Mahinda and Ranil singing to Fonseka

We interrupt this transmission to lighten up the mood ahead of Sri Lanka's long anticipated presidential election, which is due to be announced on Monday.

I think Ranil and Mahinda must be in full song these days to Gen. Fonseka, like two Spot-winged Thrushes with overlapping territories at Sinharaja rain forest on a misty morning. If I am asked to pick less melodious versions to describe those songs, they would be like this. First, here's Mahinda's song to the General.

And this would be what Ranil is singing to Fonseka these days.

There will be only one winner at the end. I will hint who I will pick to rule Sri Lanka for the next 6 years in a post done on a warm April night, next year. If you are new to Sri Lankan political scene, too bad - I am not going to explain anything here. Explore Kottu - the awesome Sri Lankan blog alligator aggregator to see many blog posts dedicated to it, among other matters. If you can't be bothered, just enjoy the songs.

Back to the main control room.

Sociable Glider

The Sociable Glider Tramea limbata is one of the dragonfly species that colonised my garden after I built my dragonfly pond. It has now become a regular breeder. I shared a sequence of its emergence shots in this post. These were taken using my Canon 100-400mm lens, which I must admit is not my most favourite lens for dragonfly photography. Why? Because I just don't like too much of distance between me and the subject, when shooting smaller forms of life.

I'd like take this opportunity to share a picture of my little neighbour, Malisa Phillips, who will be celebrating her 1st B'day next month.

In the meantime, November rain continues...

Extreme Macro

Yellow Waxtail Ceriagrion coromandelianum - a Common damselfly found at my dragonfly pond.

Wordless Wednesday

November Rain

The rains have returned to the dry zone, ending the withering drought it experienced for several months. I know this, because I am back from a 4-day trip, which took me to several National Parks in that part of the country. I bore witness to some of the pleasant changes brought about by the rains. A brief account below.

Grey-breasted Prinia at Udawalawe

One of things that I have experienced in our dry country is that, when it rains, it really pours, just as Elvis sang it decades ago, though he was not making any reference to Sri Lanka. It had started to rain properly just 3 days before my arrrival at Yala. I was surprised to see how quickly some of the waterholes had filled up. The Wild Buffalos, neck deep them, were visibly happy that the drought is finally over.

The shrubs, which had shed leaves to conserve water during the drought, spouted up fresh foliage almost before our eyes. It was springtime at Yala. This migrant, Brahminy Myna is sitting on such a deciduous tree, with one coming to life nearby.

The new growth in the vegetation, brought about happy times for herbivores. This Elephant, busy feasting on the succulent new-growth was not too bothered by our close presence.

This female Sambar held this pose long enough for me to bump up the ISO to attempt this shot in low light.

The Spotted Deer were back in the glades, grazing the new grass that had spung up. Suddenly there was water everywhere, and the rush-hour traffic, seen near water holes during the height of the drought last month was over.

Whenever there was a respite from the weather, bird activity went up, like the Colombo Stock Market during peace. I managed to get my first decent shots of Tawny-bellied Babbler at Udawalawe.

Courting Indian Peafowl males, displaying their gaudy trains were a common sight at all sites.

Even in rainy weather, you still could manage plenty of bird and wildlife watching in the tropics. If you are patient enough, that is. Like this Painted Stork at Bundala.

Silly stuff

Have you got what it takes to survive on a deserted island, if you are marooned there for five years? Name ten four non-electronic/non-foodie thingies you would like to have with you, before you find yourself in such a situation.

I would settle for a Rambo knife, a waterproof matchbox, my binoculars, and a copy of The Song of the Dodo (preferably in hardcover).

Click here if you cannot see the above YT clip.