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Field Guides Tour Report
Birds & Wines of Chile and Argentina 2015
Feb 14, 2015 to Feb 28, 2015
Marcelo Padua & John Coons

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.


The view from our lodge at Salentein was impressive enough without that fresh blanket of snow. But on the day we left we were treated to this breathtaking view of the Andes in the morning. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

The 2015 vintage of the Birds & Wines of Chile and Argentina was a memorable one. In Chile we came across some of the highest recorded "fall" temperatures for the country. This made for pleasant temperatures up in the Andes, where we found some of the birds that would normally have finished their breeding by then still running around with juveniles. This was the case with the Gray-breasted Seedsnipe and the unique Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. In the lowlands, birds such as Giant Hummingbird that would usually have started departing by this time of the year were present in good numbers.

On our way to Argentina it was clear that things were as different as Malbec is from Carmenere, with a cold front coming through the area. One day we saw the Andes with hardly any snow on the peaks, then the next day they were covered in a fresh blanket of snow -- an interesting change of scene to note from our comfortable lodge and with a glass of Malbec in hand! The birding was great, with lots of Red-tailed Comets around and more Crested Gallitos singing than one could care to look at. And although the birding alone would have made this a fun tour, what contributed to a truly memorable experience was the places we visited, such as Casa Palmero, where we had a great time making wine and learning about it first hand from the winemaker in a guided tasting, or Laguna Llancanello where we had a picnic lunch watching Chilean Flamingos, Coscoroba Swans, Andean Gulls and many others. Then there was the lunch we had at my friends' house, where we enjoyed the wonderful Chilean hospitality and some of the best backyard birding one could hope for, with great looks at Spot-flanked Gallinule and Black-headed Ducks while sipping Pisco Sours; or the explosion of life when reached Viña Del Mar, where the abundance of birds with thousands of Franklin's Gulls, Inca Terns, Peruvian Pelicans, and several other species was a refreshing treat after several days of birding in the Argentine desert.

This perfect blend was barreled by a group of fun-loving people, making this vintage the stuff of legends and one that will be treasured for many years to come!

Thanks for joining us,

--Marcelo and John

PS: At the end of this document, after the listing of birds and mammals enjoyed on this tour, don't miss the list of wines we sampled as well!

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

BIRDS
Rheidae (Rheas)
LESSER RHEA (Rhea pennata)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii) – We managed to flush a few of these as we walked around a field in Mendoza.
ELEGANT CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia elegans) – We heard several but only managed to get a glimpse of one this year.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus) – Seen at a couple of sights in the southern area of the province of Mendoza.
COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba) – A pair flew in close to our group at Laguna Llancanelo allowing us to get some excellent looks at this handsome Swan.
ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera) – Finding a pair of these with chicks at Aconcagua Park was a bit of a surprise as they have usually migrated out of the area by the time we visit the area. They probably stayed long this year because of El Nino.
UPLAND GOOSE (Chloephaga picta) – Some recent rains prevented us from getting to one of our usual birding sites on the tour, but we managed to get several of these geese in the scope in the distance.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – Particularly good looks at Aconcagua Park.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata armata) – Jeff spotted a pair of these handsome ducks on our way up to Embalse Yeso and we were able to watch them foraging in the rapids for quite a bit of time.
CHILOE WIGEON (Anas sibilatrix) – One of the most common species of ducks on the tour.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Although this is not an abundant species we saw a few of them both in Chile and in Argentina.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris)
BLACK-HEADED DUCK (Heteronetta atricapilla) – A great find by John at Nacho and Myriam's house on the day we returned to Chile.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Common at Laguna LLancanello.
LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata) – This one is quite similar to the Ruddy Duck and they were mixed with them at Laguna Llancanello where we were able to study their differences in the scope seeing them side by side.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla californica) – Although this is an introduced species it has adapted very well to the areas we visited (particularly in Chile) and is more abundant there than in its native habitat.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – We saw a large number of them on a lake outside of the city of Mendoza.
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – Although present in small numbers, we found this widespread Grebe on several occasions during the tour.
GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major) – Much more abundant than on the previous years we did this tour.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – We had fabulous looks at these elegant birds at Laguna Llancanello.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
PERUVIAN BOOBY (Sula variegata) – Common along the coast in Chile.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – This is the widespread species which is found both inland and along the coast.


Andean Geese have usually left the area by this time, but a warmer season had them breeding later in the year. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RED-LEGGED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) – We had great looks at this handsome Cormorant in Vina del Mar.
GUANAY CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) – Also seen very well In Vina del Mar.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus) – Hundreds on the rocks around Vina del Mar.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – Seen both in Chile and in Argentina.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – The most common Egret along the tour route.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – This is a close relative of the Green Heron found in North America.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)
BLACK-FACED IBIS (Theristicus melanopis) – We found a group of about 25 of these handsome Ibises on a field outside of Santiago.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – We had several sightings on the tour but the one that came down and landed on a rock at Aconcagua Park was particularly memorable.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Seen on our way to the coast near Nacho and Myriam's House.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – A great find just north of the city of Mendoza.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – One of the most abundant raptors in Chile.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – We saw several of them along the route but our bus flushed one from the ground at Laguna Llancanello and it perched on a close fence post allowing us to get a true dimension of just how massive these birds are.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – It took some work but we finally managed to bring them in for some great looks.
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Gallinula melanops) – Close up views at Nacho's and Miriam's backyard.
RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata) – The most abundant species of Coot we saw on the tour.


Striped Woodpecker is one of many great birds we saw at Rio Clarillo reserve. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)
WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera) – We had great looks at one with chicks at the pond at Casa Palmero.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus) – It was very nice to see both the American Oystercatcher and the Blackish Oystercatcher side by side for comparison in Vina del Mar.
BLACKISH OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ater)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
TAWNY-THROATED DOTTEREL (Oreopholus ruficollis) – We found a single bird along the road to Laguna Llancanello but we had great scope views of it.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA) (Vanellus chilensis chilensis)
DIADEMED SANDPIPER-PLOVER (Phegornis mitchellii) – Seeing this one was quite an adventure as we had to wade through knee high rushing water to get to were they were this year. But after quite a bit of work we managed to find a pair of adults and two juveniles. A rare treat indeed.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – A bonus on the Diademed Sandpiper-plover quest.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – We saw quite a few of them, but seeing one perched on top of a bush was a bit surreal.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – Fairly common along the coast in Chile.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) – Seen only by Jeff and Me as we searched for the Diademed Sandpiper-plover.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
GRAY GULL (Leucophaeus modestus)
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – Seeing thousands of these with the pink tones from the breeding plumage around Vina del Mar was a great treat.
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)
INCA TERN (Larosterna inca) – If all Terns looked as good as this one does they could easily become my favorite group of birds.
SOUTH AMERICAN TERN (Sterna hirundinacea)
ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans)
BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens) – Several seen at the mouth of the Aconcagua River near Vina del Mar.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Very common around Mendoza, especially around our lodge at Salentein.
CHILEAN PIGEON (Patagioenas araucana) – Scope views on our way up to embalse Yeso.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera) – We saw several of this high altitude specialist on our first day at Farellones.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – This is one of the many widespread birds that does not make it across the Andes and therefore does not occur in Chile.
Strigidae (Owls)
AUSTRAL PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nana) – Excellent looks at a bird being mobbed at the Rio Clarillo reserve near Santiago.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN-BACKED FIRECROWN (Sephanoides sephaniodes) – This year their migration was a little later than usual and they were present in low numbers but we managed to connect briefly with a couple of them.
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus) – We had incredible looks at this spectacular hummer and even had it in the scope for the entire group to enjoy mind blowing views of this gorgeous Hummer.
WHITE-SIDED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus leucopleurus) – Great scope views of a female on our way to Argentina. This bird is a high altitude specialist and is always a hard one to pick up.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas) – Multiple looks at this unique Hummer and we even had excellent scope views of it on a couple of occasions.
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – Mostly females seen around Mendoza.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
STRIPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis lignarius) – Great looks at a three individuals at Rio Clarillo reserve near Santiago.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – We saw this handsome high altitude specialist every time we got up high enough in the andes to be in its altitudinal range.


We had heard Mountain Parakeets and had them fly by a couple of times, but we finally had the views we were hoping for when we got to Aconcagua Park in Argentina. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Seen in Argentina Only.
CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango) – The common lowland Caracara both in Chile and in Argentina.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara) – A brief fly by at Cuesta Los Terneros in Argentina.
MOUNTAIN PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aurifrons) – Things were not looking promising this year but when we got to the entrance of Aconcagua Park we saw a flock fly by and got on our bus and went after them eventually having incredible looks at them right by the side of the road.
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
BURROWING PARAKEET (Cyanoliseus patagonus) – Once again we managed to find them at the nesting colony and have great looks at a flock of them on our way to Malargue.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
MOUSTACHED TURCA (Pteroptochos megapodius) – Tapaculos are know for being skulkers, but the Moustached Turca is the exception. We always have great looks at this wonderful Tapaculo. [E]
WHITE-THROATED TAPACULO (Scelorchilus albicollis) [E*]
CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata) – This year they were more active than usual and we even watched one singing through the scope.
SANDY GALLITO (Teledromas fuscus) – This one gave us a lot of work this year but after quite a bit of searching John Coons located one for us and we ended up having incredible looks at one.
DUSKY TAPACULO (Scytalopus fuscus) – This one is a member of the genus Scytalopus which is typically hard to see, but we called one out and everyone had fantastic looks at it. [E]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
COMMON MINER (CENTRAL CHILE) (Geositta cunicularia fissirostris)
RUFOUS-BANDED MINER (Geositta rufipennis fasciata)
BAND-TAILED EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus) – Recent taxonomic studies have proved that the Crag Chilia which we saw in Chile is the closest relative of this Earthcreeper which we saw in Argentina.
CRAG CHILIA (Ochetorhynchus melanurus) – We had excellent looks at this central Chilean endemic on our way up to Embalse Yeso. [E]
CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – The national bird of Argentina.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)
SCALE-THROATED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia dumetaria) – Seen several times on the tour but we had particularly good looks at Aconcagua park.
BUFF-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes fuscus) – We had great opportunity to study the Buff-winged Cinclodes next to Gray-flanked Cinclodes allowing us to point out the differences of the two.
GRAY-FLANKED CINCLODES (Cinclodes oustaleti)
SEASIDE CINCLODES (Cinclodes nigrofumosus) – This Chilean endemic is only found by the ocean, a fascinating trait for an ovenbird. [E]
THORN-TAILED RAYADITO (Aphrastura spinicauda) – This bird is in a category of its own and is hands down my favorite ovenbird.
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps) – Seen in Argentina
PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (AEGITHALOIDES) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides aegithaloides) – Common throughout the tour.


The Lark-like Brushrunner is just one of the many spiffy-looking "brown jobs" we saw on the tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina) – We had a pair of birds with young just north of the city of Mendoza.
SHORT-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes baeri) – A single bird seen at Cuesta Los Terneros
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) – Great looks at high altitude.
SHARP-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes pyrrholeuca) – The most common in the Mendoza area.
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia) – Another great find at Cuesta los Terneros
DUSKY-TAILED CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes humicola) – A central Chilean endemic which we saw at Rio Clarillo Reserve and at La Campana. [E]
PATAGONIAN CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes patagonica) – One of the advantages of visiting Mallargue on our tour is that we start to enter the Patagonian steppes and run into Patagonian specialties such as this species.
STEINBACH'S CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes steinbachi) – This is a very localized species and we had great looks on the Argentine portion of the tour.
BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes) – Common around Mendoza.
WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis)
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – We had brief looks at this spinetail just south of Villa 25 de Mayo in Argentina.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – I tend to divide flycatchers into dull looking birds and incredible looking birds. This one definitely makes it to the later category.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
WARBLING DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris) – We hit them just right this year as they were present in abundance
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (CHILEAN) (Elaenia albiceps chilensis)
WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata) – This was a bit of a surprise in the area, but we had great looks at it.
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – The birds found in Mendoza have a very different vocalization from the birds found in most of South America and may very well be a distinctive species.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – We barely got this one this year as they were not very responsive to tape. But we managed to see them once in Chile and once in Argentina.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides) – Seen right along the road on our way to Mallargue in Argentina.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
AUSTRAL NEGRITO (Lessonia rufa) – The Chileans call it Colegial (student) as the brown patch on the back makes it seem like it is always carrying a backpack.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) – A couple of females seen in Argentina on our way down from Uspallata to Salentein.
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – Several females seen and one distant male in the scope around Uspallata.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris)
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus)
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha)
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora)


This Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant was an unexpected surprise on the tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CINNAMON-BELLIED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola capistratus) – This was a bit of a surprise and a lifer for me. We saw it well at Aconcagua Park in Mendoza.
BLACK-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola frontalis)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – The standard Shrike-tyrant which was seen several times on the tour this year.
GREAT SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis lividus) – This is the largest of the flycatchers and we had great looks at it on our way up to Embalse Yeso.
FIRE-EYED DIUCON (Xolmis pyrope) – Great scope views at La Campana allowed us to see its ruby-red eyes.
RUSTY-BACKED MONJITA (Xolmis rubetra) – a couple of birds seen with very worn plumage at the southern end of the province of Mendoza.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – This is one of the many species on this tour that although generally common and widespread in South America does not make it into Chile.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Common around Mendoza.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – It seems that most of them had already migrated out of the area but we managed to pick up a couple of them here and there.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila) – Seen several times in Mendoza.
RUFOUS-TAILED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rara) – We had great looks at a female foraging in a bush just a few feet away from us at the mouth of Aconcagua near Vina del Mar
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (PATAGONICA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica) – The 'standard' swallow on this tour
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)
CHILEAN SWALLOW (Tachycineta meyeni) – Seen very well around Nacho and Myriam's House.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Lots of them around Laguna Llancanelo where they would only remain a few more days before starting their journeys back north.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
AUSTRAL THRUSH (Turdus falcklandii) – The common thrush around Santiago.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – We had great looks at these at the San Martin Park in the city of Mendoza.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Basically replaces the Austral Thrush in Argentina.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHILEAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus thenca) – This central Chilean endemic is common and easy to see around Santiago. [E]
PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus) – Usually an abundant bird in the Mendoza Province but this year they were present in much lower numbers than usual.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera) – Several individuals seen around Laguna llancanello
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Great looks at this colorful Tanager right around our lodge at Salentein.
GRAY-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus gayi) – Seen several times on the tour and several of them were in very worn plumage, but we managed to see a few males in good plumage showing just how nice this species looks.


Unlike many spinetails, the Stripe-crowned Spinetail is an arboreal species. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti) – Mostly females and juveniles seen on the Chilean portion of the tour.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – Seen on the first day of the tour around Farellones.
COMMON DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca diuca)
RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza torquata) – A single male popped up briefly just south of Villa 25 de Mayo.
GREATER YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis auriventris) – Common along the road on the passage from Chile to Argentina.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra platensis) – Seen around some Pampa's Grass around the city of Uspallata.
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – Around the gardens of our hotel in Uspallata.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – I actually think that Rufous-collared Sparrows are quite attractive but they are so common that we just have to ignore them most of the time.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella loyca)
AUSTRAL BLACKBIRD (Curaeus curaeus)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Common around the edges of bodies of water in marshes with Scirpus and Typha.
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius) – Common around our hotel in Uspallata
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) – Specialized in parasitizing the nests of the Bay-winged Cowbird.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Scope views of a male in Uspallata.
BLACK-CHINNED SISKIN (Spinus barbatus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus)
SOUTHERN CAVY (Microcavia australis)
DUSKY DOLPHIN (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) – Seen right from the breakfast area at our hotel in Vina del Mar
CULPEO FOX (Pseudalopex culpaeus)
SOUTHERN SEA LION (Otaria byronia)

Our group had a great time harvesting grapes and learning how to make wine. (Video by guide Marcelo Padua)
GUANACO (Lama guanicoe)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Here's a list of wines we sampled on this year's tour:

Miguel Torres, Santa Digna Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Chardonnay 2013

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Merlot 2012

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Pinot Noir 3013

Almaviva, EPU, Blend 2012

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Reserva, Chardonnay 2012

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Santa Rita, 120 Reserva Especial, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Santa Rita, Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Gran Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Vinedos Lo Abarca, N.2, Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Bottle n. 1049)

Vigno, Vignadores de Carignan, Carignan 2011

Santa Ema, Select Terroir, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Santa Ema, Select Terroir, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

AVE, Gran Riserva, Malbec 2009

Hacienda Los Haroldos, Extra Brut

Nieto Senetiner, Limited Edition, Bonarda 2009

Casa Palmero, Chardonnay 2011

Casa Palmero, Malbec Unoaked 2014

Casa Palmero, Malbec Oaked 2014

Salentein, Reserve, Chardonnay 2013

Salentein, Reserve, Merlot 2013

Salentein, Reserve, Malbec 2013

Salentein, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Salentein, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Salentein, Reserve, Pinot Noir 2013

Salentenin, Killka, Blend 2012

Los Haroldos, Nampe, Sauvignon Blanc

Alfredo Roca, Reserva de Familia, Malbec 2011

Jean Rivier, Rose of Malbec 2014

Casa Araujo, Roble, Chardonnay 2013

Los Haroldos, Reserva de Familia, Chardonnay 2012

Lamadrid, Single Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2012

Vistalba, Tomero, Torrontes 2014

Gauchezco, Oro, Malbec 2009

Atamisque, Catalpa Chardonnay 2012

Cobos, Bramare, Malbec 2012

Altocedro, Abras, Torrontes 2014

Del Fin Del Mundo, Reserva, Chardonnay 2011

Veramonte, Chardonnay 2013

Vina Tarapaca, Gran Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Casas Del Bosque, Gran Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Vinamar, Extra Brut

Vinamar, Reserva, Pinot Noir 2013

Totals for the tour: 182 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa