Sunday 31 January 1993

31/1/93 Church Norton

Ruddy Shelduck 1

Thursday 7 January 1993

7/'1/93 - 26/1/93 Antarctica, Chile, Argentina and south-east Brazil


Antarctica, Chile, Argentina and south-east Brazil     7/1/1993 - 26/1/1993


 

Systematic List

 

Lesser Rhea - Rhea pennata pennata C

Around 25 were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

King Penguin - Aptenodytes patagonicus patagonicus C

On the 11th we left Port Stanley and drove across wild terrain for 4 hours to visit a colony of c.200 birds present at Volunteer Point. A spectacular species proving to be one of the highlights of the trip.

 

Gentoo Penguin - Pygoscelis papua C

Seen on eight dates with several colonies visited including c.300 birds at Volunteer Point and c.600 birds on and around Carcass Island, Falklands (P.p.papua), and  c.1,000 birds at Port Lockroy on the Antarctic Peninsula (P.p.ellsworthi).

 

Adelie Penguin - Pygoscelis adeliae C

Only positively identified on three dates with all observations at localities along the Antarctic Peninsula. Impressive colonies visited consisted of c.5,000 birds at Hope Bay and c.50,000 birds at Paulet Island.

 

Chinstrap Penguin - Pygoscelis antarctica C

Seen on six dates all when south of the Antarctic Convergence. The largest colonies visited were c.10,000 birds at Deception Island and c.1,000 birds at Half Moon Island.

 

Rockhopper Penguin - Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome C

A colony of c.100 birds were visited at West Point on the Falklands on the 10th. Some of the birds living up to their name as they were watched coming ashore! Also, on the sailing from Punta Arenas to West Point, DC saw 2 Penguins which were most likely this species, although the views did not eliminate the possibility that they were Macaroni Penguins E.chrysolophus.

 

Magellanic Penguin - Spheniscus magellanicus C

Seen on eight dates to the north of Drake’s Passage. A daily maximum of c.100 birds was recorded on Carcass Island in the Falklands, on the 12th.

 

Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps antarcticus C

An estimated 40 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

White-tufted Grebe - Rollandia rolland chilensis C

An estimated 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 2 were seen at Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.

 

Great Grebe - Podiceps major C

An estimated 8 (including juveniles) were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th (P.m.major) and 6 were seen on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd (P.m.navasi).

 

 

Wandering Albatross - Diomedea exulans C

A single individual was seen whilst sailing into Port Stanley on the 11th, 15 were seen on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 13th with an estimated 7 on the return journey over two days. Some individuals remained faithful to following the boat for long periods making it difficult to ascertain actual numbers seen.

 

Royal Albatross - Diomedea epomophora C

An estimated minimum of 6 accompanied the boat from Punta Arenas to West Point, Falklands on the 9th (although more may actually have been involved), 2 were recorded off West Point and off Port Stanley and on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage and finally 3 were seen on the northward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 21st.

 

Grey-headed Albatross - Thalassarche chrysostma C

Singles were seen near the Convergence on both the 13th and 14th. On the return northward journey 20 were seen on the 20th and 1 on the 21st. Superb.

 

Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophris C

The commonest Albatross seen being recorded on twelve dates in good numbers to the north of the Convergence with just a few seen around the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of a colony of c.10,000 was visited at West Point, Falklands.

 

Light-mantled (Sooty) Albatross - Phoebetria palpebrata C

A truly spectacular species. A total of 6 were seen over two days on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage, 1 was seen off Paulet Island on the 15th and an impressive 24 were seen on the northward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 20th.

 

Antarctic (Southern) Giant Petrel - Macronectes giganteus C

Seemingly ever-present following the boat with double figures estimated on fifteen dates and a daily maximum of 60 noted on the 13th.

 

Hall’s Giant Petrel - Macronectes halli C

Only positively identified on three dates all falling within the Drake’s Passage with 2 seen on the 13th, 1 on the 14th and 1 on the return journey on the 20th. However, not regularly looked for.

 

Southern Fulmar - Fulmarus glacialoides C

Seen on seven days south of the Convergence with a daily maximum of an estimated 700 on the 15th.

 

Antarctic Petrel - Thalassoica antarctica C

Two worn adults, appearing tan brown, were seen in close proximity to very large icebergs between Hope Bay and the Gerlache Straits on the 15th.

 

Cape Petrel - Daption capense capense C

Often seen closely following the boat being seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 400 estimated whilst sailing towards the Convergence on the 20th. A breeding colony of 300 were visited on Deception Island on the 19th.

 

Snow Petrel - Pagodroma nivea nivea C

One of the most majestic species we have ever encountered with a total of 87 seen over five dates along the Antarctic Peninsula with a daily maximum of 60 seen whilst sailing from Paulet Island to Hope Bay and then on to the Gerlache Straits on the 15th.

 

Blue Petrel - Halobaena caerulea C

Also delightful proving common near the Convergence with estimated totals of 30 seen on the 13th, 80 on the 14th, 60 on the 20th and 60 on the 21st.

 

Slender-billed Prion - Pachyptila belcheri C

Seen in large numbers from Punta Arenas to the Falklands and around the Falklands being noted on six dates with a daily maximum of an estimated 5,000 on the 9th.

 

White-chinned Petrel - Procellaria aequinoctialis aequinoctialis C

Seen on six dates with 2 seen south of the Convergence on both the 14th and 20th but with a daily maximum of 20 seen between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.

 

Greater Shearwater - Puffinus gravis C

Only seen off Port Stanley where 3 were seen on the 9th.

 

Sooty Shearwater - Puffinus griseus C

Seen on eight dates in good numbers with a daily maximum of 3,000 seen between West Point and Port Stanley on the 10th.

 

Manx Shearwater - Puffinus puffinus C

A loose party of 4 were seen roughly midway between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.

 

Grey-backed Storm-Petrel - Garrodia nereis C

Only seen on the journey from West Point to Port Stanley with 4 on the 10th and 8 the following day.

 

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel - Oceanites oceanicus C

Seen on fourteen dates with a daily maximum of 120 in a single flock in the bay at Half Moon Island on the 20th.

 

Black-bellied Storm-Petrel - Fregetta tropica tropica C

A single individual was seen between West Point and Port Stanley on the 10th, 3 were seen near the Convergence on the 13th, 50 to the south of the Convergence on the 14th, 8 seen in the vicinity of Deception Island (including 1 fluttering around the cliffs at Nelson’s Bellows before settling in a crevice so presumably breeding there) and 50 were seen on the journey north to the Convergence on the 20th. The largest and most spectacular of the Storm-Petrels encountered.

 

Magellanic Diving-Petrel - Pelecanoides magellani C

Only positively identified between Punta Arenas and the Falklands where 8 were seen on the 9th and in the Beagle Channel where 10 were seen on the 23rd. They appeared greyer with a pale partial collar visible at close range.

 

Common Diving-Petrel - Pelecanoides urinatrix berard C

Seen on seven dates largely to the north of the Convergence with a daily maximum of 15 seen on the southward crossing of the Drake’s Passage on the 13th. Appeared browner with less contrast and dusky sides of the neck and upper flanks.

 

Neotropic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus C

Around 40 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Rock Shag - Phalacrocorax magellanicus C

Around 10 were seen at Punta Arenas on the 8th, up to 30 were seen daily in the Falklands, 2 were seen at Tierra del Fuego and 6 in the Beagle Channel.

 

Antarctic Shag - Phalacrocorax bransfieldensis C

Seen on five dates along the Antarctic peninsula with a daily maximum of 70 seen on the 18th. All those seen showed a white patch on the back although a Imperial Shag P.atriceps at Cape Horn appeared to show an identical patch. 

 

Imperial Shag - Phalacrocorax atriceps atriceps/albiventer C

Both forms were seen being recorded on seven dates on both the South American continent atriceps (e.g. at Cape Horn) and the Falkland Islands with a daily maximum of 400 seen at Carcass Island, Falklands on the 12th.

 

Magnificent Frigatebird - Fregata magnificens C

Around 30 were seen along the causeway on leaving Rio Airport on our arrival.

 

Whistling Heron - Syrigma sibilatrix sibilatrix C

A total of 4 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Cocoi (White-necked) Heron - Ardea cocoi C

A total of 6 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Great Egret - Ardea alba egretta C

Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th. Around 12 were seen along the causeway on leaving Rio Airport on our arrival.

 

Snowy Egret - Egretta thula brewsteri C

Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th. A single individual was seen perched on the causeway leading to Rio Airport on our return to the airport.

 

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C

At Costanera Sur 10 were seen on the 7th. At Rio Airport 2 were seen on our arrival.

 

Striated Heron - Butorides striatus striatus C

A total of 10 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Black-crowned Night-Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax obscurus/falklandicus C

Around 25 obscurus were seen at Costanera Sur and 8 falklandicus were seen at West Point and 4 at Carcass Island in the Falklands.

 

Rufescent Tiger-Heron - Tigrisoma lineatum C

A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Stripe-backed Bittern - Ixobrychus involucris C

A single individual was seen perched in the open at Costanera Sur on the 7th. Superb.

 

Black-faced Ibis - Theristicus melanopis C

A single individual with a chick was seen on a disused pier at Punta Arenas on the 8th and 24th, 8 were seen at scattered localities on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd and around 10 were seen on lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

White-faced Ibis - Plegadis chihi C

Around 300 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Chilean Flamingo - Phoenicopterus chilensis C

A single individual was seen on a small lake on the outskirts of Punta Arenas on the 8th and 12 were present on lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Southern Screamer - Chauna torquata C

A pair were seen with 7 juveniles at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Fulvous Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna bicolor C

Around 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

White-faced Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna viduata C

Around 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Black-necked Swan - Cygnus melanocorypha C

A total of 28 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 2 were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Coscoroba Swan - Coscoroba coscoroba C

A total of 12 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 8 were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Upland Goose - Chloephaga picta picta/leucoptera C

The form leucoptera proved common on the Falklands where up to 200 were seen daily and the form picta was seen on the mainland of South America with 8 noted on Tierra del Fuego, 5 along the Beagle Channel and c.100 north of Punta Arenas.

 

Kelp Goose - Chloephaga hybrida hybrida/malvinarum C

The form malvinarum was seen on the Falklands with 35 seen at West Point and 50 on Carcass Island and the form hybrida was seen on the mainland of South America with 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 40 along the Beagle Channel.

 

Ashy-headed Goose - Chloephaga poliocephala C

A total of 8 were seen on grassy peninsulas on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.

 

Ruddy-headed Goose - Chloephaga rubidiceps C

On the Falklands we saw two pairs at Volunteer Point and another three pairs seen on the journey back to Port Stanley and on Carcass Island five pairs were seen. The species proved tame and approachable which has presumably lead to their decline on mainland South America.

 

Flightless Steamerduck - Tachyeres leucocephalus C

Single pairs were seen in the Beagle Channel on the 22nd and 23rd and 6 were seen on the coast to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Falkland Steamerduck - Tachyeres brachypterus C

Around 10 were seen on West Point, 40 on the journey to Volunteer Point and 80 on Carcass Island.

 

Flying Steamerduck - Tachyeres patachonicus C

A pair with 3 juveniles were found on an inland lake on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Brazilian Teal - Amazonetta brasiliensis ipecutiri C

DC saw a pair in flight at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Chiloe Wigeon - Anas sibilatrix C

Just 5 seen at Costanera Sur and 8 on the Ushuaia Lagoon.

 

Speckled Teal - Anas flavirostris flavirostris C

Around 80 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th, up to 6 were seen daily on the Falklands and finally 12 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Crested Duck - Anas specularioides specularioides C

Up to 40 were seen daily at coastal localities on the Falklands, 20 were seen on Tierra del Fuego and 15 to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

Yellow-billed Pintail - Anas georgica spinicauda C

Around 50 were seen at Costanera Sur and 20 on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Silver Teal - Anas versicolor C

Around 80 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Cinnamon Teal - Anas cyanoptera cyanoptera C

A single female was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Rosy-billed Pochard - Netta peposaca C

We saw just 15 at Costanera Sur.

 

Black-headed Duck - Heteronetta atricapilla C

A generally elusive pair swimming between areas of vegetation at the back of the pools were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Lake Duck - Oxyura vittata C

A total of 8 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus brasiliensis C

Up to 60 were seen on both days at Itiatia NP.

 

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura jota C

Up to 15 were seen daily on the Falklands with 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 1 along the Beagle Channel.

 

Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus C

A highlight of the trip were the good views obtained of 7 on Tierra del Fuego, 2 along the Beagle Channel and 12 to the north of Punta Arenas including 5 together on the ground at a carcass dwarfing the nearby Chimango Caracaras. Superb.

 

Snail Kite - Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis C

A total of 15 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Cinereous Harrier - Circus cinereus C

A single female was seen at Ushuaia on the 22nd and 4 including some superb males were seen to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Rufous-thighed Hawk - Accipiter erythronemius C

A single individual flew up the valley and perched in a tree below the waterfall bridge at Itiatia.

 

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis C

An adult was seen carrying prey on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.

 

Roadside Hawk - Butoe magnirostris magniplumis C

A single individual was seen on a fence just outside the town of Itiatia along the main road from Rio.

 

Variable Hawk - Buteo polyosoma polyosoma C

Singles were seen on the journey to and from Volunteer Point on the 11th.

 

White-throated Caracara - Phalcoboenus albogularis C

Around 6 were seen at the Ushuaia Dump.

 

Striated Caracara - Phalcoboenus australis C

After failing to find any at West Point we were relieved to find 2 pairs on Carcass Island on our last day in the Falklands. They proved ridiculously tame.

 

Crested Caracara - Caracara plancus plancus C

We saw singles at Costanera Sur and on Carcass Island and 20 were seen on Tierra del Fuego and 25 to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

Chimango Caracara - Milvago chimango temucoensis C

We saw 5 at Costanera Sur, 1 at Punta Arenas, 50 on Tierra del Fuego and 15 to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

American Kestrel - Falco sparverius cinnamonimus C

We saw 2 to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Aplomado Falcon - Falco femoralis femoralis C

A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus cassini C

A single individual was seen on a rocky islet off Carcass Island on the 12th.

 

Limpkin - Aramus guarauna guarauna C

Around 40 were seen at Costanera Sur.

 

Plumbeous Rail - Pardirallus sanguinolentus C

A total of 8 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus galeata C

Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Spot-flanked Gallinule - Gallinula melanops crassirostris C

We obtained good views of 2 at Costanera Sur on the 7th proving a welcome surprise.

 

White-winged Coot - Fulica leucoptera C

Around 15 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Red-gartered Coot - Fulica armillata C

A pair were identified at close range at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Red-fronted Coot - Fulica rufifrons C

Around 100 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Wattled Jacana - Jacana jacana jacana C

An estimated 100 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Magellanic Oystercatcher - Haematopus leucopodus C

Seen daily on the Falklands with a maximum of 40 seen on Carcass Island. Also 4 seen around Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Blackish Oystercatcher - Haematopus ater C

Seen daily on the Falklands with a maximum of 7 seen on Carcass Island. Also 2 seen on Tierra del Fuego and 4 along the Beagle Channel.

 

White-backed Stilt - Himantopus melanurus C

We saw 6 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Southern Lapwing - Vanellus chilensis fretensis C

Seen daily on the mainland of South America with a daily maximum of 60 seen at Costanera Sur, up to 10 around Punta Arenas and 3 near Ushuaia.

 

Two-banded Plover - Charadrius falklandicus C

We saw 6 on a sandy beach at Volunteer Point and 6 on a beach to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

Rufous-chested Dotterel - Charadrius modestus C

We saw 20 on the journey to and from Volunteer Point and 4 on a rocky beach to the north of Punta Arenas. Superb.

 

South American Snipe - Gallinago paraguaiae magellanica C

A party of 7 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th, birds appearing considerably ‘washed-out’ were seen on the Falklands which when flushed never called and always quickly alighted usually within 10m with 4 seen on the trip to Volunteer Point on the 11th and 2 on Carcass Island on the 12th. In contrast a rufous-looking individual which appeared considerably larger with conspicuous white trailing edges and white outer tail feathers was flushed in very dry scrubby habitat to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

Hudsonian Godwit - Limosa haemastica C

A flock of 9 were seen in flight near a lake to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes C

We saw around 10 at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 1 on a lake to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

White-rumped Sandpiper - Calidris fuscicollis C

We watched 20 feeding on the beach at Volunteer Point and 20 on a beach north of Punta Arenas.

 

Baird’s Sandpiper - Calidris bairdii C

We identified 2 on the journey to Volunteer Point although up to c.200 Sandpipers seen probably also related to this species and we saw 9 on the lakes to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Snowy Sheathbill - Chionis alba C

Seen on five dates with 4 seen on leaving Port Stanley Harbour, 10 on an island off Carcass Island, 12 around the Gentoo Penguins at Paradise Bay, 6 on cliffs at Deception Island and 6 on Half Moon Island around the Chinstrap Penguins.

 

Chilean Skua - Catharacta chilensis C

Seen daily from Cape Horn to Punta Arenas with a daily maximum of 15 seen along the Beagle Channel on the 23rd.

 

South Polar Skua - Catharacta maccormicki C

Seen on four dates only around the Antarctic Peninsula with no classic pale morphs being encountered. A daily maximum of 30 were seen at Half Moon Island on the 20th.

 

Brown Skua - Catharacta antarctica antarctica/lonnbergi C

The form antarctica was seen on four dates around the Falklands with breeding taking place at Volunteer Point and on Carcass Island with a colony of around 25 pairs seen at Carcass Island. The form lonnbergi was seen around the Antarctic Peninsula on six dates with a maximum of 40 seen on the 19th.

 

Arctic Skua - Stercorarius parasiticus C

A single individual was seen alongside a Long-tailed Skua between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.

 

Long-tailed Skua - Stercorarius longicaudus C

A single immature seen alongside an Arctic Skua between Punta Arenas and the Falklands on the 9th.

 

Dolphin Gull - Larus scoresbii C

We saw 30 around Punta Arenas Harbour, up to 20 daily on the Falklands and 8 around Ushuaia Harbour. Superb.

 

Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus C

Very common and widespread being seen on fifteen dates.

 

Grey-headed Gull - Larus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus C

An estimated 1,000 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Brown-hooded Gull - Larus maculipennis C

Up to 200 were seen around Punta Arenas Harbour on our two visits and 3 were seen at Ushuaia.

 

South American Tern - Sterna hirundinacea C

We saw up to 20 around Punta Arenas, 80 on West Point, 4 on mainland Falklands, 200 around Carcass Island, 30 on Tierra del Fuego and 80 in the Beagle Channel.

 

Antarctic Tern - Sterna vittata gaini C

Up to 12 were seen daily around the Antarctic Peninsula with breeding taking place on Deception Island.

 

Black Skimmer - Rynchops niger intercedens C

A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Picazuro Pigeon - Columba picazuro picazuro C

Around 60 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Eared Dove - Zenaida auriculata virgata C

Up to 100 were seen around Buenos Aires on both the 7th and 8th and a single individual was seen at Punta Arenas Airport on the 24th.

 

Monk Parakeet - Myiopsitta monachus monachus C

An estimated 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and 3 were seen in a park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires on the 8th.

 

Blue-winged Parrotlet - Forpus crassirostris vividus C

We saw a total of 5 around the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon area.

 

Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani C

Up to 10 were seen daily between Rio and Itiatia.

 

Guira Cuckoo - Guira guira C

Singles were seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th and on the journey to the Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th. A single individual was seen near Rio airport on our arrival.

 

Austral Pygmy-Owl - Glaucidium nanum C

A single individual was a welcome surprise watched calling constantly from the top of various trees along the roadside adjoining a campsite located just outside the Tierra del Fuego NP as approached from Ushuaia Rubbish Dump. Its calling attracted some of the local passerines. Superb.

 

Ashy-tailed Swift - Chaetura andrei meridionalis C

Up to 40 were seen on both our days at Itiatia NP.

 

Scale-throated Hermit - Phaethornis eurynome eurynome C

A pair were watched visiting the feeders at the Hotel Simon.

 

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird - Eupetomena macrourus macrourus C

Around 6 were watched visiting the feeders at the Hotel Simon. Superb.

 

Black Jacobin - Florisuga fuscus C

Around 12 provided a superb performance at the Hotel Simon feeders. Stunning.

 

Frilled Coquette - Lophornis magnificus C

A superb male stole the show at the Hotel Simon feeders appearing throughout the day but seemingly more frequently in the evenings. Stunning.

 

Glittering-bellied Emerald - Chlorostilbon aureoventris berlepschi C

We found a pair at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Violet-capped Woodnymph - Thalurania glaucopis C

Around 4 were seen visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.

 

Gilded Sapphire - Hylocharis chrysura C

A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Glittering-throated Emerald - Polyerata fimbriata C

A pair were watched visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.

 

Brazilian Ruby - Clytolaema rubricauda C

Around 4 were watched visiting the Hotel Simon feeders.

 

Black-throated Trogon - Trogon rufus chrysochloros C

A single male was seen along the left-hand waterfall trail at Itiatia NP.

 

Green Kingfisher - Chloroceryle americana mathewsii C

A single female was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

White-barred Piculet - Picumnus cirratus C

Singles were seen at the Hotel Ype and along the Hotel Simon trail.

 

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker - Melanerpes flavifrons C

Seen around the feeders at the Hotel Simon with a party of 4 actually seen to take bread from a bird-table there. Absolutely superb.

 

Golden-breasted Woodpecker - Colaptes melanolaimus C

A pair were seen whilst they often fed on the ground at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Magellanic Woodpecker - Campephilus magellanicus C

A highlight of the trip was finding 5 of these supreme Woodpeckers on Tierra del Fuego both inside and out of the National Park on the 22nd. They proved tame and approachable. Superb.

 

Short-billed Miner - Geositta antarctica C

Around 10 were seen around Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Blackish Cinclodes - Cinclodes antarcticus maculirostris C

After spending an hour locating a pair in tussock grass adjacent to the landing beach on West Point we were amazed to see c.300 on Carcass Island being so tame that they would land on your boots. Carcass Island has apparently never been inhabited by cats or rats.

 

Dark-bellied Cinclodes - Cinclodesd patagonicus patagonicus C

We saw 6 on Tierra del Fuego in a variety of habitats on the 22nd.

 

Bar-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus C

Around 15 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Rufous Hornero - Furnarius rufus rufus C

We saw c.40 at Costanera Sur and around 15 I the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires the following day.

 

Thorn-tailed Rayadito - Aphrastura spinicauda spinicauda C

A total of 15 were seen on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd often forming roving parties. Superb.

 

Wren-like Rushbird - Phleocryptes melanops melanops C

We saw 3 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Rufous-capped Spinetail - Synallaxis ruficapilla C

Around 6 were seen at the start of the Waterfall trails and along the road near the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.

 

Yellow-chinned Spinetail - Certhiaxis cinnamomea C

We saw 2 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

White-throated Treerunner - Pygarrhichas albogularis C

A single individual was located with a party of Thorn-tailed Rayadito on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd. Superb.

 

Streaked Xenops - Xenops rutilans rutilans C

We saw 2 in a mixed-species bird-flock at the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.

 

Pale-browed Treehunter - Cichlocolaptes leucophrus C

Around 4 were seen low down along the Hotel Simon trail in Itatiaia NP.

 

Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor rufus rufus C

We saw around 7 in a mixed-species flock along the Hotel Simon trail.

 

Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor lichtensteini C

A total of 10 were logged from the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon trail area.

 

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper - Lochmias nematura nematura C

A single individual was seen at the base of the right-hand waterfall at the furthest point of the Waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP. Superb.

 

Olivaceous Woodcreeper - Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus C

Up to 6 were seen in mixed-species flocks along the Hotel Ype and Hotel Simon trails.

 

Scaled Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes squamatus falcinellus C

A single individual was part of a mixed-species flock seen at the Hotel Ype in the Itatiaia NP.

 

Spot-breasted Antvireo - Dysithamnus stictothorax C

We obtained good views of a pair along the Hotel Simon trail.

 

Star-throated Antwren - Myrmotherula gularis C

A superb species which allowed good views to be obtained along both of the Waterfall trails with two groups of 4 seen.

 

Ochre-rumped Antbird - Drymophila ochropyga C

A pair were watched creeping through the undergrowth along the Hotel Simon trail. Superb.

 

Streak-capped Antwren - Terenura maculata C

A single male was seen amongst a mixed-species flock along the Hotel Simon trail but sadly didn’t linger long.

 

Rufous Gnateater - Conopophaga lineata vulgaris C

A single individual was seen along the left-hand Waterfall trail and although JFC obtained a good view DC was left with frustratingly poor views despite having first found the bird.

 

Magellanic Tapaculo - Scytalopus magellanicus C

A single individual was located near the treeline along the chair-lift clearing above Ushuaia on the 22nd. It reacted to pishing keeping very low hopping between logs. Superb.

 

Blue Manakin - Chiroxiphia caudata C

We saw a fine male along the Hotel Simon trail and DRC saw a female near the start of the Tres Picos trail.

 

White-crested Elaenia - Elaenia albiceps chilensis C

We saw c.10 on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.

 

Sooty Tyrannulet - Serpophaga nigricans C

We saw 3 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

White-crested Tyrannulet - Serpophaga subcristata subcristata C

A single individual was seen at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Grey-hooded Flycatcher - Mionectes rufiventris C

A total of 5 were seen along the Waterfall trail and at the Hotel Ype in Itatiaia NP.

 

Tufted Tit-Tyrant - Anairetes parulus parulus C

We located a pair in a remnant patch of forest just outside Punta Arenas.

 

Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher - Todirostrum plumbeiceps C

We saw 4 along the Hotel Simon trail. Superb.

 

White-throated Spadebill - Platyrinchus mystaceus mystaceus C

A single individual which kept low was located along the left-hand Waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP. Superb.

 

Cliff Flycatcher - Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa C

We saw 2 on a bridge not far above the Itatiaia NP entrance and around 6 were seen around the Hotel Simon itself.

 

Fire-eyed Diucon - Xolmis pyrope pyrope C

A single individual was seen in a patch of woodland opposite Punta Arenas Airport.

 

Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola macloviana mentalis / macloviana C

Up to 40 macloviana were seen daily whilst on the Falklands and 20 mentalis were seen at the top of the ski lift at Ushuaia.

 

Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola flavinucha C

A single individual was located at the top of the ski-run at Ushuaia on the 22nd.

 

Austral Negrito - Lessonia rufa C

We saw c.10 around Punta Arenas on the 24th.

 

Cattle Tyrant - Machetornis rixosus rixosus C

A single individual was seen at the Hotel Sheraton in Buenos Aires on the 8th.

 

Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus argentinus C

An impressive c.100 were seen around Costanera Sur. In Brazil up to 2 were seen on both journeys to and from Rio.

 

Boat-billed Flycatcher - Megarynchus pitangua pitangua C

We saw 2 near the Hotel Simon.

 

Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus C

We saw 2 on the way to Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th and up to 4 on both journeys to and from Rio de Janeiro Airport.

 

Fork-tailed Flycatcher - Tyrannus savana savana C

A single individual was seen outside Buenos Aires Airport on the 8th.

 

Black-tailed Tityra - Tityra cayana braziliensis C

A single individual was seen behind the Hotel Simon.

 

Grey-breasted Martin - Progne chalybea C

We saw up to 40 on our first two days around Buenos Aires.

 

White-rumped Swallow - Tachycineta leucorrhoa C

We saw c.10 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Chilean Swallow - Tachycineta meyeni C

We saw up to 8 on our visits to Punta Arenas and c.20 in the vicinity of Ushuaia.

 

Blue-and-white Swallow - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca / patagonica C

We saw a single patagonica at Ushuaia Dump on the 22nd and up to 20 cyanoleuca were seen daily around the Hotel Simon in Itatiaia NP.

 

Correndera Pipit - Anthus correndera grayi / chilensis C

A total of 4 grayi were seen on West Point and 10 were seen on the journey to Volunteer Point with 1 chilensis seen on Tierra del Fuego and 7 to the north of Punta Arenas.

 

House Wren - Troglodytes aedon chilensis C

We saw 3 at Costanera Sur, 10 at Ushuaia and 2 at Punta Arenas. A pair were seen around the Hotel Simon.

 

Cobb’s Wren - Troglodytes cobbi C

We saw 4 on Carcass Island in the Falklands.

 

Sedge Wren - Cistothorus platensis falklandicus C

On the Falklands we saw c.5 on West Point Island on the 10th and 4 on Carcass Island on the 11th.

 

Chalk-browed Mockingbird - Mimus saturninus modulator C

We saw c.12 in the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires.

 

Rufous-bellied Thrush - Turdus rufiventris rufiventris C

We saw up to 15 on both days at Buenos Aires. A pair were seen around the Hotel Simon.

 

Austral Thrush - Turdus falcklandii falcklandii / magellanicus C

Up to 40 were seen daily on the Falklands and 8 were seen on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Masked Gnatcatcher - Polioptila dumicola dumicola C

We saw around 8 at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus C

Common around Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego. Up to 10 were seen on both dates at Rio airport.

 

Rufous-browed Peppershrike – Cyclarhis gujanensis C

A single individual was seen along the Hotel Simon Trail.

 

Black-chinned Siskin – Carduelis barbata C


We saw c.20 on West Point, 15 on Carcass Island and c.20 on Tierra del Fuego.

 

Golden-crowned Warbler – Basileuterus culicivorus C


We saw 4 at the Hotel Ype.

 

Bananaquit – Coereba flaveola C


A pair were present around the Hotel Simon feeders.

 

Ruby-crowned Tanager – Tachyphonus coronatus C


Up to 12 were present around the Hotel Simon.

 

Black-goggled Tanager – Trichothraupis melanops C


We saw around 10 at Hotel Ype.

 

Sayaca Tanager – Thraupis sayaca sayaca C


We saw up to 4 around the Hotel Simon.

 

Golden-chevroned Tanager – Thraupis ornate C


We saw up to 8 around the Hotel Simon.

 

Green-headed Tanager – Tangara seledon C


We saw a pair along the left hand waterfall trail at Itatiaia NP.


 

Brassy-breasted Tanager – Tangara desmaresti C


We saw a pair at the start of the waterfall trails at Itatiaia NP.

 

Burnished-buff Tanager – Tangara cayana chloroptera C


Around 4 were seen around Hotel Simon in Itatiaia NP.

 

Blue Dacnis – Dacnis cayana paraguayensis C


We saw a pair at the Hotel Simon feeders.

 

Patagonia Sierra-Finch – Phrygilus patagonicus C


We saw around 8 mobbing the Austral Pygmy Owl on Tierra del Fuego on the 22nd.

 

Black-throated (Canary-winged) Finch – Melanodera melanodera melanodera C


We saw 4 on the journey to Volunteer Point and around 40 on Carcass Island where they proved far more approachable. Superb.

 

Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch – Poospiza nigrorufa C


We saw around 8 at Costanera Sur.

 

Great Pampa-Finch – Embernagra platensis platensis C


We saw 2 at Costanera Sur.

 

Yellow-billed Cardinal – Paroaria capitata capitata C


We saw a party of 5 at Costanera Sur.

 

Rufous-collared Sparrow – Zonotrichia capensis C


We saw up to 25 daily on the mainland of South America. Up to 40 were present around the Hotel Simon.

 

Green-winged Saltator – Saltator similis similis C


We saw up to 4 around the Hotel Simon.

 

Yellow-winged Blackbird – Agelaius thilius C


We saw around 10 at Costanera Sur.

 

Long-tailed Meadowlark – Sturnella loyca loyca / falklandicus C


We saw up to 30 loyca around Punta Arenas and up to 40 falklandicus daily whilst on the Falklands.

 

Bay-winged Cowbird – Molothrus badius badius C

We saw 2 in the park opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires.

 

Shiny Cowbird – Molothrus bonariensis bonariensis C

We saw up to 8 on both days around Buenos Aires.

 

Epaulet Oriole – Icterus cayanensis pyrrhopterus C

We saw a pair at Costanera Sur on the 7th.

 

Red-rumped Cacique – Cacicus haemorrhous affinis C

We saw 6 around the feeders at the Hotel Simon.

 

Austral Blackbird – Curaeus curaeus C
A party of 6 were seen in a patch of forest to the north of Punta Arenas on the 24th.