CHILE 31st October, 2001 to 24th November, 2001.
D.Cooper & J.F.Cooper.
All the photographs were taken by ourselves. I have used a different format on this trip report without a full sustematic bird list.
ITINERARY
We landed at Santiago and hired a car and drove to Quintero on the Pacific coast where we were able to arrange a pelagic trip for the following day. Chile is a very long but extremely narrow South American country, and by carefully planning and using internal air flights we visited birding sites from Northern Chile bordering onto Peru and enclosed by the Atacama Desert, to the far South of Chile in Patagonia and even caught a ferry to Tierra del Fuego. We also visited a number of sites in central Chile, and on our final day we did a second pelagic trip again from Quintero.
Flying over the Andes heading towards Santiago, Chile.
As we left Santiago Airport, we soon ticked off Rufous Collared Sparrow, the common South American Sparrow..
We drove straight to the coast to the port of Quintero. This shows Peruvian Pelicans in the harbour at Quintero. We approached the local coastguard office, and managed to arrange a pelagic trip out off Quintero for the following day. We then visited Punta Concon and the mouth of Rio Aconcaguaboth nearby, and spent our first night camping at La Campana Reserve.
Red-legged Cormorant - Phalacrocorax gaimardi
Remains close to the shore and breeds in loose colonies on cliffs. Near threatened with a world population of 10,000 to 25,000 individuals. We saw 15 Red-legged Cormorants at Punta Concon.
Silvery Grebe - Podiceps occipitalis
Two races with occipitalis is migratory and often present on the sea. whereas juninensis of the altiplano regions between 3,500m-4,500m. A pair of Silvery Grebes belonging to the race ocipitalis with the yellow ear tufts showed well and were on the sea off Punta Concon.
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
The common and widespread Booby in Chile. We saw large numbers during our trip.
1st W Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldt off Punta Concon.
We were pleased to connect with this species of Penguin as we have seen the majority of the other Penguin species other than Emperor. We also found two Humboldts on our first pelagic trip off Quintero. It is now classified as Vulnerable with only 3,000 to 12,000 individuals, and the young birds disperse away from the breeding grounds while the adults remain close to their breeding sites.
Pair of Adult Kelp Gulls Gaviota domonicana on the rocks at Punta Concon.
It proved to be the commonest and widespread Gull in Chile. Prefers rocky coasts, with the largest numbers close to fishing ports, although it does venture inland to forage in urban areas chiefly around rubbish dumps and sewage outflows.
With large numbers of birds passing close by off the headland, we decided to carry our a sea-watch which proved successful.
Franklin's Gulls, Inca Tern & Surfbird (top left hand bird in flight) off Punta Concon.
Adult Inca Tern Gaviotin monja
Coastal and associated with the rich upwelling of the Humboldt Current. We estimated 250 Inca Terns off Punta Concon.
Surfbird Aphriza virgata. We saw 20 Surfbirds at Punta Concon.
Fraklin's Gulls
Fraklin's Gull Larus pipixcan.Winters often in large flocks throughout Central and North Chile. Chiefly on the coast but also occurs on larger inland lakes. We recorded 300 at Rio Aconcaqua and at least 1,000 at a fish factory near Arica.
Views of the forest from the camp site at La Campara.
An early start as we had arranged a pelagic boat trip out of Quintero in the hope of connecting with some sea-birds. The boat was skippered by Franco, but not the British birder, and we sailed out of Quintero Harbour straight out into the Pacific Ocean and headed out to some distant islands. We are due to return after seven hours and therefore we are planning to spend some time birding at La Campara camp site in the hope of finding some of the local endemics.
As we left the harbour, we passed a small party of sea-birds including Pink-footed Shearwaters, White chinned Petrel, Southern Fulmar and Black-browed Albatross. An excellent start to this pelagic.
Pink-footed Shearwaters - Puffinus creatopus A common Shearwater off Chile and good numbers were seen from our pelagic.
Cape Petrel, Pink-footed Shearwater and Southern Fulmar.
Southern Fulmar - Fulmarus glacialoides. Widespread and common in Chile and becomes more abundant during the winter months with birds moving up from the Antarctic region.
White-chinned Petrel - Procellaria aequinoctialis A numerous large Petrel of the Southern Oceans and breeds on some of the Sub-Antarctic islands. On our two pelagic trips, we saw a total of 25 White-chinned Petrels.
South Polar Skua - Stercorarius maccormicki Just a single bird seen on this pelagic. The South Polar Skua is highly migratory. Generally a paler bird than the other large skuas with whitish neck and a small white spot at the base of a fairly small bill. Two types of adults, pale form and dark form. On checking the Chile field guide although they claim a number of reports from various places off the Chilean coast, but identifable photos or specimens unavailable and it may be most migrants are well offshore.
Sooty Shearwater - Puffinus griseus We recorded 50 on the first pelagic & 12 on the second.
Came across another small party of feeding sea-birds including a Salvin's Albatross with Pink-footed Shearwaters and Southern Fulmar.
Immature Salvin's Albatross Thalassarche cauta blanca with Pink-footed Shearwater. Salvin's breed on the Bounty and Snares Islands of New Zealand, and mainly immatures come up to Chile, and it is the second most abundant Albatross in Chile.
Peruvian Pelicans Pelecanus thagus seen on the pelagic. The only pelican in Chile, and are often seen on pelagic trips and they breeds in large colonies in both Chile and Peru.
Cape Petrel - Daption capense Just small numbers seen on both pelagics, and its among the most widespread and commom sea-bird in Chile.
.Cape Petrel and Pink-footed Shearwater.
Sub-adult Black Browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris & Salvins Albatross, 10 Black Browed's were seen on the first pelagic and 8 on the second pelagic trips.
Sub Adult Black-browed Albatross.
We also saw on this pelagic trip several Masatierra ( De Filippi's) Petrels, Pterodroma defilippiana and several Juan Fernandez Petrels, Pterodroma externa both breed on nearby islands and good views were obtained, but unfortunately they never came close enough for photography. Comparing the two, Juan Fernandez is much larger and longer winged and tail than Masatierra and with a distinctive black cap.
Both have the typical Pterodroma fast flight.
After the pelagic, we made our way back to the camping site at La Campana. to look for some of the local endemics which can be seen in this area.
Dusky Tapaculo Scytalopus fuscus, we were delighted to find this Tapaculo which gave a stunning performance just a few feet from us at La Campana, and never once did it take any notice of us as we spent a good 30 minutes photographing it, and it was high up on our list of the most wanted birds to be seen on this trip. Mainly in central Chile, upto 800m. although it has been reported from Mendoza, Argentina, although these records would appear to need confirmation (per Ridgley and Tudor). Generally uncommon, in undergrowth of woodland, showing a strong predilection for ravines. Often behaves like a mouse and has to be one of the main birds of our trip. Without doubt, one of the highlights of our trip.
Rufous Tailed Plantcutter Phytotoma rara Its range is Central and Southern Chile and Southern Argentina. It may be extending its range southward moving into areas of young second-growth in areas recently cleared of forests. There is a single record from the Falkland Islands. During our trip, we recorded it at three different sites.
Moustached Turca Pteroptochos megapodius Endemic to Chile, Strongly terrestrial. Prefers dry rocky slopes preferably with shrubbery. Calls from promiently large boulders with its tail cocked as shown above. Several During our trip, Moustached Turcas were seen at La Campana and odd birds were also seen at El-Yeso.
White-throated Tapaculo Scelorchilus albicollis Endemic to Chile. Uncommon to fairly common on or near the ground in dense matorral. Usually a very difficult bird to see almost always remaining in dense cover. During our trip, we heard 6 White Throated Tapaculos singing at La Campana, but only 1 bird could be enticed out.
Austral Pygmy Owl - Glaucidium nanum A common versatile little owl, but more often heard than seen. Prefers more open forests but also uses suburban areas. Three colour phases: grey morph, brown morph and rufous morph. The above bird would appear to be a rufous morph. Our only sighting of an Austral Pygmy Owl was during daylight hours at La Campana.
Rufous Collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis the most widespread species seen in Chile and in most habitats, as this one was seen in the open forest area at La Cam.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus. The only Tit-Tyrant in Central and Southern Chile. A common species inhabits a variety of habitats. During our trip the odd Tufted Tit-Tyrants were seen at several sites on the trip, with 8 at La Campana.
Well what a day's birding, started off with an excellent pelagic trip and we finished off at La Campana and finding a nice selection of birds. Tomorrow we are due to fly out of Santiago to Arica.
Flying out of Santiago to Arica.
We flew from Santiago to Arica and this view shows us passing over the coastal town of Inquqno and how the Atacama Desert almost flows into the Pacific Ocean.
Arriving at Arica and shows the Alacran Peninsula to the
right of Arica harbour.
Looking across the bay from Arica.
Approx. 1,000 Grey Gulls including both adults and juveniles, were on the rocks just to the south of the Alacran Peninsula at Arica.
Grey Gull - Larus modestus Around 1,000 Grey Gulls were standing along the coast on the rocks just to the south of the Alacran Peninsula at Arica. Its an endemic breeder, nesting out in the desert, well away from the coast.
Thirty 1sy year Band Tailed (Belcher's) Gulls - Gavoita peruana were resting on the beach in the Arica area. Common coastal gull of the North, and does not venture inland. Forages on rocky and sandy beaches as well as around ports.
40 Willets near to the Alacran Peninsula.
Willets Catoptrophorus semipalmatus. Up to 40 Willets on the beach with Hudsonian Whimbrel etc. on the Alcacran Peninsula.
Peruvian Pelicans were loafing around on the rocks at Arica.
A constant stream of Peruvian Boobies were flying over the Alacran Peninsula at Arica and we must have seen in excess of 1,000 Boobies.
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Just 5 Blackish Oystercatchers were seen in the Arica area.
Seldom seen away from rocky coasts.
Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus which has recently been split from our European Whimbrel for the second time in recent years. Eighty Hudsonain Whimbrels were seen on the. Alacran Peninsula at Arica and clearly lacking the white rump of the European Whimbrel. The Hudsonian Whimbrel breeds in North America and winters in Chile but some immature birds also oversummer in Chile.
A short drive inland to the Azapa river valley surrounded
both sides by the Atacama Desert.
This shows the fertile Azapa Valley with the Atacama Desert
encroaching either side of the Valley.
As you travel further inland, the valley becomes narrower.
Leaving the Azapa Valley behind for a 60km drive up into
the Andes from sea-level to 9,000 feet to Putre.
Slender-billed Finch - Xenospingus concolor Sexes similar, immature brownish. Range: Coastal W. Peru (north to Lima) and N. Chile chiefly below 300 m. We found 6 in the Azapa Valley and 10 in the Chaca Valley. The Slender Billed Finch has a small and declining population.
Peruvian Thicknee - Burhinus superciliaris Restricted to the northernmost valleys of Chile, the Lluta and Azapa. Nocturnal, forms daytime groups which roost in fields of taller vegetation. With the evening light beginning to fade we located a stunning flock in stubble of 33 Peruvian Thicknees in the Lluta Valley. We had to be quick with the photography in the fading light. our only ones seen on the trip.
We passed this field the following day,but there were no sign of any in a brief look.
White-crested Elaenia - Elaenia albiceps Subdivided into two taxa which are separable in the field and may possibly be two seperate species. Its a long distant migrant and is absent in winter. ssp. modesta proved to be common in a number of sites we visited including the Azapa Valley.
Oasis Hummingbird - Rhodopis vesper Widespread in the North. During our trip we just had 4 Oasis Hummingbirds in the Azapa Valley.
Male Peruvian Sheartail - Thaumastura cora First recorded in Chile in 1971 and it is now one of the common hummingbirds in the Azapa and Lluta valleys. It inhabits gardens and agricultural areas in these oases valleys.
Adult male Vermillon Flycatcher - Pyrocephalus rubinus This striking Flycatcher is found in the northern desert oasis valleys often sits out in the open often on fence posts. Small numbers of the local race cocachacra of the Vermillion Flycatcher could be seen in both Lluta & Azapa Valleys.
Croaking Ground Dove - Columbina cruziana Restricted to the oasis valleys of the far north. Small numbers of Croaking Ground Doves could be found in the Azapa valley.
Cinereous Conebill - Conirostrum cinereum Occupies shrubby areas etc and it is common in the northern oasis valleys. On our trip we recorded up to 10 Cinereous Conebills could be seen in the Azapa Valley.
We continue with our birding trip to Chile. We are now driving up to the mining town Putre. Coming up from the coastal area we decided to make a couple of stops to avoid altitude sickness.
We now drove away from the coast Arica up into the Andes towards the mining town of Putre at 9,000 feet. The scenery became extremely barren.
Approaching Putre with the snow top volcanoes in the Lauca
National Park showing at the top of the picture.
Arriving at the mining town of Putre.
The valley behind Putre.
Top end of the valley.
Rocky gorge near Putre.
View taken looking from Putre.
Another view looking towards the National Park.
A pair of Variable Hawks were breeding in Putre valley.
We had taken a couple of our mist-nets which we set up in the valley behind Putre to see if we could trap any of the local birds.
Blue & Yellow Tanager, Thraupis bonaeriensis, just 2 were seen at Putre. They are locally common around highland towns and villages in pre-puna shrub.
We saw 10 Black-throated Flowerpiercers Diglossa brunneiventris in the valleys at Putre. Locally common in ravines in pre-puna shrub zone, perhaps most common near towns and villages.
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia jelskii The common earthcreeper in the altiplano. We found 12 Plain Breasted Earthcreepers at Putre.
Male Mourning Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus fruticeti Widespread but always in shrubby sites.
During our trip, good numbers of Mourning Sierra Finches were seen at various sites.
Male Greenish-Yellow Finch - Sicalis olivacens Common in semi-desert regions and altiplano. The common Yellow-Finch in highland towns and villages, and we found it to be common around Putre on our trip.
Male Giant Hummingbird - Patagonas gigas Highly migratory of arid sites, from beach to Andean foothills. Associated with tall blooming flowers. On our trip we saw 6 Giant Hummingbirds of the resident race peruviana at Putre.
Bar Winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus Two distinct races which are sometimes treated as distinct species. The race present around Putre is known as Buff-winged Cinclodes and is highly migratory fuscus fuscus. The second form is known as Cream-Winged Cinclodes fuscus albiventris and is non-migratory. During our trip we only recorded Buff-winged Cinclodes around Putre.
Black-Winged Ground Dove - Metriopelia melanoptera Widespread enjoying a variety of habitats. Mainly at height of 1000-4000 m but has been recorded at sea level. We saw 10 Black-Winged Ground Doves at Putre.
Bare-Faced Ground-Dove - Metriopelia ceciliae This attractive Ground-Dove nests on cliffs or walls, often near settlements at 2000 -4000 m. On our trip we saw up to 200 Bare Faced Ground Doves seen in the valleys at Putre.
Male Andean Hillstar - Oreotrochilus estella A high Andean Hillstar of the north. Resident in puna-ravines and in settlements and the Andean shrub zone at 3500-5000 m. We saw 40 Andean Hillstars in the valleys at Putre and we also saw 2 in the Lauca National Park.
White-throated Earthcreeper - Upucerthia albigula Restricted-range which is common at Putre and similar nearby areas. Inhabits dry-ravines at 3000-3800 m. We were delighted to find 3 White throated Earthcreepers at the lower end of Wet Gorge A, and they appeared distinctive from the more commoner Plain Breasted with a white supercillium, a white throat, rufous wings and tail.
Hooded Siskin - Carduelis magellanica It ranges from lowland deserts, oasis valleys to pre-puna shrub-zone. Dry areas with short trees or scrub from 0 -3700m. A poor record shot of a Hooded Siskin, and we saw 80 at Putre.
We had now spent sufficent time at Putre hopefully to avoid altutide sickness, so we shall make our way higher to the Lauca National Park situated at around 11,000 feet.
We now arrived at the Lauca National Park at approx. 11,000 ft.
Entrance track to the National Park.
Volcanoes in Lauca National Park, whilst we were there
one started to smoke.
The motor track through the Park showing Parinacota
volcano which is 20,833 feet high.
View of Lago Chungara in Lauca National Park.
Lago Chungara in Lauca National Park.
JFC at Lago Chungra at about 14,000 feet.
Moss covered rock in Lauca National Park.
Vicunas with the volcanoes as a back drop in Lauca Nat. Park.
Llamas in Lauca National Park.
Vizcacha near the entrance gate in Lauca National Park.
Although looking like a large rabbit, they are not closely related
to rabbits
Vicunas in Lauca National Park. They produce small amounts of extremely fine wool and it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear vicuna garmets. The vicuna is the national animal of Peru.
Ornate Tinamou Nothoprocta cordillerana on the entrance track as we approached Lauca National Park.
Inhabits dry puna grasslands of extreme north at 3000-4000 m. The dark blackish brown crown including forehead always raised giving it an alarmed appearance.
Seen in both the early mornings and the evenings when we
were leaving, with as many as 14 on one occasion.
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Non migratory and present in the Andes 2500-5000 m.
Quite similar to Cream-winged Cinclodes but White-winged is noticeably larger and longer billed with more roufous underparts and more contrasting greyish crown. Were recorded in small numbers on all three days in Lauca National Park.
Excellent views obtained of the Giant Coot Fulica gigantea in Lauca Nat. Park.
Good numbers were seen with almost 100 present on Lago Chungara.
Giant Coot with young in Lauca Nat. Park.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii - the star bird of the trip.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, we located a pair in a marsh
on the left hand side as you entered Luaca Nat. Park.
Gave excellent views of this high altitude shorebird.
We also located another pair at El-Yeso near Santiago.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover at Lauca Nat. Park.
Female Grey Breasted Seed-snipe Thinocorus orbignyianus of the race ingae at Lauca Nat. Park. Widespread throughout its range with the preferred habitat is Andean bogs.
Female Grey-breasted Seedsnipe.
Male Grey-breasted Seedsnipe.
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris at Lauca Nat.Park. These belong to the altiplano race oxyptera.
Silvery Grebe beloning to the race juninensis which is the non-migratory race unlike the ones we saw at the start of the trip. Also it lacks the yellow ear patch. On this occasion we saw 60 on Lago Chungara.
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi in Lauca National Park where we had 20 on a day.
Crested Ducks Lophonetta specularoides were found at several sites during our trip. Range: 0 to 4600 m
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Just one pair were seen in Lauca Nat. Park and this was our only sighting on this trip. Inhabits puna wetlands and rarely found at lower elvations. Its normal range is 3500-5000m.
Andean Gull with Speckled Teal in Lauca Nat. Park.
Adult Andean Gulls Larus serranus Breeds in the Andes from southern Colombia to N. Chile. at altitude of 4000-5300m, in South of range down to 1200 m.
Andean Gull - During our trip, we recorded up to 12 daily in the Lauca National Park.
Andean Avocet - Recurvirostra andina. Restricted to saline lakes and ponds in the high Andes from 2500 to 5000 m. During our trip we had a total of 5 Andean Avocets in Lauca Nat. Park. This pair were breeding on a roadside pool and had a chick and they were present on all three days of our visit.
Andean Avocets breeding on a road-side pool and showing territorial behaviour.
Andean Goose - Chloephaga melanoptera Occurs in high Andean wetlands with abundant cusion plants or grass but they avoid marshes. They require nearby cliffs for breeding. During our trip, we recorded up to 40 Andean Geese in the Lauca National Park.
Andean Flicker - Colaptes rupicola Terrestrial, restricted to high elevations in the N. Andes from 3500-5000 m. They nest in holes in cliffs or road cuts. Up to 8 Andean Flickers on a day were seen in the Lauca National Park.
Cordilleran Canastero - Asthenes modesta Terrestrial running quickly on the ground with tail cocked and likes to perch on large rocks. Present on rocky slopes with scattered scrubs. In the Lauca National Park we found them in small numbers.
Bright-rumped Yellow-finch - Sicalis uropygialis present in the Altiplano in drier sites often near houses from 3500-4500 m. A long-winged finch with long primary extensions. We found 20 in the Lauca National Park.
White Winged Diuca Finch - Diuca speculifera Common altiplano species range from 3800 to 5000 m. An attractive species, and we only recorded small numbers and only in Lauca National Park.
White-throated Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus erythronotus Uncommon range 3800-4500 m. We only saw them in small numbers in Lauca National Park.
White Fronted Ground Tyrants - Muscisaxicola albifrons Chiefly restricted to moist habitat between 4000 to 5600 m. We only recorded them in Lauca National Park.
Puna Miner - Geositta punensis Common in altiplano at a range of 3500-5000m. Up to 25 Puna Miners on a day could be seen at the Lauca Nat. Park.
A distant Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax of the sooty race obscurus on a dam.
Bar winged Clnclodes Cinclodes fuscus of the race known as albiventris was seen at various sites in Chile.
After leaving the Lauca National Park, we now headed towards Laguna Miscanti & Menique.
Stopping briefly to look at the San Pedro's 16th century church.
Arriving at Laguna Miscanti & Menique.
Views taken at Laguna Miscanti & Menique.
Laguna Menique.
We came across this Ass in the heat haze out in the Atacama
Desert on our way to Laguna Miscante from San Pedro.
It was very wary and soon disappeared. Wild Ass has become
extinct in Chile.
15 Chilean Flamingos Phoenicipterus chilensis were seen at Laguna Miscanti.
We broke our flight south, to visit Laguna Miscanti in the hope of seeing Horned Coot, a specie we missed when we visited Argentina.
We found 55 Horned Coots Fulica cornuta on Laguna Miscanti and Menique, with breeding taken place on Laguna Menique. Considered to be Near Threatned with the Chilean population at just 620 individuals. In the lake they construct a mound of rocks until it reaches the surface of the water and they then build their bulky nest on top of the rocks, and they are sensitive to water level fluctuations.
Horned Coots feeding young on Laguna Menique.
(Never taken so many pictures of a Coot before)
.
Adult Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus came flying in at Laguna Miscanti and landed briefly close to the car. Range High-Andean grasslands, wetlands and cliffs. 200-5000 m. They tend to be solitary unless at a carcass.
Golden Spotted Ground Dove Metriopelia aymara were common around Laguna Miscanti & Menique with at least 200 being seen.
Puna Miner at Laguna Miscanti.
20 Rufous Naped Ground Tyrant - Muscisaxicola rufivertex were seen at Laguna Miscanti. Range: Dry pre-puna with bushes. Also rocky slopes and agricultural fields.
Spot Billed Ground Tyrant - Muscisaxicola maculirostris Range: dry Andean habitats, preferring rockier slopes. 0 in winter-3700 m. During our trip we saw 4 Spot Billed Ground Tyrants at Laguna Miscantiand they were also seen at Putre and El-Yeso.
We had now moved onto Laguna Laja National Park where we were camping for two nights here.
Orchids found at Laguna Laja National Park.
Maihueh cacti, found only at Laguna Laja and is almost extinct.
The local warden informed me that this is the last cacti still present
on the reserve.
White Browed Ground Tyrant - Muscisaxicola albilora Most abundant breeding ground-tyrant in Central Chile, and prefers moister areas. We saw 10 White Browed Ground Tyrants were seen at Laguna Laja. A very Wheatear stance.
Chucao Tapacuo - Scelorchilus rubecula Skulking in dense understorey such as bamboo or other shrubbery. If it enters open areas, it runs with its tail cocked. One of the star birds at Laguna Laja is the Chucao Tapacuo, we saw 3 along Trail B with 4 there the following day, also 6 at Nahuelbuta with many more being heard.
Austral Negrito - Lessonia oreas Highly migratory some reaching well to the north. Up to 6 Austral Negrito's were seen at Laguna Laja, and 50 were also seen in Patagonia.
Band-winged Nightjar - Caprimulgus longirostris The only regular nightjar in Chile. Range 0 to 3800m.
Varied habitat choice but requires some open areas. We were lucky to find a roosting Nightjar close to our camping site, and found it roosting along Trail B at Laja.
Spectacled Ducks - Speculanas specularis A pair of Spectacled Ducks photographed at Laja just as it was getting light, and these were the only ones we saw on our trip.
White Crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps this Elaenia flew into our car injured but luckily after a short period of time it recovered and when released it flew away strongly. This specie has been sub-divided into two Chilean taxa which are separable in the field and may be different species. One of the commonest breeding birds in the country. The chilensia race were seen at several forest sites, whereas the race modesta was only seen in the dry open country. (Ridgley & Tudor, 1994).
Thorn Tailed Rayadito - Aphrastura spinicauda common in a variety of forests. Its range is central and southern Chile and adjacent Argentina. Two races spinicauda and fulva. The above bird would appear to belong to spinicauda due to its white underparts whereas fulva has buffy underparts. On our trip, Thorn Tailed Rayadito's were seen at 3 different sites with 5 at Laja & 15 at Nahuelbuta. Proved extremely difficult to photograph in the dark lichen forest at Laja.
Striped Woodpecker Picoides lignarius taken in poor light in the forest at Laja. Widespread but uncommon woodpecker of open forest and dense matorral. Range: 0 to 1500m.
We now moved onto Nehuelbuta National Forest Park ,with all its Monkey Puzzle Trees.
Views taken in Nehuelbuta Reserve.
David at Nehuelbuta, wondering where we should start looking??
Orchids found growing along the entrance road to Nehuelbuta.
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango was seen along the entrance road to Nehuelbuta. Abundant, uses a variety of habitats including cities. Often seen in parties.
Fire-Eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope Striking red-eye. Usually perches prominently in open forests, farmland and forest edge. Range 0-2000m. Recorded on our trip and seen at several sites and this one was photographed at Nehuelbuta.
Terrible picture of a Magellanic Tapacula Scytalopus magellanicus they keep to dense thickets including bamboo in wet temperate forests. Mouse like behaviour creeping close to the ground and even under debris. The above picture shows the bird looking out at us, and showing some white on the forehead which usually indicates a juvenile bird. They were calling throughout the day at Nehuelbuta but only odd birds were seen.
Adult Ochre-flanked Tapaculo Eugralla paradoxa Another Tapaculo of dense thickets including bamboo but also brambles and gorse. We found them very skulking and we only saw or heard them at Nehuelbuta, where we saw three.
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus Common in forest edge, open woodland and also in urban gardens, and were seen at several sites during our trip.
Patagonian Tyrant Coloramphus parvirostris breeds in larger forests with a dense understorey. Often present where short snags or dead branches are present for perching on. Range 0 to 1000m. We found three Patagonian Tyrants along Forest Trail B at Nehuelbuta.
It was now time for us to catch a flight to Punta Arenas.
Leaving Conception for Punta Arenas.
View taken north of Punta Arenas.
Rufous Collared Sparrow near Punta Arenas.
Andean Condors - Vultur gryphus We noticed seven Condors appeared to be coming lower, so we quickly made our way towards them and found them and several other raptors which came in to feed on a dead sheep along the Puerto Natales Road.
One Condor passed directly low over our heads.
Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus megellanicus found standing on the beach along the Punta Prat road. Breeds in southernmost Chile, Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Highly migratory with many moving north in winter.
Dark Bellied Cinclodes - Cinclodes patagonicus The common summer Cinclodes of central and southern lowlands , the others are winter visitors. Six Dark Bellied Cinclodes were found in a small wooded area along the Punta Prat road.
Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus Widespread, and the only small seedsnipe likely to occur in lowlands. Ten Least Seedsnipe of the race rumicivorus were seen in the Punta Arenas area.
Chocolate Vented Tyrant Neoxolmis rufiventris A species of open Patagonian grassland with scattered bushes. Forages on the ground and often perches on fence posts. Range: 0-500 m. We saw odd Chocolate Vented Tyrants along the Punta Dungeness Road and 12 near Pali Aike.
Darwin's Rhea Pterocnemia pennata A common species of grassy Patagonian steppe with scattered scrubs. Up to 60 Darwin Rheas of the race pennata were seen on a day north of Punta Arenas. By using the car as a hide we were able to approach this bird very closely.
Adult male Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus Inhabits grassland, pastures, marshes and Patagonian steppe. Four males of Cinereous Harriers were seen daily in Patagonia.
Ruddy-headed Geese Chloephaga rubidiceps Local and scarce with fewer than 800 individuals in Chile. We found pairs of Ruddy Headed Geese along the Punta Dungeness Road.
Long-tailed Meadowlark - Sturnella loyca Common and widespread and the only Meadowlark in C and S Chile. We saw them in good numbers virtually throughout Chile.
Two Banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus Highly migratory breeding in S. Chile and moving north in winter. During our trip we found twenty along the road to Pali Aike.
Rufous-chested Dotterel - Charadrius modestus When not breeding present on rocky coast and mudflats. Another brillant wader and one of our highlights of the trip. We found 15 Rufous Chested Dotterels including a pair with a chick along the road leading to Pali Aike. Superb!!!
Adult Coscoroba Swan - Coscoroba coscoroba Usually seen in freshwater/blackish lakes , also larger lakes with marshes. The ones we saw were on road side pools which we saw from the car when we were driving past.
Black-necked Swan - Cygnus melancory phus Found in a variety of open-water environments. We also saw them on road-side pools.
Rock Cormorant - Phalacrocorax magellanicus Our only Rock Cormorants were seen at the ferry terminal at Punta Delada, whilst waiting for the ferry to Tierra del Fuego.
A Chilean Skua Stercorarius chilersis flew over the car ferry on our jorney to Terria del Fuego. The common skua in Chile and the most likely to be seen from the coast or on a short pelagic. Unique among skuas as it is colonial and nests in colonies. During our trip, it was the only Chilean Skua that we saw.
We had now arrived by ferry to Tierra del Fuego.
A Fox came walking right past us on Tierra del Fuego.
Guanaco's were also seen on Tierra del Fuego.
We are now on the final leg of our trip, one which we have enjoyed very much, but still some important birding sites to visit on Terria del Fuego.
Laguna Cisnes on Tierra del Fuego.
We found a pair of Magellanic Plovers Pluvianellus socialis on Laguna Cisnes. Near Threatened species and breeds in shallow, saline lakes, preferring shores with heavy salt deposits. Range: 0-300m
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We also found their nest on the beach, with one large green egg speckled with brown. We quickly departed from the area so that the plover could quickly return back to the nest.
The following morning we found 2 pairs on Laguna Cisnes & another pair on a nearby lake.
Another brilliant wader.
60 Imperial (Shag) Cormorants Phalacrocorax atriceps were seen around Porvenir. Marine, cold Patagonian waters and they breed in large colonies on flat islands.
Good numbers of South American Terns Sterna hirundinacea were seen during our trip, including these 2 at Porvenir Harbour. Its the common and widespread tern in Chile. Strictly coastal but rarely far out to sea, and it is larger than other similar terns.
Brown-hooded Gull - Larus maculipennis Common in C. and S. Chile. Coastal.
Adult Brown-hooded Gull showing the distinctive under-wing pattern.
One South America (Magellanic) Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae found in a stream on Tierra del Fuego. Widespread and common in Chile, Range: 0-2000m.
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus Restricted to the south of the country. In the non-breeding season it moves to sandy coasts and muddy estuaries. During our trip Magellanic Oystercatcher were seen in small numbers in both the Puntre Arenas/Tierra del Fuego areas.
Showing the distinctive wing pattern on the
Magellanic Oystercatcher.
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Boreal breeder one of the two commom "peeps" in Chile.
Range 0-500m. During our trip, we saw up to 100 White Rumped Sandpipers on Tierra del Fuego, chiefly around the coast.
Baird's Sandpiper - Calidris bairdii Fond of high-Andean wetlands and shallow Patagonian ponds and mudflats. The most widespread "peep". Range 0-5000m. From our experience, White-rumpeds are seen chiefly on the coast and Bairds are seen more at inland locations.
Two Banded Plovers - Charadrius falklandicus During our trip, we recorded them on Punta Arenas and Terria del Fuego.
Dolphin Gull - Larus scoresbii uncommon gull of the extreme south coastal areas. Seventy Dolphin Gulls were seen behind Porvenir Harbour.
Two juvenile Dolphin Gulls.
Adult Dolphin Gull in flight.
Flying Steamer-Ducks - Tachyeres patachonicus Can be seen on both marine and freshwater habitats.
We found 10 Flying Steamer-Ducks in Porvenir Harbour.
Upland Geese - Chloephaga picta Abundant goose of Patagonia found in steppe, meadows and grassy areas within forest zone. We saw large numbers daily around Punta Arenas & Tierra del Fuego with a daily maximum of 800, also a pair were seen at El-Yeso.
Ruddy Headed Geese - Chloephaga rubidiceps Rare with only 800 individuals in Chile. We saw a pair of Ruddy Headed Geese on Tierra del Fuego.
Black Faced Ibis - Theristicus melanopis We had 60 Black Faced Ibis on their breeding cliffs on
Tierra del Fuego, but we did not approach to close.
Aplomado Falcon - Falco famoralis Inhabits all open or semi open areas, desert, farmland, Patagonian steppe etc. On our drive back to the car ferry terminal on Tierra del Fuego, we came across this adult Apolomado Falcon sat close to the road.
Megellanic Horned Owl - Bubo magellanicus A widespread large owl of various habitats. After staying up late the previous night looking for the Megellanic Horned Owl, it was a real bonus to flush one from the side of the road,and for it to land in a nearby bush, when we were driving to catch the ferry fromTierra del Fuego. Yet another birding highlight for the trip.
We were now moving onto El-Yeso for a 2 night stay.
Four views taken at El-Yeso, we spent 2 days here.
Mountain type Lillies were common at El-Yeso.
The Dam at El-Yeso.
Yellow Rumped Siskin - Carduelis uropygialis Present on high alpine slopes with shrubs and near stream courses. Range: 2500-4000 m. On our trip twenty Yellow Rumped Siskins were found at El-Yeso
White Browed Ground-Tryant - Muscisaxicola albilora Most abundant breeding ground-tyrant in C and SC Chile. Prefers moist and bog areas. We recorded up to 25 White Browed Ground-Tryants at El-Yeso.
Rufous-banded Miner - Geositta rufipennis Common in arid, treeless areas with boulders, cliffs or large banks. A large Miner with short primary extension and is stocky with a pot-bellied appearance. We only recorded them at El-Yeso, where up to 20 on a day could be found.
Ochre Naped Ground-Tryant - Muscisaxicola flavinucha Prefers moist sites with short grass on alpine habitats. Range: 2000-4500 m but has been seen in the extreme south as low as 500 m. Just 3 Ochre Naped Ground-Tryants were seen by ourselves all at El-Yeso.
Grey- hooded Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus gayi Open habitats , from deserts scrub to Andean slopes and Patagonian steppe. Grey Hooded Sierra-Fiches were common at El-Yeso and we also found them at other sites in Chile.
Grey-flanked Cinclodes - Cinclodes oustaleti Breeds close to mountain streams and in winter it migrates to the coast. We found four at El-Yeso.
Grey Breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignuianus Widespread throughout its range but only occurs in mountains. Preferred habitats are grassy creek edges. Range: 500-5000m. Four of the race orbignyianus Grey Breasted Seedsnipe were seen at El-Yeso.
Crag Chilia - Chilia melanura One of the star birds at El-Yeso is the Crag Chilia and after much searching we discovered a pair attending their nest. They are Endemic to Chile, chiefly terrestrial and a resident on rocky cliffs and slopes in C. Chile. During the winter, some may move to lower elevations. We enjoyed watching this pair of Crag Chilia's attending their nest at El-Yeso for around an hour and was another highlight of our trip.
Cinereous Ground-Tryant - Muscisaxcola maculirostris Andean slopes, preferring dry rocky areas. Range; 2500-4000 m. A blue-grey ground-tyrant with white underparts and no crown patch. During our trip we found six at El-Yeso.
Black-winged Ground-Dove - Metriopelia melanoptera The most wide-spread of the Ground-Doves occupying a variety of habitats. Main range: 1000-4000 m., but during the winter sometimes it moves to sea-level. At El-Yeso, we found them very common.
Black Chested Buzzard-Eagle - Geranoaetus melanoleucus Various habitats, but often near mountain slopes both in the Andes and coastal ranges. Range: 0-4000m. We saw a number during our trip, but this one was soaring over El-Yeso, but unfortunately agaist the sun.
A pair of Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii performed well for us at El-Yeso, and it was very pleasing to end our birding trip to Chile with our star-bird of the trip
Our return flight back over the Andes to London.
Acknowledgements: Birds of Chile by Jaramillo, Burke and Beadle and The Birds of South America 2 vols by Ridgely and Tudor.
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