2007 Tour Narrative
Our all-too-short week in the High Andes filled our days with highlight birds, scenery and experiences—an excellent introduction to the allure of Argentina as a must-visit birding destination. As we traveled through the transitional zones from the dry chaco into moist yungas forest and ascended to the altiplano, we enjoyed the expected and the unexpected. Our first sighting of Andean Condor portended the sightings to come. Calilegua provided the opportunity for those with an affinity for tropical forest species to enjoy mixed species flocks and to seek skulkers, including flocks of Mitred Parakeets and the occasional Alder Parrot or Golden-collared Macaw, flycatchers, brush-finches, spinetails, warblers, and tanagers. The Yala River yielded two sought-for gems: Rufous-throated Dipper and Torrent Duck. And our ascent to the altiplano gave us opportunities to marvel at the scenic cactus desert of the Argentine Andes while watching Giant Hummingbirds and Red-tailed Comets. The mirage-like pink haze of flamingos along the lake edge of Pozuelos pulled us like magnets into a long walk across the altiplano, seeking closer views in order to complete our set of 3 species of flamingos for the trip. But many of the favorites of the week were not necessarily the rarest or even a lifer for most. Who of us will ever forget the Common Potoo electing to savor the spotlight illuminating him by repeatedly belting out his plaintive call? And the last-minute and most unexpected appearance of the Lyre-tailed Nightjar reaffirmed our faith that with birding, anything can happen, even on a wet and cold night.
“Diverse” would be one word to describe Argentina and our experiences there. Few countries can offer the diversity of birds, scenery, and climate that Argentina does. Highlight families and sought-after species are eclipsed only by the settings in which they occur. With the excellent infrastructure of transport (air, water, and land), hotels close to our birding sites (from luxurious to basic but comfortable), delicious food and drink, and hospitable and welcoming residents, Argentina provided us not only the ultimate in birds but also the ultimate in a holiday experience!
Judy Davis
Updated: January 2008