Reviewed by Denuka Somaratne (Treasurer, Trinity College Ornithology Club)
As part of the preparations for Feathers, the Trinity College Ornithology Club’s annual photographic album, members of the Club conducted a photographic field visit to Sigiriya Sanctuary and Popham’s Arboretum on 28 May 2026.
The programme aimed to document birdlife and natural habitats that will contribute to the Club’s upcoming publication, which seeks to reveal the often-overlooked stories of Sri Lanka’s birds and the environments they inhabit.
Unlike conventional birdwatching programmes that focus primarily on species counts, this field visit was designed to capture the stories behind the birds themselves. The selected locations offered opportunities to observe avian life during a period when bird activity is generally lower than at peak times of the year. Although fewer birds were encountered than anticipated, the experience highlighted an important aspect of both ornithology and wildlife photography: meaningful observations are often found in nature’s quieter moments.
From the early hours of the morning, participants explored the habitats of Sigiriya Sanctuary, carefully observing and photographing birds within their natural surroundings. Students focused not only on capturing aesthetically pleasing images but also on documenting behaviour, habitat use, feeding patterns, and interactions with the environment. Through this approach, photography became a medium for storytelling, allowing each image to convey a deeper understanding of the lives of the birds being photographed.
The programme later continued at Popham’s Arboretum, a site renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. The restored woodland habitats provided a contrasting setting and valuable opportunities for observation and photography.
The Trinity College Ornithology Club extends its sincere appreciation to the team at Popham’s Arboretum for their warm hospitality and guidance throughout the visit. Their insights into the site’s biodiversity and conservation work greatly enriched the learning experience.
Beyond photography, the field visit encouraged participants to develop their understanding of bird identification, ecology, and conservation. By spending time in the field and observing birds in their natural habitats, students gained a deeper appreciation of the delicate relationship between wildlife and the ecosystems that sustain them.
The photographs gathered during this programme will form part of Feathers, an album that aims to showcase far more than striking images. Through photographs and accompanying narratives, the publication will bring to light untold stories of birds, lesser-known habitats, and hidden natural treasures from across Sri Lanka. It seeks to inspire curiosity, appreciation, and a stronger commitment to conserving the country’s rich avian heritage.
This field visit represents only one chapter in the journey of creating Feathers. Many more stories remain to be told, and many more remarkable places remain to be discovered.
Stay tuned for the launch of Feathers, where untold stories, hidden landscapes, and extraordinary moments from the world of birds will be revealed through the lenses of Trinity’s young ornithologists and photographers.
