ANTARCTICA CRUISE
Antarctica including a brief visits to the Falklands, Chile, Argentina and south-east Brazil.
7th January, 1993 to 26th January,1993
DAVID, DOREEN & JOHN F. COOPER
All the photographs were taken by ourselves.
ITINERARY
7th January, 1993. Leaving Heathrow and flew to Buenos Aires where we stayed for two nights in a hotel which was close to the Costanera Sur wetlands where we visited on both days during our stay. We also visited a local park close to our hotel which surprisingly proved quite productive.
Costanera Sur wetlands
Coots etc at Costanera Sur
8th January, After a short period birding in the park at Buneos Aires it was now time to fly on again leaving Buenos Aires airport flying south to Punta Arenas in Southern Chile
Flight from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas
On arriving in Punta Arenas, we were giving a coach tour around the town before arriving at the port
where good numbers of Dolphin Gulls were present. We boarded the Ocean Princess, our cruise ship for the trip to Antarctica and we were soon unpacked in our cabin.
Cocktail party on board the Ocean Princess
The group in the dining hall on the Ocean Princess
David and Rod
Doreen
John and Doreen with our waiter.
Commerson's Dolphin as we approached the Falklands
9th January At sea allowing us to start sea-watching with fabulous numbers of sea-birds including good numbers of Black-browed Albatrosses and our first Southern Royal Albatrosses before we arrived at the Falkland Islands.
10th, January. Our first island visit was to West Point Island, a small island with a small population, but
it has a large Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin colonies, and good birding around the
tussock grass beaches. We then departed east towards Port Stanley.
Ocean Princess anchored off West Point
West Point, Falklands.
Tussock Grass on West Point
Doreen and John at the Blackbrowed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin
colonies on West Point.
Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin colonies on West Point
Black-browed Albatrosses on the sea as we departed.
11th, January.
11th, January. we anchored off Port Stanley as we were visiting the King Penguin colony at at Volunteer Point. It was a shame we couldn't have fitted in a visit to Port Stanley as it would have been an interesting town to have walked around especially just after the Falklands war but this would have meant missing out on the King Penguins.
View of Port Stanley taken from the Ocean Princess
Quite a long drive to Volunteer Point
Even our land rover found it hard going
Arriving at Volunteer Point
Doreen in her waterproofs with the King Penguins at Volunteer Point.
John with the Gentoos
Although the weather was on the damp side, it proved to be a wonderful experience, and Rod decided to stay as long as we could, this meant when we arrived back to re-board the Ocean Princess, we were around 15 minutes late, and the Ocean Princess had already left and was out in the sound. Luckily they put out a small boat to collect us. This could have been a very expensive experience and ruined the holiday if the Ocean Princess had sailed on without us.
12th January was our last day in the Falklands and we spent this on Carcass Island. The weather was superb and we spent the day walking the island and just before we left we had a splendid tea in one of the cottages.
Carcass Island is situated in the north-west of the archipelago. Cat and rat free it is a haven for small bird species including the endemic Cobb’s Wren. Straited Caracaras, known locally as "Johnny Rooks" are common, we then departed south heading towards Drake Crossing and the Convergence.
12th January was our last day in the Falklands and we spent this on Carcass Island. The weather was superb and we spent the day walking the island and just before we left we had a splendid tea in one of the cottages.
Carcass Island is situated in the north-west of the archipelago. Cat and rat free it is a haven for small bird species including the endemic Cobb’s Wren. Straited Caracaras, known locally as "Johnny Rooks" are common, we then departed south heading towards Drake Crossing and the Convergence.
Approaching Carcass Island on the Ocean Princess
Views taken on Carcass Island
Our tea garden on Carcass with Ocean Princess in the background
Leaving Carcass Island behind
Sunset over Carcass Island and goodbye to the Falklands.
13th January. We now headed towards the Antarctica Peninsular but before we arrived in Antarctica we had two days at sea and having to cross the Drakes Passage and the Roaring Forties and the crossing of the Convergence. Sea-birds were now very much on the agenda.
14th As we sailed across the Convergence and headed towards the Peninsula, the temperature had dramatically dropped and the first icebergs being seen. We past close by King George's Island.
Looking and feeling cold
David getting warm after a session sea-watching.
Some of the many icebergs
We finally arrived at the Antarctica Pennsiula.
Doreen with the first sign of the Pennisula.
Floating ice.
Views as we sailed down the Pennisula
David and Doreen enjoying the calmer weather
We were now approaching Hope Bay where there is a scientific community stationed here, but we were not landing. It was now time to look out for the Snow Petrel. our most wanted bird of this trip.
Approaching Hope Bay
Hope Bay scientific community
Our first Snow Petrel
The following day we landed at Port Lockroy, a former whaling station, in fine weather where we visited the Gentoo Penguin colony. During the afternoon we sailed to the Lemaire Channel, and although we tried to sail through the channel it was blocked by ice. The Lemaire Channel is considered by many as one of the most beautiful sites in the world and in the superb weather which we were having we could not disagree with this.
Port Lockroy
Weddell Seal
As we left Port Lockroy, much floating ice and Penguins on an iceberg.
Approaching the Channel
Channel blocked by ice
Lemaire Channel
As we sailed away from the Lemaire Channel in the fine weather with a calm sea the views were simply stunning.
David and Doreen enjoying the wonderful scenery.
On the 17th the Ocean Princess tried again to cruise through the Lemaire Channel but again the channel was still blocked with floating ice. It did give us a second opportunity to enjoy the scenery. We then sailed on towards Paradise Bay.
British Antarctic survey ship
The channel again blocked with floating ice
Leopard Seal having a rest on a small iceberg
It was now time for us to sail onto Paradise Bay where all being well we are hoping to land.
Doreen enjoying the arrival at Paradise Bay
Ocean Princess anchored in Paradise Bay
Impressive icicles
As we sailed away from Paradise Bay, towards our nest destination Paulet Island, we found a Humpback Whale occasionally showing and blowing on the surface but chiefly keeping under water with the odd tail-flick.
Humpback Whale near Paradise Bay.
18th January we visited Paulet Island which has a breeding population of around 50.000 pairs of
Adelie Penguins. During the afternoon we set sail towards Deception Island.
Doreen on the zodiac
Paulet Island
On our zodiac trip, we came across this ancient blue iceberg
Adelie Penguins porpoising off Paulet Island
Adelie Penguins on an iceberg which had flipped over, as we were leaving Paulet Island
On the 19th we arrived at Deception Island, This island is the caldera of an active volcano, which seriously damaged local scientific stations in 1967 and 1969, and the island previously held a whaling station.
We found several pairs of Cape Petrels breeding on this island.
Approaching Deception Island
Deception Island - steam rising from the volcano and several passengers
went for a swim here, but not us.
On the 20th, another day another destination, this time it was our last day in the Peninsula when we visited
Half Moon Island when good numbers of Wilson's Petrels were feeding in the Bay allowing some reasonable pictures. Also another colony of Chinstrap Penguins.
It was now time to set sail north heading away from the Peninsula sailing back towards the Convergence.
Half Moon Island
Rod birding on Half Moon Island
Our final evening of this cruise with a superb sunset over the Peninsula
Day at sea on the 21st January crossing Drake Passage and we then had to round Cape Horn which we were very fortunate in having a calm day and our liner approached the Horn at close range.
Cape Horn
On the 22nd January, we finally arrived at Ushuaia, which is the capital of Tierra del Fuego and is separated from the mainland by the Magellan Strait, where we were quickly taken to the local rubbish dump, and then onto the Tierra del Fuego National Park. An excellent National Park with some exciting birds to look for.
Disembarked at Ushuaia Port
Looking down on Ushuaia harbour
Our first stop in the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Before driving away from Ushuaia, we quickly visited the local dump, where else would you go, where we saw three species of Caracara including several White-throated Caracaras. We then moved to areas in the National Park and had excellent views of Magellanic Woodpeckers which was our most wanted species of this part of the trip, together with a good selection of other species including a superb Andean Tapaculo, and Ochre Nape Ground Tyrant. An excellent days birding.
View from the top of the ski slope in the National Park.
On the 23rd January, we took a cruise still on the Ocean Princess, along the Beagle Channel, superb scenery in fine weather, where we had our only sighting of a Chilean Skua.
Views along the Beagle Channel
Two glaciers along the Beagle Channel showing climate change melt.
On the 24th January, it was time to move onto Punta Arenas, which is located on the Brunswick Peninsula north of the Strait of Magellan. It was now time to disembark from the Ocean Princess and say our goodbyes to the crew etc. Always a sad moment but we still had some good birding ahead of us.
We travelled inland from the city to bird-watch in the grasslands where we saw numbers of Lesser Rheas. We also visited a wetland where a party of Chilean Flamingos were seen.
Punta Arenas
It was now time to catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro, where we were going to have a short visit to the Itatiaia National Park, hopefully to see some new hummingbirds etc. It seemed strange that just a few days earlier we were down in Antarctica watching Penguins etc and now in this part of the holiday were were enjoying the warmth of Brazil. We stayed in the Hotel Simon based in the Itatiaia National Park with nearby hummingbird feeders.
Waterfall in Itatiaia National Park
Flowers in the Itatiaia National Park
Systematic List
Lesser Rhea - Rhea pennata pennata C
Lesser Rheas near Punta Arenas
King Penguin - Aptenodytes patagonicus patagonicus C
On the 11th we left Port Stanley and drove across wild terrain for 4 hours to visit a colony of c.200 birds present at Volunteer Point. A spectacular species proving to be one of the highlights of the trip.
King Penguins at Volunteer Point on the Falklands
Gentoo Penguin - Pygoscelis papua C
Seen on eight dates with several colonies visited including c.300 birds at Volunteer Point and c.600 birds on and around Carcass Island, Falklands (P.p.papua), and c.1,000 birds at Port Lockroy on the Antarctic Peninsula (P.p.ellsworthi).
Gentoo Penguins at Volunteer Point on the Falklands
Gentoo Penguins at Port Lockry
Stone stealing
Adelie Penguin - Pygoscelis adeliae C
Only positively identified on three dates with all observations at localities along the Antarctic Peninsula. Impressive colonies visited consisted of c.5,000 birds at Hope Bay and c.50,000 birds at Paulet Island.
Adelie Penguins on Paulet Island
Adelie Penguins porpoising off Paulet Island
Chinstrap Penguin - Pygoscelis antarctica C
Seen on six dates all were south of the Antarctic Convergence. The largest colonies visited were c.10,000 birds at Deception Island and c.1,000 birds at Half Moon Island.
Chinstrap Penguins on Half Moon Island Island
Rockhopper Penguin - Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome C
A colony of c.100 birds were visited at West Point on the Falklands on the 10th. Some of the birds living up to their name as they were watched coming ashore! Also, on the sailing from Punta Arenas to West Point, DC saw 2 Penguins which were most likely this species, although the views did not eliminate the possibility that they were Macaroni Penguins E.chrysolophus.
Rockhopper Penguin at their colony on West Point, Falkland Islands
Seen on eight dates to the north of Drake’s Passage. A daily maximum of c.100 birds was recorded on Carcass Island in the Falklands, on the 12th.
Magellanic Penguins with chicks on Carcass Island
An estimated 40 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
White-tufted Grebe - Rollandia rolland chilensis C
An estimated 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 2 were seen at Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.
Great Grebe - Podiceps major C
An estimated 8 (including juveniles) were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th (P.m.major) and 6 were seen on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd (P.m.navasi).
Adult Great Grebe on Tierra del Fuego
Wandering Albatross - Diomedea exulans C
A single individual was seen whilst sailing into Port Stanley on the 11th, 15 were seen on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 13th with an estimated 7 on the return journey over two days. Some individuals remained faithful to following the boat for long periods making it difficult to ascertain actual numbers seen.
Wandering Albatrosses in the Drake’s Passage
Royal Albatross - Diomedea epomophora C
An estimated minimum of 6 accompanied the boat from Punta Arenas to West Point, Falklands on the 9th (although more may actually have been involved), 2 were recorded off West Point and off Port Stanley and on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage and finally 3 were seen on the northward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 21st.
Southern Royal Albatross between Chile and the Falklands
Grey-headed Albatross - Thalassarche chrysostma C
Singles were seen near the Convergence on both the 13th and 14th. On the return northward journey 20 were seen on the 20th and 1 on the 21st. Superb.
Grey Headed Albatross near the Convergence
The commonest Albatross seen being recorded on twelve dates in good numbers to the north of the Convergence with just a few seen around the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of a colony of c.10,000 was visited at West Point, Falklands.
Adult Black Browed Albatross
Black Browed Albatross colony at West Point, Falkland Islands
A truly spectacular species. A total of 6 were seen over two days on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage, 1 was seen off Paulet Island on the 15th and an impressive 24 were seen on the northward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 20th.
Light Mantled Sooty Albatross in the Drake’s Passage
Antarctic (Southern) Giant Petrel - Macronectes giganteus C
Seemingly ever-present following the boat with double figures estimated on fifteen dates and a daily maximum of 60 noted on the 13th.
Southern Giant Petrel off Chile showing the pale tip to the bill
Southern Giant Petrels off Paulet Island
Hall’s (Northern) Giant Petrel - Macronectes halli C
Only positively identified on three dates all falling within the Drake’s Passage with two seen on the 13th, 1 on the 14th and one on the return journey on the 20th. However, not regularly looked for.
Northern Giant Petrel in the Drake’s Passage and showing the darker tip to its bill
Southern Fulmar - Fulmarus glacialoides C
Seen on seven days south of the Convergence with a daily maximum of an estimated 700 on the 15th.
Southern Fulmar south of the Convergence
Antarctic Petrel - Thalassoica antarctica C
Two worn adults, appearing tan brown, were seen in close proximity to a very large icebergs between Hope Bay and the Gerlache Straits on the 15th.
Cape Petrel - Daption capense capense C
Often seen closely following the boat being seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 400 estimated whilst sailing towards the Convergence on the 20th. A breeding colony of 300 were visited on Deception Island on the 19th.
Cape Petrels feeding around the liner at the Convergence
Cape Petrels at Deception Island
Cape Petrel on nest on Deception Island
Snow Petrel - Pagodroma nivea nivea C
One of the most majestic species we have ever encountered with a total of 87 seen over five dates along the Antarctic Peninsula with a daily maximum of 60 seen whilst sailing from Paulet Island to Hope Bay and then on to the Gerlache Straits on the 15th.
Snow Petrel near Hope Bay
Blue Petrel - Halobaena caerulea C
Also delightful proving common near the Convergence with estimated totals of 30 seen on the 13th, 80 on the 14th, 60 on the 20th and 60 on the 21st.
Blue Petrels near the Convergence
Slender-billed Prion - Pachyptila belcheri C
Seen in large numbers from Punta Arenas to the Falklands and around the Falklands being noted on six dates with a daily maximum of an estimated 5,000 on the 9th.
Slender Billed Prions between Chile and the Falklands.
White-chinned Petrel - Procellaria aequinoctialis aequinoctialis C
Seen on six dates with 2 seen south of the Convergence on both the 14th and 20th but with a daily maximum of 20 seen between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.
White Chinned Petrel between Chile and the Falklands
Greater Shearwater - Puffinus gravis C
Only seen off Port Stanley where 3 were seen on the 9th.
Sooty Shearwater - Puffinus griseus C
Seen on eight dates in good numbers with a daily maximum of 3,000 seen between West Point and Port Stanley on the 10th.
Manx Shearwater - Puffinus puffinus C
A loose party of 4 were seen roughly midway between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.
Grey-backed Storm-Petrel - Garrodia nereis C
Only seen on the journey from West Point to Port Stanley with 4 on the 10th and 8 the following day.
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel - Oceanites oceanicus C
Seen on fourteen dates with a daily maximum of 120 in a single flock in the bay at Half Moon Island on the 20th.
Wilson’s Petrels in Half Moon Island Bay.
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel - Fregetta tropica tropica C
A single individual was seen between West Point and Port Stanley on the 10th, 3 were seen near the Convergence on the 13th, 50 to the south of the Convergence on the 14th, 8 seen in the vicinity of Deception Island (including 1 fluttering around the cliffs at Nelson’s Bellows before settling in a crevice so presumably breeding there) and 50 were seen on the journey north to the Convergence on the 20th. The largest and most spectacular of the Storm-Petrels encountered.Magellanic Diving-Petrel - Pelecanoides magellani C
Only positively identified between Punta Arenas and the Falklands where 8 were seen on the 9th and in the Beagle Channel where 10 were seen on the 23rd. They appeared greyer with a pale partial collar visible at close range.
Common Diving-Petrel - Pelecanoides urinatrix berard C
Seen on seven dates largely to the north of the Convergence with a daily maximum of 15 seen on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 13th. Appeared browner with less contrast and dusky sides of the neck and upper flanks.
Common Diving Petrel between Chile & the Falklands
Around 40 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Rock Shag - Phalacrocorax magellanicus C
Around 10 were seen at Punta Arenas on the 8th, up to 30 were seen daily in the Falklands, 2 were seen at Tierra del Fuego and 6 in the Beagle Channel.
Rock Shags on Carcass Island
Antarctic Shag - Phalacrocorax bransfieldensis C
Seen on five dates along the Antarctic peninsula with a daily maximum of 70 seen on the 18th. All those seen showed a white patch on the back although a Imperial Shag P.atriceps at Cape Horn appeared to show an identical patch.
Antarctic Shag at Port Lockroy
Both forms were seen being recorded on seven dates on both the South American continent atriceps (e.g. at Cape Horn) and the Falkland Islands with a daily maximum of 400 seen at Carcass Island, Falklands on the 12th.
Magnificent Frigatebird - Fregata magnificens C
Around 30 were seen along the causeway on leaving Rio Airport on our arrival.
Whistling Heron - Syrigma sibilatrix sibilatrix C
A total of 4 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Cocoi (White-necked) Heron - Ardea cocoi C
A total of 6 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Great Egret - Ardea alba egretta C
Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th. Around 12 were seen along the causeway on leaving Rio Airport on our arrival.
Snowy Egret - Egretta thula brewsteri C
Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th. A single individual was seen perched on the causeway leading to Rio Airport on our return to the airport.
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C
At Costanera Sur 10 were seen on the 7th. At Rio Airport 2 were seen on our arrival.
Striated Heron - Butorides striatus striatus C
A total of 10 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Black-crowned Night-Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax obscurus/falklandicus C
Around 25 obscurus were seen at Costanera Sur and 8 falklandicus were seen at West Point and 4 at Carcass Island in the Falklands.
Black Crowned Night Heron on Carcass Island
Rufescent Tiger-Heron - Tigrisoma lineatum C
A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Stripe-backed Bittern - Ixobrychus involucris C
A single individual was seen perched in the open at Costanera Sur on the 7th. Superb.
Black-faced Ibis - Theristicus melanopis C
A single individual with a chick was seen on a disused pier at Punta Arenas on the 8th and 24th, 8 were seen at scattered localities on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd and around 10 were seen on lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Black Faced Ibis on Patagonia
Around 300 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Chilean Flamingo - Phoenicopterus chilensis C
A single individual was seen on a small lake on the outskirts of Punta Arenas on the 8th and 12 were present on lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Chilean Flamingos north of Punta Arenas
A pair were seen with 7 juveniles at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Southern Screamer with young at Costanera Sur
Fulvous Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna bicolor C
Around 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
White-faced Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna viduata C
Around 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Black-necked Swan - Cygnus melanocorypha C
A total of 28 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 2 were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Black Necked Swans at Costanera Sur
Coscoroba Swan - Coscoroba coscoroba C
A total of 12 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 8 were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Upland Goose - Chloephaga picta picta/leucoptera C
The form leucoptera proved common on the Falklands where up to 200 were seen daily and the form picta was seen on the mainland of South America with 8 noted on Tierra del Fuego, 5 along the Beagle Channel and c.100 north of Punta Arenas.
Upland Geese on Carcass Island in the Falklands
Kelp Goose - Chloephaga hybrida hybrida/malvinarum C
The form malvinarum was seen on the Falklands with 35 seen at West Point and 50 on Carcass Island and the form hybrida was seen on the mainland of South America with 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 40 along the Beagle Channel.
Female Kelp Goose on Carcass Island
Drake Kelp Goose on Carcass Island
Ashy-headed Goose - Chloephaga poliocephala C
A total of 8 were seen on grassy peninsulas on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.
Ruddy-headed Goose - Chloephaga rubidiceps C
On the Falklands we saw two pairs at Volunteer Point and another three pairs seen on the journey back to Port Stanley and on Carcass Island five pairs were seen. The species proved tame and approachable which has presumably lead to their decline on mainland South America.
Ruddy-headed Geese at Volunteer Point on the Falklands
Flightless Steamerduck - Tachyeres leucocephalus C
Single pairs were seen in the Beagle Channel on the 22nd and 23rd and 6 were seen on the coast to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
A distant pair of Flightless Steamerducks near Punta Arenas
Falkland Steamerduck - Tachyeres brachypterus C
Around 10 were seen on West Point, 40 on the journey to Volunteer Point and 80 on Carcass Island.
Falkland Steamerducks on Carcass Island
Flying Steamerduck - Tachyeres patachonicus C
A pair with 3 juveniles were found on an inland lake on Tierra del Fuego.
Brazilian Teal - Amazonetta brasiliensis ipecutiri C
DC saw a pair in flight at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Chiloe Wigeon - Anas sibilatrix C
Just 5 seen at Costanera Sur and 8 on the Ushuaia Lagoon.
Speckled Teal - Anas flavirostris flavirostris C
Around 80 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th, up to 6 were seen daily on the Falklands and finally 12 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.
Speckled Teal on Carcass Island
Crested Duck - Anas specularioides specularioides C
Up to 40 were seen daily at coastal localities on the Falklands, 20 were seen on Tierra del Fuego and 15 to the north of Punta Arenas.
Crested Duck with young on Carcass Island
Yellow-billed Pintail - Anas georgica spinicauda C
Around 50 were seen at Costanera Sur and 20 on Tierra del Fuego.
Silver Teal - Anas versicolor C
Around 80 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Cinnamon Teal - Anas cyanoptera cyanoptera C
A single female was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Rosy-billed Pochard - Netta peposaca C
We saw just 15 at Costanera Sur.
Black-headed Duck - Heteronetta atricapilla C
A generally elusive pair swimming between areas of vegetation at the back of the pools were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Lake Duck - Oxyura vittata C
A total of 8 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus brasiliensis C
Up to 60 were seen on both days at Itiatia NP.
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura jota C
Up to 15 were seen daily on the Falklands with 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 1 along the Beagle Channel.
Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus C
A highlight of the trip were the good views obtained of 7 on Tierra del Fuego, 2 along the Beagle Channel and 12 to the north of Punta Arenas including 5 together on the ground at a carcass dwarfing the nearby Chimango Caracaras. Superb.
Andean Condor soaring near Punta Arenas
Snail Kite - Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis C
A total of 15 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Cinereous Harrier - Circus cinereus C
A single female was seen at Ushuaia on the 22nd and 4 including some superb males were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Rufous-thighed Hawk - Accipiter erythronemius C
A single individual flew up the valley and perched in a tree below the waterfall bridge at Itiatia.
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis C
An adult was seen carrying prey on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.
Black Chested Buzzard Eagle on Tierra del Fuego
Roadside Hawk - Butoe magnirostris magniplumis C
A single individual was seen on a fence just outside the town of Itiatia along the main road from Rio.
Variable Hawk - Buteo polyosoma polyosoma C
Singles were seen on the journey to and from Volunteer Point on the 11th.
White-throated Caracara - Phalcoboenus albogularis C
Around 6 were seen at the Ushuaia Dump.
A record shot of a distant White Throated Caracara with a
Crested Caracara at Ushuaia Rubbish Dump
Striated Caracara - Phalcoboenus australis C
After failing to find any at West Point we were relieved to find 2 pairs on Carcass Island on our last day in the Falklands. They proved ridiculously tame.
Striated Caracaras on Carcass Island in the Falklands
Crested Caracara - Caracara plancus plancus C
We saw singles at Costanera Sur and on Carcass Island and 20 were seen on Tierra del Fuego and 25 to the north of Punta Arenas.
Crested Caracara on Tierra del Fuego dump.
Chimango Caracara - Milvago chimango temucoensis C
We saw 5 at Costanera Sur, 1 at Punta Arenas, 50 on Tierra del Fuego and 15 to the north of Punta Arenas.
Chimango Caracara at Ushuaia Dump
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius cinnamonimus C
We saw 2 to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Aplomado Falcon - Falco femoralis femoralis C
A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus cassini C
A single individual was seen on a rocky islet off Carcass Island on the 12th.
Limpkin - Aramus guarauna guarauna C
Around 40 were seen at Costanera Sur.
Limpkin at Costanera Sur
Plumbeous Rail - Pardirallus sanguinolentus C
A total of 8 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus galeata C
Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Spot-flanked Gallinule - Gallinula melanops crassirostris C
We obtained good views of 2 at Costanera Sur on the 7th proving a welcome surprise.
Spot Flanked Gallinule at Costanera Sur
White-winged Coot - Fulica leucoptera C
Around 15 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Red-gartered Coot - Fulica armillata C
A pair were identified at close range at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Red-fronted Coot - Fulica rufifrons C
Around 100 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Wattled Jacana - Jacana jacana jacana C
An estimated 100 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.Magellanic Oystercatcher - Haematopus leucopodus C
Seen daily on the Falklands with a maximum of 40 seen on Carcass Island. Also 4 seen around Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Magellanic Oystercatcher on Carcass Island
Magellanic Oystercatcher in flight showing the restricted white in the wing
Blackish Oystercatcher - Haematopus ater C
Seen daily on the Falklands with a maximum of 7 seen on Carcass Island. Also 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 4 along the Beagle Channel.
Blackish Oystercatchers on Carcass Island
White-backed Stilt - Himantopus melanurus C
We saw 6 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Southern Lapwing - Vanellus chilensis fretensis C
Seen daily on the mainland of South America with a daily maximum of 60 seen at Costanera Sur, up to 10 around Punta Arenas and 3 near Ushuaia.
Two-banded Plover - Charadrius falklandicus C
We saw 6 on a sandy beach at Volunteer Point and 6 on a beach to the north of Punta Arenas.
Two Banded Plover on the beach at Volunteer Point on the Falklands
Rufous-chested Dotterel - Charadrius modestus C
We saw 20 on the journey to and from Volunteer Point and 4 on a rocky beach to the north of Punta Arenas. Superb.
Rufous Chested Dotterel on the beach near Punt Arenas
South American Snipe - Gallinago paraguaiae magellanica C
A party of 7 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th, birds appearing considerably ‘washed-out’ were seen on the Falklands which when flushed never called and always quickly alighted usually within 10m with 4 seen on the trip to Volunteer Point on the 11th and 2 on Carcass Island on the 12th. In contrast a rufous-looking individual which appeared considerably larger with conspicuous white trailing edges and white outer tail feathers was flushed in very dry scrubby habitat to the north of Punta Arenas.
South American Snipe on Carcass Island
Hudsonian Godwit - Limosa haemastica C
A flock of 9 were seen in flight near a lake to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes C
We saw around 10 at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 1 on a lake to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Lesser Yellowlegs north of Punta Arenas
White-rumped Sandpiper - Calidris fuscicollis C
White Rumped Sandpiper on the beach near Punta Arenas
Baird’s Sandpiper - Calidris bairdii C
We identified 2 on the journey to Volunteer Point although up to c.200 Sandpipers seen probably also related to this species and we saw 9 on the lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Snowy Sheathbill - Chionis alba C
Seen on five dates with 4 seen on leaving Port Stanley Harbour, 10 on an island off Carcass Island, 12 around the Gentoo Penguins at Paradise Bay, 6 on cliffs at Deception Island and 6 on Half Moon Island around the Chinstrap Penguins.
Snowy Sheathbill at Paradise Bay (not the prettiest bird in the world!!)
Chilean Skua - Catharacta chilensis C
Seen daily from Cape Horn to Punta Arenas with a daily maximum of 15 seen along the Beagle Channel on the 23rd.
Chilean Skua in the Beagle Channel
Seen on four dates only around the Antarctic Peninsula with no classic pale morphs being encountered. A daily maximum of 30 were seen at Half Moon Island on the 20th.
Brown Skua - Catharacta antarctica antarctica/lonnbergi C
The form antarctica was seen on four dates around the Falklands with breeding taking place at Volunteer Point and on Carcass Island with a colony of around 25 pairs seen at Carcass Island. The form lonnbergi was seen around the Antarctic Peninsula on six dates with a maximum of 40 seen on the 19th.
Falklands Brown Skua at Volunteer Point
Falkland Brown Skua with chick on the beach at Volunteer Point
Brown Skua at Paradise Bay
Arctic Skua - Stercorarius parasiticus C
A single individual was seen alongside a Long-tailed Skua between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.
Long-tailed Skua - Stercorarius longicaudus C
A single immature seen alongside an Arctic Skua between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.
Dolphin Gull - Larus scoresbii C
We saw 30 around Punta Arenas Harbour, up to 20 daily on the Falklands and 8 around Ushuaia Harbour. Superb.
Adult Dolphin Gull at Volunteer Point on the Falklands
Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus C
Very common and widespread being seen on fifteen dates.
Kelp Gulls on Half Moon Island
Grey-headed Gull - Larus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus C
An estimated 1,000 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Brown-hooded Gull - Larus maculipennis C
Up to 200 were seen around Punta Arenas Harbour on our two visits and 3 were seen at Ushuaia.
South American Tern - Sterna hirundinacea C
We saw up to 20 around Punta Arenas, 80 on West Point, 4 on mainland Falklands, 200 around Carcass Island, 30 on Tierra del Fuego and 80 in the Beagle Channel.
South American Tern near Punta Arenas
Antarctic Tern - Sterna vittata gaini C
Up to 12 were seen daily around the Antarctic Peninsula with breeding taking place on Deception Island.
Antarctic Tern on Deception Island
Black Skimmer - Rynchops niger intercedens C
A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Picazuro Pigeon - Columba picazuro picazuro C
Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Picazura Pigeon at Costanera Sur
Eared Dove - Zenaida auriculata virgata C
Up to 100 were seen around Buenos Aires on both the 7th and 8th and a single individual was seen at Punta Arenas Airport on the 24th.
Monk Parakeet - Myiopsitta monachus monachus C
An estimated 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 3 were seen in a park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires on the 8th.
Monk Parakeets in a park in Buenos Aires
We saw a total of 5 around the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon area.
Blue Winged Parrotlet in Itatiaia National Park
Up to 10 were seen daily between Rio and Itiatia.
Guira Cuckoo - Guira guira C
Singles were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and on the journey to the Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th. A single individual was seen near Rio airport on our arrival.
Austral Pygmy-Owl - Glaucidium nanum C
A single individual was a welcome surprise watched calling constantly from the top of various trees along the roadside adjoining a campsite located just outside the Tierra del Fuego NP as approached from Ushuaia Rubbish Dump. Its calling attracted some of the local passerines. Superb.
Ashy-tailed Swift - Chaetura andrei meridionalis C
Up to 40 were seen on both our days at Itiatia NP.
Scale-throated Hermit - Phaethornis eurynome eurynome C
A pair were watched visiting the feeders at the Hotel Simon.
Scale Throated Hermit at Hotel Simon feeders in Itatiaia National Park
Around 6 were watched visiting the feeders at the Hotel Simon. Superb.
Swallow Tailed Hummingbird in Itatiaia National Park
Around 12 provided a superb performance at the Hotel Simon feeders. Stunning.
Black Jacobin at Hotel Simon, Itatiaia National Park
Frilled Coquette - Lophornis magnificus C
A superb male stole the show at the Hotel Simon feeders appearing throughout the day but seemingly more frequently in the evenings. Stunning.
Frilled Coquette in Hotel Simon grounds, Itatiaia National Park
Glittering-bellied Emerald - Chlorostilbon aureoventris berlepschi C
We found a pair at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Violet-capped Woodnymph - Thalurania glaucopis C
Around 4 were seen visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.
Violet Capped Woodnymph at Hotel Simon feeders
Gilded Sapphire - Hylocharis chrysura C
A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Glittering-throated Emerald - Polyerata fimbriata C
A pair were watched visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.
Brazilian Ruby - Clytolaema rubricauda C
Around 4 were watched visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.
Black-throated Trogon - Trogon rufus chrysochloros C
A single male was seen along the left-hand waterfall trail at Itiatia NP.Green Kingfisher - Chloroceryle americana mathewsii C
A single female was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
White-barred Piculet - Picumnus cirratus C
Singles were seen at the Hotel Ype and along the Hotel Simon trail.
Yellow-fronted Woodpecker - Melanerpes flavifrons C
Seen around the feeders at the Hotel Simon with a party of 4 actually seen to take bread from a bird-table there. Absolutely superb.
Yellow Fronted Woodpeckers in Itatiaia National Park
A pair were seen whilst they often fed on the ground at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Magellanic Woodpecker - Campephilus magellanicus C
A highlight of the trip was finding 5 of these supreme Woodpeckers on Tierra del Fuego both inside and out of the National Park on the 22nd. They proved tame and approachable. Superb.
Male Magellanic Woodpecker in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Female Magellanic Woodpecker in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Short-billed Miner - Geositta antarctica C
Around 10 were seen around Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Short Billed Miner on the beach near Punta Arenas
Blackish Cinclodes - Cinclodes antarcticus maculirostris C
After spending an hour locating a pair in tussock grass adjacent to the landing beach on West Point we were amazed to see c.300 on Carcass Island being so tame that they would land on your boots. Carcass Island has apparently never been inhabited by cats or rats.
Blackish Cinclodes on Carcass Island in the Falklands
Dark-bellied Cinclodes - Cinclodesd patagonicus patagonicus C
We saw 6 on Tierra del Fuego in a variety of habitats on the 22nd.
Dark Bellied Cinclodes in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Bar-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus C
Around 15 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.
Bar Winged Cinclodes on Tierra del Fuego
Rufous Hornero - Furnarius rufus rufus C
We saw c.40 at Costanera Sur and around 15 in the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires the following day.
Rufous Hornero in a park in Buenos Aires
Thorn-tailed Rayadito - Aphrastura spinicauda spinicauda C
A total of 15 were seen on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd often forming roving parties. Superb.Wren-like Rushbird - Phleocryptes melanops melanops C
We saw 3 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Rufous-capped Spinetail - Synallaxis ruficapilla C
Around 6 were seen at the start of the Waterfall trails and along the road near the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.
Yellow-chinned Spinetail - Certhiaxis cinnamomea C
We saw 2 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
White-throated Treerunner - Pygarrhichas albogularis C
A single individual was located with a party of Thorn-tailed Rayadito on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd. Superb.
Streaked Xenops - Xenops rutilans rutilans C
We saw 2 in a mixed-species bird-flock at the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.
Streaked Xenops in the forest at Itatiaia National Park
Pale-browed Treehunter - Cichlocolaptes leucophrus C
Around 4 were seen low down along the Hotel Simon trail in Itatiaia NP.
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor rufus rufus C
We saw around 7 in a mixed-species flock along the Hotel Simon trail.
Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor lichtensteini C
A total of 10 were logged from the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon trail area.
Ochre Breasted Foliage-Gleaner at Itatiaia National Park
Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper - Lochmias nematura nematura C
A single individual was seen at the base of the right-hand waterfall at the furthest point of the Waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP. Superb.
Olivaceous Woodcreeper - Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus C
Up to 6 were seen in mixed-species flocks along the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon trails.
Scaled Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes squamatus falcinellus C
A single individual was part of a mixed-species flock seen at the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.
Spot-breasted Antvireo - Dysithamnus stictothorax C
We obtained good views of a pair along the Hotel Simon trail.
Star-throated Antwren - Myrmotherula gularis C
A superb species which allowed good views to be obtained along both of the Waterfall trails with two groups of 4 seen.
Star Throated Antwren skulking in the undergrowth in Itatiaia National Park
Unfortunately just a poor record shot.
Ochre-rumped Antbird - Drymophila ochropyga C
A pair were watched creeping through the undergrowth along the Hotel Simon trail. Superb.
Streak-capped Antwren - Terenura maculata C
A single male was seen amongst a mixed-species flock along the Hotel Simon trail but sadly didn’t linger long.
Rufous Gnateater - Conopophaga lineata vulgaris C
A single individual was seen along the left-hand Waterfall trail and although JFC obtained a good view DC was left with frustratingly poor views despite having first found the bird.
Magellanic Tapaculo - Scytalopus magellanicus C
A single individual was located near the treeline along the chair-lift clearing above Ushuaia on the 22nd. It reacted to pishing keeping very low hopping between logs. Superb.
Blue Manakin - Chiroxiphia caudata C
We saw a fine male along the Hotel Simon trail and DRC saw a female near the start of the Tres Picos trail.
White-crested Elaenia - Elaenia albiceps chilensis C
We saw c.10 on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.
Sooty Tyrannulet - Serpophaga nigricans C
We saw 3 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
White-crested Tyrannulet - Serpophaga subcristata subcristata C
A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Grey-hooded Flycatcher - Mionectes rufiventris C
A total of 5 were seen along the Waterfall trail and at the Hotel Ype in Itatiaia NP.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant - Anairetes parulus parulus C
We located a pair in a remnant patch of forest just outside Punta Arenas.
Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher - Todirostrum plumbeiceps C
We saw 4 along the Hotel Simon trail. Superb.
White-throated Spadebill - Platyrinchus mystaceus mystaceus C
A single individual which kept low was located along the left-hand Waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP. Superb.
White Throated Spadebill in the forest at Itatiaia National Park
We saw 2 on a bridge not far above the Itatiaia NP entrance and around 6 were seen around the Hotel Simon itself.
Cliff Flycatcher in the Hotel Simon grounds, Itatiaia National Park
A single individual was seen in a patch of woodland opposite Punta Arenas Airport.
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola macloviana mentalis / macloviana C
Up to 40 macloviana were seen daily whilst on the Falklands and 20 mentalis were seen at the top of the ski lift at Ushuaia.
Dark Faced Ground-Tyrant on the Falklands
Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola flavinucha C
A single individual was located at the top of the ski-run at Ushuaia on the 22nd.
Ochre Naped Ground Tyrant at the top of the ski-run on Tierra del Fuego
Austral Negrito - Lessonia rufa C
We saw c.10 around Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Male Austral Negrito near Punta Arenas
Cattle Tyrant - Machetornis rixosus rixosus CA single individual was seen at the Hotel Sheraton in Buenos Aires on the 8th.
Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus argentinus C
An impressive c.100 were seen around Costanera Sur. In Brazil up to 2 were seen on both journeys to and from Rio.
Boat-billed Flycatcher - Megarynchus pitangua pitangua C
We saw 2 near the Hotel Simon.
Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus C
We saw 2 on the way to Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th and up to 4 on both journeys to and from Rio de Janeiro Airport.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher - Tyrannus savana savana C
A single individual was seen outside Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th.
Black-tailed Tityra - Tityra cayana braziliensis C
A single individual was seen behind the Hotel Simon.
Grey-breasted Martin - Progne chalybea C
We saw up to 40 on our first two days around Buenos Aires.
White-rumped Swallow - Tachycineta leucorrhoa C
We saw c.10 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Chilean Swallow - Tachycineta meyeni C
We saw up to 8 on our visits to Punta Arenas and c.20 in the vicinity of Ushuaia.
Blue-and-white Swallow - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca / patagonica C
We saw a single patagonica at Ushuaia Dump on the 22nd and up to 20 cyanoleuca were seen daily around the Hotel Simon in Itatiaia NP.
Correndera Pipit - Anthus correndera grayi / chilensis C
A total of 4 grayi were seen on West Point and 10 were seen on the journey to Volunteer Point with 1 chilensis seen on Tierra del Fuego and 7 to the north of Punta Arenas.
House Wren - Troglodytes aedon chilensis C
We saw 3 at Costanera Sur, 10 at Ushuaia and 2 at Punta Arenas. A pair were seen around the Hotel Simon.
Cobb’s Wren - Troglodytes cobbi C
We saw 4 on Carcass Island in the Falklands. This species is endemic to the Falklands
Islands.
Cobb’s Wren on Carcass Island
On the Falklands we saw c.5 on West Point Island on the 10th and 4 on Carcass Island on the 11th.
Sedge Wren on West Point, Falkland Islands
Chalk-browed Mockingbird - Mimus saturninus modulator C
We saw c.12 in the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Chalk-browed Mockingbird in a Buenos Aires Park
Rufous-bellied Thrush - Turdus rufiventris rufiventris C
We saw up to 15 on both days at Buenos Aires. A pair were seen around the Hotel Simon.
Rufous Bellied Thrush in a park in Buenos Aires
Austral Thrush - Turdus falcklandii falcklandii / magellanicus C
Up to 40 were seen daily on the Falklands and 8 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.
Female Austral Thrush on Carcass Island
Male Austral Thrush on Carcass Island
Juvenile Austral Thrush on Carcass Island
Masked Gnatcatcher - Polioptila dumicola dumicola C
We saw around 8 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.House Sparrow - Passer domesticus C
Common around Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego. Up to 10 were seen on both dates at Rio airport.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike – Cyclarhis gujanensis C
A single individual was seen along the Hotel Simon Trail.
Black-chinned Siskin – Carduelis barbata C
We saw c.20 on West Point, 15 on Carcass Island and c.20 on Tierra del Fuego.
Male Black Chinned Siskin on Carcass Island
Golden-crowned Warbler – Basileuterus culicivorus C
We saw 4 at the Hotel Ype.
Bananaquit – Coereba flaveola C
A pair were present around the Hotel Simon feeders.
Bananaquit coming into the feeders at Hotel Simon
Ruby-crowned Tanager – Tachyphonus coronatus C
Up to 12 were present around the Hotel Simon.
Black-goggled Tanager – Trichothraupis melanops C
We saw around 10 at Hotel Ype.
Sayaca Tanager – Thraupis sayaca sayaca C
We saw up to 4 around the Hotel Simon.
Golden-chevroned Tanager – Thraupis ornate C
We saw up to 8 around the Hotel Simon.
Green-headed Tanager – Tangara seledon C
We saw a pair along the left hand waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP.
Brassy-breasted Tanager – Tangara desmaresti C
We saw a pair at the start of the waterfall trails at Itatiaia NP.
Burnished-buff Tanager – Tangara cayana chloroptera C
Around 4 were seen around Hotel Simon in Itatiaia NP.
Blue Dacnis – Dacnis cayana paraguayensis C
We saw a pair at the Hotel Simon feeders.
Blue Dacnas in Itatiaia National Park.
We saw around 8 mobbing the Austral Pygmy Owl on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.
Black-throated (Canary-winged) Finch – Melanodera melanodera melanodera C
We saw 4 on the journey to Volunteer Point and around 40 on Carcass Island where they proved far more approachable. Superb.
Female Black Throated Finch on Carcass Island
Male Black Throated Finch on Carcass Island
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch – Poospiza nigrorufa C
We saw around 8 at Costanera Sur.
Great Pampa-Finch – Embernagra platensis platensis C
We saw 2 at Costanera Sur.
Great Pampa Finch at Costanera Sur
Yellow-billed Cardinal – Paroaria capitata capitata C
We saw a party of 5 at Costanera Sur.
Rufous-collared Sparrow – Zonotrichia capensis C
We saw up to 25 daily on the mainland of South America. Up to 40 were present around the Hotel Simon.
Rufous Collared Sparrow on Tierra del Fuego
Rufous Collared Sparrow at Hotel Simon, Itatiaia National Park
Green-winged Saltator – Saltator similis similis C
We saw up to 4 around the Hotel Simon.
Yellow-winged Blackbird – Agelaius thilius C
We saw around 10 at Costanera Sur.
Long-tailed Meadowlark – Sturnella loyca loyca / falklandicus C
We saw up to 30 loyca around Punta Arenas and up to 40 falklandicus daily whilst on the Falklands.
Long Tailed Meadowlark in the rain on West Point, Falkland Islands
Bay-winged Cowbird – Molothrus badius badius C
We saw 2 in the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Shiny Cowbird – Molothrus bonariensis bonariensis C
We saw up to 8 on both days around Buenos Aires.
Epaulet Oriole – Icterus cayanensis pyrrhopterus C
We saw a pair at Costanera Sur on the 7th.
Red-rumped Cacique – Cacicus haemorrhous affinis C
We saw 6 around the feeders at the Hotel Simon.
Red Rumped Cacique in the grounds of Hotel Simon
Austral Blackbird – Curaeus curaeus C
A party of 6 were seen in a patch of forest to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.
Austral Blackbird found in a patch of forest near Punta Arenas
Final picture is of the Lemaire Channel.
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