Head to Diyasaru Park, Thalawathugoda for two days with the birds
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Biodiversity haven: Thalawathugoda wetland park
To promote birdwatching and conservation, the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) based at the University of Colombo will hold ‘Kurulu Kaiya’ on December 16-17 at Diyasaru Park, Thalawathugoda.
Kaiya in Sinhala means a gathering of people for co-operative work to achieve a common goal and Kurulu means birds. Kurulu Kaiya therefore is a gathering aimed at promoting birdwatching, conservation of birds and their habitats as defined by FOGSL.
The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) is the local representative of BirdLife International, which has representatives in 120 countries. ‘Diyasaru Park’ at Thalawathugoda spreads over 60 acres on the Kotte marshes near Parliament. Over 50 species of birds including a number of migratory birds, about 25 butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and fish are among the interesting wetland biodiversity found at Diyasaru Park. The site is even a hideout of the elusive Fishing cat. Special guided nature walks around the trails of the Diyasaru Park have been organised under Kurulu Kaiya. There will be guided tours and other fun activities for children too.
To promote research, a session titled ‘40 years of bird research in Sri Lanka’ will be held in collaboration with researchers from different universities of Sri Lanka.
For more information and to reserve trade stalls please contact the FOGSL by phone 011-2592609/ 0718440144 or email kurulukaiya@gmail.com. See also www.kurulukaiya.wordpress.com.
Nature enthusiasts: Keeping an eye on the birds
An exhibition stall from last year