Before I start, can I direct you to my Sri Lanka Trip Report which is being put together and added to daily. To read it just click on the picture of the exotic White-throated Kingfisher on the left. I had a rest after I came back from Sri Lanka, I think I was almost exhausted from my constant early mornings and activity. I described how life in Sri Lanka is almost like a parallel universe, people living their lives and on their own journey (so to speak) just as we do here in England but in such a totally different way. We seem to be far too materialistic here in the UK. We are "over-governed" with rules and regulations and health and safety which has got totally out of hand in comparison. Our politicians make rules and regulations just because they feel that's what they have to do. For example, I don't think I saw a vehicle in Sri Lanka that would pass an MOT Test in the UK. (I didn't see one single traffic incident by the way).
An Indian Roller on the wires above our house in Sri Lanka. This bird had a nest in a coconut tree in the adjoining garden.

The seat belt laws in the UK is a typical example of over governance where surely you should be free to make your own mind up, if you are stupid enough not to wear one, then that should be for you to decide. In Sri Lanka its not unusual to see 4 people squeezed on to a motor scooter and with no helmets in sight! People travel on the backs of trucks and cram in to Tuck-tucks, (the 3 weel motorised rickshaws). The cost of living is a fraction of the west and all basic commodities are priced for people who would be on a good salary if they earned £50 a month.
Yours truly photographing the Indian Rollers nest.

A plantation worker earns an average daily wage of £2.37. Therefore, mobile phone charges, transport and food cost are tiny compared to the west. Tourism is a great source of revenue for the those clever enough to be in this sector. The massive difference in wages in the west means that every single visitor is a rich man compared to the local Sri Lankan. The annual minimum wage in Sri Lanka is £377 therefore when a Sri Lankan is charging you Western prices for his services he is on a massive earner. That said, its a great country and a great experience to visit.
Our house in Sri Lanka.

Its still quite early in the season here and the weather is not the best. In a few weeks the Dipper will be starting to pair up and nesting will start. I am looking forward to this. In the meanwhile, just a photo or two of Long-tail Tit.