25 Sept 2001
Twice before Maximo and I went out to photograph land
birds of Corrientes province, but each time Elsa's Romanian-built ARO 4WD overheated.
We were towed ignominiously back to town by, naturally enough, Japanese-made
vehicles. Today, with the ARO in a cooperative mood, we find a nice savanna south of
town, teeming with birds. I am treated to both Vermilion and Fork-tailed Flycatcher,
Rusty-collared Seedeater, Burrowing Owl, Masked Gnateater, Crested Caracara, Chotoy
Spinetail, as well as small flocks of Guira Cuckoos and Monk Parakeets. Pride
of place, however, goes to White Monjita, a member of the flycatcher family. As monja
is the Spanish word for nun, the name of this bird translates as "little nun,"
appropriate considering its striking white plumage trimmed in black. White Monjita
is sometimes seen around cemeteries, where it is taken to be the spirit of a resident
there. 
26 Sept 2001
My best photo today is Rufous Hornero, common in every settlement and cleared
area in southern South America. Drab in appearance, the male gives forth a
shrill clattering call - the female then joins for a duet, emitting a series of
high-pitched peeps. We hear this racket every day, from dawn to dusk.
28 Sept 2001
The weather has turned dark and windy, with
intermittant rain. After lunch I am resigned to another wasted afternoon, but Maximo
shows up to ask if I want to go out in the boat or car. With this encouragement we
head east along a muddy track, enjoying good looks at Greater Rhea, Field Flicker, Snail
Kite, Brown and Yellow Marshbird, and Greater Pampa-finch. In the rank grass
along the roadside we find one of the most remarkable birds of the trip, the
Strange-tailed Tyrant. It is indeed a strange bird. The male's outer tail
feathers are highly elongated and turned to lie perpendicular to, and below, the rest of
its tail. This gives its flight a bouncing, butterfly-like quality, fascinating to
see. A thoroughly delightful bird, yet another reason to visit faraway lands.
Travel Diary <previous page next page>