Argentina Day 4; Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, Garribaldi Pass & Rio Grande

   We started the morning at the Tierra del Fuego National Park, where we had hoped to have another chance at the Magellanic Woodpecker. However, after a bollocking from the park staff for being off the trail and for having a speak on display, not even in use, I opted not to try any playback. We birded the area at the end of the road and here we had a few nice Fuegian Steamer Ducks at last and a distant Kelp Goose, as well as a few seabirds and a flyover Andean Condor. Not a bad morning in the end given the circumstances, and it got better again as we were leaving, when Jonah spotted a sleeping Bronze-winged Duck in a roadside pond. Sadly it was distant and never awoke despite our best efforts, but still great to see this potentially tricky species. 

  At 11:00 we changed the car to one which could cross the border into Chile, which we wanted to do for a day. With this we set off up the road through the Andes towards the border and the towns beyond. Originally our plan was to make it to Chile tonight, but since the weather through our drive was very pleasant, we instead opted to attempt the hike at Garribaldi Pass to find the tricky White-bellied Seedsnipe. 

  There is no trail up the mountain, but it was not bad walking. There were some scree slopes at the top but with care we managed to navigate them. The problem was finding the Seedsnipe, and after two hours we had no sign. That said, it was not a disappointing walk, with incredible views of Yellow-bridled Finch that almost landed on my foot, and flyovers of both Andean Condor and White-bellied Caracara.

  As we were walking back however, anticipating another hike to try the Seedsnipe again, one of the birds moved on the rocks in front of me as I walked. It was quite the relief. The bird showed very very well, allowing us to maouver, around and get great photos and views of the surprisingly nice plumage. A victory from the jaws of defeat.

  After that there was only enough time to reach the city of Rio Grande, so that was where we crashed at night, ready for a day out in Chile tomorrow.