Wild Negombo

A kingfisher!  I am glad the shot worked out as they are difficult to shoot.

Today, we took a boat trip down the Hamilton Canal and into Negombo Lagoon.  All six passengers were Dutch, which didn't amaze us.  We had a lovely guide,  Amalka, who pointed out all the wild birds and lizards.  She even knew the Dutch names of these animals.  I don't know if she memorized them for the sake of the Dutch tourists (because then she might have had to learn the German, French, Spanish and Chinese, etc. names for other tourists) or if she learned them at school because of the still present Dutch influence in this area which started when the VOC was active in the spice trade centuries ago.

There are a number of varieties of kingfishers here, as well as cormorants, egrets, herons (purple, grey, white), and eagles, all of them wild.  The canal and lagoon are lined with mangroves.

Back now at the hotel and hubby has just finished enjoying the pool.  We will rest till evening and then try to sleep in time for the earlier start tomorrow.