Playful And Carefree........................

Vivid Colors

I first spotted this beautiful critter on  a Ervatamia divaricata (Linn)  in my garden one day, and it had shifted to a Thibbatu ?Solanum violaceum Ortega next to it. After that it was nowhere to be seen, probably fell pray to a bird. Could any of you guys tell me which butterfly this caterpillar belongs to?   

 

voir à travers la grenouille

Don't Mess With Me!

Moss

This moss grows on outdoor damp surfaces like rain-soaked garden walls. This specimen is from my garden wall too. This moss feels Velvet to touching.

Agaric Flora of Sri Lanka (Reference Book)

Parrot French Kiss

I was on the way to work as usual this morning when I witnessed this at a spot close to where the Pond Heron was last morning. This pair of Rose-ringed Parakeets(Psittacula krameri krameri)
were engaged in something remarkably like passionate kissing. They did it three times and, flap flap,   off they flew.


Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

This Is What You Call A Cooperative Subject

I take most of my photos as I walk home from work in the evening. I walk to my work place in the morning too, but usually in a hurry. This morning I could leave home earlier, so I took some time taking pictures on the way. That's how I captured this Indian Pond Heron  (Ardeola grayii) Perched on a coconut palm.  

King The Fisher

A Few Days of Sun Has Brought Many Critters To The Open

Image by roosterfeather via FlickrThe topic of this post is different from what I said it would be on my last post,but the originally intended content is included,plus some more.Apparently the consistent downpour that caused so many trouble is over,and the last few days has been warm,humid and sunny. I've observed and photographed a variety of creatures during this time,and here they are.This Lesser Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna javanica) was the recent for the originally intended post title, Quack Quack!   I didn't know of these till I saw this post by my blogger friend Amila.  I was on the look for this one ever since, till I finally saw this one floating in  small tank at a village a little off from Kurunegala. 

Image by roosterfeather via FlickrA small flock of  Scaly-breasted Munia, Lonchura punctulata were near a paddy filed yesterday,eating the seeds of some tall grass. I couldn't focus on their face though,I'd try my luck again.  




 



Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) are nesting, and I see some incubating and building nests at my workplace. I tried to capture one carrying a twig in the beak, but failed. But I got this shot.  










Red-wattled Lapwings (Vanellus indicus) are clearly enjoying the sunny weather too.










Ever-present Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is seen in both small flocks as well as individuals pecking parasites off grazing cows and buffaloes.  



































Image by roosterfeather via Flickr








I photographed this Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) today as I walked home after work. They seem to prefer being in water.







Image by roosterfeather via Flickr

Last Sunday morning allowed me to capture this Indian Pond Heron or (Ardeola grayii).













Image by roosterfeather via Flickr This Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), like the Spotted Dove, is from within my working place premises.







                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Butterflies  have been plentiful around here too. This one is a Common Pierrot (Castalius rosimon).


                                                  

Common Grass Yellow butterflies have found my Sesbania grandiflora plant,there are a few caterpillars and a pupa already.


















Dragonflies and damsels have also appeared in considerable numbers, with notably many juveniles. This Pink Skimmer(Orthetrum  pruinosum) is from my garden.  












I saw this marsh dancer on a plant in a foot path leading to a paddy field.


Allow me to finish this post with this water strider from my garden pond. Could you guys tell me the binomial name? I've got some more photos, but it's 1.40 a.m. and I can't go on. Stay put, take care! 

                                                                                                                           

Aaaarrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!

Allow me to present some spiders that I've captured this week.



Image by roosterfeather via FlickrI used to see to see this strange looking spiders back at my old place when I was a kid, and it was years till I spotted another  in Kurunegala.












This one was on a permanganate plant in my garden.











I photographed this spider inside our house. This common species inhabit the house holds and don't seem to spin webs.











 This very colorful spider was in a well wooded home garden a little further way from Kurunegala.

I have not been able to pin down proper identifications on any of these spiders, but I'll try as usual. Any help from you dearest readers are much appreciated.


On next post, Quack Quack!........     Stay put!

Koel At The Bird Feeder

Two Asian Koels(Eudynamys scolopaceus), one male and the other a female, have found their way into the bird feeder. They come for a feed off it frequently, but never together so far. The female Koel looks very different   to the male, I'll be able to show you soon. This bird can be considered a flagship species, as it's bound with local culture. The male Koel's distinctive call for a mate is heard around every April, and it's April when Sinhalese-Hindu new year is celebrated. So, it is said that the male birds  call is indeed the message  of new year arriving.



An interesting fact about Asian Koel is that the female lays eggs in crow's nests, hence making it a brood parasite.

Creepy Night Visitor!

Bush Rat?

Greetings for a very happy new year every one! This photo, like two others, was taken and given to me by my friend Shan. I uploaded the photo here for an identification, and here's what Prasantha  there says ".......Probably juvenile of Galunda elioti [E: Bush rat; S: Panduru-miya]
If you can provide me its measurements and front view of the incisor, I can seek expert advice..."  But alas, since I didn't see the critter my self, there's no telling the size and other details. Does any of you guys know this creature?