Argentina La Balandra - Bird Tour Part 2

The next stop in the tour would take us to La Balandra which is a popular spot by the river in the summer for local people to relax. It is where the days target bird also hangs out in the reeds. The Red and White Crake is a tricky character and brief views of the bird were possible. I knew this was not going to be easy but Mark was confident we would see this skulking species.

A stop along the road to the entrance to watch a splendid White-banded Mockingbird was a brief diversion from our goal. But we were soon checking the areas of reeds waiting for a call announcing the birds presence.

A Plumbeous Rail appeared from the reeds during the search nervously looking about in its hunt for a tasty morsal.

The Crake was proving to be as tricky as was expected with the odd random call but no movement towards small clearings in the thick reed-bed. After a walk around the area we returned to our first stake out point where the Crake eventually put in a good but brief appearance. Woo hoo!

The final stop of the day would take us back to Reserva Costanera Sur to find the Red Fronted Coot which I had bypassed on my first visit. The day was closing in by the time we arrived and the waterway busy with roosting birds. Around eighty Great White Egrets were seen arriving in small groups to line the reed-beds.

A Coypu was observed swimming across the waterway taking position on a small island and a turtle was seen on one of the small islands. A fitting end to the day in which Mark had been the perfect host providing a wealth of information about the areas we had visited and the birds! Many thanks for a wonderful day!

Argentina Reserva Punta Lara - Bird tour day part 1

23^rd

I had beed put in contact with Mark Pearman by Paul Smith with a view to having a days birding searching for some of the more difficult species in the area. Mark came to live in Argentina twenty-five years ago and is a respected ornithologist and tour guide. Anita and I were picked up from our hotel at seven and the race was on to get out of the city before the traffic chaos began.

Prior to the trip I had sent Mark a list of birds that were lifers and he had memorised this giving me a likely hit list for the day. The target bird of the day was to be the Red and White Crake which is a tricky species to see!

We made our way to Punta Lara a nature reserve which as well as acres of prime wetland featured a graveyard for stolen / wrecked cars. The early morning start also added an eerie mist which lurked between patches of reeds.  

A Bar-winged Cinclodes was the first lifer on the list followed by a Spectacled Tyrant that showed amazing white wings when in flight. Freckled-breasted Thornbird, Sulphur-bearded Spinetail, Spix’s Spinetail and Long-tailed Reed-finch were soon added to this rapidly growing list.

 

A pair of White-tipped Plantcutter showed complete contrast in plumage between the male and female who traded places as they watched our every move.

As we reached a taller area of reeds the target for this area a Curve-billed Reedhaunter wasted no time in announcing itself posing for pictures in the thick reeds.

We made of way through a small wooded area which seemed quiet and then viewed the River Plate which had numerous Brown-hooded and the odd Kelp Gull. It also had what was to be the bonus bird of the day a Spot-winged Pigeon which seemed to amuse Mark as I ticked this bird and ran!

Buenos Aires - Reserva Costanera Sur!

21^st

Having arrived in Buenos Aires to meet my girlfriend the previous Saturday and spent a few days doing tourist stuff an afternoon trip to Reserva Costanera Sur was taken. This reserve is walking distance from the busy city centre consisting of a maintained waterfront with reeded areas. There is a circular route leading around the reserve where two former lagoons have succumbed to mixed vegetation.

The afternoon began with a mix of city species Guira Cuckoo, Rufous Collared Sparrow, Masked Gnatcatcher and the regular and very noisy Nanday Parakeet. Chalk browed Mockingbird, Southern Caracara, Picazuro Pigeon and a Green barred Woodpecker were also added to the list.

A Southern Screamer was spied early on but the photo opportunity was not to come until later on after a tense search for the bird from the pavement walkway. This was the most productive area for wildfowl which had a row of statues of former Argentine sports stars excluding Maradonna and a burger van positioned ever 100metres.

Being an avid lover of “Los Patos” I was in my element with Silver Teal being a personnel favourite of mine. Rosy-billed Pochard was also numerous hanging around the edges of the wall hoping for any offerings the passing public would cast aside.

Speckled Teal, Masked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe and White-tufted Grebe were also present along with Common Gallinule and numerous Coots.

There are three types of Coot present all with subtle differences to the colour and shape of the shield. I photographed one species the Red-gartered Coot during this visit.

I logged forty species with a Limpkin and a wall walking Grey-necked Wood-Rail completing the list. My next visit would be with Mark Pearman an ornithologist and local bird guide. 

San Rafael - Finale!

17^th

The morning was overcast and damp but there were signs of improvement in the weather. We took a small trail around the accommodation area before saying goodbye to Hanz and Christina at San Rafael.

The trip list for the time of year was at a healthy 96 but this trail and a final walk around the lake should put numbers over 100.

Four new birds were to make it onto my life list but unfortunately none would be caught on camera. The Thrush-like Woodcreeper was first followed soon after by the Ochre-faced Tody-flycatcher. A Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner and Olive Spinetail made up the four.

My camera was almost redundant along the trail but I sprung into action whilst walking the trail by the farm to add some photographs to the forthcoming San Rafael bird guide.

A Ultramarine Grosbeak showed well from the track as it took brief respite as it flew around us.

A Cream-bellied Gnateater which is a rare bird these days gave splendid views in the accommodation area after lunch.

The reserve total finished at 106 species with a Giant Wood Rail and some common birds seen along the road back to Encarnacion. 

This bird would conclude the tour at the reserve and what a great bird to finish on. Thanks go to Paul Smith who is a first class guide and teacher. See link at bottom of blog for details of trips offered by Fauna Paraguay.

I hope Lilian, Sara and eagle eyed Johnathan enjoyed their trip and I wish them a safe journey and maybe I will see them at Laguna Blanca in the future! 

San Rafael Day 3 - Rain Stops Play after lunch!

16^th

It had rained during the night and there well a freshness in the air. There were also clouds gathering which suggested the weather forcast for the day was going to be correct. We took a walk into a lower part of the forest which contained a lot of bamboo with tall thin trees a small stream and small swamps.

Bird of the morning was a Chestnut Headed Tanager which was very inquisitive checking us out as we made our way along the path. The bamboo produced a Drab Breasted Bamboo Tyrant and a Buff-browed Foliage Gleaner.

The weather had also been kind to us with no rain for the entirety of the walk. But the thunder and rain was closing in fast. A Tufted Antshrike gave good views just before me made it back to the truck. Hooded Siskin were seen in the field just before the reception.

The inevitable happened and the heavens opened and time was taken to catch up on some rest with fingers crossed that the storm would pass over quickly. Unfortunately rain has stopped play!!

Daylist:- 29 species 5 life birds

Rusty-margined Guan (Penelope superciliaris)

Picazuro Wood-pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro)

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)

Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris)

Lineated Woodpecker (Hylatomus lineatus)

White Woodpecker (Melanerpes candidus)

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)

Scaly-headed Parrot (Pionus maximiliani)

Maroon-bellied Parakeet (Pyrrhura frontalis)

Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)

White-eyed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus leucophthalmus)

Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa)

Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis)

Rufous Gnateater (Conopophaga lineata)

Green-backed Becard (Pachyramphus viridis)

Drab-breasted Bamboo-tyrant (Hemitriccus diops)

Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosa)

Sirystes (Sirystes sibilator)

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

Creamy-bellied Thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops)

Hooded Siskin (Carduelis magellanica)

Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)

Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leverianus)

Chestnut-headed Tanager (Pyrrhocoma ruficeps)

Black-goggled Tanager (Trichothraupis melanops)

Red-crowned Ant-tanager (Habia rubica)

Golden-winged Cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus)

San Rafael Day 2 - La fiesta de las Aves!!

15^th

We started out early passing the lake making our way towards the longest trail through the Atlantic Forest. Fifteen previously recorded species made it into the notebook before my first Paraguayan tick was seen.

The Sharpe tailed Streamcreeper was on my wish list at San Rafael and this species did not disappoint with two birds dancing around a covered area at the top of the stream. A Slaty-backed Wood-Rail who had obviously had a bad nights rest was seen chasing the other birds off the edges of the stream so it could drink.

A Yellow Tyrannulet provided ample photo opportunities in a mixed flock just before the trail entrance of the forest.

Amongst this group was the ever calling Sirystes a bird I had hoped to see at Laguna Blanca. A White=shouldered Fire-eye was the next lifer to appear. 

There were also several Wing-barred Piprites and a Ruby-crowned Tanager as we walked along the trail. A Lesser Woodcreeper was heard and then made a brief appearance in front of us along the trail.

Black Goggled Tanager was another feature throughout the day. By lunchtime fifty species had been logged during the walk. A Scale-throated Hermit made an appearance feeding on the flowers around the porch to the reception.

Just as we were settling down for some down time a Suruya Trogan flew into an area of trees close by. Without hesitation binoculars and cameras were busy watching this amazing bird as it fed high in the trees. The bird even had a short look at the group before departing in search of more treats.

The afternoon took us along the forest edge looking for mixed flocks of birds. Large-tailed and Spot-backed Antshrike were both add to the life list. The Large-tailed proving difficult to spy in the scrub on the edge of the field. Johnathan struck gold again finding the monkeys before we had entered the small tip of the forest.

The day was rounded off with a Burrowing Owl sat on a fence-post and then a fly over screeching Barn Owl just after supper.

Day list 65 species 10 life and 11 Paraguay ticks:-

Spot-winged Wood-quail (Odontophorus capueira)

Picazuro Wood-pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro)

Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis)

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)

Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)

Scale-throated Hermit (Phaethornis eurynome)

Slaty-breasted Wood-rail (Aramides saracura)

Blackish Rail (Pardirallus nigricans)

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata)

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)

American Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris)

Surucua Trogon [surrucura] (Trogon surrucura)

Rufous-capped Motmot (Baryphthengus ruficapillus)

Chestnut-eared Aracari (Pteroglossus castanotis)

White-barred Piculet (Picumnus cirratus)

Ochre-collared Piculet (Picumnus temminckii)

Robust Woodpecker (Campephilus robustus)

Green-barred Woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros)

White-spotted Woodpecker (Veniliornis spilogaster)

Collared Forest-falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Pileated Parrot (Pionopsitta pileata)

Scaly-headed Parrot (Pionus maximiliani)

White-eyed Parakeet (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

Rufous-capped Spinetail (Synallaxis ruficapilla)

White-eyed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus leucophthalmus)

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (Lochmias nematura)

Lesser Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus fuscus)

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (Lochmias nematura) - Paraguay only

Scale-throated Hermit (Phaethornis eurynome)

Spot-backed Antshrike (Hypoedaleus guttatus)

Large-tailed Antshrike (Mackenziaena leachii)

Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis)

Dusky-tailed Antbird (Drymophila malura)

White-shouldered Fire-eye (Pyriglena leucoptera)

Rufous Gnateater (Conopophaga lineata)

Wing-barred Piprites (Piprites chloris)

Yellow Tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola)

Sepia-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)

Eared Pygmy-tyrant (Myiornis auricularis)

Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)

Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosa)

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)

Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher (Polioptila lactea)

Sirystes (Sirystes sibilator)

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

Creamy-bellied Thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas)

Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)

Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher (Polioptila lactea)

Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)

White-rimmed Warbler (Basileuterus leucoblepharus)

Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leverianus)

Black-goggled Tanager (Trichothraupis melanops)

Ruby-crowned Tanager (Tachyphonus coronatus)

Guira Tanager (Hemithraupis guira)

Purple-throated Euphonia (Euphonia chlorotica)

Red-crowned Ant-tanager (Habia rubica)

Golden-winged Cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus)

Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus)

San Rafael Day 1 - Monkeying Around!!

14^th

I took the long journey to Encarnacion via Acuncion to link up with Paul Smith (Fauna Paraguay) to learn some guiding skills as he took a general tour with Lilian, Sara and Johnathan from FL USA.

Lilian was keen to see the birds at San Rafael Reserve which is run by PRO COSARA and is supported by the World Wildlife Fund. The reserve is situated in SE Paraguay consists of 73000 hectares of pristine Atlantic Forest a lake and a joining farmland.

We arrived in time for lunch and set out soon after towards the lake and one of the smaller trails in the Atlantic Forest. A group of Yellow-fronted Woodpeckers greeted us as we made our way down the track. This was to be the first of four lifers of this walk.

Golden-winged Caciques were observed on the far side of the lagoon along with a brief view of an Amazon Kingfisher. There were a couple of mixed flocks were seen in the canopy which included Guira Tanager and the nosey Golden-crowned Warblers. The scrub contained Grey-bellied and Rufous-capped Spinetail.

A Planalto Woodcreeper gave good views which allowed some prime camera time! Golden-winged Cacique and Chestnut-crowned Becard were the next additions. Dusky-tailed Antbird completed the four life ticks for the day.

At dusk we drove to the edge of the Atlantic Forest to see if the Capuchin monkeys would use a sleeping site. Eagle eyed Johnathan spotted the monkeys as they entered the area. An added bonus was a picture although it was pretty dark inside the forest.

Daylist total 49 species lifers in bold;- 

Rusty-margined Guan (Penelope superciliaris)

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)

Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis)

Blackish Rail (Pardirallus nigricans)

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata)

Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)

American Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)

Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)

Robust Woodpecker (Campephilus robustus)

Lineated Woodpecker (Hylatomus lineatus)

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes flavifrons)

White-spotted Woodpecker (Veniliornis spilogaster)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)

Scaly-headed Parrot (Pionus maximiliani)

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

Rufous-capped Spinetail (Synallaxis ruficapilla)

Grey-bellied Spinetail (Synallaxis cinerascens)

Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus)

Planalto Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)

Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

Dusky-tailed Antbird (Drymophila malura)

Chestnut-crowned Becard (Pachyramphus castaneus)

Grey Elaenia (Myiopagis caniceps)

White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus)

Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosa)

Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

Chalk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus)

Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas)

Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)

Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops)

Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi)

Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)

White-rimmed Warbler (Basileuterus leucoblepharus)

Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leverianus)

Hooded Tanager (Nemosia pileata)

Ruby-crowned Tanager (Tachyphonus coronatus)

Guira Tanager (Hemithraupis guira)

Chestnut-vented Conebill (Conirostrum speciosum)

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)

Golden-winged Cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus)

Red-rumped Cacique (Cacicus haemorrhous)

Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus)

Laguna Blanca Another one bites the dust!!

7^th June

The latest addition to my Laguna Blanca list appeared during the afternoon in the SE area of the lagoon. This bird was also seen the next day on the seasonal pond which is approximately 30 – 50 metres away.

The Yellow-browed Tyrant was very obliging parading itself in all its splendor as it hawked for insects along the now swamp like area of the lagoon.

I have since spent some time in the Museum with the PLT guys cleaning up and learning some new skills which included preparing a Rat and stuffing in so that it can take its place amongst the museum specimens. It was a long process but a very rewarding one when it was complete. Thanks Karina, Joe and Becca for your patience!!

I am currently with Paul Smith at San Rafael in the SE of the country learning some guiding skills and hopefully seeing a few new birds for my Paraguay list.... Update to follow!

Laguna Blanca MEGA Pinnated Bittern!!

Today would have been my anniversary at work but I chose to pursue my passion for my feathered friends with Para La Tierra at Laguna Blanca. A decision I have not regretted in any way.

 It appears the birds knew and turned out for me as I began my fourth survey of the lagoon. The best of which popped up in the reeds in front of me as I was scanning the lagoon. It is funny how the mind begins to race when something unusual is seen. The bird is there in front of me pictures have been taken so ultimately identification isn’t going to be an issue.

So up pops a long billed thick necked round bodied heron almost from know where. My first thought is that’s too big for a Striated Heron. Then it stretches its neck and shows part of its camouflaged body and begins to skulk in the reeds remaining motionless in parts with its long neck stretched out. It’s a bittern a Pinnated Bittern. That’s a first record for Laguna Blanca! Woo hoo!

I contact Paul sending him a couple of pictures to which he confirms this is a significant new record for the reserve! Let the celebrations begin well after I have finished the survey anyway!

Hind sight is a wonderful thing but the morning had been building up to something good with a Chimango Caracara flying from an apparent roosting point within the sparse scattering of trees within the confines of the lagoon. This bird flew off SW.

A Black Skimmer was next to join the list of interesting birds arriving from the NE. It completed circuits feeding irregularly over the surface of the lagoon. This bird took a good look at Sam (Switz) and Harry (Aus) who were checking the nets for fish. Sam had missed the pair of birds last month surely he had seen this one! I found out later he had.

Then a Snail Kite was seen flying low over the reed-beds looking for breakfast. The bird disappeared behind me most likely to check out the seasonal pond where I saw my first reserve Snail Kite last year.

That was certainly a very interesting morning and the day is not over yet!!