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Bird Watching in Patagonia, Chile:
Charters Only
Travel Chile and Explore the Wilds of Patagonia in Comfort....
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Extensive Species Listing
For the active birder, this trip offers excitement amidst a
unique culture and temperate rainforest ecosystem with birdlife
not found anywhere else in the world. Accompanied by a
professional bilingual guide and specialist, it combines several
days on the big island of Chiloe, where the forest dwelling
Rhinocryptidae, the Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula)
and Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) live.
Wetlands excursions will focus on the Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus
chilensis) and the Black Necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus),
among others. One day will be spent visiting the small island
reserve of Pudúel, home to both Magallanic and Humbolt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti
and magellanicus) on the majestic Pacific coast
of the island.
Then, you and your guides will meet the Cahuella
for the trip over to the wild fjord
region of Continental Patagonia. This is also the home of the
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)and many other raptors,
the Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
and many types of Cormorants (Phalacrocorax olivaceus,
magellanicus , bougainvillii and gaimardi). We will spend the
days in isolated fjords, traveling by zodiac to quiet beaches and
estuaries. The birdlife is accompanied by an exciting array of
mammals as well, including Sea lions,
Orcas, Dolphins, the tiny marsupial
Monito del Monte, the smallest deer in the world (the Pudú) and
more. We will also make sure that we visit several of the
region´s natural hot springs- one bubbling out of the beach on
the Cahuelmó Fjord and another
nestled deep in the native forest of the area. And remember,
although you might be in a wild part of the world, the comfort
and the fine food of the Cahuella will
make every moment a pleasure.
Includes: All transport from Puerto Montt
onwards, all lodging, cabin berth on the Cahuella,
all meals and snacks prepared by professional chef using the
freshest the region has to offer, all excursions, expert
bilingual guides (including at least one ornithologist who is an
expert in the area) and insurance.
Austral Adventures is happy to assist you with all of your travel plans within Chile, from making reservations to simply giving sound advice.
Sample Itinerary
You will presumably arrive in Santiago and fly to Puerto Montt on
your first day in Chile. Austral Adventures Ltda.
will gladly arrange all domestic Chilean flights, transfers and
hotels.
Day 1.
Leaving in the morning from Puerto Montt, we’ll take the open air ferry across the Gulf of Ancud to the big island of Chiloe, known as a South American version of Ireland. Amidst the sea lions, Humboldt Penguins and many gull species, it becomes apparent that while similar to the Northern hemisphere’s temperate ecosystems, everything is just a bit different. Time permitting, we will take a trip 40 minutes away to the penguin colony of Puñihuil on Chiloe’s Pacific coast where Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti) and Magellanic Penguins’ (Spheniscus magellanicus) normally distinct ranges overlap. We will also have our eyes out to see several Northern hemisphere species: Baird’s Sandpiper (Calydris bairdii), Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus triolor), Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), and Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan) in their summer migratory habitats. You will have a room in the elegant Hosteria Ancud, a lovely hotel decorated with native wood overlooking the bay of Ancud. A visit to a local chef´s house where we will enjoy local dishes homecooked to perfection, followed by the first talk by our ornithologist, Steve Mcgee, whom for several years has been doing field work in the area on a number of species.
Day 2 –Chiloe’s Wetlands
After a hearty and healthy breakfast of homebaked delicacies we will head east from Ancud to the town of Caulin. Situated on the estuary of the Chacao Canal, Caulin is the permanent home to over a hundred Black Necked Swans (Cygnus melancoryphus). Other highlights will hopefully include: Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) (during the winter months), Cormorants (Phalacrocorax olivaceus, magellanicus , bougainvillii and gaimardi), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), Great Egret (Casmerodius albus), and White Necked Heron (Ardea cocoi) among many others. Then we head west to where the Chepu River joins the Pacific Ocean. After a locally prepared Curanto lunch (regional specialty) we head upstream on a local skiff to Coluco Lake. Here are the nesting grounds of the Brown-hooded gull (Larus maculipennis) where thousands of nesting pairs may be observed. Other species include the Great Grebe (Podiceps major), Red-gartered Coot (Fulica armillata), Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata) and the Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck (Tachyeres pteneres) among others. The evening and night will be spent in the island’s quaint capital, Castro with its abundant local crafts and seafood. Steve will lead the customary nightly wrap up resuming the day’s sightings and briefing for the next day.
Day 3 –The Forested Heartland of Chiloe
We continue south, visiting the forested environs of Lake Natri where, with patience, we will observe Darwin’s famous discovery, the Rhinocryptidae Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula), the Black Throated Huet Huet (Pteroptrus tarnii), Des Mur’s Wiretail (Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii), the Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus) and with a little luck, the Slender Billed Parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), among many others. With a picnic lunch we will explore several forested areas on our way to join the Cahuella the evening will be spent aboard in the protected, yet beautiful bay where our professional staff and chef await your arrival for a sunset dinner.
Day 4 – Untouched Chiloe
Setting sail early, the Cahuella will take us ever south amidst the seemingly endless canals and islands of the Chiloe Archipelago where human presence still has not made its mark. We will enter the isolated San Pedro Canal winding our way through the Guamolat Canal to access Chiloe’s southernmost secrets. Here we will witness nesting Cormorants and Magellanic Penguins, and even a Sea Lion colony. By now sightings of the Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), Black and Turkey Vultures (Coragyps atratus and Cathartes aura) and Chimongo Cara Cara (Milvago chimango) will have become commonplace and our sights will be on the increasing number of sea birds. Evening promises a secure cove, a gourmet meal and sunset over the pacific.
Day 5- The Gulf of Ancud
Glaciers ease into view and the Andes loom ever larger as we head to the Patagonian mainland during this day of motorsailing. En route to American conservationist Douglas Tompkin’s 600,000 acre private park, Pumalin, we will be accompanied by numerous sea birds, such as; Pink Footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus), Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), Southern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides), Pintado Petrel (Daption capense) among others. We also will see Toninas (dolphins) swimming in the boat’s wake, Sea Lions, and Penguins as we weave among the islands of the gulf. Dinner includes an authentic local barbecue ("asado") with a local family on Chulin island.
Day 6 -Pumalin
Forest and mountain birds abound in the old growth temperate rainforest wilderness of Pumalin Park with its giant stands of the cypress, Alerce, which at 3600 years of age is the second longest living tree on the planet. Born from the endless glaciers, numerous waterfalls are always within view as we cruise this roadless, virgin paradise. The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) dominates the heights while species such as the following forest dwellers populate the understories; Chilean Flicker (Colaptes pitius), Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), Black Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nictorax), Andean Tapaculo (Scytalopus magellanicus), Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) and the White-throated Tree Runner (Pygarrhichas albogularis). Here we can hike among ancient trees, search for a glimpses of Torrent Ducks (Merganetta armata) amid the areas many rapids and bathe in natural hot springs in the Cahuelmó Fjord, all the while admiring the wildlife whose evolution includes minimal fear of humans. As expected, a spectacular gourmet dinner on board Cahuella and Patagonian sunset will set the scene for the ocean sounds to coax us to sleep.
Day 7 -Pumalin
As we work our way north along the rugged green of the Andes as they surge skyward in Comau fjord, we will test our skills at recognizing formerly unknown raptors such as the Red-backed Hawk (Buteo polysoma), Brown chested Buzzard Eagle (Geranoaectus melanoleucus), Cinereuos Harrier (Circus cinereus) and the White Throated Caracara (Phalcoboenus albogularis). Despite being the last day, we will still hope to catch a glimpse of the wary Bicolor hawk (Accipiter bicolor), or at night the nocturnal Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nanum), the Short Eared Owl (Asio flammeus), or the rarely seen Rufous Legged Owl (Strix rufipes). One last chance for perfection as our chef and the sunset work together to see if it is possible to beat the previous night’s show…
Day 8- Despedida (Goodbye)
Breakfast will be accompanied by a final discussion led by Steve, your ornithologist, to wrap up your Patagonian birding adventure. One last hedonistic soak in the hot springs at Llancahue Island and then lunch in Hornopirén. Here, the crew of the Cahuella will bid you goodbye as you are met by a van to take you to Puerto Montt. Austral Adventures will be glad to arrange accommodations, tours or other activities for you in the Lake District or Santiago if you wish to explore more of Chile.
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