14 Jan 23 - Argentina - A Few Hours Around Ushuaia

It was my last day in Ushuaia. I dropped my luggage for the Plancius check-in which was conveniently close to my bedsit & one of the reasons for choosing this bedsit. I spent the rest of the morning sending emails: as I didn't intend to pay the expensive wifi connectivity charges once we were at sea. I had been able to arrange a late checkout from the bedsit and that gave me a couple of hours to have a look around the Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve, which is a large lake on the edge of the town & the docks. There was a selection of the commoner Ushuaia species to keep me & the camera occupied, until it was time to head to the dock to board the Plancius.

The Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve: It provides sanctuary for Wildfowl & other wetland species on the edge of the town

The Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve: It is only a short walk from the edge of town

Night Heron: Adult. This is the obscurus subspecies which occurs from North Chile & North-central Argentina to Tierra del Fuego

Night Heron: Adult

Crested Duck: This is the nominate specularioides subspecies which occurs from central Chile & Argentina to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands

Crested Duck

Crested Duck

Crested Duck

Red Shoveler: This monotypic species occurs from South Peru & South Brazil to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands

Red Shoveler

Yellow-billed Pintail: This is the spinicauda subspecies which occurs from the highlands of South Colombia to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands. The other subspecies is the nominate subspecies which is endemic to South Georgia

Southern Lapwing: This is the fretensis subspecies which occurs in Southern Chile & Argentina

Dolphin Gull: Adult. This monotypic species occurs on the coasts of South Chile & Argentina, as well as, the Falkland Islands

Dolphin Gull: Immature

Kelp Gull: Adult. This is the nominate dominicanus subspecies which occurs in the coastal South of South America, the Falklands, South Georgia, Australia & New Zealand

South American Tern: This monotypic species occurs along the coasts & islands of the South of South America & the Falkland Islands

South American Tern: The bright red bill and clean appearance identify it from Antarctic Terns or wintering Common & Arctic Terns

It was getting close to the boarding time, so I walked down to the port to await confirmation that we can board.

Plancius (right) & her sister ship, Ortelius look small compared to the large cruise ship

It's always good to get on board quickly as it provides the chance to choose the bunk for the next few weeks. I got to my four berth cabin to find Bill, an American traveller, had already boarded & he had selected one of the lower berths: I chose the other. Finally, Steve Preddy & the fourth cabin mate, Alexi appeared. Bunks agreed & bags stowed, it was time to head to the top deck to watch our departure.

Ortelius

Plancius: My home for the next 19 days. It was good to be back onboard her

10 Jan 23 - Argentina - The Mar Chiquita To Villa Gesell Coastline

Another dawn start & I found a Spot-winged Pigeon enjoying the peace & quiet of the campsite barbeque area.

Spot-winged Pigeon: This is the nominate maculosa subspecies which occurs from South Bolivia to Paraguay, South East Brazil, Uruguay & South central Argentina

I was quickly leaving the Mar Chiquita campsite for another look around the small town, as there are occasional records of Red-winged Tinamous in the area & after I left the Mar Chiquita area, I would rapidly be heading out of its range. Not surprisingly, today wasn't the day when one would show itself. But the estuary river was busy again.

Lake Duck: This monotypic species occurs in South Argentina & Chile. It migrates North to South Brazil & Paraguay during the Argentinian Winter

Silver Teal: This is the nominate versicolor subspecies which occurs from South Bolivia, Paraguay & South Brazil to Tierra del Fuego

Yellow-billed Pintail: This is the spinicauda subspecies which occurs from the highlands of South Colombia to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands. The other subspecies is the nominate subspecies which is endemic to South Georgia

Black Skimmer: The Black Skimmers were patrolling along the river again

Spot-winged Pigeon: Another Spot-winged Pigeon on a garden lawn

Picazuro Pigeon: A Picazuro Pigeon for comparison was nearby

Chalk-browed Mockingbird: This is the modulator subspecies which occurs from South East Bolivia to South Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay & North Argentina

Chalk-browed Mockingbird

It was time to start the drive back to Buenos Aires. Rather than return the direct route, I decided on a longer route which followed the coast road up to the outer part of the Rio de la Plata coastline, before heading West along the coast to Buenos Aires. Invariably, there were a few roadside stops along the way.

Brown-and-yellow Marshbird: This monotypic species occurs from extreme South Brazil & Uruguay to North Argentina

Greater Rhea: This is the albescens subspecies which occurs on the plains of Argentina South to Rio Negro

Greater Rhea: This was a family of fourteen individuals

The first planned stop was some wet pools by the side of the small Villa Gesell flying club, where there had been old records of South American Painted Snipe. However, I will cover that those pools in the next Blog Post.