BACKYARD BIRDING IN MERIDA, YUCATAN AND BEYOND-PHOTO ESSAY:  “WATER” BIRDS OF PATAGONIA, CHILE, PART 1 OF 2

Kelp Gull portrait

How exciting to see any avian species I didn’t know existed! Plus others looked familiar to identify them to a family level such as swans or cormorants. However, I think I was as bright-eyed as the White-tufted Grebe at the incredible diversity or as red-eyed as the Silvery Grebes from lack of sleep. But the delicate beauty of the flamingos, in their salty but amazingly colored water, surpassed any loss of sleep.

Relish these few examples from Patagonia, Chile of part 1 while part 2 will concentrate on “land” birds.

Chilean Flamingo
Chilean Flamingo needs a running start to fly  
Coscoroba Swan
Black-necked Swan
Blue-eyed Shag or Imperial Cormorant
Rock Shag/ Cormorant
Magellanic Penguins come ashore after morning bath
A male Magellanic Snipe displays to attract a female
Red-gartered Coot
Red Shoveler preening
Chiloé Wigeon
Flying Steamer Duck uses orange knobs on its wings like brass knuckles for defense
Kelp Gulls at Magdalena Island Lighthouse
Kelp Gulls attacking predatory Chilean Skua
White-tufted Grebe
Patagonian Silvery Grebe pair
Magellanic Oystercatcher foraging female
South American Tern with food

DIVERSITY ABOUNDS IN NATURE!

REFERENCES: Birds of Chile A Photo Guide, Birds of Chile Princeton Field Guide, A Wildlife Guide to Chile

Cherie Pittillo, “nature inspired,” photographer and author, explores nature everywhere she goes. She’s identified 56 bird species in her Merida, Yucatan backyard view. Her monthly column features anecdotes about birding in Merida, Yucatan and also wildlife beyond the Yucatan.

Contact: all4birdies@gmail.com  All rights reserved, ©Cherie Pittillo

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1 comment

bruce krucke April 11, 2023 - 11:54 pm
So many different species! And all beautifully photographed too. There were a lot that are similar to our North American birds. Nice that Chile has so man endemics. Thanks for another great article and I'm looking forward to part 2.

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