Looking at a map, Sri Lanka appears like a large teardrop falling into the ocean from the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. This verdant and beautiful island attracts many visitors, and for the bird photographer, the country's 30+ endemic bird species are of particular interest. Bird-Photo-Tours Asia will be concentrating on obtaining high-quality photographic images of around 20 of these endemic species including the possibility for close photographic encounters with the secretive Sri Lanka Spurfowl, the spectacular Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the tiny Sri Lankan White-eye and the splendid Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill.
Endemics: 15+
Raptors: Changeable Hawk Eagle / Crested Serpent Eagle / Grey-headed Fish Eagle / White-bellied Sea Eagle / Shikra / Osprey
Bee-eaters: Blue-tailed Bee-eater / Asian Green Bee-eater / Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Owls: Brown Hawk Owl / Brown Fish Owl / Serendib Scops Owl / Indian Scops Owls / Collared Scops Owl / Chestnut-backed Owlet / Jungle Owlet
Nightjars / Frogmouths: Indian Nightjar / Jerdon’s Nightjars / Sri Lanka Frogmouth
Waterbirds: Oriental Darter / Spot-billed Pelican / Painted Stork / Woolly-necked Stork
Others: Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill / Malabar Pied Hornbill / Indian Pitta / Rose-ringed Parakeet
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Day 1-2 West Province (1N / 0D / 1S). Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Targets: Fulvous Whistling Duck / Asian Openbill / Purple Heron.
Days 19-20 West Province (1N / 0D / 1S). Drive 4-5 hours 170-km to Western Province for international departures from Colombo.
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S = Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping.
