Reserva Ecologica Vincente Lopez, Buenos Aires, June 2014

Reserva Ecologica Vincente Lopez is a small park on the shore of the Rio Plata/South Atlantic Ocean, to the north of the city of Buenos Aires. It includes lawns looking out across the water with a lightly wooded area in the north. The main attraction is a fenced area that contains thicker woods surrounding a small lake with a short boardwalk through its marshy top end.

I arrived here today in the late afternoon hoping that the gate to the fenced sanctuary would still be open. It opens at 09.00 until 17.00, every day. I took a clockwise route quickly totting up birds including Rufous-collared Sparrow, Rufous-bellied Thrush and Blue-and-Yellow Tanager.

The lake was completely covered with weed. Greater Kiskadees, Rufous Horneros and even Cattle Tyrants fed from the floating vegetation. A single Wattled Jacana must have felt that it was on very solid ground. 

The bridge that crosses a corner of the lake has fallen into disrepair, but it can still be partially used to get out over the water for a good view of the lake. Today, it was so choked that any ducks or water-birds would have moved on to find clearer water elsewhere.

The trail passes through a ribbon of thick woods that surround the lake. A pair of Grey-necked Wood-Rail was seen through the fence before the trail drops down onto the short boardwalk. This proved to be the hot-spot of the evening.  Sayaca Tanager, Masked Gnatcatcher, Black-capped Warbling-Finch, Tropical Parula and Small-billed Elaenia were all noted here in a frantic few moments.

By the time I reached the gate to go home, it was nearly 17.00 but the gate was already closed and padlocked. I was just about to shimmy over the top (it would have probably looked more ungainly than “shimmy” might suggest) when I took a second look at the mechanism. Though locked, the padlock was not engaged in the locking bar and I was able to escape in a much more dignified manner than might otherwise have been the case. 

Bird list for Reserva Ecologica Vincente Lopez; 26

Southern Caracara 1, Chimango Caracara 2, Grey-necked Wood-Rail 2, Wattled Jacana 1, Kelp Gull 2, Pale-vented Pigeon 2, Picazuro Pigeon 40, Nanday Parakeet 15, Monk Parakeet 4, Gilded Hummingbird 1, Green-barred Woodpecker 1, Rufous Hornero 5, Small-billed Elaenia 3, Cattle Tyrant 2, Great Kiskadee 10, House Wren 4, Masked Gnatcatcher 6, Rufous-bellied Thrush 20, Chalk-browed Mockingbird 6, European Starling 5, Tropical Parula 2, Blue-and-yellow Tanager 2, Greyish Saltator 1, Black-capped Warbling Finch 1, Rufous-collared Sparrow 6, Variable Oriole 2.

This reserve is only very small and would be unlikely to keep a keen birder occupied for more than a couple of hours. It is a good follow-on site if you are visiting Ribera Norte, just up the road (or a good alternative if Ribera Norte is closed due to flooding as is sometimes the case). The entrance is across the tram lines at Google Earth ref; 34 2925.54S 58 28 52.19W. Follow the path around to the right to find the fenced sanctuary beyond the running track. There is no security provision at Vincente Lopez. 

The railway runs from the main station Retiro in Buenos Aires city to Tigre. Get off at La Lucila Station and continue north for 4 blocks and turn right at the underpass onto Av. Parana. The reserve is 1.25 kms east from here.

For a previous post from Vincente Lopez, follow the link below;

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/just-over2kms-south-from-reserva.html

Visit the dedicated Central and SouthAmerica page for more posts from Buenos Aires including Costanera Sur and Ribera Norte.

Birding, Birdwatching in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Ribera Norte, Buenos Aires, Jun 2014

Ribera Norte is a small gated reserve to the north of Buenos Aires. It is occasionally closed due to flooding, but there are quite a few common birds in the local area if access is denied. Spot-winged Pigeons can often be seen from around the edges of the sanctuary.

A reserve to the south, Reserva Ecologica Vicente Lopez, is a good fall-back if Ribera Norte is closed.

Today, it was late to open and I feared the worst until the gates were unlocked at 09.10. 

Perhaps these things happen for a reason as I arrived at the open patch of water just as a Rufous-sided Crake came out onto the floating weed. It was very shy and ducked back in when it saw me, so I sought cover in a small hide there. As I waited for the crake to reappear, a second bird emerged from behind a lump of hyacinth. This had been my target bird for the visit, so two and a horrible picture set me up for a great day.

I had been slightly disappointed at such a fleeting glimpse of a Plumbeous Rail on the previous day, so was thrilled to notice a movement as I scanned the edges of the reeds. The red and sky-blue patches at the base of the bill are great field marks when the bird is looking towards you. It was preening under an overhang of vegetation and I managed to wriggle into a small space that allowed a clear shot.

A House Wren took a rest in the sun, obviously enjoying the warmth after a cool start to the morning.

Railway sleepers, laid side-by-side lengthways, line the path as it passes through the wettest part of the reserve beyond a metal bridge. This is an upgrade since my last visit that may allow Ribera Norte to stay open and navigable during times of higher water-levels.

The trail describes a circular route around the reserve and continues past the marshy area into woodland. The calls from Nanday Parakeets, Monk Parakeets and Picazuro Pigeons marked my progress along the path. A red-hot hot-spot came at the intersection with the trail that leads down to the river. Notably, a third rallid species in the form of a Grey-necked Wood-rail was seen. Three rallids in a day is not so unusual (yesterday had been a 5-rallid afternoon), but there were no coots or gallinules to dilute the effect this morning.

This was followed quickly by a pair of Diademed Tanagers feeding in the tall rank vegetation that the trail passes through on its way down to the river. Solitary Caciques split the stems of plants close to the path by thrusting their sharp bills in and prising them open. The ripping, cracking sound would have been very eerie if I hadn’t known what was happening. It sounded like a huge creature trying to move stealthily through the bushes. 

A couple of Masked Gnatcatchers flitted about in the same plants, a Narrow-billed Woodcreeper chased between the trunks of willow trees and a Black-and-rufous Warbling Finch sat well for a picture.

In the same location a Variable Oriole, Yellow-chinned Spinetail and a Yellow-browed Tyrant were seen; not to mention the Picazuro Pigeons, Pale-vented Pigeon and Rufous-breasted Thrush.

A White-throated Hummingbird sat still for a moment and was easy to identify.

Towards the end of the trail, a raised wooden walkway takes the visitor through the reeds to complete the circuit. I stopped to take a photo and noticed a lot of droppings on the planking. A second look revealed a pellet with tiny indigestible bones poking out. A third look, upwards, revealed an empty tree with no owls or anything at all like that.

The droppings looked quite fresh and I wondered if I had unknowingly flushed an owl when I had stopped.

The area around the reserve should be explored while the opportunity is there. If the reserve is flooded or the visitor still has a bit of time, the area beyond Ribera Norte may add a few species to pad a list. To the north are a few horse paddocks, playing fields and an opening onto the river at Google Earth ref; 34 27 47.86S 58 29 46.72W . 

A pair of White-tipped Plant-cutters was the notable addition seen here today, but Campo Flicker, Cattle Tyrant, Southern Lapwing and Shiny Cowbird were also added from here.

  

Bird list for Ribera Norte; 44

Neotropic Cormorant 15, Cocoi Heron 3, Southern Caracara 1, Rufous-sided Crake 2, Grey-necked Wood-Rail 2, Plumbeous Rail 1, Southern Lapwing 3, Kelp Gull 6, Picazuro Pigeon 200, Spot-winged Pigeon 6, Eared Dove 2, Nanday Parakeet 25, Monk Parakeet 20, White-throated Hummingbird 3, Green-barred Woodpecker 3, Campo Flicker 3, Rufous Hornero 12, Yellow-chinned Spinetail 2, Narrow-billed Treecreeper 5, Small-billed Elaenia 3, Yellow-browed Tyrant 1, Cattle Tyrant 4, Great Kiskadee 25, White-tipped Plantcutter 2, House Wren 6, Masked Gnatcatcher 6, Rufous-bellied Thrush 50, Chalk-browed Mockingbird 12, European Starling 4, Tropical Parula 1, Golden-crowned Warbler 1, Sayaca Tanager 1, Diademed Tanager 2, Greyish Saltator 1, Black-and-rufous Warbling Finch 1, Grey-throated Warbling Finch 2, Saffron Finch 1, Yellow-billed Cardinal 2, Rufous-collared Sparrow 12, Bay-winged Cowbird 6, Shiny Cowbird 1, Variable Oriole 4, Solitary Black Cacique 5, House Sparrow 20.

Ribera Norte can be seen north of the city of Buenos Aires at Google Earth ref; 34 28 12.24S 58 29 46.72W.

It is gated and opens at 09.00 ‘til 17.00. On very wet days, or maybe during days of spring tides, the reserve may close due to inundation. This number (47476179) was left unanswered last night when I phoned to check if the reserve would be open this  morning, but it is the only one I have. Perhaps it is only manned if the park is flooded. It would be interesting to know whether the reserve closes because of flooding by too much rain or from high spring tides. There is a lot of litter close to the river which makes it look as if it is brought in by high tides and left behind as the water recedes. In case of flooding, Reserva Ecologica Vincente Lopez is approx 2kms south from here and can provide an entertaining couple of hours.

Yellow-browed Flycatcher

I had the use of a bicycle today and was able to stow it in the last carriage of the train from Retiro to Tigre. A one-way ticket costs 3 Pesos. 10 minutes pedalling from Acassuso (Google Earth ref; 34 28 37.65S 58 29 51.80W) found me at the reserve by heading generally east (ie from Retiro, cross the track and continue straight). To walk, it has taken me about 35-45 minutes. From the Tigre end of the station take Peru St. east. At the main road turn right and find Peru St on the left again. Continue on Peru down the hill and cross the coastal tram lines. Turn left and continue 300m before turning right and following the road around. Ribera Norte Municipal Reserva will be on your right.

Greater Kiskadee

Previous posts from inside and outside of Ribera Norte can be seen at the links below;

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/ribera-norte-buenos-aires-argentina-eze.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/outside-ribera-norte-buenos-aires.html

Visit the dedicated Central and SouthAmerica page for more posts from Buenos Aires including; Costanera Sur and Vincente Lopez.

Birding, Birdwatching in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires, June 2014

It is hard to know which moment to pick as the highlight of this post. It could have been the long-awaited Great Grebe or the surprise Plumbeous rail. After looking at Red-fronted Coots all morning, it came as a shock to find that they qualified for the red-pen too. The Guira Cuckoos performed as usual and at last I remembered how to work my camera. So it was a good day all round.

Compared with previous visits, the list was slightly low at 44, but I put much of that down to birds migrating north, though in truth I have no clue about the migratory habits of the Argentinian avifauna. The list made it past the 40 mark by virtue of the waterfowl that had come to enjoy the flooded Lago de Los Copios along the inland promenade.

I was only able to cover a limited area of the reserve today as I had come straight from the flight and therefore had a late start. I checked the promenade and the southern trail.

I started by moving north to south along the promenade which was already quite busy on a Sunday morning. Personal security was at the front of my mind for much of the day and I tried to be as discrete as possible with my camera, but this area comes under the watchful eye of the Navy and they have a reputation for dealing firmly with miscreants. So the crime rate here is lower than in other parts of the city, but nevertheless, it doesn’t do to flaunt these things.

I waited until I could access the lower walkway that drops to level with the water along the southern third of the promenade (It is usually gated, but the catches are in poor condition and an inquisitive tug will usually result in the gates swinging invitingly open). Work has been going on here to drag much of the weed from the water. Small roosting islands have been built from heaps of the weeds and White-faced Whistling Ducks were using them to roost. A closer look revealed Brazilian Teal, Ringed Teal and a single Rosy-billed Pochard. Despite the Ringed Teal being written in red, I am quite familiar with them as they feature in a local wildfowl collection. The Rosy-billed Pochard was the first one that I had seen since finding them here as a life bird over 18 years ago.

The edges of the reeds and the open water were frequented by gallinules and coots. Common Gallinules greatly outnumbered the Spot-flanked Gallinules, but it was the latter that I lavished attention on. Red-fronted Coots were easy to see and I didn’t realise that I was trying to look past this life bird to find the other coot species that are common here.

As I was trying to make a Red-gartered Coot into a White-winged Coot, a movement in the reeds caught my attention and a rail darted across an open spot. Red and sky-blue patches at the base of the bill were easily visible which gave me the ID for a Plumbeous Rail.

Two Coscoroba Swans roosted at the edge of the reeds and Silver Teal fed, shoveler-like from the surface of the water. Red-gartered preferred the southern end of the open water.

The Laguna de Los Copios is not always wet and has had almost no water at all during my last couple of visits, so the waterfowl are not a permanent fixture here, but a real pleasure when they are on site.

The southern entrance to the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is at the end of the promenade at Google Earth ref; 34 36 59.64S 58 21 23.23W I wanted to walk the southern loop, but the reserve was very busy and the bird numbers were low.

A steady stream of people was heading towards the picnic area that looks out over the coast (Google Earth ref; 34 36 23.12S 58 20 47.08W). It seems that watching the sunset from the beach is a popular attraction for the local Buenos (although of course the sun sets inland, not over the water). A Southern Caracara took refuge at the top of a tall metal structure. This structure has proved productive in the past with American Kestrel and Chimango Caracara.

 I pulled off to the right halfway along the path towards the picnic area and looped round the southern section of the reserve. Even so the paths were still very busy and did not give up much bird life, though a Small-billed Elaenia popped up for a moment in response to a “pish” and a Hooded Siskin ventured out onto a thin branch during a lull in the traffic.

A small flock of Bay-winged Cowbirds fed from the characteristic plumes of Pampas Grass that can be seen around the reserve. Picazuro Pigeons were very common and many were seen flying over as they began looking for roosts in the early evening. This one was found at the picnic site and looked as if it had come to take in the party atmosphere.

I was about to take a quick snap of the crowds on the shore when I noticed a movement on the water beyond. I replaced the Canon with the Bushnell’s and was delighted to see a Great Grebe, just off the rubble beach.

This was a bird that I have hoped to see on each of my visits here, but up until now had been unlucky. It is not a rare or difficult bird, but it was at the northern extent of its range and I was at the southern limit of mine, so this is the only place that our paths are ever likely to cross.

The grebe was fishing close in to the shore and allowed me to sit on a chunk of rock on the water’s edge as it went about its business.

I returned to the south entrance and found the promenade packed with people. They had come to shop at small stalls laid out on the pavement and to eat and drink at the small parrillon cafes. It would have been virtually impossible to bird along the promenade in these conditions, so bear this in mind if you are here on a weekend. The morning and early afternoon had been quiet enough, but the evening was extremely busy.

Bird list for Costanera Sur; 44

White-faced Whistling Duck 12, Coscoroba Swan 2, Ringed Teal 4, Brazilian Teal 15, Silver Teal 8, Rosy-billed Pochard 3, White-tufted Grebe 2, Pied-billed Grebe 1, Great Grebe 1, Neotropic Cormorant 15, Cocoi Heron 1, Great Egret 3, Southern Caracara 4, Chimango Caracara 2, Plumbeous Rail 1, Common Gallinule 60, Spot-flanked Gallinule 3, Red-gartered Coot 7, Red-fronted Coot 25, Southern Lapwing 1, Wattled Jacana 3, Kelp Gull 20, Picazuro Pigeon 140, Eared Dove 1, Nanday Parakeet 25, Monk Parakeet 30, Guira Cuckoo 8, Green-barred Woodpecker 2, Rufous Hornero 5, Small-billed Elaenia 1, Spectacled Tyrant 3, Great Kiskadee 25, Blue-and-White Swallow 10, House Wren 1, Rufous-bellied Thrush 5, Creamy-bellied Thrush 1, Chalk-browed Mockingbird 15, European Starling 8, Golden-billed Saltator 2, Black-and-Rufous Warbling Finch 1, Rufous-collared Sparrow 10, Bay-winged Cowbird 6, Hooded Siskin 5, House Sparrow 3.

A quick visit on the morning of our return flight added a few birds to the list and brought another lifer in the form of a Long-winged Harrier. The light is against you early in the morning as you walk along the promenade and even at daybreak there were joggers and a few left-over revellers from last night. A Harris’s Hawk flew across the low weeds at the northern end, betraying the presence of a few ducks, including a couple of Yellow-billed Teal.

I reached the southern gate just after 08.00 and it was punctually open. A Rufescent Tiger-heron stood in the deep shadow and a Chequered Woodpecker obligingly made itself obvious in a dead tree. The north gate was open on this occasion (Tuesday morning at 10.00), but I cannot vouch for its opening times.

Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve consists of a large area of reclaimed land on the shore of the Rio Plata/ South Atlantic Ocean, close to the docks area of Buenos Aires. The reclaimed area has annexed the once magnificent promenade from the big water of the coast. The promenade, though still magnificent in its faded glory now looks out onto reedbeds and freshwater wetland (Lagos de Los Coipos). There is open water at the southern end depending on the recent rains and the vigilance of the park workers who were raking out a lot of weed this weekend.

It is a popular spot for joggers and cheap cafes cater to the less energetic. This area becomes extremely busy on weekend evenings. It is accessible at all times with a low wall separating the 2km public walkway from the Lagos de Los Coipos.

The main body of the reserve is the reclaimed area. A good path runs all the way round the inside of the reserve with a couple of short cuts through the centre. A complete circle is about 8kms. Two large lakes have pretty much been clogged with reeds and in my four visits have never had any visible open water, just a wide expanse of reeds. Most of the interest comes along the paths which are lined with woodland, scrub and pampas.

The reserve has a gate at the southern end of the promenade (Google Earth ref; 34 36 58.45S 58 21 18.90W. It opens at 08.00 and closes at dusk. A gate at the north end of the promenade is not as reliable. I believe that it is only open at weekends. If you are on foot, it is easy to skip the fence here if necessary.

The reserve is also popular with joggers and walkers who will often greet you amicably as they pass.

For previous posts from Costanera Sur, follow the links below;

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/costanera-sur-assessment-on-arrival.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/costanera-sur-pre-departure-buenos.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-promenade-costanera-sur-buenos.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/costanera-sur-reserve-buenos-aires.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/promenading-at-costanera-sur-buenos.html

Visit the dedicated Central and South AmericanPage for more posts from Buenos Aires, including Ribera Norte and Parque Tresde Febrero.

Birding, Birdwatching, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires - pre-post, June 2014

A trip to Argentina is always exciting, but for some reason I always seem to go at the same time of year. I am a couple of weeks late during this visit as May turns to June and the weather has been cooler than I recall. It was beautifully bright during the day, but I needed a couple of layers during the early morning.

After a few weeks of struggling for photographs, I have managed to get a few to cheer my cynical eye. A few red-letter birds were added to the life-list, including one that has evaded me for a while, the Great Grebe.

A trip to Costanera Sur on a busy Sunday afternoon brought a list of 40+ including the grebe. It seemed that the birds were fewer and further between than on previous trips, but the list was bulked by the waterbirds on the Laguna de los Copios. This area of reeds has been quite dry on my last couple of trips, so it was great to see that it was flooded this week with Plumbeous Rail, Ringed Teal and Spot-flanked Gallinule found there.

The full day off was spent at Ribera Norte Ecological Reserve with a fall back plan to include Vincente Lopez in case the first site was flooded. Luckily the recent rain had not inundated Ribera Norte and I was able to visit both reserves. Notable birds included 2 Rufous-sided Crake, 2 Diademed Tanager and another Plumbeous Rail!

A trip total of 76 was not as many as I had hoped for. I need to check up on the effects of migration in the area. I suspect that a lot of birds will have travelled north to follow the longer days and the insects that prefer warmer conditions. Flycatchers (apart from Kiskadees) were not easy to come by and there seemed to be far fewer icterids compared to previous visits.

I will link to the posts when they are published.  

In the meantime, visit the dedicated Central and South America Page for more posts from Buenos Aires.

Birding, Birdwatching, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Promenading at Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires, December 2012

Pick up is at lunch-time today which gives me a few hours in the morning to visit Costanera Sur and improve on my total for the trip. Having already posted separately for the reserve and the promenade, I am now content to join them together on a single page. If you want more specific post on either, follow the links above or see the links at the end of the page. At 05.30 a guard came sluggishly out from his sentry box at the north-east end of the promenade to confirm that the gates there would remain closed until 08.00 on this Sunday morning. Jumping the fence had been a feasible and popular option on my last trip to Buenos Aires, but this gate appears to have become an official entrance now and warrants its own guard.

 

So I pounded the promenade for a couple of hours and found the same number of birds with a few missing and a few added. Picazuro Pigeons, Eared Doves and Shiny Blackbirds were still abundant on the pavements and flying over. Masked Yellowthroats and Masked Gnatcatchers were again common in the reeds and bushes beyond the wall.

A big Saturday night had spilled over into Sunday morning for a few exuberant revellers who were still dancing at the parrillons which had stayed open to accommodate their yeasty needs. A few that were still able to, acknowledged me with a wave while others drag-raced along the road. Much had been made of personal security in Buenos Aires, but the biggest problem I had was having the sun in my eyes all the way along the promenade. At the far end a small patch of water held a couple of Wattled Jacanas which allowed a slightly closer approach this morning. Amongst the Yellow-billed Teals, I was able to pick out a Silver Teal. House Wrens continued to be common and easily photographed.

The light was better on the return journey to the gate. A few joggers and walkers had started to show and most of the revellers had moved on. The gate was open when I returned at 08.00. Immediately inside the gate, I found the nest of a Rufous Hornero and stopped for a while to watch it coming and going.
 

 

I followed the path towards the river and found a few more Yellow-billed Teals on the left. Grass growing up by the side of the path attracted Double-collared Seedeaters and a pair of Narrow-billed Woodcreepers passed quickly through, probing the bark of the Tipu Trees as they went.

 

 

I had to refer back to the field guide when a pair of unusual birds passed through. It reminded me of an Australian finch, but turned out to be a Blue-and-yellow Tanager. It kept to the deep shade and I was surprised to get a photo. It must look fantastic in better light.

 

 

A Glittering-bellied Emerald buzzed around in the shade, feeding from the flowers of a tipu sapling. Getting it in the frame was tricky. I would have loved to get that photograph properly.

I only made it to the corner by the river before I had to return and get ready to fly home. A Red-crested Cardinal was the last bird before turning back.

 

Birds seen; 42

Silver Teal 1, Yellow-billed Teal 12, Rufescent Tiger-heron 1, Great Egret 7, Snowy Egret 1, Southern Caracara 1, Chimango Caracara 1, Southern Lapwing 2, Wattled Jacana 2, Picazuro Pigeon 80, Eared Dove 45, Nanday Parakeet 6, Monk Parakeet 8, Guira Cuckoo 2, Glittering–bellied Emerald 3, Checkered Woodpecker 2, Rufous Hornero 30, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper 2, Great Kiskadee 9, Gray-breasted Martin 2, Brown-chested Martin 10, White-rumped Swallow 22, House Wren 22, Masked Gnatcatcher 5, Rufous-breasted Thrush 20, Creamy-bellied Thrush 5, Chalk-browed Mockingbird 14, Blue-and-yellow Tanager 2, Golden-billed Saltator 1, European Starling 20, Masked Yellowthroat 4, Black-and-rufous Warbling-finch 9, Double-collared Seedeater 11, Safron Finch 2, Red-crested Cardinal 4, Rufous-collared Sparrow 23, Yellow-winged Blackbird 3, Chestnut-capped Blackbird 2, Bay-winged Cowbird 3, Shiny Cowbird 60, Hooded Siskin 9, House Sparrow 15.

Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve covers more than 800 acres on the bank of the Rio Plata in Buenos Aires. It started as a magnificent promenade where the good people of BA could come to bathe. It lost favour as the water quality in the river deteriorated and swimming fell out of fashion. Landfill and reclamation separated the promenade from the riverbank and subsequent silting gave Nature the chance to colonise and flourish. The reclaimed area became a protected reserve and was awarded Ramsar status in 2005.

The promenade still exists, though it is now over half a mile inland. It makes a fine walk on a warm afternoon, adjacent to the Ave Int. Hernan M. Geralt. For 2kms, the wide pavement looks down on a stretch of marsh and reeds. A few years ago rains would raise the level sufficiently for open water to attract many species of duck, but the water is much reduced now. Only tiny areas at the south-eastern end remain free from reeds but are likely to silt up altogether in the future.

Two gates allow visitors into the reserve. One can be found at each end of the promenade, but the one at the south-eastern end (Google Earth ref; 34°36'59.71"S 58°21'18.78"W) is the main gate by the Visitors’ Centre. The gate at the ferry terminal end of the promenade (at Google Earth ref; 34°35'56.65"S 58°21'44.70"W) is more of a back door and does not always open as advertised.

For more specific details of Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur and the promenade, please refer to the posts below or follow the links;

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/costanera-sur-reserve-buenos-aires.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-promenade-costanera-sur-buenos.html

Visit the dedicated Central and SouthAmerican Page for more posts from Buenos Aires including Reserva Ecologica doRibera Norte and Parque Tres de Febrero.

Parque Tres de Febrero, Buenos Aires, December 2012

Parque Tres de Febrero was very busy this afternoon. I believe that there was a national holiday this weekend and the city had descended on the park. Pedalos plied the lake instead of any waterfowl. Such excitement may have caused the birds to flee and the expected coots (Red-gartered Coot, Red-fronted Coot and White-winged Coot) were nowhere to be seen. The paths and lawns were covered with people and stalls, with skaters and drummers adding to the frenetic atmosphere. I tried to circle the lake hoping to find a few birds sheltering from the celebrations on a quiet bank on an island. A pair of Yellow-billed Teal roosted fitfully, but so many people were milling around that they were driven back onto the water.

Gray-breasted Martins, Brown-chested Martins and White-rumped Swallows skimmed across the lake, some fed off the insects rising from the water as evening approached, some delicately sipped from the water’s surface, others clumsily crashed in the attempt. A Red-crested Cardinal was obviously used to the crowds and carried on as usual.

 

I gave up trying to stay out of peoples’ way on the paths and sat myself down by the water’s edge. On an island in the western lobe of the lake (at Google Earth ref; 34°34'12.21"S 58°25'6.44"W) a Fork-tailed Flycatcher hawked from a dead branch protruding from a large tree and Monk Parakeets found fruits from the trees.

A small flock of Yellow-chevroned Parakeets flew into a nearby Jacaranda tree and fed amongst the purple blossoms. I love Jacarandas. There, I’ve said it.

 

A European Starling flew in to the same tree. I wonder if the purple sheen around its neck was a reflection from the flowers or just a light refraction from its glossy plumage.

Picazuro Pigeons and Eared Doves had found a quiet lawn inside a fenced area and were able to find a bit of peace.

 

Birds seen; 22

Yellow-billed Teal 6, Neotropic Cormorant 4, Great Egret 1, Striated Heron 1, Picazuro Pigeon 80, Eared Dove 60, Nanday Parakeet 15, Monk Parakeet 6, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet 4, Rufous Hornero 20, Cattle Tyrant 3, Great Kiskadee 20, Fork-tailed Flycatcher 1, Gray-breasted Martin 8, Brown-chested Martin 10, White-rumped Swallow 20, Rufous-bellied Thrush 10, Chalk-browed Mockingbird 3, European Starling 10, Red-crested Cardinal 2, Bay-winged Cowbird 1, Shiny Cowbird 25.

Parque Tres de Febrero is an open-sided city park with access at any time. There is a railed area which may not be open too early in the morning. The Rose Garden is within the railed area. There are lakes, lawns and lightly wooded areas. It is a well used park, popular with the residents of the city and can get extremely busy, especially at weekends. The lakes hold various coot species as well as grebes and a few duck. There is a large population of domestic geese and domestic Muscovy Duck that may be out-competing many of them. Swallows and martins are common in their season.

Pigeons and doves are abundant and obvious throughout the park with the city gimmes (Rufous-breasted Thrush, Rufous Hornero, Chalk-browed Mockingbird) all easy to find.

3 species of parakeet are common and plenty of other birds can be seen if you can find a quiet spot. A small bridge crosses to an island at Google Earth ref; 34°34'16.51"S 58°24'57.49"W. This is potentially the quietest area of the park with the possibility of the manicurists having missed it out. It is within the railed area.

There is plenty of lightly wooded areas on the periphery of the park including the Planetarium with its adjacent lake at Google Earth ref; 34°34'10.93"S 58°24'42.28"W

Lots of taxis run past the park and it is well served by buses that pass along Ave del Libertador.
For a previous post from Parque Tres de Febrero follow the link below;

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/05/parque-tres-de-febrero-buenos-aires.html

Visit the dedicated Central and South American Page for more from Buenos Aires, including Costanera Sur and Ribera Norte.