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Around Santiago, Chile

Posted Apr 8, 2025 by Stephen Menzie
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Stephen Menzie

Leader

Learn more about the Cruise: Around Cape Horn tour

Fresh off the Cape Horn cruise tour, eight participants remained in central Chile for a quick sampler of the region’s birds – including several Chilean endemics, such as Chilean Mockingbird.
Fresh off the Cape Horn cruise tour, eight participants remained in central Chile for a quick sampler of the region’s birds – including several Chilean endemics, such as Chilean Mockingbird.
Stephen Menzie
At a coastal wetland, we found a host of birds, including a family of Coscoroba Swans…
At a coastal wetland, we found a host of birds, including a family of Coscoroba Swans…
Stephen Menzie
…and the charismatic Many-coloured Rush-tyrant.
…and the charismatic Many-coloured Rush-tyrant.
Stephen Menzie
Day two of the tour was spent in the Yeso Valley, where we had one principal target – the unique and highly sought-after Diameded Sandpiper-plover. An adult and juvenile showed well by the side of the track at 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Day two of the tour was spent in the Yeso Valley, where we had one principal target – the unique and highly sought-after Diameded Sandpiper-plover. An adult and juvenile showed well by the side of the track at 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Stephen Menzie
At high elevation, we also found species such as this Black-billed Shrike-tyrant…
At high elevation, we also found species such as this Black-billed Shrike-tyrant…
Stephen Menzie
…as well as enjoying the spectacle of a dozen Andean Condors circling at eye-level in front of us.
…as well as enjoying the spectacle of a dozen Andean Condors circling at eye-level in front of us.
Stephen Menzie
The scenery was also spectacular.
The scenery was also spectacular.
Stephen Menzie
On the third and final day of the post-cruise extension, we visited the high-altitude ski resort of Farellones. On the way up to the resort, we found four cooperative Moustached Turcas – characterful, chicken-like tapaculos – which we watched scratching around amongst some sparce vegetation….
On the third and final day of the post-cruise extension, we visited the high-altitude ski resort of Farellones. On the way up to the resort, we found four cooperative Moustached Turcas – characterful, chicken-like tapaculos – which we watched scratching around amongst some sparce vegetation….
Stephen Menzie
…and, again, we were surrounded by spectacular scenery.
…and, again, we were surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Stephen Menzie
After three days of successful birding in this diverse region of central Chile, the group parted ways, with several participants staying on to explore the cultural delights of Santiago.
After three days of successful birding in this diverse region of central Chile, the group parted ways, with several participants staying on to explore the cultural delights of Santiago.
Stephen Menzie