We’ve driven from our hotel near Columbo airport a few hours north-east to Sigiriya – an important wildlife sanctuary and world heritage site. We made brief stops on route to stretch our legs and do a spot of birding. This afternoon we birded around the hotel, the highlight being stunning close-up views of Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher – albeit in a very shaded spot, making photos difficult. This evening we had our first expedition for night time species. We were just getting off the bus when a car with a family in it backed slowly towards us – ‘would we like to see a Brown Fish-owl?’ said the occupants. You betcha! Just along the road, sat a few feet above the ground, was this beauty!