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No! Don’t run! Wait!

A Pheasant-tailed Jacana calls out to you

“Did I scare you with my landing? I have been told that my black chest and white outstretched wings are scary when I come into land. But I thought my yellow-golden nape feathers and long tail feathers would have been fascinating enough to allay those fears. Anyhow, hi, I’m Jolyon Jacana of the Yala Jacanas. Us Jacanas are not frightened of people, actually we like meeting new people. This is mainly because we tend to stick to our lakes and don’t really leave our territories, so it gets a bit boring after a while. Which is why I called out to you mew-mew-mew but I guess you thought I was a cat. Although why you would have thought a flying cat was meowing at you is beyond me.”

Fun Facts

“Funny story. Some people call us Jesus birds. Apparently there is a person called Jesus, you might know him, who walks on water. Well, to tell you the truth, we don’t walk on water. It just looks like that because we walk on water lilies and other floating vegetation whilst foraging. Sometimes the vegetation is just below water, so it looks like we’re walking on water! Hahaha! The lakes are great for finding insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates, which is the main reason why we almost never leave our territory. Now, all this talk of food has made me hungry, I’m off to find some grub. Bye!”

Story of the Photo

The unmistakable Jacanas are a common sight in Yala’s numerous lakes. Dilum was staying at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala and was out on a morning safari when he got this amazing shot of a Jacana about to land.

WILDERNESS UPDATES

 

Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

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Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

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