Chile Forum

A search of the forum didn't bring up this topic so as a new arrival and resident I'd like to see who's in the know about the native bird life here? I'm in Santiago and have traveled the country in years past enjoying all the winged species wherever I go. Any good, local human resources that do the occasional outing?? How about online sites that feature birds of Chile?...any suggestions? Thanks.........

There are a couple of lagoons here on the central coast where you can come and spend a few hours watching the birds. The one I'm thinking of is "Laguna de Los Cisnes" and is just off the road in El Tabo or possibly Las Cruces (not sure where one town ends and the other begins). They have a winding road that follows the lagoon and also a couple of "look-out" points. Entrance is free of charge.

Thanks, yes, I've passed that lagoon before and have seen lots of waterfowl and other marsh birds there. I'm more of a big fan of the smaller, song birds so I'd be real interested in some sort of guided, identification outing in or around Santiago...to start with.

I'm no bird expert, but I enjoy trying to figure out what the local birds are with the help of a book. My favorite summer visitor--the giant hummingbird!

I like the Peterson field guides (only $20, well-researched, well-drawn pictures). Jaramillo's _Birds of Chile_ is useful because it includes ranges; I can ignore the birds that only live up near Arica or down in Magellanes. It has better quality pictures and descriptions. A little unsatisfying if you want to know anything about the bird you can't see or hear (like what it eats).

Chester's _Wildlife Guide to Chile_ is packed with information you'd need 5 or 6 guidebooks to better, including plants, birds, butterflies and moths, mammals (including whales/dolphins), major fish, mollusks, and seaweeds, and reptiles and amphibians. Totally worth $20 and then some. A little heavy for a field guide at almost 400 pages, but not too bad. No range maps, but tends to include interesting info in descriptions, such as what an animal eats or how the natives used the plants.

You can find both books on Amazon.

We like to stop at the Laguna Conchali at Los Vilos (just north of town) when traveling between La Serena and Santiago.

Hey Griffen...thanks for the input. I definitely need a good field guide book and the question always is...which of the many do you choose. I'll use your advice in my selection process.

You might find these sites interesting:

http://www.aveschile.cl/

http://www.avesdechile.cl/

Dear Gringalais.....that is indeed the sort of web site I was looking for. The 'enlaces' the site provides have all sorts of great ideas including actual bird songs which helps in identification when you can't actually see the 'pajarito.' GRACIAS!

I would say try Lago Budi in the south if you get a chance. It is a salt water lake, with a unique mix of both inland and ocean birds.

See http://infoarica.cl/aves/index.htm at my infoarica site
A comprehensive collection of pics of every bird specie in Arica and our high plateau

SlimDickins wrote:Dear Gringalais.....that is indeed the sort of web site I was looking for. The 'enlaces' the site provides have all sorts of great ideas including actual bird songs which helps in identification when you can't actually see the 'pajarito.' GRACIAS!

Glad I could help. UNORCH (second link) has birding classes. I took a general one on the birds of Chile and found it helpful. I know we took at least one group trip to the coast for birdwatching with the teacher.

Yes, ADMIN, Lago Budi is a great birding spot as well as a relaxing place of mixed campo/playa ambience for a quiet get away. At least it was 10 or more years ago when I last went ...hope it hasn't gotten too overly develop since those times.

TOMBRAD2....thanks for the Arica birding advice...if I get up there I'll visit your site again.

GRINGALAIS...Thanks for the local bird class idea...I'll look into it. With the right expert and group, that's the way to go.

Slim - funny, I just realized we are neighbors. I live in La Reina too!