to the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu to remind us of the glory that once was.

The statue of the Lord Buddha graces the Royal grounds.

A Noble personality in stone. Scholars believe that this is either a sage (Kapila or Pulasthi) else the great King Parakramabahu. Although none have been confirmed, this statue is an icon of Polonnaruwa situated in Pothgul Viharaya.

They live here now, and they live peacefully, which is a blessing. But one must remember not to be too friendly with our cousins, lest they become aggressive. Offering food should be avoided for the benefit of both parties.

To be continued..

References:
A History of Sri Lanka – K. M. de Silva
The Glory of Ancient Polonnaruwa – Jayasinghe Balasooriya

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