Lonely Bay-backed Shrike in Udawalawe

This little bird was the spark that ignited my passion for birding. Back in 2012, during a safari in Udawalawe National Park, I encountered a solitary Bay-backed Shrike—an unexpected visitor that had flown all the way down from India. Perched calmly amidst the scrub, it caught my eye and held my attention in a way no bird had before. That fleeting moment marked the beginning of a journey that continues to this day.

As a species, it remains on the 'Recent and Pending Additions to the Official List'. Although it has been observed in the far south as far back as the 1980s, sightings remain exceedingly rare. To spot one so far south was an extraordinary event in itself. While it is known that this species occasionally graces the shores of Mannar, its appearance so far beyond its usual range makes it not only rare but uniquely special.