|
 The
region of Patagonia, of which Bariloche is considered one of the
primary gateways, attracts a rich variety of birdlife,
including the magnificent condor. The diversity of habitats
contributes to the multitude of species found here and the
spectacular settings of Patagonia provide some unforgettable
birding experiences.
Guided Connections can arrange customized birding tours for small
groups or individual tours from daily excursions to multi-day
adventures. A daily birding trip can be a great break from your
fly fishing schedule. We offer set itineraries with our friend Dr.
Lorenzo Sympson as well as nature trips.
 Dr.
Lorenzo Sympson, a native Argentine, is a noted Andean condor
expert. He is a founding member and head of the ornithological
committee of SNAP (Sociedad Naturalista Andino Patagonica), a
regional NGO dedicated to the conservation of Patagonia’s unique
ecosystem.
Dr. Sympson is the coordinator for UCSC’s condor
program in Argentina, a program designed for researching condor
biology and behavior. As a veterinarian and ranch manager in
Argentina and Peru, his interest and expertise in ornithology led
him to guiding bird enthusiasts. Below is a brief itinerary of a
trip with Lorenzo.
Birding With Dr. Sympson
Lorenzo will be your host and guide, and will travel with you
to Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) where your adventure in the
field begins. From there, you’ll go on to the Cuyin and Traful
valleys, the Llao Llao peninsula, and if you choose, across the
Chilean border to the Pacific coast or to regions south of
Bariloche.
You will visit the roosting sites of the legendary condor and
view many raptors, including the Black-chested Eagle, Peregrine
and Aplomado falcons, Kestrel, and Crested Caracaras. You will
explore the dry steppe and pampas grasslands where
 you
could find seedsnipes, Buff-necked Ibis, various ground-Tyrants,
and a variety of owls including the Austral Pygmy-Owl and the
Rufous-legged Owl.
Along the Limay River, Great Grebes, Ringed
Kingfisher, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, the shy Patagonian Tyrant, the
Thorn-tailed Rayadito, and White-throated Treerunner can all be
found in abundance. In the Valdivian humid forest you can see and
hear the three local Tapaculos. These southern beech forests are
also home to the Austral Parakeet, Des Murs’ Wiretail, and
Patagonia’s largest woodpecker, the Magellanic. Among the coastal
birds of interest are Oystercatchers, Plumbeous Rail,
Tawny-throated Dotterel, and Spot-flanked Gallinule to name a few.
These are just a few of the species you will see, depending on
your choice of itinerary.
 This
particular tour usually requires 7-10 days and is an exclusive
trip of 4-10 people. We’ve found a smaller group allows
flexibility and assures your comfort in travel and lodging. You
will experience the warmth and friendliness of the people and
enjoy the legendary cuisine and wines of Argentina and Chile.
Travel will be provided by van, motorboat, and/or horseback to the
various birding sites throughout Patagonia. You will stay in
lovely lodges or estancias (ranches) that provide all the modern
conveniences while retaining that authentic Argentine and Chilean
flavor.
Guided Connections can also arrange special birding tours in
other locations in Patagonia.
Give us a call at (307) 734-2716 or email us at
info@guidedconnections.com for more information.
|
