FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: BIRDS & WINES OF CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2013

Field Guides Tour Report

BIRDS & WINES OF CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2013

Mar 23, 2013 to Apr 6, 2013

Marcelo Padua & Rodrigo Tapia

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.

We had a blast immersing ourselves in the wine-making process. He's not just smiling for the camera -- wine aficionado and bird guide Marcelo Padua was in seventh heaven on this tour. (Photo from guide Marcelo Padua)

The "Birds & wines of Chile and Argentina" tour is one conceived with experiences in mind more than anything else. I wanted people to experience the birds, the wine, the culture and the food of the areas we visited, and I think it's safe to say we achieved our goal. We started out in the Central Market of Santiago where we had a wonderful sampling of the abundant seafood of Chile. We then headed up into the Andes for a close encounter with Andean Condors and a pair of Harris's Hawks, these beautiful birds locking their talons and falling for what seemed an eternity through the thin air of the mountains. The spectacle left us all speechless and excited about the days to come. Our next days in Santiago were also fabulous, with a great number of endemics and rarities such as Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca and Chilean Mockingbird, Chilean Hawk and the scarce Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, all combined with a tour of two of Chile's most important wineries and a special visit to a museum of Andean culture.

We had to set out for Argentina a day earlier due to some construction on the road that connects both countries, making our crossing more stressful than it needed to be (it will all be completed in 2014). Once we reached the Argentine side we were able to enjoy some wonderful birding time as we approached Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America, where we soaked in all the beauty of the Andes and enjoyed great views of Gray-breasted Seedsnipe as well as some very cooperative Mountain Parakeets and Scale-breasted Earthcreepers.

A little downtime in Uspallata allowed us to experience the famous Argentine "churrasco" (barbecue) for the first time, and we also saw some great birds such as the range-restricted Steinbach's Canastero, Great Pampa-Finch, and a Plumbeous Rail that paraded around for our group.

Our next stop was at the Salentein Winery, where we had time to wind down a bit and experience first hand the process of making wine. We enjoyed an outdoors barbecue and a guided wine tasting that turned out to be one of the major highlights of the tour.

The next few days promised to feature some of the best birding of the tour, but unfortunately we were hit with an absolutely unexpected and strange change In weather, with a storm that cost us two of the best birding days of the tour. Fortunately, on the following day we were able to recover a little of the birding time lost, and waking up at the base of the Andes to see all the fresh snow on the highest peaks was a delight before we headed to the city of Mendoza, where Red-tailed Comet and some fine wine awaited us.

Skipping the long drive, we took a return flight back to Chile and enjoyed great looks from our plane at the peaks of Aconcagua. On arrival we headed to the mouth of the Maipo River. There it was sensory overload with the sheer numbers of individual birds after several days in dry habitats on the Argentine side. Hundreds of Franklin's Gulls with their rosy plumage and the complex palette of Many-colored Rush-Tyrants were in strong contrast to the brown tones of desert birds. And the coast treated us to excellent looks at Humboldt Penguins and Inca Terns, while some time inland produced White-throated and Dusky tapaculos as well as great looks at Rufous-tailed Plantcutter.

We wrapped things up with a lovely lunch in the Casablanca Valley enjoying some of the crisp white wines of Chile with a multitude of great memories of the people, the wines, and the birds that make these two countries so fascinating. Abrazos, Marcelo Padua

P.S.: See the end of this triplist for a listing of the many and varied wines we were able to enjoy on this tour.

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

Nobody was complaining about the looks we had at Elegant Crested-Tinamou! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

ELEGANT CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia elegans) – We had excellent looks at these fabulous tinamous more than once on the tour. A real treat!

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus) – Seen very well Near Malargue!

COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba) – Another bird we saw very well in near the town of Malargue!

UPLAND GOOSE (Chloephaga picta) – Southern Mendoza province gave us a lot of excellent birds, including a group of Upland Geese we saw in the area!

CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – Seen a few times on the tour. Both in Chile and Argentina!

CHILOE WIGEON (Anas sibilatrix) – We saw these handsome wigeons a few times while we were in Mendoza Province.

CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – This too seen in both countries.

RED SHOVELER (Anas platalea) – Great looks at the mouth of the Maipo River!

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – We had several looks at this species, including scope studies allowing us to get good looks at the differences between this and the Yellow-billed Teal, which is very similar to this species.

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris) – Also known as Speckled Teal.

ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca) – This is a scarce one, but we managed to get great looks at it in Southern Mendoza.

LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata) – Abundant in Southern Mendoza

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla californica) – This species was introduced in Chile, and it has adapted so well that it has become more common in Chile than it is in its native range!

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Another bird we saw in Southern Mendoza

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – Seen a couple of times on the tour.

GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major) – Most people managed to get on the bird at the Mouth of the Maipo River.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

Chilean Flamingos in flight create a distinctive silhouette. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – Several birds seen in Southern Mendoza

Spheniscidae (Penguins)

HUMBOLDT PENGUIN (Spheniscus humboldti) – Seen right in Town at Valparaiso, just a few minutes away from our Hotel.

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

PERUVIAN BOOBY (Sula variegata) – Common in Valparaiso.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – This is the cormorant that we saw Inland as well as along the coast.

RED-LEGGED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) – Seen on the same rocks where we got our Humboldt Penguin early in the morning!

GUANAY CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) – Mostly seen flying along the coast near Valparaiso.

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

One of the most memorable behavioral observations of the tour was of these two Harris's Hawks locking talons and tumbling through the sky. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus) – Abundant in Valparaiso.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – This is the species that resembles a Great Blue Heron.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Seen on several days of the tour.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Although less abundant than the Great Egret, this species is also common and we saw many of them on the tour.

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – It is amazing to see how this species has expanded its range from Africa and is now so widespread in South America.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – Common in Mendoza Province.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Not common in the areas we visit on this tour, but we managed to see one.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Common both in Chile and Argentina.

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – We had so many great looks at Andean Condor, but the first day at Farellones was truly memorable!

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Nice looks at this bird near the mouth of the Maipo River.

BICOLORED HAWK (CHILEAN) (Accipiter bicolor chilensis) – One bird, on our last morning near Santiago, shot across two hills and perched in the open for a few seconds before disappearing.

HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – One of the highlights of the tour was seeing a pair of Harris's Hawks locking talons and dropping for several meters before breaking up!

VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – The most common hawk throughout the tour.

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – We had just spent a lot of time searching for that White-throated Tapaculo, even climbing a steep hill to try to see it, when a beautiful Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle flew by really close to us and practically at eye level. What a treat!

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

Hoping to get just a clear view, we were all blown away when this Plumbeous Rail marched right up to us. (Photo by participants Bob Sprague & Amy Levengood)

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – We were way up on the hill when we heard the rail calling down in by a stream, and we played a recording hoping the bird would come out into the open. Suddenly It walked out of the reeds and all the way up the hill, only to stand in the middle of the trail just a few feet away from us. Just a wonderful memory.

SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Gallinula melanops) – Seen right in the city of Valparaiso.

RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata) – This is the most common coot species on this tour.

RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)

WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA) (Vanellus chilensis chilensis) – The subspecies chilensis has a very different sound from the birds found in eastern areas of South America.

COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – We saw this minute plover at the mouth of the Maipo.

RUFOUS-CHESTED DOTTEREL (Charadrius modestus) – Another one from the mouth of the Maipo.

DIADEMED SANDPIPER-PLOVER (Phegornis mitchellii) – El Chorlito! What a thrill it was to see this bird that is so specialized in a habitat. No doubt about it: one of the greatest prizes from the tour.

TAWNY-THROATED DOTTEREL (Oreopholus ruficollis) – These are the Dotterels that we saw so well near Mallargue

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

The scarce and specialized Diademed Sandpiper-Plover was one of the true prizes of our adventure. (Photo by participants Bob Sprague & Amy Levengood)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus) – This is the oystercatcher that we saw at the Mouth of the Maipo.

BLACKISH OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ater) – Seen on the rocks near the colony of Humboldt Penguins.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – Especially abundant at the mouth of the Maipo River.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

SURFBIRD (Aphriza virgata)

SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – I always like to watch them running up and down with the waves as they forage on the beach!

SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (MAGELLANIC) (Gallinago paraguaiae magellanica) – We flushed several of them at the mouth of the Maipo River.

Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)

GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – Susan spotted one for us, and we enjoyed close up views for several minutes at Aconcagua Park.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

Picking out Tawny-throated Dotterels in pale grasslands can be a real challenge, but we got them! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – We saw a few of them in southern Mendoza.

BROWN-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)

GRAY GULL (Leucophaeus modestus) – Another one of those birds that is a lot of fun to watch as they run up and down the shore in search of prey washed up by the waves.

FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – There were so many of them, and they were in such fresh plumage, that they made it on the top ten birds list of the trip!

KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – The standard gull on the coast of Valparaiso.

INCA TERN (Larosterna inca) – Any comment about the beauty of this bird is an understatement. Simply a jewel that, fortunately, is common around Valparaiso.

ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans) – There were quite a few of these terns at the mouth of the Maipo River.

BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens) – Another species that was very abundant around the mouth of the Maipo.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Common around the parks in Mendoza.

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – This is a very widespread dove and we saw it on many days of our tour.

PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)

BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera) – This dove is found in higher altitudes and we had great looks at them.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

We jumped right in at the vineyards to help with the harvest. (Photo by participants Bob Sprague & Amy Levengood)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

Strigidae (Owls)

AUSTRAL PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nana) – We found this minute owl right around the gardens of one of our lodges at dusk.

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

GREEN-BACKED FIRECROWN (Sephanoides sephaniodes) – Fairly common during our tour.

RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganura) – One of the absolute highlights of the tour for us, and it was not looking very good for our chances for a while, but when we found it we had stunning views.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

STRIPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis lignarius) – Great looks at this handsome woodpecker at Rio Clarillo park near Santiago.

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)

CHILEAN FLICKER (Colaptes pitius)

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – We found this high-altitude specialist on the day we went up to El Yeso.

SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Seen a few times during the days we spent in the province of Mendoza.

CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango) – A common raptor which we saw on most days of the tour.

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One individual seen very well north of the city of Mendoza.

Psittacidae (Parrots)

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

MOUNTAIN PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aurifrons) – We were stopped on the road due to some construction when Hanna spotted a group of them foraging right by the road. We got out and had incredible looks at these guys.

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

We savored some excellent looks at Mountain Parakeet, thanks to Hanna! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

MOUSTACHED TURCA (Pteroptochos megapodius) – This handsome tapaculo is one of the endemics of Chile, and we saw many of them on our tour. [E]

WHITE-THROATED TAPACULO (Scelorchilus albicollis) – This is one of the hard ones to get, but we worked hard and it paid off big time. A bird sat on a branch on top of a bush for us for a few seconds, allowing us to get some great looks! [E]

CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata) – A fancy tapaculo that we saw extremely well on the Argentine side.

MAGELLANIC TAPACULO (Scytalopus magellanicus) – This species is more common south of the areas we visit on this tour, but we managed to see one very briefly near Santiago.

DUSKY TAPACULO (Scytalopus fuscus) – Fantastic looks at this Chilean endemic on one of the last days of the tour. [E]

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

COMMON MINER (PATAGONIAN) (Geositta cunicularia hellmayri)

CREAMY-RUMPED MINER (Geositta isabellina) [*]

RUFOUS-BANDED MINER (Geositta rufipennis)

RUFOUS-BANDED MINER (Geositta rufipennis fasciata) – This is the form we saw in Chile.

BAND-TAILED EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus) – We had these handsome furnariids perform beautifully for us during the time we spent in the southern area of the province of Mendoza.

CRAG CHILIA (Ochetorhynchus melanurus) – We were treated to multiple good looks at this Chilean endemic on our way to El Yeso reservoir. [E]

CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides) – Another great earthcreeper we managed to see well during our time spent in Mendoza Province in Argentina.

Sorting the grapes was a critical step and a lot of fun. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Fantastic looks around the mouth of the Maipo River.

SCALE-THROATED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia dumetaria) – Seen on several days of the tour, especially well at Aconcagua Park.

BUFF-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes fuscus) – This is the most common cinclodes we saw on the tour.

GRAY-FLANKED CINCLODES (Cinclodes oustaleti) – We saw this way up near the Yeso Reservoir, just a little before we saw the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover.

DARK-BELLIED CINCLODES (Cinclodes patagonicus)

SEASIDE CINCLODES (Cinclodes nigrofumosus) – It was fascinating to see this furnariid that specializes in coastal environments. We had great looks right from our hotel at Valparaiso. [E]

THORN-TAILED RAYADITO (Aphrastura spinicauda) – Most definitely my favorite furnariid, It is strikingly beautiful for a brown and black bird, not to mention those tail feathers which are just incredible. Always a treat.

BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps) – This one we saw just behind the rooms at one of our lodges. What a treat!

PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (AEGITHALOIDES) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides aegithaloides) – These were the birds we saw in Chile.

PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (PALLIDA) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides pallida) – These were the birds we saw in Argentina.

The beautiful little Many-colored Rush-Tyrants were a welcome sight in both Argentina and Chile. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (Asthenes dorbignyi)

CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) – We saw this species on our very first afternoon of the tour on our visit to Farellones.

SHARP-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes pyrrholeuca) – Seen on the same day that we did the harvest of the grapes.

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia) – We saw this bird north of the city of Mendoza.

DUSKY-TAILED CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes humicola) – Another great Chilean endemic that we managed to pick up on one of the last days of the tour. [E]

STEINBACH'S CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes steinbachi) – This range-restricted Canastero can be quite hard to find, but we managed to see three birds on our tour.

BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes) – Seen well right outside the rooms at one of our lodges.

WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – This species replaced the Tufted Tit-tyrant once we crossed over the Andes into Argentina.

TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – Common around Santiago.

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (CHILEAN) (Elaenia albiceps chilensis)

MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Wow, what a handsome little bird, and we had it both in Argentina and Chile. I just never get tired of seeing them.

GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides) – Common around Mendoza.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – This is one of the austral migrants that were just starting to show up around the time we were touring Mendoza.

Red-tailed Comet -- a striking hummingbird and definitely one of the tour highlights. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

AUSTRAL NEGRITO (Lessonia rufa) [a]

SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – What an odd yet wonderful bird. We saw a few of them on the tour on three different days.

OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – Seen on our first day in Chile, up around Farellones.

RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)

WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora)

BLACK-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola frontalis)

BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)

GREAT SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis lividus) – We had a pretty good look at this scarce tyrant around the mouth of the Maipo River.

FIRE-EYED DIUCON (Xolmis pyrope) – Seen extremely well executing display flights!

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Another widespread bird that we saw around Mendoza.

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila) – This is the species we saw in Argentina.

RUFOUS-TAILED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rara) – Although this is a pretty common species, we only connected with it on the last day of the tour -- and we saw it extremely well.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch was one of the more handsome and numerous species on the tour. (Photo by participants Bob Sprague & Amy Levengood)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (PATAGONICA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica)

CHILEAN SWALLOW (Tachycineta meyeni) [b]

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

AUSTRAL THRUSH (Turdus falcklandii)

CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – This thrush is quite common around Mendoza.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CHILEAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus thenca) – Common in Central Chile, where it is endemic. [E]

PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus)

WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – I have to admit mockingbirds are not the prettiest things in my opinion, but this one always catches my attention.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) – Well, that takes care of the tanagers on our tour route!

GRAY-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus gayi) – Quite abundant in high elevation, both in Chile and Argentina.

MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti)

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)

BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus)

COMMON DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca diuca)

RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza torquata) – Great looks at this handsome species right behind our rooms at Salentein.

GREATER YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis auriventris) – Especially common along the road on our crossing over the Andes.

GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra platensis) – Fantastic looks at this species near our hotel in Uspallata.

DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)

BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – This bird was seen briefly on one of our outings south of the little town of Tupungato. Unfortunately it did not stay around long enough for everyone to see it, but most of us managed to get on it for a while.

Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)

You didn't think we would make you do all that work without getting a taste did you? Check out the list of wines we got to sample at the end of this triplist. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Seen on every day of the tour.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella loyca)

AUSTRAL BLACKBIRD (Curaeus curaeus) – Several birds seen on our way up to the Yeso reservoir.

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)

BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius) – Seen on a couple of days on the Argentine side.

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Abundant around our hotel in Uspallata.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

YELLOW-RUMPED SISKIN (Spinus uropygialis)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus)

DUSKY DOLPHIN (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) – Seen by a few people from our hotel in Valparaiso.

CULPEO FOX (Pseudalopex culpaeus)

SOUTHERN SEA LION (Otaria byronia) – A common sight around Valparaiso.

GUANACO (Lama guanicoe) – Seen by a few folks from our bus while we were in transit in Mendoza.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

ABOUT THE WINES

The wines were of course a very important part of this tour, and we tasted a wide range of wines throughout our itinerary. Below is a list of most of the wines we shared on our journey through Chile and Argentina. (I have misplaced my notes on the wines we had during our visit to Santa Rita Winery; I wonder if the wine had something to do with it...!)

Miguel Torres
Santa Digna Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (Central Valley, Chile)

Casas Del
Reserva
Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (Casablanca Valley, Chile)

Viu Manet
Secreto
Syrah 2009 (Rapel Valley, Chile)

Almaviva

EPU (Maipo Valley, Chile)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Franc 2010

Concha Y Toro
Trio Reserva (Maipo Valley, Chile)
Cabernet Sauvingnon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz 2011

Cobos
Felino
Chardonnay 2012 (Mendoza, Argentina)

Cobos
Felino
Malbec 2012 (Mendoza, Argentina)

Cobos
Bramare
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina)

Salentein
Reserva
Merlot 2011 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

FuegoSur
Tierra Callada
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

Laureano Gomez
Winemaker
Malbec 2011 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

Salentein
Primus
Malbec 2009 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

Salentein
Primus
Pinot Noir 2009 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

Nieto Senetiner
Don Nicanor
Bonarda 2011 (Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina)

O. Fournier
Urban Uco
Chardonnay 2011 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

O. Fournier
Alfa Crux
Malbec 2008 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

O. Fournier
Beta Crux
Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot 2008 (Valle de Uco, Argentina)

Terrazas De Los Andes
Reserva
Torrontes 2011 (Salta, Argentina)

Lagarde
Altas Cumbres
Malbec 2012 (Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina)

Lagarde
Altas Cumbres
Torrontes 2012 (Salta, Argentina)

Zuccardi
Q
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina)

Decero
Remolinos
Petit Verdot 2010 (Agrelo, Argentina)

El Enemigo
Malbec 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina)

Vina Mar
Reserva Especial
Chardonnay 2012 (Valle de Casablanca, Chile)

Veramonte
Reserva
Chardonnay 2009 (Valle de Casablanca, Chile)

Missiones D Rengo
Reserva
Carmenere 2011 (Valle Central, Chile)

Casa Silva
Reserva
Carmenere 2011 (Valle de Colchaga, Chile)

Totals for the tour: 168 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa