Sites visited


1. La Campana National Park, Granizo Entrance        3rd-5th April, 2005
2. Valparaiso & Viņa del Mar       4th April
3. Laguna de Peņuelos, near Valparaiso       6th April
4. Con Con & Quintero, near Valparaiso        8th April
5. Puerto Montt to Castro (including Pagua-Chucao ferry), Chiloe        10th & 13th April
6. Lago Huillinco, Chiloe       11th April
7. Punihuil, Chiloe       12th April
8. Punta Arenas & bus ride from border        14-17th April
9. Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego        17-19th April
10. Embalse El Yeso road, San Gabriel, near Santiago        3rd May
11. Santiago        3rd May
12. Lauca National Park, Region I        2nd-5th February, 2006
13. Putre, Region I        5th-6th February
14. Alacran Peninsular, Arica, Region I        7th February
15. San Miguel de Azapa, near Arica, Zone I        7th-10th February
16. Chaca Valley, near Caleta Vitor, Zone I        11th February

1. La Campana National Park, Granizo Entrance      3rd-5th April, 2005

   This site can be reached in a day-trip from either Santiago or Valparaiso/Viņa del Mar. From Santiago, take a bus to Olmue from the Alameda Terminal. These leave every 2 hours, take 2 hours and cost 4200 pesos round trip. The first leaves at 8am and so you don't get to the park until about 11am. On arrival in Olmue it is best to reserve one's seats for the return journey. From Olmue, take a bus with Granizo 45 (250 pesos). 45 refers to the number of the stop. This is the end of the road and the closest one can get to the park. From here it is a 15 minute walk up the hill to the park entrance where a 1500 peso entry fee is payable (bring change). The park can be reached much earlier from Valparaiso. Take a local bus to Limache (750 pesos) from near the market. From here, change to an Olmue bus (300 pesos) or even better one to Granizo and follow the previous instructions. Buses leave Valparaiso from about 5am. We left at 6 and got up to the park just after 8am. It opens officially at 9am but we were allowed in at 8am. I saw 27 species

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Seen near to Olmue
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Chilean Hawk ? Accipiter chilensis
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango Seen near to Olmue
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Chilean Pigeon Patagioenas araucana
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Striped Woodpecker Picoides lignarius
Chilean Flicker Colaptes pitius
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
White-throated Treerunner Pygarrhichas albogularis
Moustached Turca Pteroptochos megapodius Endemic
White-throated Tapaculo h Scelorchilus albicollis Endemic
White-crested Elaenia ? Elaenia albiceps
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Great Shrike-Tyrant ? Agriornis livida
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chilean Mockingbird Mimus thenca Endemic
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus


2. Valparaiso & Viņa del Mar      4th April, 2005

   Valparaiso is 2 hours from Santiago by regular bus. There are many places to stay in Valparaiso and Viņa del Mar. Many common seabird species can be seen along the coast at both cities. The river in Viņa also had some good water birds. Local buses connect Valparaiso with Viņa del Mar. I saw 26 species

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Spot-flanked Gallinule Gallinula melanops
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Franklin's Gull ? Larus pipixcan
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Chilean Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes nigrofumosus Endemic
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


3. Laguna de Peņuelos, near Valparaiso       6th April, 2005

   This large lake is easily reached from Paraiso by public bus. We took a Mirasol bus from the main terminal at 8:30am which took less than half an hour and cost P500. Get off before the turn to Quitay, walk under the bridge and through a gap in the fence. The lake had many Neotropical Cormorants and Great Grebes but few ducks and other waterfowl. The lake is surrounded by areas with non-native Monterrey Pine and Eucalyptus. There are also some scrubby areas with a few common birds. Many buses pass by the lake but only a few stop by the Quintay turnoff on the way back. I saw 28 species

White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Striped Woodpecker Picoides lignarius
Thorn-tailed Rayadito h Aphrastura spinicauda
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Correndera Pipit ? Anthus correndera
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata


4. Con Con & Quintero, near Valparaiso       8th April, 2005

   Con Con was an excellent birding area within easy reach of Valparaiso. A direct buses drops you at the bridge. The river mouth and estuary had a number of wading species aswell as large flock of Black Skimmers. From the bridge walk north along the road until a train track crosse the road. Turn left onto this track and follow it along for several kms. It passes 2 small lakes on the right with a few ducks and wader. Further on it passes through heathland where Austral Negrito was seen. Eventually you cross a bridge over a river with excellent birding. Left to the river mouth were fair numbers of waders and right were reed beds with large numbers of ducks. Quintero was reached from Con Con by taking another bus north. From the bus terminal, walk out to Punta Liles which is supposedly good for sea-watching. We saw few birds and also failed to see Humbolts Penguin which has been seen in the bay. I saw 56 species

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Plumbeous Rail h Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Spot-flanked Gallinule Gallinula melanops
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Red-fronted Coot Fulica rufifrons
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Collared Plover ? Charadrius collaris
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Surfbird Aphriza virgata
Gray Gull Larus modestus
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Rufous-tailed Plantcutter Phytotoma rara
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chilean Mockingbird Mimus thenca Endemic
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


5. Puerto Montt to Castro (including Pagua-Chucao ferry), Chiloe       10th & 13th April, 2005

   We saw a few birds in Puerta Montt whilst waiting for a bus. The bus ride to Castro took about 4 hours and produced a few species. The 30 minute ferry ride from Pagua-Chucao was good for sea birds especially on the way back in the early morning. A few birds were seen around Castro. I saw 38 species

Great Grebe Podiceps major
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Vulnerable
Pink-footed Shearwater ? Puffinus creatopus Vulnerable
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag ? Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Imperial Shag Phalacrocorax atriceps
Red-legged Cormorant ? Phalacrocorax gaimardi Near-threatened
Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Flightless Steamerduck Tachyeres pteneres
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Red Shoveler Anas platalea Seen near Ancud
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango Seen near Castro
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae Seen near Ancud
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Chilean Skua ? Stercorarius chilensis
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
South American Tern ? Sterna hirundinacea
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Chilean Pigeon Patagioenas araucana Seen on way from Puerto Montt to Bariloche
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Patagonian Sierra-Finch Phrygilus patagonicus
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


6. Lago Huillinco, Chiloe       11th April, 2005

   This lake is on the road towards the entrance to the Parque Nacional de Chiloe at Cucao. We wanted to visit here on a day trip but out of the high season there is only 1 bus a day, leaving at 12:30pm. Instead we took a bus to XXXXXX and got off on the highway before the bus turned off left into the town. From here it was a 2-3 km walk along the road to a right turn from where we hitched the 8km to the town of Huillinco on the edge of the large lake. From the town, there was good forest along the road. Along here we saw the regional endemics, Chucao Tapaculo and Black-throated Huet Huet. We also saw Slender-billed Parakeets after getting of the bus at the highway. Chilean Flamingos have occasionally been seen at the lake but we saw none. I saw 41 species

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Great Egret Ardea alba
Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Kelp Gull ? Larus dominicanus
Slender-billed Parakeet Enicognathus leptorhynchus Endemic
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Striped Woodpecker Picoides lignarius
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus
Bar-winged Cinclodes ? Cinclodes fuscus
Des Murs's Wiretail Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
White-throated Treerunner Pygarrhichas albogularis
Black-throated Huet-huet Pteroptochos tarnii
Chucao Tapaculo Scelorchilus rubecula
Rufous-tailed Plantcutter Phytotoma rara
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Patagonian Sierra-Finch Phrygilus patagonicus
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola On the way to Huillinco
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Yellow-winged Blackbird ? Agelaius thilius
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata


7. Punihuil, Chiloe       12th April, 2005

   This is a famous site for the penguin nesting colonies. They nest on 3 small islets off the coast but we had missed the breeding season and saw none. About 20 were still present but only came back in the evening to roost. We saw some other good species though including Red-legged Cormorant on the cliffs near the Penguinera, Flightless Steamer-duck in the bay and also 2 Pudu's, a small deer species less than 1km from the Penguinera crossing the road on a slope where there was some low native vegetation on both sides. Punihuil maybe serviced by irregular bus from Ancud. We hitched which was possible but not easy. From the Punihuil turn off from the main road we managed to take a Colectivo all the way to the Penguinera. After the turn-off there were some damp areas with a few species of ducks. I saw 46 species

Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Imperial Shag Phalacrocorax atriceps
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Near-threatened
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Flightless Steamerduck Tachyeres pteneres
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Lesser Yellowlegs ? Tringa flavipes
Belcher's Gull ? Larus belcheri
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Slender-billed Parakeet Enicognathus leptorhynchus Endemic
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Chucao Tapaculo ? Scelorchilus rubecula
Rufous-tailed Plantcutter Phytotoma rara
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Blue-and-white Swallow ? Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Patagonian Sierra-Finch Phrygilus patagonicus
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species Seen on the way to Punihuil


8. Punta Arenas & bus ride from border       14-17th April, 2005

   Punta is the most southerly mainland town in Chile. From the bus on the way down from the border, Lesser Rhea and Chilean flamingo were seen aswell as Upland and Ashy-headed Goose. We birded nearby in the Reserva Forestal Magallanes which had few species but did have the Magellanic Woodpecker. The reserve is about 8km out of town and has no public transport. It is possible to hitch or take a colectivo some of the way. Go straight along Independencia. After leaving the town, the gravel road continues up hill and finally comes to a fork. The 2 roads lead to different sectors of the reserve. We took the right fork. At the gate you may be asked to pay 1000 pesos entry although we were let in for free. There are 2 trails. One straight along and up to a viewpoint and the other braching off right leading down towards a small stream. We saw the woodpeckers a few hundred metres after the fork and they were very easily located by there loud, jay-like calls. We also birded along the coast near town and also 20km further north passed the airport. I 40 saw species

Lesser Rhea Rhea pennata Near-threatened
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Vulnerable
Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Imperial Shag Phalacrocorax atriceps
Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta Seen nearby
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
American Oystercatcher ? Haematopus palliatus
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii
South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Magellanic Woodpecker Campephilus magellanicus
Dark-bellied Cinclodes ? Cinclodes patagonicus
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi
Patagonian Sierra-Finch Phrygilus patagonicus
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


9. Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego       17-19th April, 2005

   Porvenir is reached by a 2 and a half hour ferry (4000 pesos 1-way) accross the Magellan Straight. It leaves daily except Mondays at 9am (9:30 on Sundays) from the Tres Puente terminal north of town, reached by colectivo numbers 14, 15, 20 and 21 (250 pesos) from the town centre. From the ferry we saw a few Magellanic Penguins and a Magellanic Diving-Petrel aswell as Black-browed Albatross and a few other sea birds. From Porvenir we walked 5km towards the airport and birded the southern edge of the huge Lago de los Cisnes walking back along a different road to town. The lake was good for Chilean Flamingos, Coscoroba Swans and a pair of Spectacled Ducks were flushed from a small pond close to the airport. I saw 42 species

Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus Near-threatened
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Vulnerable
Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides
Magellanic Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides magellani
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Spectacled Duck Anas specularis Near-threatened
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
Chilean Skua Stercorarius chilensis
Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Short-billed Miner Geositta antarctica
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Fire-eyed Diucon ? Xolmis pyrope
White-browed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
House Wren ? Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi
Patagonian Yellow-Finch Sicalis lebruni
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Black-chinned Siskin ? Carduelis barbata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


10. Embalse El Yeso road, San Gabriel, near Santiago       3rd May, 2005

   San Gabriel is fairly easily reached from Santiago by public transport. Take Line 5 (the green line) to Bellavista de la Florida (340 pesos offpeak). Next to the Metro station is the Metrobus station. Take Metrobus (sky blue colour) number 72 to San Jose del Maipo (700 pesos). From there take another bus or colectivo (1000 pesos) further along to San Gabriel. From here walk along the river past where the Rio Yeso and Rio Volcan join. After a km or so there is a left turn signed to Embalse El Yeso. The best birding along this road is after about 3-4km. Andean Condors were easily seen and Crag Chilia seen hopping on rocks just before a group of buildings. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover can apparently be seen past the reservoir but very few cars pass along the road during the week and hitching seemed difficult. It may be more possibleto hitch up there at the weekend. I saw 17 species including 2 lifers

Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Near-threatened
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis See on the way to El Yeso
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Chilean Flicker Colaptes pitius
Crag Chilia Chilia melanura Endemic
Dark-bellied Cinclodes ? Cinclodes patagonicus
Moustached Turca Pteroptochos megapodius Endemic
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola macloviana
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Chilean Mockingbird Mimus thenca Endemic
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch ? Phrygilus gayi
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus


11. Santiago       3rd May, 2005

   Parks around town and the river have a few common birds. The park below the statue of 'La Virgen' had Californian Quail. I saw 11 species

Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Seen on the bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
California Quail Callipepla californica Introduced species
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


12. Lauca National Park, Region I       2nd-5th February, 2006

   Lauca National Park can be reached from Bolivia, Arica or Putre. I got dropped off by the bus from La Paz at the turnoff for the small town of Parinacota (4392m altitude) 4km away. There are a couple of families with beds. I paid 2,500 pesos for a bed in a shared room with kitchen priveledges. I was told there were no shops selling food so brought my own but that wasn't quite true. There is a man with a very small shop on the plaza with some drinks and snacks. His wife (Albertina) will also sell a few vegetables. The lady I stayed with can also provide dinners. Daytimes were pleasant but nights very cold. I recommend a sleeping bag as well as the blankets provided.
   The area around the village had many good birds. Just accross from the weather station and football pitch are a couple of small streams through cushion-plant bogs where Diademed Sandpiper-Plover was seen many years ago. I saw Puna Snipe here. I saw Andean Hillstar on rocks behind the Conaf office. There are a few small lakes near the town with Giant Coots and Crested Ducks common. There is a trail leading from the Conaf office that takes you up to a few lakes called Lagunas Cotacotani (4,500m) where I saw Chilean Flamingo, Andean Avocet and Wilson's Phalarope. White-throated Sierra-Finch and Streaked Tit-Spinetail on the way up. There are 2 roads back out to the highway, upper (left) and lower (right). The lower is better. About 1km along there is a house below which was Grey-breasted Seedsnipe and after which on the boulders was White-tailed Shrike Tyrant. I also saw Red-backed and Puna Hawk along this road. The area below the town of Chucuyo had a large lake with many water birds and marshy areas with Puna Plover, American Golden Plover, Andean Lapwing and Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch. A little further down on salty ponds were a few Andean Flamingos. Lago Chungara towards the Bolivian Border was full of waterbirds but is a little more difficult to get to.
I saw 52 species including 14 lifers

Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Photographed
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Photographed
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Photographed
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Photographed
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Near-threatened Photographed
Andean Flamingo Phoenicopterus andinus Vulnerable Photographed
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera Photographed
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris Photographed
Crested Duck Anas specularioides Photographed
Puna Teal Anas puna
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea Seen on Lago Chungara
Variable (Red-backed) Hawk Buteo polyosoma Photographed
(Puna Hawk) Buteo polyosoma Photographed
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus
Slate-colored Coot Fulica ardesiaca Seen on Lago Chungara
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea Photographed
Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina Photographed
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
Puna Plover Charadrius alticola
Puna Snipe Gallinago andina Photographed
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Photographed
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Possibly seen
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Photographed
Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
Gray-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus Photographed
Andean Gull Larus serranus Photographed
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Photographed
Puna Miner Geositta punensis Photographed
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia jelskii Photographed
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus Photographed
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Photographed
Streaked Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata Photographed
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta Photographed
White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis andicola Vulnerable Photographed
Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex Photographed
Puna Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis Possibly seen
Cinereous Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinerea Possibly seen
White-fronted Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola albifrons Photographed
Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola flavinucha Photographed
Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas Photographed
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
Andean Swallow Stelgidopteryx andecola
Black-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus atriceps Photographed
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor Photographed
White-throated Sierra-Finch Phrygilus erythronotus Photographed
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus Photographed
White-winged Diuca-Finch Diuca speculifera Photographed
Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch Sicalis uropygialis Photographed
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Photographed
Black Siskin Carduelis atrata Photographed


13. Putre, Region I      5th-6th February, 2006

   Putre (about 3,500m) is below the Lauca National park and has a few interesting birds around town. There are a few restaurants and places to stay here. A bus leaves Arica for Putre in the early morning from the 'La Palomita' bus office on Calle Riesgo and goes back from Putre at 2pm daily (P2000) from La Palomita shop.
   From the centre of town, walk back out towards the highway (4km away) and after about 1km there is a river coming down a valley to the left. The roadside up to here also has a few interesting birds including Blue-and-yellow Tanager and Plain-breasted Earthcreeper. This valley has a path along the right side that gradually fizzles out. White-throated Earthcreeper can be seen along here(?). Back to town, fork right and follow the road to the end. This turns into path which crosses a valley. Walking down into this vally you can see a few birds including Dark-winged Canastero. Greenish Yellow-Finch can be seen in the town plaza. There was a log of fog when I was there making birding difficult. Mornings were best. I saw 20 species including 3 lifers

Bare-faced Ground-Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Photographed
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans Rare/Accidental Heard only
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella Photographed
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia jelskii
White-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia albigula Possibly seen
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis
Streaked Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata
Dark-winged Canastero Asthenes arequipae
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta
Andean Swallow Stelgidopteryx andecola
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Black-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus atriceps
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti Photographed
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Greenish Yellow-Finch Sicalis olivascens
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
Black Siskin Carduelis atrata


14. Alacran Peninsular, Arica, Region I       7th February, 2006

   This is a good spot for sea and shore birds. Its just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Arica heading South. Inca Tern and Sabines Gull were common here. Another couple of spots worth a look are the Lluta River estuary further to the North, where they seem to be trying to make a small nature reserve, and Playa Corazon at the end of the coast road to the south. A path continues along the coast from here through a cave. It reaches a point where you can see an island with fur seals on it. Chilean Seaside Cinclodes can be seen on rocks along the path. I saw 23 species including 3 lifers

Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Photographed
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Photographed
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii Photographed
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Near-threatened
Great Egret Ardea alba Seen in the Lluta estuary
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Photographed
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Photographed
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Photographed
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Seen near the Lluta estuary
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Photographed
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Photographed
Surfbird Aphriza virgata
Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri Photographed
Gray Gull Larus modestus Photographed
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Sabine's Gull Xema sabini Photographed
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans Near-threatened
Inca Tern Larosterna inca
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda
Chilean Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes nigrofumosus Endemic Seen near Playa Corazon Photographed


15. San Miguel de Azapa, near Arica, Zone I       7th-10th February, 2006

   This valley inland from Arica is famous for holding the endangered Chilean Woodstar and vulnerable Slender-billed Finch. Take a yellow communal taxi from the roundabout for Azapa. You can get there from the centre by colectivos 8 and 18 (300 pesos). The yellow colectivo to San Miguel de Azapa (at km 12) cost about P650. Before the town at km11 is a right turning along which there are flowering roadside shrubs. One with small florets of pink and orange flowers is good for small hummingbirds. The next good spot is the garden of the archeological Museum, a left turn (signed) just before San Miguel. The same pink and orange flowers here have Peruvian Sheartail. The garden is also a good place to look for Slender-billed Finch.
   I searched the valley for 3 days finding no Chilean Woodstar but finally saw in the garden of a lady called Maria Teresa Madrid. She plants many flowers (native and non-native) that hummingbirds like and has created a little paradise under her olive trees. Her house can be reached by taking a right turn at km 14 after a garden with a huge sign in it reading 'Direccion de Obras Hidraulicas'. Go down this track (bearing right) to the end. She is very passionate about nature and puts a lot of effort into her garden to protect the hummingbirds. A donation of 2-3000 pesos should be offered. She can also guide or direct you to a site on the other side of the river where Peruvian Thick-knee and Aplomado Falcon can be seen.
I saw 24 species including 7 lifers

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Photographed
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis
Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris Rare/Accidental Photographed
Rock Dove Columba livia Introduced species
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda Photographed
Croaking Ground-Dove Columbina cruziana
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Photographed
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper Photographed
Peruvian Sheartail Thaumastura cora Rare/Accidental Photographed
Chilean Woodstar Eulidia yarrellii Endangered Photographed
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps Photographed
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Photographed
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Heard only
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Photographed
Slender-billed Finch Xenospingus concolor Vulnerable Photographed
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Photographed
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Photographed
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica Photographed
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Introduced species


16. Chaca Valley, near Caleta Vitor, Zone I       11th February, 2006

   This is one of the best sites to see the localized Tamarugo Conebill. It is within easy reach of Arica. Catch a bus towards Iquique from the main terminal. Buses leave at 8 and 8:30. Earlier too but it's still dark then. Do not buy a ticket, just pay directly to the driver and ask to get off at the 'cruce' (junction) for Caleta Vitor. This is 45km from Arica and takes about 40 minutes on a good road. From the junction, Caleta Vitor is 20km away but the Tamarugo Conebill can be seen after just 2km. Walk down the road and just before the 2km marker, the first trees appear on the right. It can be seen here. There are trees and other vegetation along the river a bit further down. Here a slaty-blue coloured bird I saw briefly may have been a Slender-billed Finch.
I saw 10 species including 1 lifers

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Possibly seen
Tamarugo Conebill Conirostrum tamarugense Vulnerable Photographed
Slender-billed Finch Xenospingus concolor Vulnerable Possibly seen
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis


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