|
At the southern end of the continent we find one of the most remote and underpopulated regions on earth. Patagonia has not changed much since it was first seen by Magellan, in 1520. Later such notable visitors as Charles Darwin and William Henry Hudson walked its shores and explored the region. The vast steppe, unending sea-coasts and dense woods of Southern Beeches in the Andes make the region a real Mecca for lovers of the nature of wilderness.
Our first contact with Patagonia will probably be the Valdés Peninsula. Standing off the continent and only joined to it by a narrow isthmus, this is a real wildlife sanctuary and has been recognized as such by its declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The steppes are home to many birds and animals such as the Guanaco, Maras (Patagonian Cavies – but gigantic) and Lesser Rheas, while on the coasts multitudes of South American Sea-lions, Southern Elephant Seals, cormorants of four species, Magellanic Penguins all congregate during their breeding seasons. Here too one can see the endangered Southern Right Whales on their breeding grounds off the shores, or take a boat trip to get a closer look at them. Some bird specialties of the area are the Elegant Crested Tinamou, the Band-tailed Eremobius, Patagonian Yellow-Finch as well as the endemic Chubut Steamer-Duck,White-throated Cacholote, Patagonian Canastero,Carbonated Sierra-finch and Rusty-backed Monjita.
|
|
In northern Patagonia is the town of San Antonio Oeste , well within the region of the Creosote bush (Larrea spp), preferred habitat for many of the endemic species and local specialties. It is home to Sandy Gallito, Cinnamon Warbling-Finch, Black-crowned Monjita, Hudson's Black-Tyrant and the spectacular and rare Yellow Cardinal.
At the same latitude, Bariloche in the foothills of the Andes has Swiss alpine architecture in the setting of lakes, mountains and woods of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first park in the country, created in 1903. Bariloche is the perfect base for exploring three habitats: Southern Beech woods, the western grassy steppe and the high mountains. On day excursions we can find the Chilean Pigeon, Striped Woodpecker, Green-backed Firecrown, Des Murs' Wiretail, Black-throated Huet-huet, Chucao Tapaculo and Patagonian Tyrant.
Flying to El Calafate in the extreme south-west of continental Argentina, we are now in Santa Cruz province and from here we explore the remoter parts of Patagonia. A short drive towards the mountains takes us to one of the most spectacular places on earth – the snout of the Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. The Grey Fox, Andean Condor, Upland Goose, Black-faced Ibis, Spectacled Duck and much more are to be seen there.
For the daring, a longish drive along famous Route 40 takes us to Strobel Lake Plateau, our starting point from where we search for one of the world's most special birds, the Hooded Grebe. Almost since its discovery in 1974 it seemed to withdraw from accessible places and the traditional circuits, but our team of guides has located a lagoon where it nests; this site can be reached in a vehicle. On the same expedition we also made one of the most important, recent ornithological discoveries in Argentina, the Austral Rail. The area also affords good opportunities to see the Patagonian Tinamou.
Patagonia itself continues southward onto the island of Tierra del Fuego, and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. From here we explore the glaciers and mountains, Southern Beech forests and the waters of the Beagle Channel, in all of which we will find a good variety of wildlife. Rock and Imperial Cormorants, Spectacled Duck, White-throated Caracara, Austral Pygmy-Owl, White-throated Treerunner and Magellanic Tapaculo are but some of the species inhabiting these latitudes. A hike above the tree-line gives us a chance at the White-bellied Seedsnipe, while a pelagic trip along the Beagle Channel yields South American Sea-lions, Southern Fur-seals, Gentoo Penguins, Magellanic Diving-Petrels, Black-browed Albatross and lots more.
|
