ARGENTINA
PHOTO PAGE
These photographs were taken by Phil on his recent visit to Argentina.
Having visited Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia and the wetlands of eastern Argentina, we decided that the Northwest was the most interesting part of Argentina for birds. Here most of the endemics occur and so we launched a successful tour there in 2007. Following some privileged information, we decided to make this year's tour really special.
The Diademed Sandpiper-plover is probably the most enigmatic wader in the world. Found only in a few bogs in the High Andes. Those that search for them visit Peru and Chile, often without success. Our local guides new of a single location in Argentina where this bird appeared to be regularly seen. Phil recently visited the site and not only found a pair with chicks, but together with his friend Hector went on to find a new site for the species as back-up for our forthcoming tour here. At a third site, another pair also had youngsters.
Below the magnificent soaring Condors he located three species of flamingos on the salt lakes of the altiplano, so we now have all the ingredients for a great day out in the Argentinean Andes as part of our trip to the seldom visited Northwest.
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Andean, James's & Chilean Flamingos breed on remote salt lakes in the mountains.
The Andean Condor is relatively common in Northwest Argentina. Phil found 14 bathing together by a stream in February 2008.
Andean & James's Flamingos breed in the salt-lakes that nestle between Argentina's tallest peaks. Birdwatching in Argentina takes you to some of the most remote sites on the continent.
Andean Flamingos (left) and James's Flamingos (right).
This Diademed Sandpiper-Plover has a watchful eye on the condor above.
The high altiplano is one of the driest places on earth. The Diademed Sandpiper-plover spends its entire life in high elevation bogs hidden in small valleys.
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe feed in high altitude bogs and among the scree-slopes. We found three species of seedsnipe here.
The Puna Tinamou is one of the hardest birds to find - It is so difficult that this was a tick for our excited local guide Hector!
Guanaco & Vicuña are the main prey of the secretive Puma that exist here.
There is something magical about seeing flamingos in a snowy landscape rather than an estuary in baking heat.
This saline lagoon holds breeding flamingos. The shore is crusted with salt deposits.
At the request of our clients, we will be arranging an extension to the famous falls at Iguaçu.
Phil took a helicopter ride over them to take these pictures. You can see that the site is truly spectacular.
The nearby forest is at the southern end of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of South America's most threatened habitats. Birding here is excellent with several mammals on offer too.
Black Vultures cruise the falls in search of victims that don't survive the drop. This would be a good tour to bring your non-birding partner!
The Band-tailed Manikin is not easy to locate but Phil found two species of manikin leking during his visit.
Butterflies cruise the rides in search of animal droppings to feed on.
The Coati Mundi is common at Iguaçu.
A large family unit scampered across the forest trail, probably 25 animals all-told.
Curl-crested Jays waited by a park bench looking for unwanted sandwiches.
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The Gilded Sapphire is just one of many hummingbirds found in forests around Iguaçu Falls.
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male Black-throated Mango with the female below.
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Having seen birds and otters along the path to the 'Devil's Throat', the power of the falls made this day unforgettable.
Waterproof optics are an advantage here!
A visit to the Brazilian side provided a different view but fewer birds.
The Southern Ant-pipit is very shy bird and although often heard, they are difficult to see well in the gloom of a shady forest.
The Swallow-tailed Manikins were very vocal. This male led Phil to a lek site.
Trogons are typical of lush South American forests
Tamalpaya in the northwest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sandstone gorge is a spectacular setting in which to search for endemic birds like the Sandy Galito.
