Sites visited


1. Bariloche to Rio Gallegos (Castro to Punta Arenas & return bus)      13-14th & 26-27th April, 2005

   Several good species were seen from the window during these long bus journeys. In Patagonia, Lesser Rheas were readily seen in grassland and Chilean Flamingos, geese, ducks and both species of swans on scattered lakes. Guanaco and Grey Fox were also seen several times in Southern Patagonia.
I saw 29 species including 5 lifers

Lesser Rhea Rhea pennata Near-threatened
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Black-faced Ibis h Theristicus melanopis
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Flying Steamerduck ? Tachyeres patachonicus
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Yellow-billed Pintail ? Anas georgica
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Chilean Flicker Colaptes pitius
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Patagonian Mockingbird ? Mimus patagonicus
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

2. Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego National Park       21-22nd April, 2005

   Several good species were easily seen on the coast near the town centre including Antarctic Giant-Petrel, 2 species of Steamer-Ducks & Magellanic Oystercatcher. We had terible weather on our day in the national park but still saw 3 Andean Condors soaring over the hills and Chilean Hawk in a patch of forest. The park is about 20km from town but is easily accessible by regular minibuses (15 pesos return) leaving from the harbour but hotel pickup can be arranged at no extra cost. Entrance to the park is 20 pesos. We also visited the new rubbish dump (Nuevo basurero) east of town by taxi. Here we saw at least 20 White-throated Caracaras plus a couple of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles.
I saw 43 species including 2 lifers

Great Grebe Podiceps major
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Vulnerable
Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus
King Shag Phalacrocorax
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala
Flightless Steamerduck Tachyeres pteneres
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Near-threatened
Chilean Hawk Accipiter chilensis
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
White-throated Caracara Phalcoboenus albogularis
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
Rufous-chested Dotterel ? Charadrius modestus
Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
White-throated Treerunner ? Pygarrhichas albogularis
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

3. Rio Gallegos       24-25th April, 2005

   Rio Gallegos has many places to stay and eat. We stayed at Hotel Colonial (20 pesos per person) on Rivadavia. Our first day of birding we walked upstream along the river bank from town. Birding improved as we passed out of town although birdwatchers and motorbike riders were a problem. The paved road turns into a gravel road with a car park at the end. About 25 minutes walk further on we saw a single Hooded Grebe at high tide. According to a local ornithologist, it is unusual to see them this far up the river. They enter the river mouth with the tide and the best place to see them is at Punta Loyales just as the tide is coming in. Some gravelly river bank just inland of here harbours a substantial population (up to 2000) of Magellanic Plovers although I did not have time to go and look for them. A few other interesting birds were seen on heathland near the river belonging to the army further upstream, including Short-eared Owl and Austral Canastero.
On the second day we tried to check an area about 10km South of Rio Gallegos called Chimen Aike where the road crosses the (small) Rio Chico. On the way here Short-eared Owl was seen again. The roads here were all private though and access is very poor. There is also a police checkpoint where we were asked to present ID. After this we checked out an area down by the dump and the river. Little of interest was seen here though.
I saw 32 species including 4 lifers

Great Grebe Podiceps major
Hooded Grebe Podiceps gallardoi Endemic Near-threatened
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Vulnerable
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Red-gartered Coot ? Fulica armillata
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Austral Canastero Asthenes anthoides
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola macloviana
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi
Patagonian Yellow-Finch Sicalis lebruni
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

4. Cerro de la Gloria, Mendoza       5-6th May, 2005

   This is an excellent site in easy reach of Mendoza city centre. Mendoza has a great range of accomodation and places to eat. We stayed at Hostel Independencia (17 pesos including breakfast). Take the number 50 to the zoo (80 centavos) leaving from in front of the casino on Sarmiento near the Plaza Independencia. From the entrance of the zoo walk up the hill signed to Cerro Gloria. The roadside scrub here was excellent almost all the was up with Steinbach's (Chestnut) Canastero, Andean Swift and Cattle Tyrant being seen near the top. On the way up Grey-hooded Parakeet, Green-barred Flicker, Crested Gallito and many other species were seen. We were warned by a policeman however that there had been thefts and to be careful with my binoculars and camera. Walking through the park can also be good, especially a cactus garden with many Red-tailed Comets and Sparkling Violet-ears.
I saw 43 species including 25 lifers

White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Seen nearby
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus Seen nearby
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Red-gartered Coot ? Fulica armillata
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus Seen nearby
Gray-hooded Parakeet Psilopsiagon aymara
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Green-backed Firecrown ? Sephanoides sephaniodes
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganura
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Scale-throated Earthcreeper ? Upucerthia dumetaria
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura fuliginiceps
Steinbach's Canastero Asthenes steinbachi Endemic
Crested Gallito ? Rhinocrypta lanceolata
White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Rufous-bellied Thrush ? Turdus rufiventris
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch Phrygilus alaudinus
Cinnamon Warbling-Finch Poospiza ornata Endemic
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Grassland Yellow-Finch ? Sicalis luteola
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

5. Puerto Madryn       8-10th May, 2005

   We visit this area at a bad time, with the penguin colonies already closed and little public transport available. The first afternoon I spent a few hours walking along the beach by the town. At low tide, areas of sea weed had been washed up with many wading birds among them. Mainly Two-banded Plover with a few Sanderling and 1 Magellanic Plover. A real surprise. Check the areas about a km south of the pier. A friend also saw one further south at Isla Escondida where he also saw Chubut Steamer-Duck. I did not visit this site due to difficulty of access.
The second day we went to Playa Union near Rawson. The weather was very windy and cold by the coast and we saw little. It can be reached from Puerto Madryn by taking a bus to Trelew (Mar y Valle bus company) and from there to Rawson and from there to the playa. All buses were very regular. From the river mouth we walked back to Rawson along the river and a fair number of birds including Chilean Flamingo, both species of swan, several duck species, Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrant and Scale-throated Earthcreeper. Flamingos and many duck and grebe species were also seen at the lake next to the Bus Terminal in Trelew.
Our last day was spent on the Valdes Peninsular. A bus leaves daily (except Mondays) at 9:30am and returns from Purto Pyramides at 6pm. It costs 10 pesos each way and entry for the peninsular (35 pesos) must be purchsed at the Tourist office in the terminal before buying the bus ticket. We got off at the interpretation centre and from there walked to Isla de los Pajaros 5km away. The weather was again cold and windy and we saw very little. Isla de los Pajaros is a site from the endemic Chubut Steamer-Duck but it is quite far from the coast with bad light and we couldn't see anything. It would even be difficult with a good telescope and good light. Only 1 pair nests there. After that we hitched to Puerto Pyramides where a few other birds were seen including a single Magellanic Penguin near the coast.
I saw 51 species including 4 lifers

Lesser Rhea Rhea pennata Near-threatened
Elegant Crested Tinamou Eudromia elegans
Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus Near-threatened
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
King Shag Phalacrocorax
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret ? Egretta thula
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Harris's Hawk ? Parabuteo unicinctus
Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo ventralis
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis Near-threatened
Sanderling Calidris alba
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis microptera
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola macloviana
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Yellow-winged Blackbird ? Agelaius thilius
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

6. Las Grutas, near San Antonio Oeste       12th May, 2005

   Las Grutas is easily accesible from San Antonia Oeste where there are several places to stay and eat. We stayed at the Hotel Iberia on Sarmiento (40 pesos for a double). Buses leave for Las Grutas from the Las Grutas bus terminal (as locally). It takes less than 30 minutes and costs 2 pesos. Get off the bus at the end of the promenade where the bus turns and goes back the other way. After here is a small dry canyon. Along there is good birding especially where a thin, black, leaky pipe crosses. Lesser Canastero was seen in this area. Walking further along the road towards el Salto, Golden-billed Saltator and Chalk-browed Mockingbird were seen in roadside scrub. A couple of km further along, the 3rd canyon along (almost wide enough to drive a car down) seemed to have good habitat and some interesting birds had been seen there before. All I saw of interest though was Patagonian Canastero.
I saw 32 species including 4 lifers

Snowy Egret ? Egretta thula
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo ventralis
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus
Burrowing Owl ? Athene cunicularia
Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Lesser Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca
Patagonian Canastero Asthenes patagonica Endemic
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides
Tufted Tit-Tyrant ? Anairetes parulus
Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis microptera
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola macloviana
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

7. Estancia Laguna del Monte, near San Antonio Oeste       13th May, 2005

   This is any excellent site and famous as being one of the easiest to see the endangered Yellow Cardinal. It is fairly easy to reach from San Antonio Oeste. Buses leave the Las Grutas terminal for Viedma at 7am and 7:30am. The road to to Viedma starts at a junction (El Cruce) 8km out of San Antonia. From here it is marked every kilometre, starting at 1139. Just after km 1101, there is a gate with a white tire next to it. A gravel road goes from there to Estancia Laguna del Monte. The gate was shut with a chain but I entered and asked permission to watch birds from an estancia worker. They will know you are there to see the cardenal and will point you the right way. You can walk North along the fence from the windmill. This meets up with a track and comes to a gate. After this there is good scrubby areas with many good birds including Yellow Cardinals, Brown and White-throated Cachalotes, Checkered Woodpecker and White Monjita.
I saw 24 species including 7 lifers

Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo ventralis
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Checkered Woodpecker Picoides mixtus
Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta
Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes
White-throated Cacholote Pseudoseisura gutturalis Endemic
White Monjita Xolmis irupero
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata Endangered
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata

8. La Viticola & Parque de Mayo, Bahia Blanca      14th May, 2005

   La Viticola is a site for the Vulnerable Pampas Meadowlark. It is easy to reach from Bahia Blanca, a large city with many places to stay. La Viticola is a small roadside stop with just a few buildings 25km North of Bahia Blanca on Route 33. It seems well known by taxi drivers and cost just 25 esos to reach. Buses to Torquist may also pass there. From the few buildings and radio mast, walk a little further a left turn onto a mud road is signed to Chicano. There is a gate but the farmers there didn't seem to mind me walking along there. Long-tailed Meadowlarks are very common. Check the flocks for birds with black rather than white underwings. They also have noticeably darker upperparts when seen perched. I saw just 2 in the hundreds of Long-tailed Meadowlarks. Great Pampa-Finch, Burrowing Owl and Green-barred Flicker were also seen here. Several common species were also seen in the Parque de Mayo around the lake and path by the river nearby including Green and Ringed Kingfishers.
I saw 29 species including 5 lifers

Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Pampas Meadowlark Sturnella defillippi Vulnerable
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

9. Necochea       15-16th May, 2005

   We mainly visited Necochea as Rockhopper Penguins have been seen at the beach at Costa Bonita 16km east of the city centre. Necochea is a large town with good access and many palces to stay. We stayed at a hotel on Avenida 62 called Hote Sanchoza??? (28 pesos for double). The nearby river had several interesting species along its banks, including White-necked Stilts and Bare-faced Ibis. From the river mouth to Costa Bonita are beaches with Snowy-crowned Terns and rocky coastline with many Olrog's Gulls and Snowy Sheathbills. There is a local bus from the centre to Playa Quequen but none to Costa Bonita in low season.
I saw 38 species including 4 lifers

White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Snowy Sheathbill Chionis alba
Olrog's Gull Larus atlanticus Breeding endemic Vulnerable
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Snowy-crowned Tern Sterna trudeaui
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

10. San Clemente & Campos del Tuyu Private Reserve       18-20th May, 2005

  
San Clemente is a small town about 5 hours south from Buenos Aires. There are several places to stay. We stayed at the Hotel Aquario 5 minutes along Avenida San Martin from the bus terminal. A double was 30 per night. The first day was spent birding Punta Rasa which is a wildlife reserve about 9km from San Clemente. From Plaza San Martin (a roundabout) take Calle 8, signed for Mundo Marino and Aguas Termales, a few kms along to another roundabout. Exits are signed to Puerto/Mundo Marino and Aguas Termales/Punta Rasa. The port is about 1km along this road. Next to the entrance for Mundo Marino you get a view over the river where Olrog's Gulls and other water birds can be easily seen depending on the tides. About 100m along the river, away from Mundo Marino are 2 or 3 containers on some private land. There are usually some men sitting about there. Ask permission to look for birds inside. Pass through the gap in the fence and over a bridge to a small island where Bay-capped Wren-Spinetail can be found in long grass.
Back at the roundabout, take the exit towards Aguas Termales/Punta Rasa and after a km or so, there is a right turn into the reserve heading for Punta Rasa 5km away. A short way along thios road, there is a trail leading off to the right ending in a lake which can be quite good for birds. Birding is good all the way to the point. At the beach at the end, go left and follow it round. This stretch is very good for gulls, terns and waders. Eventually you will reach a river mouth on the opposite side of which there were 1000s of Black Skimmers as well as Hudsonian Godwits, Coscoroba Swans, Chilean Flamingos and various waders.
We spent our second day in the Campos del Tuyu Private Reserve which is a little harder to access. First of all get permission to access the reserve by calling a guy called Mario Beade in nearby General Lavalle on 491033. We took a taxi to the gate which is 12km from San Clemente. Take the road out of town to Ruta 11 4km away then take the highway about 8km along to a gate on the right side of the road. There is a sign but it is not obvious. It is just passed Km 299 and after the bridge over a large river. From the gate it is a further 9km to the oark entrance although birding the grasslands can be productive. Patches of trees have Red-crested Cardinal, Masked Gnatcatcher and White-tipped Plant-cutter while the best bird in the reserve is the Black-and-white Monjita. I saw 95 species including 23 lifers

Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Southern Screamer Chauna torquata
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
White-tailed Hawk Buteo albicaudatus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Red-fronted Coot ? Fulica rufifrons
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Sanderling Calidris alba
White-rumped Sandpiper ? Calidris fuscicollis
Snowy Sheathbill Chionis alba
Olrog's Gull Larus atlanticus Breeding endemic Vulnerable
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
Royal Tern Sterna maxima
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Snowy-crowned Tern Sterna trudeaui
Black Tern ? Chlidonias niger
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Straight-billed Reedhaunter ? Limnornis rectirostris Near-threatened
Bay-capped Wren-Spinetail Spartonoica maluroides Near-threatened
Sulphur-bearded Spinetail Cranioleuca sulphurifera
Hudson's Canastero ? Asthenes hudsoni
Freckle-breasted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticollis
Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi
White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra
Black-and-white Monjita Heteroxolmis dominicana Vulnerable
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Yellow-browed Tyrant Satrapa icterophrys
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Long-tailed Reed-Finch Donacospiza albifrons
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch Poospiza nigrorufa
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Unicolored Blackbird ? Agelaius cyanopus
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

11. Costanera Sur & Rivera Norte Reserves, Buenos Aires       22nd(CS)-23rd (RN) May & 22-23rd July (CS), 2005

   These 2 reserves are found within Buenos Aires. The first in walking distance of the city centre and the 2nd reached by taking public transport. There are 2 entrances to Costanera Sur. For the northern entrance, cross the water at the Hilton Hotel and turn left at the concrete wall. Along here on the other side of the wall is is a moat and some long grass which had Plumbeus Rail and Wren-like Rushbird. Go a couple of hundred metres along here to reach the entrance. There was a lot of waterfowl on the lakes including Black-headed Duck. On a tree-lined path parrallel with the moat had Black-headed Parakeet.
To get to Rivera Norte, take a train to Mitre from Retiro station (70c). From here cross the road and take the Tren de la Costa (2 pesos) starting at Avenida Maipu and get off at Barrancas Station. From here, cross over the tracks, turn left and follow the road parrallel with the tracks for a couple of blocks and turn right onto Almofuerte. Turn left at the end and the entrance to the reserve is on the right. It is a small reserve with only 1 trail which you go to the end and come back. There were some good boggy areas that had Grey-necked Wood-Rail and Rufous-sided Crake and a small lake with Silver Teal. I saw 79 species including lifers

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Silver Teal Anas versicolor
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca
Black-headed Duck Heteronetta atricapilla
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Rufous-sided Crake Laterallus melanophaius
Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Red-fronted Coot Fulica rufifrons
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Nanday Parakeet Nandayus nenday
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
White-throated Hummingbird Leucochloris albicollis
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Sooty-fronted Spinetail Synallaxis frontalis
Freckle-breasted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticollis
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Introduced species
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Long-tailed Reed-Finch Donacospiza albifrons
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch Poospiza nigrorufa
Black-capped Warbling-Finch h Poospiza melanoleuca
Double-collared Seedeater ? Sporophila caerulescens
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata
Yellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

12. Otamendi Nature Reserve, Otamendi       June, 2005

   Otamendi is easily reached by public transport from Buenos Aires. Take a train towards Juarez and change lines and get off at Otamendi station. Cross the tracks and follow a gravel road along towards a river about 5km away. This road has ditches and some reeds next to it and had Curve-billed Reedhaunter, Wren-like Rushbird, Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant and Scarlet-headed Blackbird just in the first few hundred metres on the left. Further along were some trees on the right next to some water that had Diademed Tanager and Red-rumped Warbling-Finch. Back at the station head the other way and through a passage over a mall hill and a few hundred metres further along to the entrance to the national park. In the park there were 2 trails with a few interesting birds including Stripe-crowned Spinetail, Masked Gnatcatcher and Hepatic Tanager and there was a look out over a lake far away with Black-necked Swans. People have been mugged near the station and caution should be taken not to show any overt signs of wealth.
I saw 39 species including 4 lifers

Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Cinereous Harrier ? Circus cinereus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Curve-billed Reedhaunter Limnornis curvirostris
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Freckle-breasted Thornbird h Phacellodomus striaticollis
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
Sooty Tyrannulet Serpophaga nigricans
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Diademed Tanager Stephanophorus diadematus
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch Poospiza nigrorufa
Red-rumped Warbling-Finch Poospiza lateralis
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens
Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica

13. Puerto Boca, near Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios       5-6th June, 2005

   Gualeguaychu is a large town about 3 hours north of Buenos Aires. There are many places to stay and eat. We stayed at Hotel Brutti on Bolivar for 35 pesos for a double including breakfast. Puerto Boca is the name of a place for fishing and camping on the way to Nandubaysal (about 15km). Cross the bridge over the Rio Gualeguaychu. The road passes the park where we saw 2 species of woodcreeper. After 1km there are some reedbeds by the side of the road with Chestnut-capped and Yellow-winged Blackbirds. After 2km you will come to the small town of Pueblo Belgrano. Here the road curves round to the left but turn right going straight on. You will pass lots of bungalows on the left and further on on the right is a meadow with cows that had about 200 Pampas Meadowlarks. The road curves right and left a few times and crosses a river where Green and Amazon Kingfishers were seen. After that on the right were flooded fields with many birds, including Maguari Stork, Rosy-billed Pochard and Large-billed Tern.
12km after the bridge a large sign indicates Puerto Boca down a track to the right. The entrance was blocked by barbed-wire but it was easy to walk around the edge. From here was excellent birding with Ringed Teal, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Limpkin and Scarlet-headed Blakbird but I didn't see my target species, the Saffron-cowled Blackbird. 1km before the turning was another to the right just after which a Red-winged Tinamou was flushed. After the Puerto Boca turning the paved road finishes and a mud road bears left towards Nandubaysal 3km away. Just after the turning on the right a Rufous-thighed Hawk was seen.
I saw 108 species including 11 lifers

Red-winged Tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens
Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Southern Screamer Chauna torquata
Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophrys
Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Silver Teal Anas versicolor
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni
Rufous-thighed Hawk Accipiter erythronemius
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Giant Wood-Rail Aramides ypecaha
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Red-fronted Coot Fulica rufifrons
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
White Woodpecker Melanerpes candidus
Checkered Woodpecker Picoides mixtus
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Tufted Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura platensis
Wren-like Rushbird h Phleocryptes melanops
Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophila
Sooty-fronted Spinetail Synallaxis frontalis
Pale-breasted Spinetail ? Synallaxis albescens
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Freckle-breasted Thornbird h Phacellodomus striaticollis
Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes
Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper Drymornis bridgesii
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus
White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis
Black-crowned Monjita Xolmis coronata Breeding endemic
White Monjita Xolmis irupero
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Yellow-browed Tyrant Satrapa icterophrys
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Long-tailed Reed-Finch Donacospiza albifrons
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch Poospiza nigrorufa
Black-capped Warbling-Finch Poospiza melanoleuca
Blue-black Grassquit ? Volatinia jacarina
Rusty-collared Seedeater Sporophila collaris
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata
Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Grayish Saltator ? Saltator coerulescens
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius
Chestnut-capped Blackbird Agelaius ruficapillus
Pampas Meadowlark Sturnella defillippi Vulnerable
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius
Screaming Cowbird Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens
Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

14. Aurora del Palmar Reserve, Entre Rios       8th June, 2005

   This reserve is near the El Palmar National Park and both are between the towns of Colon and Concordia. Either of these towns can be used as a base to visit these parks and are both about 50km away which takes just over an hour on a bus. The buses are fewer from Colon so we chose to stay in Concordia from where we took the 8am bus. It is possible to actually stay at Aurora del Palmar Reserve in renovated train carraiges. Apart from Greater Rheas which are easy to see, birding was not so good although the palm forests were interesting and there were man mammal tracks.
I saw 31 species including 2 lifers

Greater Rhea Rhea americana Near-threatened
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Great Egret Ardea alba
Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango Seen nearby
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
White Woodpecker ? Melanerpes candidus
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis

15. Ibera Nature Reserve, Corrientes       10-12th June, 2005

   We used Carlos Pelegrini as a base to bird this site. This small town is reached by a daily bus leaving from Mercedes at midday and has a range of accomodation from luxurious to dirt cheap (10 pesos per person) where we stayed (Los Amigos). The town is accross a bridge from the Interpretive centre from where a couple of trails start: Sendero de los Monos (for Howler Monkeys) and Sendero del Cerrito which is better from birds. White-barred Piculet, Greenish-winged Saltator, Ultramarine Grosbeak and Golden-winged Cacique were seen here along with many others. Another good spot were the reedbeds and long grass by the lake. These can be seen by the lake edge on either side of the bridge although the Carlos Pelegrini side was better. Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Yellow-chinned Spintail and White-headed Marsh-Tyrant were seen here. about 6km back towards Mercedes from the Interprtive Centre was an area of long grass where a single female Strange-tailed Tyrant was seen. Heading towards Mercedes, look for a white gate on the right with a sign saying 'Corral Eulogico' and the bird was seen about 200m further along on the left. Trying to get a closer look I also flushed an Ashy-throated Crake. In long grass closer to the centre I saw Lesser Grass-Finch and Chotoy Spintail. On the bus ride between Mercedes, a very large raptor was sat in a tree which could have been Crowned Eagle. Ibera was also good for several mammal species. Capybara, Marsh and Grey Brocket Deer were all seen near the centre
I saw 112 species including 18 lifers

Greater Rhea Rhea americana Near-threatened
Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Rufescent Tiger-Heron ? Tigrisoma lineatum
Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari
Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus
White-faced Ibis ? Plegadis chihi
Southern Screamer Chauna torquata
Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis
Silver Teal Anas versicolor
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Crowned Eagle ?? Harpyhaliaetus coronatus Vulnerable A large raptor seen from the bus from Mercedes, possibly this species
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Rufous-sided Crake h Laterallus melanophaius
Giant Wood-Rail Aramides ypecaha
Ash-throated Crake ? Porzana albicollis
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
Rufous Nightjar ? Caprimulgus rufus
Gilded Sapphire ? Hylocharis chrysura
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus
White Woodpecker Melanerpes candidus
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Bar-winged Cinclodes ? Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophila
Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomea
Greater Thornbird Phacellodomus ruber
Freckle-breasted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticollis
Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
White Monjita Xolmis irupero
White-winged Black-Tyrant ? Knipolegus aterrimus
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
White-headed Marsh-Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala
Strange-tailed Tyrant Alectrurus risora Vulnerable
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa
Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
White-rimmed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus
Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala
Long-tailed Reed-Finch Donacospiza albifrons
Black-capped Warbling-Finch Poospiza melanoleuca
Rusty-collared Seedeater Sporophila collaris
Double-collared Seedeater ? Sporophila caerulescens
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Lesser Grass-Finch Emberizoides ypiranganus
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata
Yellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata
Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
Green-winged Saltator Saltator similis
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Thick-billed Saltator ? Saltator maxillosus
Ultramarine Grosbeak Cyanocompsa brissonii
Unicolored Blackbird Agelaius cyanopus
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius
Screaming Cowbird ? Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Golden-winged Cacique Cacicus chrysopterus
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius
Yellow-rumped Marshbird Pseudoleistes guirahuro
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens
Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica

16. Iguazu National Park, Missiones       14-17th June, 2005

   This was an amazing birding site with a large number of species not seen elsewhere in Argentina. I used Puerto Iguazu as a base and there are a large number of places to stay. We stayed at the Iguazu Falls Hostel 1 block from the bus terminal. The park is reached by taking on of the half hourly buses, the first leaving at 7:40. I spent 4 days birding the area including 2 days along the Macuco Trail. This is a 3km trail (1 way) which starts from the Estacion Central and goes to the a (relatively) small waterfall. Interesting species seen along this trail are too numerous to mention but 2 target species seen were Blackish-blue Seedeater in an area of bamboo towards the end of the trail and Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher in a mixed canopy flock towards the beginning. Other areas good for birds were the Upper and lower circuits where good view can also be seen of the falls. The upper circuit had Black-throated Piping-Guans perched in a tree right above the crowds of tourists. The lower circuit had 2 species of toucan and 1 aracari all easily seen after rain.
I saw 132 species including 68 lifers

Tataupa Tinamou h Crypturellus tataupa
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Gray-headed Kite ? Leptodon cayanensis
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Bat Falcon ? Falco rufigularis
Rusty-margined Guan Penelope superciliaris
Black-fronted Piping-Guan Pipile jacutinga Vulnerable
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail Aramides saracura
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Picazuro Pigeon ? Patagioenas picazuro
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Gray-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla
White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus
Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius
White-winged Parakeet Brotogeris versicolurus
Scaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
Pavonine Cuckoo h Dromococcyx pavoninus
Great Dusky Swift ? Cypseloides senex
Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome
Planalto Hermit Phaethornis pretrei
Black Jacobin Florisuga fuscus Rare/Accidental
Plovercrest ? Stephanoxis lalandi A small female hummingbird with post ocular spot seen on the Macuco Trail
Violet-capped Woodnymph Thalurania glaucopis
Gilded Sapphire Hylocharis chrysura
White-throated Hummingbird Leucochloris albicollis
Versicolored Emerald Agyrtria versicolor
Blue-tufted Starthroat Heliomaster furcifer
Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
Surucua Trogon Trogon surrucura
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Rusty-breasted Nunlet Nonnula rubecula
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis
Red-breasted Toucan Ramphastos dicolorus
Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco
Ochre-collared Piculet Picumnus temminckii
White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Blond-crested Woodpecker Celeus flavescens
Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus
Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner Philydor lichtensteini
Black-capped Foliage-gleaner Philydor atricapillus
White-eyed Foliage-gleaner Automolus leucophthalmus
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
White-throated Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes albicollis
Great Rufous Woodcreeper ? Xiphocolaptes major
Lesser Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus fuscus
Giant Antshrike h Batara cinerea
Tufted Antshrike h Mackenziaena severa
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
Rufous-winged Antwren h Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
White-shouldered Fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera
Short-tailed Antthrush h Chamaeza campanisona
Rufous Gnateater Conopophaga lineata
Red-ruffed Fruitcrow Pyroderus scutatus
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus
Blue Manakin Chiroxiphia caudata
Band-tailed Manakin Pipra fasciicauda
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Eared Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis auricularis
Southern Antpipit Corythopis delalandi
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Sirystes Sirystes sibilator
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Boat-billed Flycatcher h Megarynchus pitangua
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Three-striped Flycatcher ? Conopias trivirgata
Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer
Black-collared Swallow Atticora melanoleuca
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
White-necked Thrush ? Turdus albicollis
Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher Polioptila lactea Near-threatened
Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
Rufous-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus poicilotis
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
Neotropical River Warbler Basileuterus rivularis
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Chestnut-vented Conebill Conirostrum speciosum
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana
Chestnut-headed Tanager ? Pyrrhocoma ruficeps
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Ruby-crowned Tanager Tachyphonus coronatus
Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager Habia rubica
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota
Purple-throated Euphonia h Euphonia chlorotica
Violaceous Euphonia Euphonia violacea
Chestnut-bellied Euphonia Euphonia pectoralis
Blue-naped Chlorophonia h? Chlorophonia cyanea
Green-headed Tanager Tangara seledon
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Double-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens
Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis
Blackish-blue Seedeater Amaurospiza moesta Near-threatened
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Yellow-billed Cardinal ? Paroaria capitata
Saffron-billed Sparrow Arremon flavirostris
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis
Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous
Chopi Blackbird Gnorimopsar chopi
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

17. Araucaria Provincial Park, San Pedro, Missiones       19th June, 2005

   This is a great little park with some excellent species, easily seen. San Pedro is reached by bus from Iguazu or Posadas although as it is far from the main highway, the number of services are few. It can also be reached by taking a bus from either of the previous towns to El Dorado and by more regular buses from there. There is a cheap and nasty hotel (American Hotel) just 2 blocks up the hill from the terminal. The reserve is reached walking the other way along the main street and turning right onto Calle #####. The small entrance to the reserve is at the end of this road. At the end of the path is the warden's house where you should register. There is only 1 trail which is about 1km long leading right from the house and I saw Azure Jay along here. It is also possible to explore some other roads by heading straight on from the warden's house and up a small hill. Turn right onto the dirt road and then first left. This trail has many Araucaria trees and is where I saw Vinaceous Parrot and Araucaria Tit-Spinetail.
I saw 40 species including 8 lifers

Tataupa Tinamou Crypturellus tataupa
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Maroon-bellied Parakeet Pyrrhura frontalis
Pileated Parrot Pionopsitta pileata
Vinaceous Parrot Amazona vinacea Endangered
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome
White-eared Puffbird Nystalus chacuru
White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Araucaria Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura setaria Near-threatened
Rufous-capped Spinetail Synallaxis ruficapilla
Gray-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis cinerascens
Tufted Antshrike Mackenziaena severa
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
Blue Manakin Chiroxiphia caudata
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis
Eared Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis auricularis
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus
Sirystes Sirystes sibilator
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Azure Jay Cyanocorax caeruleus Near-threatened
Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
White-rimmed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus
White-lined Tanager ? Tachyphonus rufus A black tanager with white wing flashes, probably this species
Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Blackish-blue Seedeater Amaurospiza moesta Near-threatened
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Green-winged Saltator Saltator similis
Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

18. San Martin Area, Missiones       21st June, 2005

   We visited this area to find the Yellow-browed Woodpecker which we did. The site mentioned in the Wheatly guide was easily reached. We used the large town of Obera as a base where there were many places to stay and eat and regular buses toward Posadas which can drop you off at the site. From Obera it was only about 15 minutes in the bus where you ask to get off at ****. Fron the bridge bird both sides of the river along the main track perpendicular from the road and small tracks leading off from it. I saw the woodpecker in a mixed flock just a few hundred metres along.
I saw species 43 including 5 lifers

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail Aramides saracura
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Scaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Surucua Trogon Trogon surrucura
Ochre-collared Piculet Picumnus temminckii
White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster
Yellow-browed Woodpecker Piculus aurulentus Near-threatened
Chicli Spinetail Synallaxis spixi
Rufous-capped Spinetail Synallaxis ruficapilla
Sharp-billed Treehunter ? Heliobletus contaminatus
Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner ? Philydor rufus
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Planalto Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes platyrostris
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas
Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
White-rimmed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus
Chestnut-vented Conebill Conirostrum speciosum
Chestnut-headed Tanager Pyrrhocoma ruficeps
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Ruby-crowned Tanager ? Tachyphonus coronatus
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Red-rumped Warbling-Finch Poospiza lateralis
Blackish-blue Seedeater ? Amaurospiza moesta Near-threatened
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Green-winged Saltator Saltator similis
Glaucous-blue Grosbeak Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea
Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous
Golden-winged Cacique Cacicus chrysopterus

19. Urugua-i Provicial Park, Missiones       23rd-24th June, 2005

   This is an excellent park reached from the town of Wanda, about 40 minutes south of Puerto Iguazu. A bus going along Route 14 leaves the terminal at about 7am for the town of Andresito and can drop you at the entrance. Near the terminal there is only 1 place to stay and it is called 'El Solar' hospedaje but is not well-known. Facing the terminal, take the road to the left and go about 3 blocks along to the end of the road where the hospedaje is facing you. It is 10 pesos per person. It may also be possible to stay at the park which would of course be better. Check in with the guards when you arrive andd they will direct you to the 2 trails which are both excellent.
I saw 74 species including 12 lifers

Brown Tinamou Crypturellus obsoletus
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Spot-winged Wood-Quail Odontophorus capueira
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Gray-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla
Maroon-bellied Parakeet Pyrrhura frontalis
Scaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus possibly seen in Wanda
Gray-rumped Swift ? Chaetura cinereiventris
Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome
Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
Surucua Trogon Trogon surrucura
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Red-breasted Toucan Ramphastos dicolorus
Ochre-collared Piculet Picumnus temminckii
White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster
Blond-crested Woodpecker Celeus flavescens
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus
Rufous-capped Spinetail Synallaxis ruficapilla
White-browed Foliage-gleaner ? Anabacerthia amaurotis Near-threatened
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner ? Philydor rufus
Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner Philydor lichtensteini
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Scaled Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes squamatus
Spot-backed Antshrike Hypoedaleus guttatus
Tufted Antshrike h Mackenziaena severa
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
Bertoni's Antbird Drymophila rubricollis
Rufous Gnateater Conopophaga lineata
Green Manakin Chloropipo holochlora
Blue Manakin Chiroxiphia caudata
Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Southern Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes eximius Near-threatened
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet ? Phylloscartes ventralis
Bay-ringed Tyrannulet Phylloscartes sylviolus Near-threatened
Eared Pygmy-Tyrant ? Myiornis auricularis
Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant Hemitriccus diops
Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher ? Todirostrum plumbeiceps
Yellow-olive Flycatcher ? Tolmomyias sulphurescens
White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Sirystes Sirystes sibilator
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas
Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher Polioptila lactea Near-threatened
Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
Rufous-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus poicilotis
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
White-rimmed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus
Chestnut-headed Tanager Pyrrhocoma ruficeps
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Ruby-crowned Tanager ? Tachyphonus coronatus
Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager Habia rubica
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota
Chestnut-bellied Euphonia Euphonia pectoralis
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Blackish-blue Seedeater Amaurospiza moesta Near-threatened
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Green-winged Saltator ? Saltator similis

20. Miramar, Cordoba       27th-28th July, 2005

   Miramar is a small town on the banks of the huge Laguna Mar Chiquita. The town is reached by regular buses from Cordoba in 3 hours. There are several hotels and restaurants in town and an interpretive centre for the area which is a provincial nature reserve. Some waterbirds can be seen by the lakeside in town and good birding areas are 5-6km from town. Follow the signs from the centre to the Observatorio de Aves. This is a tower over-looking the lake. A better place though is about a further 2 km from here. By the large observatorio sign, follow the road to the left instead of straight on. after a km or 2 there is a building on the left (the new school) and after an abandoned building on the right with a football pitch next to it. Turn right here and down a track (you may have to open a cattle fence). This track runs parrallel with the lake and there were hundreds of flamingos including at least 50 Puna Flamingos. The track ends at a river mouth. Along the river and on the lakeside near here are some patches of reeds and bushes where I search for Dinelli's Doradito but did not find.
I saw 91 species including 1 lifer

Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Puna Flamingo Phoenicopterus jamesi Near-threatened
Southern Screamer Chauna torquata
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
Silver Teal Anas versicolor
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
Great Black-Hawk ? Buteogallus urubitinga
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Scissor-tailed Nightjar ? Hydropsalis torquata
White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus
White-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes cactorum
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros
Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophila
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Lesser Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca
Short-billed Canastero Asthenes baeri
Freckle-breasted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticollis
Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi
Lark-like Brushrunner Coryphistera alaudina
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes
Great Antshrike Taraba major
White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata
White-bellied Tyrannulet Serpophaga munda
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides
Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
Black-crowned Monjita Xolmis coronata Breeding endemic
White Monjita Xolmis irupero
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
White-rumped Swallow ? Tachycineta leucorrhoa
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Many-colored Chaco-Finch Saltatricula multicolor
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Black-capped Warbling-Finch Poospiza melanoleuca
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata
Yellow-billed Cardinal ? Paroaria capitata
Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius
Chestnut-capped Blackbird Agelaius ruficapillus
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius
Screaming Cowbird Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

21. San Jose de las Salinas, Cordoba       30th July, 2005

   This small town is nearby Salinas Grande, a huge salt lake. The habitat surrounding it holds the endemic Salinas Monjita which we failed to see but which, with luck can be found here. There is no accomodation in San Jose and the nearest in possibly in Quilino 27km away or about 51km away in Dean Funes, a fair-sized town. The only bus to San Jose pases both leaving Dean Funes at 10:25 and returning at 6pm from San Jose. From San Jose, there is a road which passes passes near the road (ask locally for the start of the road). Along this road I saw Ringed Warbling-Finch, Black-crested Finch and Cordilleran Canastero. After about 5km along this road, there is a clear fork off to the right and about 1.5km along here you reach the edge of the salinas. This last track has good steppe vegetation where I saw Crested Gallito. The stunted vegetation around the salinas had Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant.
I saw 35 species including 4 lifer

Brushland Tinamou Nothoprocta cinerascens
Spotted Nothura ? Nothura maculosa
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
White-fronted Woodpecker ? Melanerpes cactorum
Chaco Earthcreeper Ochetorhynchus certhioides
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta
Lark-like Brushrunner Coryphistera alaudina
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes
Crested Gallito Rhinocrypta lanceolata
Chaco Suiriri Suiriri suiriri
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris
Black-crowned Monjita Xolmis coronata Breeding endemic
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant ? Agriornis montana
Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis microptera
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Patagonian Mockingbird ? Mimus patagonicus
Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola
Many-colored Chaco-Finch Saltatricula multicolor
Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus
Black-crested Finch Lophospingus pusillus
Ringed Warbling-Finch Poospiza torquata
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Great Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis
Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

22. Taffi del Valle, Tucuman       1st-2nd August, 2005

   I visited 2 sites near Taffi. Both along Route 309. The first was near a place called Infernillo about 20km North of Taffi. A bus leaves Taffi at 8:30 for Cafayate. Ask to be dropped off at km 80. The highest point of the road is called El Infernillo at km 87. Here there is a small shrubby gulley where I saw Bare-faced Ground-Dove and Andean Tinamou. Tucuman Mountain-Finch can be found here although we only found it 2km further down the road in another bigger bushy gully set back from the road reached by a gravel track. This forks off to the left (heading North) after a small bridge and before a small rocky hill.
I saw 30 species including lifers

Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Speckled Teal ? Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
White-tailed Hawk ? Buteo albicaudatus
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Seen from bus to Cafayate
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Bare-faced Ground-Dove Metriopelia ceciliae
Bare-eyed Ground-Dove Metriopelia morenoi Endemic
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus Seen from bus to Cafayate
Gray-hooded Parakeet ? Psilopsiagon aymara
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus Seen in Cafayate
White Woodpecker ? Melanerpes candidus
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola
Gray-flanked Cinclodes Cinclodes oustaleti
Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura fuliginiceps
Scribble-tailed Canastero ? Asthenes maculicauda
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Seen in Cafayate
Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis microptera
Lesser Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis murina Breeding endemic
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzi Vulnerable
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Brown-capped Redstart Myioborus brunniceps
Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch Phrygilus alaudinus
Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch Poospiza erythrophrys
Tucuman Mountain-Finch Poospiza baeri Endemic Vulnerable
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Yellow-striped Brush-Finch Atlapetes citrinellus Endemic
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Hooded Siskin ? Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

23. Yala National Park, Jujuy      4th August, 2005

   This area is just 13km North of Jujuy and easily reached from by public bus. Take the 11A Rio Branco bus which goes almost all the way to the park boundary. It leaves every hour just 1 block from the bus terminal in Jujuy. The 11D Rio Branco bus goes past the junction just before the bridge over the Rio Yala. From here it is about 3km to a bridge iver the river and a further 2km to the park boundary. The birding is OK on the way with gardens of big houses for most of the way. I saw Tucuman Parrots in trees high up the bank before the bridge. Just before the park boundary is a steep bank down to the fast-flowing river where I saw Torrent Duck and Rufous-throated Dipper. Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet was seen in trees by the road before this and Sooty Tyrannulet at the river near the main road.
I saw 37 species including lifer

Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Roadside Hawk ? Buteo magnirostris
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
White-faced Dove ? Leptotila megalura
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus
Tucuman Parrot Amazona tucumana
White-bellied Hummingbird Leucippus chionogaster
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganura
Gray-flanked Cinclodes Cinclodes oustaleti
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina
Sooty Tyrannulet Serpophaga nigricans
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzi Vulnerable
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Brown-capped Redstart Myioborus brunniceps
Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca
Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch Poospiza erythrophrys
Ringed Warbling-Finch Poospiza torquata
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Saffron-billed Sparrow Arremon flavirostris
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species

24. Calilegua National Park, Jujuy       5th August, 2005

   The Calilegua National Park can be reached fairly easy from Jujuy or Salta. There is only 1 local bus a day leaving Libertador San Martin for Valle Grande passing the park entrance. This leaves at 8am so I had to leave Jujuy at 5:30am. Buses from Jujuy to Libertador are very frequent. The park is 10km along a gravel road from the main road near Libertador. It would also be possible to hitch or get a taxi. There are several trails within the park of various distances and difficulties. I saw Red-faced Guans on the very short trail number 2, White-throated Antpitta on number 3 and Short-tailed Hawk along 4 which is the longest and follows a rocky river bed along. Great Rufous Woodcreeper was seen just across from the Guardaparque.
I saw 43 species including lifer

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Buff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Red-faced Guan Penelope dabbenei
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Planalto Hermit Phaethornis pretrei
White-chinned Sapphire ? Hylocharis cyanus
White-bellied Hummingbird Leucippus chionogaster
Speckled Hummingbird ? Adelomyia melanogenys
Blue-capped Puffleg Eriocnemis glaucopoides
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganura
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
Toco Toucan h Ramphastos toco
White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus
Bar-winged Cinclodes ? Cinclodes fuscus
Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Great Rufous Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes major
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
White-throated Antpitta Grallaria albigula
Highland Elaenia ? Elaenia obscura
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis
Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum plumbeiceps
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Andean Tyrant ? Knipolegus signatus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris
Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Brown-capped Redstart Myioborus brunniceps
Two-banded Warbler Basileuterus bivittatus
Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch Poospiza erythrophrys
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Saffron-billed Sparrow Arremon flavirostris
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis

25. Abra Pampa & Laguna de los Pozuelos       7-8th August, 2005

   Laguna de los Pozuelos is a high altitude lake (over 3600m) which excellent for puna and high andean species. It can be reached by public transport from Abra Pampa where there is basic accomodation and restaurants. The bus leaves for Rinconada about 11am (except Sundays) and passes the Guardaparque. From here it is about 5km to the edge of the lake. The house is next to a small river which can be followed all the way along and has excellent birding. This takes longer and the more direct track is on the far side of the river. Thousands of flamingos are present on the lake although they are far and difficult to see well. A few individuals come up the river. The bus arrives after midday and returns about 3:30 in the afternoon which doesn't give enough time to walk to the lake and back. There is also another one at 6pm although it didn't pass until about 7:30pm and left me worrying about freezing to death. A few birds can be seen near the town of Abra Pampa towards a place called Huancar, 3km back along the highway towards Jujuy.
I saw 30 species including 13 lifers

Lesser Rhea Rhea pennata Near-threatened
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Puna Flamingo Phoenicopterus jamesi Near-threatened
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Puna Teal Anas puna
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea
Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina
Puna Plover Charadrius alticola
Andean Gull Larus serranus
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Golden-spotted Ground-Dove Metriopelia aymara
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana
Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Seen near Abra Pampa
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus
Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch Sicalis uropygialis Seen near Abra Pampa
Citron-headed Yellow-Finch ? Sicalis luteocephala Seen near Abra Pampa
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Seen near Abra Pampa
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species Seen near Abra Pampa
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