A rare migrant bird has been sighted in Sri Lanka just as the island was ready to welcome the new year.
Bird observer Moditha Kodikara Arachchi had seen the bird at dusk in Attidiya, Dehiwala, where he lives.
Mr. Kodikara Arachchi saw a large owl’s silhouette across the sky. The bird circled a few times, allowing him enough time to grab his camera and capture several shots before it glided towards the coast. He later identified the bird as a Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), a migratory bird species rarely recorded in Sri Lanka.
He has a history of documenting unique sightings in Sri Lanka. Mr Kodikara Arachchi described the encounter as magical. “I was casually scanning the skies during my usual routine when a large bird’s elegant flight pattern and distinct markings caught my attention,” he recalled. He thinks his pictures are the first photographic evidence of Short-eared Owl in Sri Lanka.
he Short-eared Owl, characterised by its striking yellow eyes, mottled brown plumage, and distinctive ‘ear’ tufts, is a medium-sized owl known for its daytime hunting habits, according to published materials. Found in open habitats such as grasslands, tundra, and marshes across the Northern Hemisphere; the Short-eared Owl migrates southward, often covering vast distances during the winter, according to publications.
Rare sighting: Short-eared owl captured by Moditha Kodikara Arachchige in Attidiya
These owls are considered rare migrants, often classified as vagrants, with sightings typically confined to northern and eastern regions. Its unexpected presence in Colombo raises intriguing questions about its migratory routes and habitat preferences.
Sri Lanka boasts over 500 bird species, and Mr Kodikara Arachchi recently celebrated recording his 400th bird species — a milestone few birders achieve.
The sighting highlights the significance of urban biodiversity and the role that individuals play in documenting and protecting it, noted Dr. Jagath Gunawardane, a veteran environmental lawyer and avid birdwatcher. Birdwatchers like Mr. Kodikara Arachchi demonstrate how personal passion can contribute to a broader understanding of wildlife.
This also underscored Colombo’s potential as a haven for diverse birdlife amid urban development, says Dr. Gunawardane who emphasised the importance of promoting citizen science in Sri Lanka. Such efforts provide valuable insights into species’ ranges and populations to help conservation efforts.
The fleeting visit of the Short-eared Owl serves as a gentle reminder of nature’s surprises and the importance of cherishing and protecting our shared environment.
(courtesy- Malaka Rodrigo- Sunday Times )
