Actually it was well before the lark – 4.15 am to be precise. And the reason for this outrageously early start was the necessity to be on the Horton Plains before it got light, if we were to stand a chance of seeing the last of our ‘must get’ thrush species. As soon as the reserve opened at six we made our way to the viewing deck, to be greeted almost immediately by the tell-tale shrill squeaky call of the male. As dawn broke Jane spotted our ‘target’ fly to the bushes above the lake – a Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush. It fed quietly along the edge whilst it’s mate flew under the decking to perch temporarily behind us. The pressure off, we then spent the next four hours walking the roads in the park, adding another five endemics, plus an impressive supporting cast.