Danushka Senadheera Nature and Wildlife Photography, 295/1/2/1, 2nd Floor, Stanley Thilakarathne Mawatha, Jubilie Post, Nugegoda, Sri, Nugegoda (2026)

03/01/2026

කුමන වනෝද්‍යානයේ තවත් දවසක්, අපි ප්‍රදාන පාර දිගේ කුමන විල්ලුව දෙසට ගමන්කරමින් සිටියේ. අපට ඉදිරියෙන් විශාල පලු ගහක් යට යාන්තමට අපි දිහාවට යොමු උන ඇස් දෙකක්, යන්තම් පෙනුන ඔලුවක් නිසා අපේ ගමන නැවතුනා. පලු ගහ යට පැදුරු අතර සගවා සිටියේ හොදට වැඩුණු පිරිපුන් කොටියෙක්. අපිත් සමග තව සෆරී රථ කීපයක් මේ කොටිය නරබමින් සිටිය. කොටියෙක් කැලේ හම්බ උනොත් පුළුවන් තරම් වෙලා ඌව බලන් ඉන්න එක අපේ පුරුද්දක් වෙලා.

සැහෙන වෙලාවකට පස්සේ කොටිය නැගිට්ට, ගස් අතරින් හිමිහිට යන්න පටන්ගත්තේ බගුර කලපුව මැද්දේ තිබුන මලිත්තන් ගහක් පැත්තටයි. මලිත්තන් ගහ යට ලොකු තුබසක් තිබුන. කොටිය තුබස ලගින් නොපෙනී ගියා. අපි හිතුවේ ෂෝ එක ඉවරයි කියල, අපිට ඇතින් තිබුන වෙන සෆාරි රථයකට නම් තාමත් කොටිය පේනවා වගේ, අපිත් නැවතිලා බලන් හිටිය මොකද වෙන්නේ කියල. වැඩි වෙලාවක් බලන් ඉන්න උනේ නෑ, කොටිය අපහු තුබස ලගින් මතු උනේ කටින් මොනවා හරි බර දේකුත් ඇදගෙනයි. ඌ කෙලින්ම ආවේ කලින් හිටිය පලු ගහ පැත්තටමයි. ලං වෙද්දී ඒ ඇදගෙන එන්නේ කුළු හරක් පැටියෙක් කියල අපි දැක්ක.

කොටිය අපි දකිනකොටත් දඩයමක් කරලා එක මග දාල ඇවිල්ල හැංගිලා ඉද්ල තියෙන්නේ. මේවගේ හැසිරීම් අපි කලින් දැකල තියනවා, රංචුව පිටින් ඉන්න කුළු හරකුන්ගේ පැටුන් කොටින්ගේ ප්‍රදාන දඩයමක්. හැබැයි දඩයම කලාට කුළුහරක් රංචුව එක්ක සටනට යන්න නම් ඌ සූදානම් නෑ. කුළුහරක් රංචුව පිටින් එද්දී කරපු දඩයම පැත්තක තියල පන එපා කියල දුවන කොටිය කරන්නේ කොහේ හ‍රි සැගවිල කුළු හරක් යනකම් බලන් ඉන්න එක. කොටියට ගොදුරු උන පැටව මැරිලා කියල දැනගත්තම කුළුහරක් එතනින් ඉවත් වෙලා යනවා. මේකත් ඒ වගේ සිද්ධියක් වගෙයි පෙනුනේ.

කොහොමහරි කුළු හරක් පැටිය ඇදගෙන ආපු කොටිය කලින් හිටිය පලු ගහත් පහු කරගෙන අපේ සෆාරී රථ අතරින්ම පාර හරහට දඩයම ඇදගෙන ගියා. පාරෙන් එහාපැත්තෙ හොදින් වැඩුන තවත් පලු ගහක් තුබුන. ඒක යටනම් අලියෙක් හිටියත් පෙන්නේ නෑ. ඒ අසලම දිය කඩිත්තක්, නිදහසේ දඩයම බුක්ති විදින්න කියාපු තැන. කොටිය ගහ උඩට නගියිද කියල අපි ටිකක් වෙලා බලන් හිටිය. අදට ෂෝ එක ඉවරි වගේ. ෆොටෝස් නම් 1000ක් විතර ගහන්න ඇති, මේ ඒවායින් එකක්, බලන්න මේ වගේ කොටි කටකට අහු උනොත් නම් ගැලවීමක් නෑ.

හොදට ලියුනාද මන්ද, හොදි නම් පොඩි කමෙන්ට් එකක් දන්නා. ෆොටෝ එක නම් කොහොමත් හොදයි නේ :D

We first noticed the leopard as nothing more than a peeking head in the vegetation - motionless, almost invisible - hidden deep in the undergrowth beneath a large Palu tree beside the gravel road at Kumana National Park. The lagoon lay calm nearby, giving no hint of the drama that had already unfolded.

After a long stillness, the leopard began to move. Low, deliberate, and silent, it slipped away from the cover and headed toward the middle of the lagoon, using every bit of vegetation to stay unseen. Time passed, and then we saw it again—this time with purpose.

Emerging from the grass, the leopard had something clamped firmly in its jaws. As it dragged the weight forward, the truth became clear: a water buffalo calf. The kill had clearly happened earlier. The leopard, patient and calculating, had likely left its prize hidden until the adult buffalo moved away, returning only when the danger had passed.

With astonishing strength, the leopard dragged the heavy calf toward the road. It didn’t hesitate or pause as it crossed in front of us, completely focused on its task. Then, without breaking stride, it pulled the kill across the road and into dense undergrowth beneath another massive Palu tree on the opposite side of the lagoon.

A small waterhole lay nearby, and the thick vegetation shielded the spot perfectly from view—a secluded refuge away from disturbance. It was an ideal place for the leopard to feed in peace.

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27/10/2025

A rare clear morning at Horton Plains National Park, with the iconic Maha Rathmal tree standing tall in the foregrounds. A gentle layer of fog drifts over the golden grass plains, carrying the crisp chill that defines the serenity of Horton Plains.
හෝර්ටන් තැන්න ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානයේ දුර්ලභ පැහැදිලි උදෑසනක්, ඉදිරිපසින් උසට නැඟී සිටින හොටන් තැන්නෙ සුලබ වූ මහා රත්මල් ගසත්, තවමත් හිරු රශ්මිය නොගැටුනු රන්වන් පැහැති තැනිතලාව මත පාවී යන මෘදු මීදුම තට්ටුවත්, මවා පාන්නේ හෝර්ටන් තැන්නටම ආවීනිකවූ සිත් ඇදගන්නාසුලු භූමි දර්ශනයකි.

27/03/2025

The dawn en route to Kumana National Park is almost always breathtaking, with colors that transform the sky in a captivating display. However, the timing required to reach the park entrance often makes it difficult to pause and fully appreciate this morning beauty. On the final day of our last visit, as we returned from the park, we were met with an equally stunning scene: the sun setting over the Kudumbigala Monastery. This sunset was a sight we couldn’t resist. A solitary tree standing at the roadside added a unique touch, silhouetted against the vibrant sky, creating a perfect focal point in the landscape. The scene was further enhanced by the headlights of safari jeeps approaching in the distance, casting a warm glow that complemented the colors of the sunset.

https://danushkasenadheera.com/.../sunset-over.../

29/09/2024

Yala National Park, once a place of solitude and connection with nature, doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to be for me. Sixteen years ago, a simple work outing to Yala changed everything. I remember vividly—the moment I clicked the shutter on my camera and captured Kublai Khan, the legendary great tusker of Yala—it sparked a passion for wildlife that has only grown stronger with time.
Since then, visiting Yala twice a month became a routine, each trip fueling my fascination with the wild. But as the crowds have grown and the atmosphere changed, I’ve found myself seeking out quieter corners—Wilpattu, Yala Block 5—where the essence of the wilderness is still untouched. There, surrounded by the sounds of nature and away from the overwhelming crowds, I’ve been able to truly observe and photograph everything from elusive leopards to vibrant birds, and so much more.
Despite my countless visits, there was one part of Yala I had never experienced—Heenwewa Bungalow. That changed last May when I finally had the chance to stay there. It had been a while since my last trip to Yala, but fortunately, my trusted safari guide, Theekshana Lakshan, was available. Together, we ventured into the less-traveled areas of the park, avoiding the crowds, and it paid off. We captured some breathtaking moments that reminded me why Yala became such a significant part of my life all those years ago.
https://danushkasenadheera.com/.../a-return-to-the-wild.../

22/09/2024

Elusive little beauties of NIlgala

An isolated population of jungle bush quails is found in Gal Oya National Park, particularly around the Nilgala area. These birds live in small flocks, primarily inhabiting savannas and grasslands, where they prefer walking over flying. The savanna-like landscape, shaped by frequent wildfires, provides an ideal habitat for them. Despite several visits to Nilgala, I struggled to capture satisfactory photographs of these elusive birds due to their shy nature and the challenging terrain. However, on my most recent trip, I managed to capture a few good shots of them, marking a rewarding end to my efforts.

https://danushkasenadheera.com/2024/09/22/elusive-little-beauties-of-nilgala/

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19/09/2024

Feathers are one of nature’s most extraordinary creations, intricately designed for a variety of purposes. Not only do they enable flight for birds, but they also serve as vital tools for insulation, protection, and communication. Composed primarily of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails, feathers are lightweight yet incredibly strong.

Each feather is a marvel of engineering. Flight feathers, for example, have a central shaft and a series of barbs that interlock, providing both flexibility and strength. This allows birds to soar gracefully through the sky. Down feathers, on the other hand, are soft and fluffy, trapping air to provide warmth even in the coldest environments.

Beyond their physical functions, feathers are a visual spectacle. They come in an astonishing array of colors and patterns, often used for camouflage, attracting mates, or intimidating rivals. The iridescent shimmer of a peacock’s tail or the vibrant reds and yellows of a tropical parrot are stunning examples of nature’s artistry.

Feathers have also inspired human culture, from ancient symbolism to modern fashion. They represent freedom, beauty, and elegance, making them a timeless symbol across civilizations. From their intricate structure to their diverse roles, feathers truly are one of the natural world’s most fascinating wonders.

A closer encounter with a Crested Serpent Eagle at Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka gave me the opportunity to capture this detailed photo of its breast feathers. The detailed shades and patterns on the feathers are truly fascinating, showcasing the beauty and complexity of nature up close.

https://danushkasenadheera.com/2024/09/19/fascinating-feathers/

17/09/2024

The Sri Lanka Spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata) is a ground-dwelling bird species endemic to Sri Lanka, found primarily in dense forests and woodland areas. It belongs to the pheasant family, Phasianidae. The male spurfowl is distinguished by its dark brown plumage with a speckled pattern, a red facial patch, and prominent spurs on its legs, while females are duller in color with more subtle markings. Known for their shy and elusive nature, these birds are more often heard than seen, making sharp, loud calls, especially at dawn and dusk. They feed on insects, seeds, and small invertebrates, foraging in leaf litter.

Photographing these birds in wildness is very challenging as they live in dense undergrowth with very little light supporting photography. However they are use to come to some home gardens for food near forest patches around wet-zone forests like Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Makandawa, Nilgala, etc. With proper approach we can observe and photograph these birds when they come to home gardens with better lighting conditions. This was taken during my last visit to Nilgala.

10/08/2024

One of my favorite photos from last visit to Kumana National Park because of the environment and lighting conditions. View it in full screen, you will feel the difference

04/08/2024

It was early in the morning, and we were the second safari jeep to enter Kumana National Park. Our wildlife guide, Sasika, and safari driver, Pradeep, decided to turn onto Kiripokuna Road while the other jeep continued on the main road. As we reached the third bund on Kiripokuna Road, both Shashika and Pradeep pointed toward the road where a leopard was crossing toward the bund. We gave it some room, and it returned to the road. It was a mature male leopard, later identified as Rana (KLM29).

We kept reversing while the leopard moved toward us, sniffing and marking its territory. It was fascinating to observe this behavior. I managed to capture a moment when it was sniffing a bush before marking it. We continued reversing for about half a kilometer until more safari jeeps appeared, prompting the leopard to venture into the forest.

Seeing Rana in his natural habitat, performing these instinctual activities, was an unforgettable experience. His powerful presence and the way he navigated his domain with confidence left us in awe. This encounter, albeit brief, offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of one of Kumana's most elusive and majestic residents.

blog: https://danushkasenadheera.com/2024/08/04/encounter-rana-klm29-on-a-territory-walk/

Rana's profile: https://www.kumanaleopards.com/leopard-profiles/KLM29

06/07/2024

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo primarily inhabits dense forests and woodlands, including both lowland and montane forests. It is commonly found in primary forests but can also adapt to secondary growth forests and plantations, demonstrating some flexibility in its habitat preferences. This Drongo tends to favor areas with tall trees and dense canopy cover, where it can adeptly navigate and hunt for its prey. It is an agile and active bird, known for its acrobatic flight and remarkable vocal abilities. It often mimics the calls of other birds, adding to its diverse repertoire of sounds.

While the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is not currently listed as endangered, its habitat in Sri Lanka is under pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving Sri Lanka’s forest ecosystems are vital for ensuring the continued survival of this captivating species.

Due to its habitat, the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is a difficult bird to photograph. During our last visit to Kumana National Park, we were fortunate to spot this beautiful individual. We were on the bund of a reservoir, and the bird was perched on a large Madam tree in the distance. This vantage point provided us with a slight advantage, allowing us to match the canopy height where the Drongo was perched.

https://danushkasenadheera.com/2024/07/06/greater-racket-tailed-drongo/

24/06/2024

Meet Baagu (බාගු - KLM2), the Majestic King of Kumana National Park

Baagu, also known as KLM2, is a dominant male leopard who reigns supreme in Kumana National Park. Known for his extensive territory, Baagu is a frequent sight within his domain. As one of the first recorded male leopards by kumanaLeopards.com, he is quite old but continues to assert his dominance despite his age.

Recently, we learned that Baagu had a confrontation with Rana (KLM29), a formidable male leopard with overlapping territory. Despite the clash, Baagu appeared in great shape when we encountered him on Diwulpallama Wewa Road on the evening of June 22nd. This was my second time photographing this dominant leopard.

The scars on and around Baagu's face tell a story of the struggles he has faced throughout his life - struggles that have ultimately shaped him into the powerful and enduring leopard king he is today.

More information on Baagu - https://www.kumanaleopards.com/leopard-profiles/KLM2

https://danushkasenadheera.com/2024/06/24/meet-baagu-%e0%b6%b6%e0%b7%8f%e0%b6%9c%e0%b7%94-klm2-the-majestic-king-of-kumana-national-park/

15/06/2024

It has been a long time since I posted a leopard photo. None of the sightings from the beginning of the year were satisfying, as almost all of them were on the move. Of course, I do not visit Yala, Wilpattu, or any other national park as often as I used to in the good old days. So, I had to dig deep into my old photos to see what I hadn't posted yet.

To my surprise, there were quite a lot of photos that hadn't caught my attention before. I picked this one out of many because I really liked the isolated background. We don't often get such deep backgrounds in Yala National Park. I think this was taken somewhere near Y Junction under extremely dry conditions during July six years ago.

Danushka Senadheera Nature and Wildlife Photography