Author

Birding.lk

A Birder's Notes

Author

AUTHOR PROFILE

Tharanga Herath is a graduate in Fisheries and Marine Science with passion in Ornithology, Natural history and Painting Wildlife who lives in Sri Lanka. He is a professional in conservation oriented Ornithology and wildlife- based tourism, working for his co- founded eco tourism establishment. He also works for UNDP as the GEF/ SGP field coordinator of Colombo wetlands(landscape). Tharanga has former experience at a diplomatic mission in Colombo as well.Following his passion Tharanga dedicates in wildlife and environmental conservation.

Birding and painting wildlife have been my passion since childhood. Following this passion I have been bird watching for over 25 years now, both as a hobby in the beginning and as a profession later.

I enjoyed teaching birdlife of Sri Lanka to the youth at the Young Zoologists’ Association for many years being an instructor. I also dedicate time in conducting lectures and presentations through various organizations and keep sharing my observations with Ceylon Bird Club, being a member of it. It is always a pleasure to recall the environmental education programme that I coordinated for a wonderful group of adults which was organized by Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project.

In the end my best birding buddies have been my loving wife Mekhala and now, my keen & cooperative little daughter Tharulya in my happiest birding wonderings.

I came out with an idea of sharing my interesting bird findings in Sri Lanka with the community to create awareness and publicize the sightings in a way that is favorable for both the birds and birders, while keeping this site as an updated ornithological reference. However, I keep publishing my observations in other media including journals, magazines and social media, but publishing them here to make these sightings commonly available for anyone who is keen and interested on the subject.Hope you enjoy this regularly updated site and keep visiting for latest news, as I have many more sightings to upload and along with latest taxonomy.

Visit my Paintings

Acknowledgement: I recall the nice birding memories shared with my school time birding friends Darshana, Kasun and Sujan of Nalanda College with whom I started my birding career in early 90’s. Subsequently we were fortunate to receive the inspirational guidance from Mr. Jagath Gunawardana in systematic birding studies. I convey my heartiest gratitude to him and to Mr. Deepal Warakagoda for sharing his expertise and for the guidance at professional stage. I thank my parents for all the support given in the beginning of my natural history studies and to everyone else who supported me throughout my career.

Happy Birding !
~ Tharanga Herath