BIRDS of ARGENTINA: Peninsula Valdes

Wings between steppe & waves

August is the second month of winter in Patagonia, migrating birds begin to move during the second half of the month. It would surprise you, as I keep on enjoying and learning to share with me all the birds I saw this month. Some, I was lucky to get a photo of, and others I thoroughly enjoyed but did not have my camera with me. It had been years since I had seen Rufous-chested Dotterel (Eudromias modestus) in the area of Peninsula Valdes-Punta Tombo and yesterday I showed my grandson, husband and daughter a flock of 5 of them! They must be on their way South. I have been birding these past few weeks in the surrounding areas of Puerto Madryn, on the Golfo Nuevo, on the Atlantic Coast of Patagonia, Argentina. Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

A flock of approximately 50 flamingoes, which include several immature birds that have white and black plumage, have been feeding at low tide on the beaches of Puerto Madryn. They have been incredibly patient with people approaching them to take pictures, with dogs by entering the water until they can barely stand. We have had some very low tides, in the mud flats exposed at these low tides is where the feed on tiny organisms.

Last weeks favorite birds: Red Backed Hawk (Buteo polyosoma) a male perched on an Atriplex bush. This majestic bird of prey is also known as Variable Hawk, it has a wide distribution in Argentina and Chile. The female is the one that has the red on the back. The nest on posts or on the tallest shrubs and build the nest with twigs, they eat small rodents, lizards and small birds. This photo was taken on the road to Doradillo beach.

Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) To watch a Giant Petrel fly just above the surface of the water is an unforgettable sight. This particular petrel was a clumsy young bird, trying to dive for fish; but unbeatable in flight. Young birds are much darker brown, almost black, than the adults.

Brown-hooded gull (Larus maculipennis) These small gulls molt into breeding plumage this month. Sometimes they look a lot like terns when they are flying; they have bright red legs and feet and feed on the “restingas” at low tide.

Crested Duck (Anas specularoides) This large duck has got its common English name for a crest which is not quite so, as it is on the back neck, so it is not very visible, unless you get very good looks of the head. They live in salty or fresh water and are wide spread in Argentina and Chile. They have a large green iridescent patch on their wings which is visible in flight, and it is after this patch that they were given the Latin name specularoides.

Two-banded Plover (Charadius falklandicus) A flock of 20 or 30 plovers with breeding and non breeding plumage were feeding at low tide, on the “restingas” (rocky platforms with small mussels, barnacles, tidal pools with anemones, snails & worms) near Cerro Avanzado. When I downloaded the photos I realized several were banded so I sent the information to the local researchers. They run a few meters and stop while they are feeding, they love eating a worm which is so big compared to their size, you wonder where the fit it in! They migrate within Argentina, and are strictly a South American shorebird. Other birds who were sharing the food available were Kelp Gulls and Blackish Oystercatchers.

Some flocks of wild geese have been flying South, the most common is the Upland Goose. The few land birds I saw were mostly Rufous–collared Sparrows, the always happy singer the Patagonian Mockingbird, and the gorgeous looking Long –tailed Meadowlark. This last bird is one of the few with Red coloration we have the pleasure to spot on the vast desert.

September is when the Magellanic penguins return to nest at the several colonies along the Coast of Patagonia. Keep on checking our blog with further news on penguins. Carol Mackie de Passera Causana Viajes

Antarctica

Antarctica, a land of extremes

All crisis offer opportunities…Today travelers can take advantage of them. The Antarctic Expeditions offer, in these special moments, rates and incentives worth while considering. Consult us; your dream to explore one of the last pristine corners of the Earth can become true. Our travel experience to this natural sanctuary will help you enhance your travel experience…

ANTARCTICA is not a place… (From “Momentos” by Carlos A. Passera) “… Antarctica is –like the steppe- something that goes beyond comprehension. It resembles a sensation more than a place. It is not strong – like a swig of aquavit that invades burning- but it intoxicates with gradual intensity. By when you are about to articulate a word of astonishment, it is too late. Without escape you are “drunk” with Antarctica. And it does not go away. The “hang over” lasts but it is pleasant. It does not hurt or bother, and on the contrary, it makes a feeling of gratitude towards life flourish. You wish to share this feeling with those you love.

It happens to a few privileged – according to those who have experienced the same- the spirit of Antarctica, its magic; install’s itself in the soul. And you feel it, although without an acute description, you feel it. That instant –if a sort of comparison exists- could resemble a state of profound meditation. To that moment when the energy climbs potent by the column, it expands and it allows the spirit to wander without limits. And it happened to me. Since that first time and during 10 years – sometimes more than one trip per year- that communion with Antarctica repeated itself with the same intensity. Each voyage leaves its imprint…

When in the chaos of daily life, a word, a phrase read in the newspaper, news seen on television, mentions her no matter where we are. From any corner of the planet, those who stepped on Antarctica, will feel that only one cardinal point rules their compass and will not -nor will be able to- avoid the spirit to escape free and wild to join the colossal score of voices, sounds, shapes and colors in that remote Antarctic last frontier. ..”

BUENOS AIRES

The charm of the south Buenos Aires is a city with sophisticated style. It is also the most elegant and active city in South America, been called the Paris of the southern hemisphere. With a dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and endearing corners.

“Travel and Leisure” magazine recently choose Buenos Aires as the best city in South America and one of the two best of the World. Four of the best hotels in the World are from Argentina, the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt in first place, followed by the traditional Alvear Palace Hotel.

Visitors feel fascinated due to all Buenos Aires has to offer: marble statues, domes, patios, outdoor cafes, tango, theatres. Great celebrities such as Evita, Carlos Gardel, Piazzola, Jorge Luis Borges, Raul Soldi, Julio Boca or Paloma Herrera and many other writers, musicians, dancers, sport cracks and artists are children of this charming city. Excellent food -which includes the famous Argentine beef- wines, antique flee market, artisan markets….and much, much more.

You can return many times and see different things. Spring and fall are favorite seasons for those who enjoy seeing street trees in bloom; the “Ceibos”, “Palo borrachos”, “Jacarandas”, “Tipas”, and “Lapachos”.

As Buenos Aires is so huge, tourists usually think ahead what to do here. Causana Viajes provides you with a good guide; otherwise the city may be too much to handle.

Different recommended itineraries that can be chosen according to time availability

T BA- Traditional Buenos Aires

C BA- Corners of Buenos Aires

(Detailed Itineraries upon request - causana@causana.com)

2 STEPS TO DESIGN YOUR STAY IN BUENOS AIRES 1- Let us know what kind of accommodations you prefer to stay at, for example if you prefer a small place, large rooms, a certain neighborhood, would like to be close to certain attractions, if it must have a restaurant, an Art Gallery or a Spa, etc, etc. 2- Next, choose from the following activities we can offer you. Causana Viajes takes care of organizing everything. All you have to do is come and enjoy one of the most beautiful and friendly cities in the world. City tours, half day conventional or full day including a lunch stop visiting other districts such as San Isidro, Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, Chinatown, etc. The conventional city tour can also be split into 2 city tours spending more time in the places visited, walking more at San Telmo, Recoleta, La Boca, Palermo Park. Tango: shows with or without dinner, with or without transfers and an accompanying guide. Different seats and categories of shows are available. Tango lessons or tango orientated city tours. A day in the Pampas: spend a day at an Estancia (Ranch) and learn about the “gauchos” lifestyle and culture Gourmet and wine tasting day: enjoy tea, taste some of the finest Argentine wines, visit gourmet stores, the wine Museum; end the day in a select world class restaurant. Duration: from3 PM until dinner ends and we take you back to your hotel. Art tour: Visit 3 of the finest Art Museums and then enjoy some time visiting Art Galleries Personal friend: Don’t you love going to a city where you have a friend who takes you to places where tourists normally do not go to? Enjoy the company of someone who, knowing your interests, will be capable of taking you to the most characteristic and adequate places to enhance your experience in the city. Tigre: a large Delta, where the wide Rio de la Plata begins to flow towards the Atlantic. Visit the many small rivers in a private boat, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or you can do this sharing the boat trip with other people. You also visit the Mercado de Frutos, with many local produce, from fruits to furniture. A new small “mate Museum” may be visited as well. You can also take the coastal train to reach Tigre. Costanera Sur Nature Reserve: spend half a day bird watching with an expert guide, in 3 hours you can see 40 different species!-many new ones for people who have never been in South America before. Inquire about other bird watching options to Ribera Norte, Tigre or Otamendi. Shop until you drop: let us you what you are looking for and we will assign a guide who will take you to find it! Mestiza country day: Spend the day in a relaxing atmosphere; you will be greeted with tea, coffee or mate. Swimming pool towels are available as well as bicycles and horses. Lunch begins at 12:30 with an assortment of salamis and artisanal cheeses. Lunch may be a typical Argentine “asado” Different meats, chicken, pork, chorizos and insides with several salads with different dressing used in this country as well as artisanal spices. Soft drinks and wines, or you can opt for the daily Argentine gourmet menu. 5 0’ clock teas with home made cakes. Optional polo lessons or hot –air balloon rides available. You may observe many birds on La Mestiza’s grounds. Visit Uruguay: day trip or longer stays in Colonia del Sacramento, declared a World Heritage Site.