Bird Watching
Madu Ganga, situated in the southwest region of Sri Lanka, is an ecological gem renowned for its outstanding birdwatching opportunities. The area is a vast estuary encompassing around 900 hectares of pristine wetland, brimming with an astonishing variety of avian life. This remarkable ecosystem is made up of a complex network of waterways, islands, and mangrove forests, creating an ideal habitat for an extensive list of bird species.
The estuary’s rich avian population includes both resident and migratory birds. The residents include an array of waterbirds such as egrets, herons, and storks, which can be spotted wading through the shallow waters or perched elegantly on the branches of the mangrove trees. The Madu Ganga mangroves are vital breeding and nesting grounds for these birds, making it a crucial location for their conservation.
As migratory birds visit this region, especially during the winter months, birdwatchers can witness the skies and waterways teeming with waders, sandpipers, and other shorebirds. These seasonal visitors add to the diversity of birdlife, providing a unique and dynamic birdwatching experience. Among the migratory species, one can often observe the elegant and delicate waders like the lesser sand plover and the Kentish plover foraging along the estuary’s shores.
Madu Ganga’s birdwatching experience is further enriched by the presence of forest-dwelling birds within the dense mangrove vegetation. Sunbirds, bulbuls, and the elusive brown-capped babbler are among the species that find refuge here. Birdwatchers can admire these species from a boat, allowing them to approach without disturbing the birds in their natural habitat.
