Arturo, though young was typical of many of the guides we had throughout this trip. Very articulate, curious, and attentive. He had spent a good deal of time among an indigenous group, and was particularly interesting in anthropology. He wasn't necessarily a bird guide, but had paid attention during the year he had worked on the ranch and knew what and where stuff was.
On Friday, August 12, 2011, Chelle, Brig, Paula and I joined Arturo on a horseback ride out to a local village. Although kinda spare in the bird department, this was really a fun excursion.
We did see a couple of fun birds including the ubiquitous Southern Crested Caracara
And a Red-Winged Tinamou peeking out of the brush at us.
Upon arrival in this tiny village, we were met by our host Valerie
While Arturo returned back to the ranch with the string.
This little church was far and away the nicest building in a village with perhaps 6 or 8 tiny homes.
But in the garden of one of the homes we saw this beautifully perched Epaulet Oriole.
A very handsome White-Browed Mockingbird,
And a Savannah Hawk soaring overhead.
After returning to the ranch, I went out to near the horse barn to sit in a blind as see what would come in. Nothing did, but on my way over I saw this really fun display by a Kiskadee. Note that it's normal look can really be modified!
Also right around the lodge we got close to the Bare-Faced Ibis.
That afternoon we went out in search of the White-Fronted Woodpecker, but had a hard time finding it. We got more good looks at the Checkered Woodpecker however.
But finally our hunt was rewarded, and the very striking White-Fronted Woodpecker allowed us some good looks.
Most woodpeckers are not often seen at feeders, and when they are, they tend to be clumsy. This is partly due to the tendency to brace themselves with their tail further down the tree, which isn't available on most feeders.
Just before sundown we decided to go back out on our last evening here to the edge of the swamp/lake. On the way out, Arturo got us really close to the Burrowing Owl sharing it's burrow with the Plains Vischacha.
Along the road we got another really good look at the Yellow Cardinal.
It was beautiful out next to the water. No mosquito's surprisingly, and perfect temperature. Arturo got up in a tree to scout for interesting birds, but about all that showed up were a couple of young grey fox.
This pair was very curious and kept circling us for a long time.
They kept coming closer until we almost had too much lens to get any good shots.
And then the sun
Was replaced by the moon.
The next morning we got up early and took a 12 hour jeep ride up to Iguazu, passing through several old villages with a great deal of history. Click on the description below.
Hey guys, what is this mystery critter from northern Argentina?
This has been a great trip so far. Our next post will feature the incomparable Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
