Birdwatching in Jaffna

Few places are more rewarding or spectacular for bird-watching in Sri Lanka than the Jaffna district. During September – March, migrant birds along with other waders flock in their thousands to the many lagoons which are dotted around this area. The best time to go birdwatching in Jaffna is the final months of the year, when the lagoons are full, the surrounding paddy fields and vegetation and a vivid green and the air is cooler and more comfortable.

Head out to Kayts Causeway, a vast and relatively unspoiled area which is a hotspot for birdwatching in the migration season. Stretching on for 4km, this causeway links the mainland to the island of Karaitivu (or Karainagar),bordering the Jaffna Lagoon on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other. Large numbers of lesser sand plovers, little stints, black-tailed godwits, mash sandpipers, little ringed plovers can be seen feeding on the sides of the road, whilst thousands of gargany, northern shoveller, pintail and a few common teal can be seen by the waters of these lagoons.

You can also many greater flamingos on the causeways at this time of year: watch as flocks of these birds numbering in the hundreds stream across the sky, a vivid pink strike against the bright blue. Even those not interested in birdwatching cannot help but be awed at this breath-taking sight.