Birds Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

ITV’s This Mornings’ Dr Scott explores the animals of Asia

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

ITV This Mornings' Dr Scotts 'Animals of Asia'

In a brand new series on ITV’s This Morning programme Dr Scott Millar explores the ‘Animals of Asia’.

Dr Scott is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the tropical island of Sri Lanka.

On the 5th of November 2024 Dr Scott was out on safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka searching for the Asian elephant.

This Morning - a daytime magazine TV programme

ITV’s This Morning is a British daytime magazine programme that is broadcast on ITV live every weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The programme covers a whole range of topics including news, celeb guests, expert advice, real-life stories and competitions, plus a mix of cookery, health and more.

Dr Scott visits Udawalawe National Park to see the Elephants there.

We can see the reservoir at Udawalawe which provides water for the animals in the park in the distance from our lounge at GlenMyu Estate.

He watches a Crested Hawk Eagle having a bath in the water close to his safari vehicle.

Dr Scott comments that he is in Sri Lanka as it has the highest density of elephants anywhere in the region.

Dr Scott describes himself as a “Broadcaster Author Welfare and Wildlife Warrior” on his Instagram profile.

He also has a Tok Tok channel called Rescue Vet which mainly show his work with animals in the UK.

Rescue Vet

The vet has his own YouTube Channel called Rescue Vet.

This channel shows fresh and new Dr Scott content. It takes a sneak peek inside a Veterinary practice in London.

Sri Lanka - the best place to see animals in their natural environment

According to Dr Scott, Sri Lanka is the nest place to see animals in their natural environment.

On ITV’s This Morning Programme he focussed on the Elephants

There however, is a human elephant conflict in Sri Lanka where the elephants habitat is reducing as more development is taking place.

Sri Lankan Elephants

According to the World Wildlife Fund ‘The Sri Lankan subspecies is the largest and also the darkest of the Asian elephants”

The herd size in Sri Lanka ranges from 12-20 individuals or more. It is led by the oldest female, or matriarch.

The Sri Lankan elephant population has fallen almost 65% since the turn of the 19th century.

Safari Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many safari parks around the island, all of which provide different experiences to see the animals in their environment.

The most well known is Yala National Park which is on the Southern Coast. Lots of our guests at GlenMyu Estate visit Yala prior or after their stay in the Central Hills of the country. Yala has a wide range of animals that you may see on your safari.

We can see Udawalawe Reservoir from the main lounge at GlenMyu Estate. This National Park is great if you want to see mainly Elephants.

There are many other National Parks around the country where our guests have provided positive feedback on their visits.

We have been to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks which were particularly good for seeing elephants and birds.

There are many other safari parks around the country which provides a variety of experiences and animals and birds to see.

If you are interested in birdwatching then there are some parks that are particularly good. Sinharaja, Kumana, Bundala, and Gal Oya are just a few of many options.

Building a habitat to encourage animals to thrive at GlenMyu Estate

From the outset building GlenMyu Estate, we were focused on bringing biodiversity back to the once dilapidated five acres of land.

The land was once part of a larger tea estate and then a sugar cane plantation. When the production of sugar cane became uneconomic, the land was abandoned.

When Ru bought the land, it was overgrown with mainly Guinea Grass, which was brought in to Sri Lanka as quick growing cattle fodder. It took over the land and did not allow any of the endemic species to thrive.

We have taken some years to take out much of this unwanted grass and aimed to create a food forest. The produce would be a source of food for ourselves, our guests and the animals that visit the estate.

The forest is still in its infancy, however, Ru loves to give our guests a garden tour to show what we are growing on the estate.

Leaving space for the flora and fauna

We also wanted to make sure that we did not overdevelop the land so that we could provide space for flora and fauna.

Commercially, it would have made sense for us to build lots of other guest accommodation around the estate. However, this would not leave sufficient space to create the habitat for the animals that visit or have their home on the estate.

What animal life will you see at GlenMyu Estate?

Nature does not guarantee anything however we regularly get one of two types of monkey visiting the estate.

Occasionally you may see a Barking Deer in the distance.

However, we can almost guarantee that you will see a variety of birdlife foraging at the estate every day.

Support our work by staying at GlenMyu Estate

By choosing GlenMyu Estate as part of your holiday in Sri Lanka you will be supporting the work that we are doing on the land to encourage wildlife to thrive here.

You will also have an amazing experience, as supported by the guest reviews that we have on various platforms.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

ITV’s This Mornings’ Dr Scott explores the animals of Asia Read More »

Developing an interest in Birdwatching

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Ella, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Developing an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

It’s easy to develop an interest in bird watching in Sri Lanka. The birds appear to be more interesting on this paradise island.

Whether it is the colours of their feathers or just the light that they fly in, it has heightened my interest.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

It’s easy to develop an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

There are many endemic species, residents and migrants to spark your curiosity.

According to Nature Odyssey, currently there are 33 identified species of endemic birds in Sri Lanka, out of which most are found in the wet zone

A colourful world

I didn’t really have much of an interest in birdwatching when I lived the UK.

Since living in Sri Lanka my curiosity about all forms of nature has increased. Perhaps it’s just living in a place that is surrounded by nature.

Maybe it’s because the birds appears to have so much more colour than those in the UK.

A little help from our neighbours to bring about an interest in birdwatching

At GlenMyu Estate we are really fortunate that some of our neighbours have a lifetime interest in birdwatching.

They have helped develop our interest in birding and we have often had informal early birdwatching session with our neighbours on the estate.

Some of our guests have got up early and joined our neighbours at their estate for a bird watching session.

Informal birdwatching opportunities

Sri Lanka really is a paradise island and there are lots of opportunities for spotting birds.

You don’t just have to visit a reserve or sanctuary. As you travel around the country you will see birdlife wherever you go.

Sri Lankan bird sanctuaries

There are a large number of wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and there are many that have a great variety of birds which will interest birdwatchers.

Sri Lanka Birdwatching Tours has a long list of great places that you should visit in Sri Lanka if you have a particular interest in birding.

It's not all about Elephants and Leopards on Safari!

There are lots of safari parks around the island that offer different experiences.

One thing that you will always find it an array of birdlife.

Lots of our guests come to GlenMyu Estate and are disappointed that they didn’t get to see that elusive Leopard. I’ve never seen a Leopard in Sri Lanka and therefore I’m not too surprised (however I am disappointed for them).

Birds are always present in the National Parks and , if you look close enough, you will get your wildlife fill from what you see.

Bring your binoculars

Nowadays, no-one leaves home without their mobile phone. Sure, you can snap away when you spot any wildlife.

However, carrying your binoculars with you means that you are more likely to get a good view of the birds you will see Ella round the island.

Birdwatching opportunities near to GlenMyu Estate, Haputale.

If you are interested in birdwatching spending time at GlenMyu Estate will provide you with lots of opportunities to see a variety fo birdlife.

You can see some of the birds that I have managed to capture with my camera by pressing on the following link.

Thangamale and the Pekoe Trail Stage 12

This sanctuary is located within reach of GlenMyu Estate, just outside of Haputale.

Some of the sanctuary falls within Stage 12 of the new Pekoe Trail and therefore you can get some exercise, see some fabulous views and practice your hobby all on the same day.

Birdwatching at GlenMyu Estate

Throughout the year we have regular flying visitors at GlenMyu Estate.

We have developed the land to encourage wildlife to visit and forage from our five acres in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

I do not profess to be the best wildlife photographer, so my photos are not great.

Perhaps you can do better and share them with me so that I can add them to my bird photo gallery on our website?

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the nature of the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Developing an interest in Birdwatching Read More »

No televisions, no problem

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Birdwatching, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

No Televisions, No Problem!

No Televisions, No Problem

I don’t know about you, but I really didn’t enjoy watching television when I was away on holiday.

Whenever we would get to our hotel room my wife and I would flick through the channels to find something that we would like.

There is something about watching television when you are in your own country.

You know what you like, you know when the program is on and you know where to find your favourite programme.

I can't find it, there are too many advertisement breaks.

We tended to watch a lot fo BBC programmes in the UK and therefore didn’t to have to deal with advertisement breaks.

There is something about the rhythm of the programme, even when you watch commercial tv, that is quite comforting. You are used to the timing and the length of the advert break. Years of programming our brains makes it alright.

Television abroad - no thanks

However, I used to get frustrated watching television on holiday as the rhythm wasn’t comfortable for me.

It was a real turnoff.

So, I didn’t watch any television programmes when I went on holiday.

The world has changed

Since moving to Sri Lanka in 2016 the world has been through some incredible changes.

Sitting down in front of the television to relax after a stressful day in the office is no longer the norm.

The global pandemic left lots of people stuck at home looking for entertainment to while away the hours.

Netflix and other streaming services became the go to place for entertainment. Binge watching box sets was what everyone was talking about.

When we were in the UK we only watched a few programmes when they were being broadcasted. Most if what we viewed was on catch up.

No televisions at GlenMyu Estate, no problem

Since living in Sri Lanka we have been weaned off television.

I could see from our first six months on the island that we really craved our favourite programmes that we enjoyed together.

However, as we couldn’t get our usual BBC programmes, we used to buy the occasional DVD and watch them together.

The environment in the Sri Lankan Hill Country has changed our requirements in life. It’s hard not to be affected by the surrounding nature. Whether it’s the noise from the birds, the ever changing view from the lounges or spending time on the five acre estate, sitting in front of a square box does not seem to be important now. If we don’t know who is in Masterchef, the Bake Off or Strictly, it really doesn’t matter.

Immersed in nature

Living in London for many years we were really out of touch with nature. So many people living in big cities must be in the same position.

I don’t know what happened to me.

In the UK I wasn’t interested in birds and trees. My inquisitiveness appears to have been injected into my veins since living here. Planting trees and watching them grow, getting up early to catch the birdsong or making sure I catch the sunset sky.

It’s hard to get the feeling over to you. You really need to come and experience this for yourself.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

No televisions, no problem Read More »

Birds at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Birds we have seen at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate we have seen lots of different types of birds since we have been living on this beautiful 5 acres in the Sri Lanka Hill Country.

My photographs are not that great and my SLR was inoperable some years ago so I have taken these pictures with my mobile phone or pocket Nikon camera.

I’m sure that you could do so much better than I have.

When I was younger I wasn’t as interested in birds however I was living in London and there was little to see.

Since moving to this beautiful Paradise Island my interest has changed so much. It’s hard not to admire these beautiful creatures when they are singing early in the morning and swooping their way across the landscape.

Here are some of the birds that I have managed to capture, mainly from my pocket Nikon Camera.

Some of the birds have spectacular colours which are impossible to miss when enjoying the day at GlenMyu Estate.

Many of the bird are just too fast for me to catch or see. I have bought a set of binoculars so that I get to see some more of the species that visit the estate. I would recommend that you bring some binoculars with you when you stay at GlenMyu Estate Hotel so you don’t miss out.

There are lots of endemic birds that visit GlenMyu Estate. Once of our neighbours has seen almost half of the endemic species in Sri Lanka in the area. She has been birdwatching since she was a little girl and is full of knowledge and can even identify some from their birdsong.

Our own birds at GlenMyu Estate

We also have ducks and chickens at GlenMyu Estate.

They roam around the land and forage and are a delight to watch. I consider them my kind of meditation as I watch them wander and get on with their daily business.

Ever so often we have new life at GlenMyu Estate as the ducks and the chickens get broody from time to time and sit on their eggs. If you are lucky enough to be staying at GlenMyu Estate when they hatch you will be amazed on how quickly they adapt to life. We have seen duckings eating insects as soon as the hatch from the egg and also have seen some swimming on day one!

Nature is amazing and it is a great privilege living with nature.

Birds at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka Read More »

How did I get here?

Birds, Holiday, Our dogs, Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

I sit on the balcony and just wonder “how did I end up here?”

It is a December morning with Christmas fast approaching.

About an hour ago I was woken up by the early morning light that washes over hills below our bedroom window which has a view towards the Southern coast of this Paradise Island.

My balcony sits below a glorious Sri Lankan Fig Tree which is bathed in a kaleidoscope of light.

Music is provided freely by the winged visitors that whistle, tweet and call to each other appearing to be saying “Good morning World!”.

My peaceful start is disturbed by three of my four legged friends that want to join the party.

Mans, and my best friends, are acknowledged by a gentle pat on their heads and then they settle at the balcony end to also enjoy the view.

I look at my temperature gauge and smile as I see the digits twenty three point nine degrees celsius.

Not many years ago I would be fighting my way through the throng of London’s Underground network targeting arriving in the office on time.

I would be wrapped up tightly to ward off the icy blasts of that the European Winter would throw at me.

Approaching the box that would be my coffin for the coming eight or so, hours I automatically pick up a generic coffee which is encased in a ,less than environmentally friendly, disposable cup and my blood pressure would eventually settle after being tormented on the start to a traumatic day.

My coffee today has been picked from the Estate, processed and roasted on a skillet over an open fire. Bean to cup has travelled about two hundred metres.

However I got here, I am just thankful.

To experience a relaxing morning listening to birdsong and being surrounded by a blanket of green come to the beautiful Sri Lankan Hill Country and spend some deserved vacation at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Please click on the following link to find out more details.

How did I get here? Read More »

Birds of Sri Lanka – what you might see at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday / By Mikeez

What kind of birds live in Sri Lanka?

What birds will I see when I stay at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka?

We are lucky at GlenMyu Estate to have an environment that is attractive to birds and we have a variety that we regularly see here foraging, nesting and swooping around the land.

Here are some pictures and videos of birds that I have seen visiting the Estate.

Unfortunately my camera and video are great for capturing the birds and if you visit the estate with better equipment you will no doubt get much better pictures than I have!

A Black Throated Kingfisher — A White-Throated Kingfisher

A White-Browed Fantail and Chicks — A White-Browed Fantail and two chicks

A pair of Ceylon Hill Mynas — A pair of Lesser Hill Mynas.

A Hill Swallow on a nest — A Hill Swallow nesting.

A Hill Swallow with some twigs — A Hill Swallow gathering twigs.

Black eagle — A Black Eagle passing over GlenMyu Estate

A Purple Rumped Sunbird — Purple Rumped Sunbird

Here are some videos that I have taken of some birds that visited the estate.

We are also very lucky to have a neighbour who has a lifelong interest in birds and bird watches daily. She has identified a large number of the 34 endemic species of birds that visit this part of Sri Lanka.

How do I find out more about Birds of Sri Lanka?

If you want to know more about the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka has a complete list pf birds and additional interesting information in the following link https://fogsl.cmb.ac.lk/list-of-birds-of-sri-lanka/

Another website where a community identifies birds is https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-of-sri-lanka

Avibase – The World Bird Database gives details of the birds and also some examples of bird song https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/avibase.jsp?lang=EN

The Ceylon Bird Club is another good resource http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/endemic_birds.php

Books?

I use “A Photographic Guide to theBirds of Sri Lanka” by Gehan De Silva Wijeyaratne which I find has some good pictures to help identify the birds.

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

There are three king size on suite bedrooms for guests which all have superb views of the hills below.

A natural spring fed swimming pool is available for the use for guests and is a great place to have a refreshing swim or just hang out listening to the nature that passes by.

Where is GlenMyu Estate?

You can find out where we are on the map below.

Birds of Sri Lanka – what you might see at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka. Read More »

Ducks, ducks and more ducks and a birthday.

Birds, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate / By Mikeez

Ducks, ducks and more ducks and a birthday.

We didn’t plan to have ducks.

I thought that having chickens ay GlenMyu would be good to provide us with organic eggs. They would also provide a good home and life for the birds we were to rear.

We have friends back in the UK that have a henhouse in their smallholding. They get a steady stream of eggs throughout the year. My only objection was that I found the cockerel to be quite aggressive and scary. I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with this challenge on a daily basis whilst collecting the eggs.

Our friends also have turkeys from time to time. Then the scare factor doubles for me!

Some research - but not enough.

Ruwanthi did a bit of research as we were also trying to grow organic rice at the estate. She came across some articles about Japanese farmers using ducks to keep their paddy fields weed free. The ducks also provided good natural fertiliser for the rice while they were going about their work.

Another birthday!

As one gets older birthdays are more of a challenge when it comes down to marking another year around the sun. The conundrum is exacerbated when you live remotely. This results in limited purchasing opportunities. And being tied to the property whilst the development of the building and land is in progress doesn’t help.

This years birthday present - so easy?

I was delighted in 2019 whilst driving down the hill from Haputale to Beragala that my pondering over a suitable present this year. It was solved when Ruwanthi asked my to stop the car.

After about 20 minutes Ruwanthi returned looking for my wallet to complete the purchase of four duckling. And a packet of duck feed to keep them going.

I was a little bemused as it was another commitment we were taking on without much planning.

A mixed welcome from the dogs.

We arrived back at GlenMyu and the dogs were ejected from their cage. This would become a residence for the ducks until we arranged a more suitable home for them. I really don’t know what the dogs thought of the situation!

The ducks lineage is just like the dogs on the estate being a bit of this and a bit of that. However, we did work out that we had a Muscovy due to her markings.

A name for the duck.

The Muscovy duck is now called Mama Kahlu as she has been prolific providing a stream of new ducklings. Once she decided to sit on her eggs there was no moving her. Our duck numbers grew and grew so quickly that I was concerned that we would be overrun by them at the property!

Still learning - at our age!

We have have learnt a lot over the eighteen months or so that we have had the ducks. We have lost a few; one flew away, two were meals for the mongoose. One duckling went missing mysteriously in the middle of the night. Two ducklings have drowned? ( I didn’t think that this was possible).

A farm animal or a pet?

Ruwanthi has a great relationship with Mama duck. She follows Ru when clearing demanding the worms that are dug up. Muscovys are renowned for being quite friendly and acting like a pet.

At this current time (July 2021) we have Mama Duck and one of her offspring sitting on eggs. You can see from the videos below that Mama is quite comfortable in her endeavour being an old timer now. The younger duck is very protective and hisses as me as I get near.

Maybe my reservation about chickens and turkeys being scary will also be the case with some of the ducks we raise!

Come and experience the ducks for your self at GlenMyu Estate.

Ducks, ducks and more ducks and a birthday. Read More »