Antarctic Peninsula – 25/11/06-7/12/06

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Antarctic Peninsula 25/11/06-7/12/06 Nigel Voaden (nigel.voaden@talk21.com) General: This peninsula cruise trip was booked through Birdfinders and run by
Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch company. Return flights from the UK to Buenos
Aires and from BA to Ushuaia were organised by Birdfinders as were hotels in both
Ushuaia and BA. All airport transfers etc. were arranged on-site by myself. Hire Car
for one day in Ushuaia was booked in advance with Hertz. Eating and drinking
establishments in Ushuaia and BA are numerous and fairly cheap compared to
European prices. Cash machines are also plentiful and plastic is accepted in most
places rendering taking cash and travellers cheques fairly unnecessary. Some cash on
an Antarctic Cruise is a good idea for tips and souvenir shopping if you visit Port
Lockroy. All Antarctic cruises are different and dependent on weather conditions and
subject to short-notice changes. If weather conditions are very bad it may not be
possible to make any shore landings at all! But dont let that put you off as this is
most unlikely.

Daily Log: 25/11/06: Departed Heathrow on the 24 th on a scheduled Iberia Airlines flight via Madrid to Buenos Aires. The morning arrival in BA was late and coupled with a
nightmare queue at immigration I checked in for my Lan Chile flight to Ushuaia via
El Calafate with only 12 minutes to take-off! Hurtling across BA at speeds in excess
of 80mph I tried to relax in the taxi by noting blurry bird-like shapes which may, or
may not, have included Southern Crested Caracara, Southern Lapwing and Monk
Parakeet amongst others. The arrival into Ushuaia must rate as one of the most spectacular airport approaches in the world. The sky was clear and Southern Beach forests marched up
snow-capped mountains lining the azure Beagle Channel. Looking down from the
plane window the channel was carpeted with birds and tiny dots probably represented
Black-browed Albatrosses and Southern Fulmars amongst others.
At the airport I hopped straight into a hire car, drove into the southernmost city in the
world, checked into my hotel and
returned to the beach near the airport
for a couple of hours birding in the
evening sun. This proved very
productive with three Yellow-bridled
Finch (right) among the first birds
noted, Austral Negrito, Chilean
Swallow and Long-tailed
Meadowlark were also abundant here.
Upland and Ashy-headed Goose,
Red Shoveler, Speckled Teal,
Yellow-billed Pintail, Chiloe Wigeon
and Crested Duck were noted on
coastal pools with Kelp Goose,
Magellanic Oystercatcher and
White-rumped Sandpiper on the shore itself. Looking a little further out hundreds of Flightless Steamer Ducks were
obvious, accompanied by Blue-eyed Shag and Great Grebe whilst over open water
Southern Giant Petrel, Chilean Skua, South American Tern and Arctic Tern
were all noted. Whilst taking all this in a White-throated Caracara flapped lazily
past at close range and a single Grey-flanked Cinclodes was picked out from the
more common Bar-winged Cinclodes. A walk west along the shore added
Correndera Pipit and Chimango Caracara as well as stonking close-range looks at
the Yellow-bridled Finch trio. All too soon the sun set, and an evening chill
descended. Well satisfied with the evenings haul I retired to the town for some dinner
and much needed sleep.

26/11/06: An early start saw me heading towards the Tierra del Fuego NP west of
Ushuaia. One stop was made at a river crossing prior to entering the park and a pair of
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant were noted here with many Black-chinned Siskin and
a Black-faced Ibis flew over. I thus arrived at the camp site adjacent to Lago Roca at
c.6am and the first sound after leaving the car was the characteristic double knock of a
Magellanic Woodpecker; it was to take some time however to see one. Birding in the
Beech forests here was very productive with a number of good species giving themselves up easily
including Thorn-
tailed Rayadito,
White-throated
Treerunner (left),
Austral Parakeet,
Patagonian and
Grey-hooded
Sierra-Finch and
Tufted Tit-Tyrant.
More common fare
was provided by
Austral Thrush and
Chilean White-
crested Elaenia (a
possible split from more northerly forms). Open areas added Dark-bellied Cinclodes whilst after some
searching a pair of Flying Steamer Duck and, best of all; three Spectacled Ducks
gave themselves up on Lago Roca itself. Returning to the woods and finally
Magellanic Woodpecker could be heard close-by. After some scrambling up a steep
slope I eventually had great views of a pair displaying, an unforgettable experience,
the noise of their wings in flight is quite incredible.
Having been somewhat spoilt in the morning the rest of the park proved a little anti-
climactic although Black-browed Albatross, Rock Cormorant and King Shag were
noted offshore in the Beagle Channel. After some searching a pair of Fire-eyed
Diucon finally were located in a mixed bird party, which also afforded point blank
views of White-throated Treerunner.
By mid-afternoon it was time to return the hire car and head down to the harbour to
board the Alexsey Maryshev bound for the seventh continent. The harbour itself held
several smart Dolphin Gull whilst the only Turkey Vulture of the trip flew over.
Our vessel was a 68-metre Russian vessel complete with Russian crew, and the full
compliment of 48 passengers boarded in the late afternoon. Departure was delayed but by 7pm we were slipping quietly away from Ushuaia down the Beagle Channel.
Mandatory safety and general briefings, the late departure and a bolted, but first of
many excellent, meals, minimised birding opportunities in the Beagle Channel but in
the fading light a distant Magellanic Penguin and a single Magellanic Diving-
Petrel, flushed from the water, the distinct white collar easy to see, were relieving
sightings. Black-browed Albatross were noted in good numbers and a single
Southern Fulmar also followed the boat briefly. Bed was taken early in preparation
(or trepidation) for the Drake Passage.

27/11/06: The Drake Passage or simply The Drake has a reputation for being one of
the stormiest parts of the worlds oceans. In truth it is very changeable, can be stormy
but can also be relatively calm. By 5am I was on the lower stern deck with a 1-2m
swell and a gentle if chilly breeze blowing. As the light improved Black-browed
Albatross began to follow the boat and one or two Grey-headed Albatross also
appeared as well as the first Cape Petrel and Wilsons Storm-Petrel. Just before
breakfast the first nominate Wandering Albatross showed, albeit distantly off the
stern. Following a quick breakfast Common Diving-Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and
White-chinned Petrel were all added and the first Southern Royal Albatross was
noted. In addition a couple of Snowy Sheathbill were a bit of a surprise this far north
but apparently they are still migrating south at this time of year
The day settled into a soon-to-be familiar routine of long bouts of seawatching from
the stern deck interspersed with brief mealtimes and spontaneous identification
workshops for novice fellow passengers. It was actually fascinating to watch non-
birders grapple, and succeed, with the complexities of great Albatross identification
without any optics! As we continued south the number of birds following the boat
increased and soon the first Light-mantled Sooty Albatross was noted. At least two
Northern Royal Albatross picked out from their more common Southern cousins,
similarly Northern Giant Petrel was eventually nailed amongst the hordes of
Southern Giant Petrels which included a single white morph individual. Three Black-
bellied Storm-Petrels were added and late in the day Blue Petrel became common.
At this time a few Prions joined the boat and provided a significant ID challenge.
What had appeared to be mainly Slender-billed Prion were actually proved to be
mainly Antarctic Prion when photos were reviewed in the evening. Good numbers of
most Albatross species provided fantastic photo opportunities through the day and it
was in the early evening when I noted an apparent Grey-headed Albatross with the
naked eye. Conscious that this species does not follows boats and tends to only
occasionally come in close before swiftly departing, and without any great photos of
this species thus far I went straight for the camera. Peering through the viewfinder I
got a quick look at the underwing pattern and immediately knew there was a problem.
The narrow black border was all wrong for Grey-headed Albatross and I immediately
thought of Atlantic Yellow-nosed; next problem this bird had an all-pale bill think
again. I snapped away furiously knowing that good photos might be crucial in the
identification as at this point I had no real clue as to what I was watching but thought
that the bird might be part of the Shy Albatross complex. Unfortunately the bird never
came in close and departed after just a few minutes; no-one else on board saw it. It
was then straight to the field guide and luckily there were a couple of good shots on
the camera. It didnt take long to realise that bird appeared to be a Salvins Albatross
(below). Discussions with the trip leaders and detailed analysis of the best photo
confirmed this. This appears to be the first record of this species in the Drake Passage
and may also represent the most southerly known record too. Discussions were interrupted
by the cry of
Whale
from the
bridge and
we rushed
outside to
enjoy
several Fin
Whales all
around the
boat. This
had been a
hell of a first
day.

28/11/06: Although the diversity of the previous day was unsurpassed the day was
notable for superb weather conditions and exceptional numbers of, the often tricky, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross
almost constantly around the
boat providing mega photo
opportunities. In addition large
numbers of Prions, largely
Antarctic, and Cape Petrels put
on a great show. A single
Southern Royal Albatross in the
afternoon was also exceptional
this far south. As we headed
towards the South Shetland
Islands the first Brown
(Subantarctic) Skua appeared
and closer still an Antarctic
Petrel (left) joined the boat for a
couple of hours offering
fantastic views of this very
smart Antarctic speciality. The
first islets of the South Shetland
archipelago were passed in the evening as the weather clouded in and snow began to fall, well it was Antarctica and
we celebrated this with a few drinks in the bar.

29/11/06: In the morning we found ourselves moored off Half Moon Island close to
Livingston Island and we made our first shore landing here to enjoy the rookeries of
Chinstrap Penguin. Also present were Antarctic Cormorant and Antarctic Tern
and the first Gentoo Penguin were noted on the beach. A Weddell Seal hauled out on
the beach at close range. On higher slopes large numbers of Brown Skua (below)
entertained with courtship and territorial rituals. The low cloud and light snow did not
detract from a magical first stop.

In the afternoon we continued south to Deception Island. On the way a Minke Whale
breached close to the boat and a single white morph Southern Giant Petrel was noted
passing through Neptunes Bellows at the entrance to Deception Island. We went
ashore at Whalers Bay, an old, disused whaling station, as the name suggests. This
was not really a wildlife stop but as we had sailed into and anchored within an active
caldera, which had erupted as recently as 1970, the stop was more than interesting
enough. The dilapidated whaling station buildings were stark and somewhat bizarre in
the rather lunar landscape misted by falling snowflakes. Added to this were lichen
covered whale bones poking through recent volcanic ash. Cape Petrels nesting on
nearby cliffs were the most interesting birds. A few of us took advantage of a
temporarily built hot-tub on the beach heated by the strong geothermal activity,
stripping off in Antarctica was not as bad as expected and even a brief dip in the sea
itself did not prove overly chilly, at least not for a minute or so.
In the evening we continued south crossing the Brantsfield Strait treated to
spectacular icebergs backlit by a golden sunset.

30/11/06: Awaking early we enjoyed the spectacular Antarctic scenery in fine
sunlight before arriving at our morning stop at the tiny Cuverville Island. At least one male and one female Orca were
noted from the bow long before
most people had risen. As we made
our way ashore a Leopard Seal
patrolled the beach; surprisingly this
was to be the only sighting of the
trip. Once ashore we were treated to
large numbers of breeding Gentoo
Penguins (left). The sun shone
brightly softening the thick snow
and making movement around time-
consuming and strenuous sinking
often to the hip with each step. Soon
I was down to a T-Shirt in
Antarctica; something seemed not
right. Dozens of photos were taken and a tough climb to the top of this steep little island was rewarded with spectacular
views and a lone Snow Petrel cruising offshore amongst the many icebergs. Alone on
top the island it was possible for a perfect silence moment with not even a quarrelling
Gentoo to spoil the quiet.
Once on board we headed south again navigating the Errera Channel in cloudier
conditions noting several Crabeater Seals and many Gentoo Penguins on the flatter
icebergs. And after lunch we arrived at Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay for our first
continental landing (no this not with croissants). Here were many Gentoos breeding
and a few Weddell Seals hauled out on the beach. We spent a relaxing afternoon on
shore before returning to the boat for a barbecued dinner on deck in the shadow of the
Derville Glacier, highly active and noted for regular large ice calvings. Every crack
through the evening was investigated with enthusiasm but we were only treated to
several small calvings. The party continued long into the night (which didnt get dark
this far south) and in the early hours we hauled anchor and sailed onwards.

01/12/06: December was seen in with sore heads but nonetheless we were on the
foredeck early for the Lemaire Channel, argued by many to be the most beautiful part
of the entire continent. As we approached the sky gradually lifted and turned from
grey to blue and as we arrived a perfect day had begun. Under clear skies and with no
wind the narrow channel flanked by steep craggy peaks and replete with ice of all
shapes and sizes was every bit as magical as suggested. Perfect reflections formed in
the water and although the ice became dense towards the southern end we managed to
pass through this often blocked passage. A slightly early retreat for breakfast was
unfortunately timed to miss a close fly-by Snow Petrel.
Following breakfast we anchored and took the zodiacs out for a morning cruise
amongst the numerous icebergs in the vicinity of Pleaneau Island. As we departed the
first classic South Polar Skua flew over, a number of potential South Polar x Brown
hybrids having been noted on the previous day. The cruise provided great
opportunities for close-up views of Crabeater Seal, and to get out and stand on an
iceberg. But for the main part it was just an amazing experience to view the
remarkable bergs up close and personal under the bright sunshine.
In the afternoon we continued south noting the first Adelie Penguin on icebergs and
many more Crabeater Seals in increasingly thick broken sea ice. It looked like we
would be forced to halt our progress and abandon our attempt to land at Petermann
Island, our scheduled southerly point of the voyage. Thanks to some smart navigating
by our Captain followed by excellent zodiac-ship we were able to make it ashore and
enjoy the mixed
Adelie and Gentoo
Penguin colonies.
Access was
somewhat restricted
due to on-going
scientific research
but this did not
detract from the
Penguin colony,
which also included
obliging Antarctic
Shags nesting
(right). The majority of Skuas this far south were apparently now South Polar Skuas. We returned to the
ship and reluctantly turned north to once again pass through the Lemaire Channel
following dinner. The channel if anything was even more enjoyable second time
around backlit by a sinking evening sun, which eventually played a pink and orange
kaleidoscope on the surrounding mountain peaks. We were also treated to a couple of
avalanches thundering down adjacent mountain flanks only to flounder in thick snow
before crashing into and destroying the mill-pond sea. A single Arctic Tern was noted
on the return trip through the channel but the experience was not really about the
wildlife. And thus an unforgettable day drew to a close.

02/12/06: In the morning we were anchored in Paradise Bay with more of the same in
terms of yesterdays excellent weather conditions. We made our second continental
landing at the Argentine base of Almirante Brown. Wildlife opportunities ashore were
somewhat limited so most of us returned to the zodiacs to explore along the shore by
boat. This proved far more rewarding with point blank views of a Brown Skua demolishing a dead Gentoo
Penguin, a pair of Chinstrap
Penguins some way south of their
normal range and best of all a party
of Southern Fulmars squabbling
over a huge dead jellyfish (left). We
approached to within one metre as
the birds continued to feed
unconcernedly, it was an amazing
experience and we watched in
awestruck silence. Eventually it
was time to return to the ship where
we discovered one of the other
boats had also seen Snow Petrel.
As we heaved anchor the weather,
which had been threatening to
break, finally turned, the clouds
descended, the wind picked up and
light snow began to fell. We sailed
some time through deteriorating
conditions and when we arrived at
the British base of Port Lockroy
things were looking decidedly
unpromising for a shore landing.
Nonetheless we braved the winds, waves and horizontal snow to visit the small shop, post office and museum here for a
true touristy experience. Outside Gentoos huddled on eggs in the snow whilst
defending against marauding Brown Skuas and sly Snowy Sheathbills.
We continued north in the evening passing through the relatively uninteresting
Gerlache Strait and on into the Brantsfield Strait.

03/12/06: Weather conditions had failed to improve from the previous night and our
morning stop at Astrolabe Island, a good spot for Leopard Seal, was cancelled due to
the rough seas. We pushed on early instead to Roberts Island in the South Shetlands
with good numbers of Cape Petrels and no fewer than eight Antarctic Petrels providing great photo opportunities wheeling amongst snowflakes above the stormy
seas. We arrived at Roberts Point, Roberts Island in good time and after finding a
sheltered spot to drop anchor were able to make a bumpy landing. Despite the
inclement weather this stop proved very rewarding with good numbers of Southern
Elephant Seals lounging on the beaches and many breeding Southern Giant Petrels
(below) including at least two white morph individuals. A climb to the top of the
island provided spectacular views. Large numbers of loafing Brown Skuas gave an interesting comparison in plumage variations with some nearly as pale as South Polar
Skua but showing clear structural characteristics of Brown. The last boat of hardy
individuals was summoned to the ship an hour earlier than scheduled due to once
again deteriorating weather and we all received a good soaking of icy Antarctic
seawater whilst returning to the ship. It was straight into the sauna following this for a
warm-up.
After taking dinner in the lee of the island we rounded into the Nelson Strait heading
for open water and at the same time bade goodbye to Antarctica. We were pushed
along by a five-knot current but were met by an incoming tide and a wind gusting 60+
knots. The result was some spectacular wave action and a roller coaster ride. The sea-
state was described as one of the most interesting [seas] I have seen by one leader
and most enjoyed it from the bridge with towering waves crashing across the bows
and lashing the foredeck with spray.














04/12/06: Waking in the
morning in the Drake
Passage and the sea-state
was still very rough
although the winds were
abating and as the day
continued the weather did
improve. Nonetheless the
deck was off-limits so
seawatching was conducted
from the bridge. Pre-
breakfast a couple of
Humpback Whales
breached close to the boat
and good numbers of Light-
mantled Sooty Albatross
(left) put on a display again
throughout the day. Single
Wandering Albatross and a
few Blue Petrel were also
notable and good numbers
of both Antarctic and Slender-billed Prion were present continuously.

05/12/06: Having once again passed north of the Antarctic Convergence seabird
diversity increased again and with calm conditions the favoured stern deck was
available again. Unfortunately the diminishing winds were also probably responsible
for lower bird activity. Nonetheless an early Wandering-type Albatross was
confidently
identified as the
gibsoni form
potentially to be
split as
Gibsons
Albatross
(right). Analysis
of photos later
showed that two
individuals had
been present.
Surprisingly no
nominate
Wandering
Albatross were
noted although
several Southern
Royal and a single Northern Royal were seen. Other good species included Light-
mantled Sooty and Grey-headed Albatross and Northern Giant and Blue Petrel but
there was no repeat performance from the outward journeys Salvins Albatross. As we closed in on land again a party of three Macaroni Penguin porpoised past the stern of
the boat to provide a fitting finale.
The South American continent was sighted before dark and the evening turned into a
rowdy final night party. Once again the Beagle Channel was navigated in darkness so there was no opportunity for any
birdwatching here.

06/12/06: We awoke to find ourselves
docked in Ushuaia with mountainous
headaches to match the seas of 48 hours
previous. After disembarkation the day
was spent recovering in Ushuaia and
taking in common harbour side species
such as Dolphin Gull (left) before saying
goodbye to new friends and flying back
to Buenos Aires for the night.

07/12/06: A full day in Buenos Aires
was to be spent at the reserva ecologica
Costanera Sur. I arrived with much
anticipation following referral to various
trip reports but this quickly turned to dismay on discovering two of the three lagoons completely dry and the third with
more litter than water. Nonetheless there was nothing else to do but make the best of
it in the hot sun. Waterbirds were
unsurprisingly sparse with Lesser
Yellowlegs, Pectoral and White-rumped
Sandpiper, South American Stilt and
Southern Lapwing the only waders
present. Rosybill, Speckled Teal and
Yellow-billed Pintail represented the
ducks with a single White-winged Coot.
Herons were slightly more numerous with
Great and Snowy Egret, Striated and
Cocoi Heron, Bare-faced Ibis and
Roseate Spoonbill present in small
numbers. Most surprising was a single
Rufescent Tiger-Heron (right) standing
forlornly amongst the desiccation cracks
of its former home. Three Brown-hooded
Gull were noted over the Rio del Plata
with a few Neotropic Cormorant.
Unsurprisingly the focus switched quickly
to landbirds and this proved more
productive. Black-and-Rufous Warbling
Finch were abundant with a single Ringed
Warbling-Finch also noted. Large
numbers of hirundines included White-
rumped Swallow. Both Red-crested and
Yellow-billed Cardinal afforded good views in accordance with most birds highly adjusted to human disturbance here.
Several Golden-breasted Woodpecker, including a recently fledged immature, were
present. Other interesting species in no particular order included White-tailed Kite,
Glittering-bellied Emerald, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Masked Gnatcatcher,
Spectacled Tyrant and Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant.
With water gone this early in the Argentine summer this site may remain dry for some
time but I couldnt find anyone able to tell me if the situation was unusual or if rain
was likely to refill the lagoons anytime soon.
A rush-hour battle across BA to the airport was proved unnecessary due to a delayed
flight and thus it was in the early hours of the 8 th December I departed back to the UK arriving in the early evening to reflect on an amazing trip and begin plotting a return
to take in the Falklands and South Georgia and more of Patagonia.

Species List (after C<i>lements well sort of)

Gentoo Penguin Pygoscelis papua Common Antarctic Peninsula & South
Shetlands.
Adelie Penguin Pygoscelis adeliae Petermann Island and environs only.
Chinstrap Penguin Pygoscelis antarctica Common South Shetlands; 2 at Paradise
Bay.
Macaroni Penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus 3 in northern Drake Passage.
Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus 1 Beagle Channel
Great Grebe Podiceps major Tierra del Fuego NP, Ushuaia.

Wandering (Snowy) Albatross Diomedea [exulans] exulans Regular in Drake
north of Antarctic Convergence.
Gibsons Albatross Diomedea [exulans] gibsoni 2 Drake Passage.
Southern Royal Albatross Diomedea [epomophora] epomophora Common in
Drake north of Antarctic convergence with one individual noted well south of here.
Northern Royal Albatross Diomedea [epomophora] sanfordi 3 Drake Passage.
Gray-headed Albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma Common Drake Passage.
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris Abundant Drake Passage and
Beagle Channel.
Salvins Albatross Thalassarche [cauta] salvini 1 mid-Drake, 1 st record from these waters?
Light-mantled Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata Up to 12 in southern Drake
Passage.

Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Common throughout.
Hall's Giant Petrel Macronectes halli At least 3 Drake Passage.
Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides Noted throughout, commonest around
Antarctic peninsula.
Antarctic Petrel Thalassoica Antarctica Noted around South Shetlands, 6 together
maximum count.
Cape Petrel Daption capense Common Drake Passage and Antarctica.
Snow Petrel Pagodroma nivea 1 Cuverville Island. (Further individuals reported
Lemaire Channel and Paradise Bay.
Blue Petrel Halobaena caerulea Up to 15 noted mid-Drake.
Antarctic Prion Pachyptila desolata The majority of Prions appeared to be this
species; common Drake Passage. Slender-billed Prion Pachyptila belcheri A few identified daily in the Drake.
White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis Surprisingly scarce, in massive
decline. Drake Passage.
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus A few northern Drake.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus Common Drake Passage and
Antarctica.
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta tropica 4 Drake Passage.

Magellanic Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides magellani 1 Beagle Channel.
Common Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix 1 northern Drake Passage.

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Rio del Plata, Buenos Aires.
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus Tierra del Fuego NP, Beagle Channel.
Antarctic Shag Phalacrocorax bransfeldensis Common South Shetlands &
Antarctic Peninsula.
Imperial (Blue-eyed) Shag Phalacrocorax [atriceps] atriceps Ushuaia, Tierra del
Fuego NP, Beagle Channel.
King Shag Phalacrocorax [atriceps] albiventer Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego NP.

Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi 2 Costanera Sur.
Great Egret Ardea alba 3 Costanera Sur.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula 1 Costanera Sur.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus 1 Costanera Sur.
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum 1 Costanera Sur.

Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis 4 Tierra del Fuego NP.
Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus 1 Costanera Sur.
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja 1 Costanera Sur.

Upland Goose Chloephaga picta Common Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego NP.
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida Common Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego NP, Beagle
Channel.
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala Common Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
NP.
Flightless Steamerduck Tachyeres pteneres Numerous Ushuaia.
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus Pair Tierra del Fuego NP, probably
overlooked elsewhere.
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix 3 Ushuaia.
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris 3 Ushuaia, 15+ Costanera Sur.
Crested Duck Anas specularioides Common Ushuaia.
Spectacled Duck Anas specularis 3 Tierra del Fuego NP on Lago Roca.
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica 2 Ushuaia, 2+ Costanera Sur.
Red Shoveler Anas platalea 1 Ushuaia.
Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca 8+ Costanera Sur.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 1 Ushuaia.

White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus 1 Costanera Sur.
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris 5+ Costanera Sur.
White-throated Caracara Phalcoboenus albogularis 1 Ushuaia.
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus Common throughout.
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango Common Ushuaia.

White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera 1 Costanera Sur.

Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus 5+ Ushuaia.

White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus 6 Costanera Sur.

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Common Ushuaia, Buenos Aires.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 10+ Costanera Sur.
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis 10 Ushuaia, 2 Costanera Sur.
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos 1 Costanera Sur.

Snowy Sheathbill Chionis alba Common South Shetlands & Antarctica, 2 northern
Drake Passage.

Chilean Skua Stercorarius chilensis Common Ushuaia, Beagle Channel.
South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki Recorded with certainty at Petermann
Island, many possibles and hybrid South Polar x Brown Skua types.
Brown (Antarctic) Skua Stercorarius [antarctica] lonnbergi Common South
Shetlands, less so further south.

Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii 20+ Ushuaia Harbour.
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Common Ushuaia, Antarctica & South Shetlands.
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis 3 Rio del Plata, BA.

South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea Common Ushuaia, Beagle Channel.
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Small numbers throughout, probably overlooked.
Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata Common South Shetlands & Antarctic.

Rock (Feral) Pigeon Columba livia Ushuaia and Buenos Aires.
Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro Common Costanera Sur.
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa Common Buenos Aires
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Common Costanera Sur.
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui Common Costanera Sur.

Austral Parakeet Enicognathus ferrugineus 3 Tierra del Fuego NP.
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Common Buenos Aires.

Glittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon aureoventris 5+ Costanera Sur.

Green-barred (Golden-breasted) Woodpecker Colaptes [melanochloros]
melanolaimus 5 Costanera Sur.
Magellanic Woodpecker Campephilus magellanicus Pair plus one, Lago Roca,
Tierra del Fuego NP.
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus Common Tierra del Fuego NP.
Gray-flanked Cinclodes Cinclodes oustaleti 1 Ushuaia.
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus Small numbers Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
NP.
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus Common Costanera Sur.
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda 10+ Tierra del Fuego NP.
White-throated Treerunner Pygarrhichas albogularis 3 Tierra del Fuego NP.

White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps Abundant Tierra del Fuego NP.
White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata Common Costanera Sur.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus 6+ Tierra del Fuego NP.
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra 1 Costanera Sur.
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope 2+ Tierra del Fuego NP.
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maclovianus 3 Tierra del Fuego NP.
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa Common Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego NP.
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus 2+ Costanera Sur.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common Costanera Sur.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common Costanera Sur.

Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera Common Costanera Sur.
Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Common Buenos Aires.
Southern Martin Progne elegans Common Costanera Sur.
White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa 20+ Costanera Sur.
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni Common Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego NP.
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Common Buenos Aires.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Common Costanera
Sur.

Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera 5 Ushuaia.

(Southern) House Wren Troglodytes [aedon] musculus Common throughout.

Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus Abundant Buenos Aires.

Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris Common Costanera Sur.
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii Abundant Tierra del Fuego NP.
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus 2 Costanera Sur.

Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola 15+ Costanera Sur.

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Abundant Buenos Aires.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in all urban areas.

Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata Common Tierra del Fuego NP.

Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis 3 Costanera Sur.

Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi 3 Tierra del Fuego NP.
Patagonian Sierra-Finch Phrygilus patagonicus 4 Tierra del Fuego NP. Yellow-bridled Finch Melanodera xanthogramma 3 Ushuaia (yellow morph, grey
morph and juvenile).
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch Poospiza nigrorufa 15+ Costanera Sur.
Ringed Warbling-Finch Poospiza torquata 1 Costanera Sur.
Double-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens Common Costanera Sur.
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola 3 Costanera Sur.
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata 1 Costanera Sur.
Yellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata 2 Costanera Sur.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Abundant throughout.

Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelasticus thilius Common Costanera Sur.
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca 5 Ushuaia.
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius Common Costanera Sur.
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Abundant Buenos Aires.


Leopard Seal Hydrurga leptonyx 1 Cuverville Island.
Weddell Seal Leptonychotes weddellii Noted daily in South Shetlands and
Antarctica.
Crabeater Seal Lobodon carcinophaga Common on icebergs and sea ice off
Antarctic Peninsula.
Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonine Up to 100 at Roberts Point, Roberts
Island in the South Shetlands.

Orca (Killer Whale) Orcinus orca Male and female just north of Lemaire Channel.
Antarctic Minke Whale Balaenoptera bonaerensis 3+ South Shetlands and near
Lemaire Channel.
Fin Whale Balaenoptera physalus 8+ Southern Drake Passage.
Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae 2 Southern Drake Passage.

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