The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) was established in the Zoology Department of the University of Colombo in 1976 to promote birding, ornithology, and nature conservation. FOGSL serves as a platform for people from all walks of life to interact and engage in these activities. However, it wasn't until 20 years later that a dedicated membership was formed, allowing members to explore birding locations across the country for research and identification. At that time, the techniques and equipment used were quite primitive, and the task of recording sightings was largely limited to the records of the Ceylon Bird Club, which were accessible only to its members.
Initially, small groups ventured
into remote areas of the country using buses, later transitioning to hired vans
as FOGSL’s organizational efforts improved. Accommodations were basic and rough
during these early excursions. This trend continued until around 2010 when
birding began to evolve significantly due to advancements in digital equipment
and the availability of universal databases accessible to everyone for free.
Today, the binoculars that were
once considered essential for birding have largely been replaced by digital
cameras with zoom lenses, allowing birdwatchers to capture images from a
distance. Apps like “Merlin Bird ID,” developed by Cornell University Labs,
list virtually all possible birds in any location worldwide, enabling users to
compare their photographs or recorded bird songs to identify species. This has
resulted in sightings of rare birds in unusual locations, with many enthusiasts
becoming adept at bird identification.
The landscape of birding has
changed; the days of roughing it in the field are largely over. Today’s
birdwatchers often seek more comfort during their travels and accommodations,
resembling more of a "birding tourist." FOGSL now operates more like
a tour operator, facilitating three- to four-night tours to various locations,
which include obtaining access to parks and booking comfortable transport and lodging
in motels.
The original FOGSL has now gained a vintage status. Many of its founding
members have aged, and some are no longer with us. To foster goodwill and
fellowship, Sandum Jayawardane established a WhatsApp group called ‘Vintage
FOG,’ bringing together former members of FOGSL to reminisce about the past.
Among the earliest members, the eldest today is Mr. Wilson Kulasuriya,
affectionately known as Uncle Wilson, from Galle, and Mr. Rex De Silva from
Piliyandala. Due to his advanced age of 87, Wilson is now limited to staying
indoors and is unable to attend excursions. As a gesture of goodwill, the Vintage
FOG group made a courtesy visit to Wilson's home on July 20, 2024. I organized
a packed lunch with assistance from Hememala, which greatly uplifted Uncle
Wilson’s spirits, accompanied by songs and some wine. We spent the entire day
there and returned to Colombo after enjoying evening tea. It was a truly
heartwarming experience.
UdithaWijesena
