We awoke to a beautiful day in the canyon, and after a quick breakfast we continued on our way across the vast expanse of Patagonia to reach the forests of southern Argentina. There was not much bird-wise on our drive, although we found a small family of Upland Geese on a flowing river. We also had a skunk cross the road in front of us at one point, which was an unexpected mammal tick for our trip. As we approached our destination we found a small river valley where there were a few birds, including Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, which was a lifer for us.
Our
destination for the day was the stunningly beautiful Parque Nacional Los
Alerces, but as we approached the Andes the clouds started to appear and then
it began to rain, and then it did not stop. The whole of the afternoon was
consistent rainfall. Although we made a few stops and were able to find some
nice birds such as Chilean Flicker, Fire-eyed Duicon and Californian Quail, it
was difficult to find the motivation to get out birding as we just got soaked,
and at this latitude it was not as warm as it had been at other stops on our
trip.
From our
drive through the park we found a few more nice birds, such as a few
Ashy-headed Geese among the throngs of Upland Geese feeding by a lake. And at
our chosen campsite a quick walk yielded a small flock of Thorn-tailed Rayaditos
and a Dark-bellied Cincloides, the latter singing from the roof of the toilet
block. Sadly our first experience of the stunning Patagonian forests was of
rain and cold, but that would improve.
Species List:
Parque Nacional Los Alerces: Upland Goose, Ashy-headed Goose, California Quail, Eared Dove, Chimango Caracara, Ringed Kingfisher, Chilean Flicker, Sharp-billed Canastero, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Fire-eyed Duicon, Chilean Elaenia, Spectacled Tyrant, Austral Thrush, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Diuca Finch, Mourning Sierra Finch, Grassland Yellow Finch,
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