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Trip overview
Río Gallegos is one of the southernmost cities on the South American continent and it is home to more than 120 species of birds. It is located at the confluence of the Gallegos and Chico Rivers, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.
Together, these rivers form a rich estuary where the tides shape biodiversity. Wide marshes are developed on its southern coast, covered with Sarcocornia sp. and Suaeda spp. Grasslands and shrubs occupy the higher terrain.
Patagonian, Nearctic, and Antarctic birds can be found in this mosaic of environments, and many of them are of particular interest for both conservation and birding, such as Ruddy-headed Goose, Hooded Grebe, Magellanic Plover, Red Knot and Austral Canastero.
Therefore, the Río Gallegos Estuary in its entirety is an IBA (BirdLife International) and it is also recognized as an International Important Site by the WHSRN.
Tour details
Target birds for the area
Ruddy-headed Goose, Chiloe Wigeon, Chilean Flamingo, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Magellanic Snipe, Least Seedsnipe, Cinereous Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon (South American, including the “pallid” form), Austral Canastero, Chocolate-vented Tyrant, Chilean Swallow.
Number of expected species: 20-25.
Inclusions
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All ground transportations in a private vehicle
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Guided services: local birding guide
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Spotting scope: Vortex Diamondback HD 65mm
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Snacks
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Drinking water (for refill private bottles)
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Personal insurances
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Communication support in remote areas
Exclusions
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Flight tickets
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Alcoholic drinks
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Tips
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Extra services or anything not mentioned in this page
Itinerary
To be agreed. This tour can be done at the time you prefer. Hotel pick-up. Transfer to the Municipal Reserve. 2 and a half hour birding in search of the Ruddy-headed Goose, Magellanic Snipe, Austral Canastero, Chocolate-vented Tyrant and more. Drop-off. End of the tour.
More information
Habitats
Sea coast, marshes, lagoons, shrublands, grasslands
(Argentine Sea and Magellanic Steppe)
Climate
Cold, semi-arid
Tour category
Birdwatching, with good opportunities to take photographs
Max group size
6 + 1 local guide (ask for larger groups)
Physical requirements
The physical difficulty of this tour is low (easy to moderate terrain).
Recommended equipment
Woolly hat, cap, sunscreen (+30), polarized sunglasses, layered clothing, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes.
Departures
This tour is available anytime from October to March. It requires prior reservation.
Price
If you want a quote for this tour, please contact us
Combined with
This tour can be combined with any of the others. Check them out at our website.
