Ceylonese Summer

Don't know how I managed to omit this photograph yesterday, but readers must be getting used to that. Here are a pair of Large Red Damselflies, with one having the other by the 'scruff of the neck'.

Hugh left, Janet behind tripod and my mate from Weymouth, Alex with dreadlocks all becoming 'twitchers'!

Hugh & I enjoying a cup of Chi.

It's been a full day in the galley for me, punctuated by attention to a few outstanding items, as my friends Hugh and Janet arrive from Christchurch at 19-00 for dinner. We met while on a tour of Sri Lanka in 2006, and have remained firm friends ever since. On the strength of that, there follows a series of photographs of that trip.

Asian Openbill

A supposedly rare Black Bulbul

Black-necked Stork

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Brahaminy Kite

Changeable Hawk Eagle

Malabar Pied Hornbill

Painted Stork

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Sri Lankan Junglefowl

Little Praticole

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Yellow-wattled Plover

Leopard, the King of them all!

Unfortunately, I am not able to publish my latest RSPB findings at this time, save to say I have written to Sarah Alsbury and have received, in part, an inadequate reply, a promise of viewing the legal documents associated with the ringing of the Little Terns plus an invitation to meet Dante Munns the RSPB Dorset Area Manager. Certainly a step in the right direction, and an opportunity that will not be wasted by me! Watch this space.

and finally, I can report from the RSPB's Luke Philips that it was not he who found the 'rare' Orchid reported over the past 2 days but a RSPB Volunteer Botanist. Thank you Luke, the pint remains in place.