Birding Tierra del Fuego

The island of Tierra del Fuego represents the southernmost extension of South America. This trip will take us through a variety of habitats, from the complex coastline of the Beagle Channel, to the high elevation moor lands of Darwin's range. The southern-beech forests are of special beauty and filled with birds, including Magellanic Tapaculo, Austral Pygmy-owl and the special Magellanic Woodpecker. Around Ushuaia we'll explore the immediate coastline for Giant Petrel, South American Tern, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Kelp Goose and the local White-throated Caracara. At the National Park the woods host White-throated Treerunner, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Fire-eyed Diucon and many others.

In open habitats we can find the stunning Black-faced Ibis, Ashy-headed Goose, Spectacled Duck and Great Grebe. A boat trip along the Beagle Channel is the best way to get close to the seabird and sea mammal colonies that hold Imperial and Rock Shags, Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins, South American Sea Lion and Fur Seal and other species. Along this navigation we will look for the majestic Black-browed Albatross and the tiny Magellanic Diving-petrel. A trek to the timber line climbs through the forest, leading to the open moor land where some of the specialities to be found are Ochre-naped Ground-tyrant, the stunning Yellow-bridled Finch and, with luck and extra effort, White-bellied Seedsnipe. This visit to Tierra del Fuego will allow us time for leisure in Ushuaia, the picturesque southernmost town in the world.