Not a Lot to Write Home About

Today's title probably doesn't do my day justice, because as far as seeing the countryside is concerned you could be in much worse places. The day started at about 04-00 when I was woken by a disturbance outside. Looking down from the third floor window, overlooking the park, there was a crowd of about 100 people, all well behaved, chatting away and overseen by 2 police officers in a patrol car. Sleeping for another 2 hours and waking on the alarm, the same crowd were in attendance but the police presence had grown 7 fold. Mine host kindly got me a taxi and explained this was just a normal 'end of the party' gathering before calling it a day. I had to ask why so many police and it seems it's a 'zero tolerance' sort of place but the coppers were just doing simerlaly to the public and having a get together before going off shift. Fortunately, nothing sinister and I got to the Bus Station at 07-15 (with ticket) as planned. Leaving Santiago at 07-30 it was only a short half hour before we started to head into the foothills of the Andes, from there it was pure paradise. Shear cliffs, high hills and fast flowing streams for the best part, with a few recognisable birds including several Chimango Caracara, dozens of Black-winged Dove while most abundant were their larger cousins true Rock Doves. Gaining altitude, the poor old bus was feeling the strain but with no hurry to get anywhere this proved to great advantage as 2 or 3 Rufous-napped Ground Tyrant were easily identified, followed later by small flocks of Yellow-brindled Finch. Both of these are 'world lifers', and mores the pity I didn't have the camera to hand as the males of the latter were decidedly stunning.

It was 14-00 by the time we reached Mendoza, a little longer than I had estimated, but the 90 minute stop over gave me a chance to get a coffee and change some money. El Cambio was the same office as the bus line I was using, and having slightly over egged the custard with the Chilean pesos I had about 40 quids worth to chance. I was expecting a bit of a fall, but it seemed the rate was up as instead of the calculated 320 Argentinian pesos I received 350. The next leg, onward to San Raphael, started with confusion as each ticket holder was alocated a seat. Unfortunately, most of the numbers on the bus were missing so for once I was not the only one dazed. There were plenty of seats anyway and right on time we started out on a journey that should have reached destination at 19-00. We hadn't even left town before we broke down, but it may have been that they were carrying a mechanic or that one showed up in lightning time, but the repair was soon underway and fixed. This part of the run was totally different from the first which was dominated by high hills and mountains, we were now on the 'high plains'. Here, almost no vegetation gave way to mile after mile of rough scrub, a few fertile areas plus dozens of vineyards. We arrived a little late, but what's an hour between friends, at San Raphael which is a small and prosperous looking town, obviously much dependant on wine. Along the way there such names as Chandon and Mumm and I feel sure neither Champagne house would lend their name lightly to another vintner? In part I had a bit of a heavy heart, because I have only ever had one bottle of what might be called 'fine' Argentinian wine, when Tony Laithewaite sent me a bottle of Alma Viva as a gift. Not wishing to spout, but to fashion the story, I had no idea about this wine but soon discovered the Bordega was a collaberation between Baron Phillipe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi and this gift was worth about £50. When it arrive, I thought I'd been lucky to receive a 'magnum', but due to the thickness of the glass the bottle only appeared oversize and was in fact a bog standard 75cl. Laying it down for maybe a special occasion, the moment arrived when I was invited, via a friend, to dine with strangers and thought 'the bottle' would fit the bill. Meeting the people for the first time on the day before the dinner, the wine was handed over with the suggestion that it may be best opened the next day some hours before dinner. When you give, you give but I have to admit to getting mildly (to say the least) excited at the prospect of trying this wine, and by the time we sat down I was shaking. I didn't expect it to appear at the 'starter' but when it didn't appear half way through the beef, I gentley enquired as to its whereabouts. "Oh", answered mine host " we thought it was rather a good bottle, so decided to save it for whatever her f**ging name was"! So, stand advised by an Aging Fool, only ever take the Lemonade to strangers!

To end todays epistle, I have decided to leave out the town of General Pico (sounds totally uninspiring) and the next move will be the 8 hours to the coast. First intent was to try Bahia Blanca but that too sounds a little industrial and large so will make for Mar del Plata some miles north of the latter. This will either be tomorrow or the next day but either way there is only one bus per day and that's the 16-00 meaning a mid-night arrival.

Talk soon!

PS

The 2 raptors from a couple of days ago, that remained unidentified, are thought to be one and the same species. After some investigation I can only get them down to White-throated Hawk, firstly, an adult seemingly in some stage of moult, and second, a juvenile. With the benefit of hindsight they did seem to be associating with one another so that at least fits.

adult White-throated Hawk

White-throated Hawk (juvenile)

Complete Change, a Post Without the 'B' Word!

If you choose to travel independently, make no concrete plans and have nothing more in your back pocket than a return flight and a few quid, then at some stage you are going to hit a snag! That has been the case today, and with the idea of wakening without the aid of the alarm I took a £4 taxi ride to the Terminal de Buses at 07-00. Destination San Rafael (in the high Andes) via Mendoza, not one of the 3 carriers had a vacant seat. Lesson, always have a plan 'B'. Quickly returning to the same hotel, before they stripped the bed, I had a breakfast outstanding so got the coffee, plus eggs and toast, then decided to re-visit the city. Last time I doubt I gave it due cover, but with the whole day to spare I could now do it justice. The only target would be to buy a 'postage stamp' to Europe, otherwise just relax and enjoy the sights. Poi Nono, the Street and area in which I am staying, could be described as the Soho of Santiago but only in the looses sense. At night, the pavement cafes are overflowing, there is a Disco each and the drums and other music continues (LOUDLY) until daylight. During the day it's quite another story as owners clear up the debris, wash endless numbers of glasses and hose down the beer-bar medals spewed onto the sidewalks.

It was through this street scene I made my way to the river, which is more a funnel for the endless Andean 'melt waters' which at the moment are only at about a quarter spate but nevertheless constitutes a 'torrent'. Here too, are a succession of bridges, something I have always had a silent passion for, but not to be confused with the Ponts de Paris. In the main, pre-cast concrete and twisted wrought iron and the occasional iron girder, none of which will be memorable, but have to admit to a short session of playing Pooh Sticks! Along the way were a few average monuments and statues but again underwhelming, with the same being true of the buildings. Believing that nothing is all bad, the avenues of trees, mostly a species of Maple, were outstanding as was the arboreal diversity in the few small parks en-route.

Eventually, after a few inquiries, I got the stamp then sat in one of the parks drinking fresh pineapple juice and singing Nothing Else Matters - Metallica (those at my 60th party will know I need the practice), Tweeter and the Monkeyman, God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You and excerpts from Dark Matter the fabulous album by Southampton band IQ. Because of the vast numbers of stray dogs across the whole of this Sub-Continent, I took to counting them on the way back. The walk took about 90 minutes, and in all I counted 53 and that was without entering the Parque de Central where there are dozens more. I also noted that on the up side to this city they have Metallica playing here on 20th of this month (OK so long as they don't play anything from the Saint Anger album), Tom Jones on 27th and The Cranberries the following night. And to close today's epistle. again on the subject of music, the other evening I was waxing lyrical about my latest discovery, guitarist Joe Bonamassa, to a young lady from the US and her father. Unfortunately for them, the lap-top was at hand so logged on to his web-site and gave them a snatch of 'The Ballard of John Henry', sensational stuff! In so doing, I discovered that he is embarking on a World Tour in the very near future and one of the gigs is at the Bournemouth International Center (BIC) in May.

BE THERE, OR BE THE OTHER THING!

It is suggested that if you are already 'totally bored' or are suffering from Hypertension, best not venture beyond this point.

A bridge and a river, plus if you look really closely you can see me!

A monument to 'Liberty' complete with fire-arms.

Some of the newer buildings in Santiago.

Monument to someone who must be famous, somewhere.

The City Square

Another view of the City Square

Ille Kallaste (2010)

Ille's latest creation which I just have the need to show. I think there is something of the Odilon Redon (a great favourite eh Tess?) about this piece?

Odilon Redon (1840 - 1916)

The 'High Andes' Await

Unfortunately, my diversionary project is rapidly loosing momentum and as I use this extra day, in part, to assess the situation I feel it's best you know when to give in. The idea was to shoot off to Easter Island for 3 days, so made some investigations on the net for today's flights. With only 'Business Class' available the price was a prohibitive $3,690. It was always going to be pricey, and I had made a mental threshold of 'a grand' sterling but even tomorrow the best I could drum up was $1,700. What may be the final straw was meeting a similar aged couple, from of all places Tallinn, Estonia, who coincidentally were flying to the island tomorrow. Toomas and Eha Vetevool went on to tell me how they had booked both flight ($650) and accommodation 6 months ago when, even then, all hotels were close to full. So, I'll have to leave it at that and start my journey to cross the Andes tomorrow instead! That in itself could produce a degree of discomfort as I know at these much higher altitudes not only are the lungs going to take a pounding, but the temperature, especially at night, is also going to fall dramatically. Good job then that I have the old faithful Antarctic jacket, which as a 'freebie' from that cruise, has turned out to be the best coat of that type I have ever owned. With large 'poacher' style pockets it is handy for reducing baggage weight (only cabin baggage for this kid) by stuffing them with the heavy stuff such as Field Guides and toiletries. It also doubles as a great pillow, blanket, groundsheet and on one occasion a tent. Since starting my solo travels, only once has a bag gone into the hold. Mostly inspired by one of my mentors, Captain Tony MacKinder, who always said "take twice the money, half the luggage", there was also another pointer I remember from many years ago. Walking through London in the days of B.O.A.C. Airline, I noted a huge hording with a shiny Comet flying through a blue sky. In bold letters it said 'Fly B.O.A.C. breakfast in London, dinner in New York', while some wag had written below it 'Baggage in Barbados'!

With an extra night booked here and no rush to get going, I was once again in the Parque National at 07-00. More of the same seemed the order of the day but the California Quails and Austral Blackbirds were a little more sympathetic to the Canon, resulting in some better images. I walked the 2 miles to the far control point, adding nothing to the list, then starting back found a flock of feeding Black-throated Siskins which are an addition to the Trip List. Later, there was a Spinetail / Canastero which still remains unidentified but with a pretty good description on the dictaphone I hope to clinch that before the day is out. Almost reaching the steps that lead down to the main gate, the air was suddenly filled with the alarm calls of small birds. Unfortunately, a fence was blocking the view, but considerately someone had erected a crash barrier next to it. Climbing onto this I was immediately greeted by the sight of a small Owl perch, some distance away, in a large tree. Observing it for a full 10 minutes, as it was continuously hassled by passerines, and getting some distant shots before it flew off, I could only think it would be either Rufous or Ferruginous Pygmy Owl both of which I have seen before. Via the Field Guide I discover that neither of these occur in Chile, so really as much a process of geographical elimination, it was singled out to be an Austral Pygmy Owl. In my book an Owl of any description, on any trip is a massive bonus, but a 'lifer' to boot - nice one. So, I headed back to the hotel, more for brunch than breakfast, insodoing bumping into the Estonian visitors on the way. It just made such a difference to meet someone from Ille's home town, and talk to them about places she and I have visited together.

Finally, another question for Senor Parrot. I note from the definitive Chile Bird List that Monk Parakeet doesn't even appear, while other 'introduced species' do. While I feel confident of the identification and know how quickly this Psit can colonise, it would be good to get confirmation.

Male California Quail, showing very well this morning.

Part of a family party of c9, with a further, seemingly detached, group of c5 skulking in the undergrowth.

It seemed most unusual to see a pair of Southern Lapwing perched on a factory roof.

Black-chinned Siskin, an addition to the 'Trip List'.

All other Siskins of the region, except for Black which is as the name suggests, have full black 'cowls'

Tufted Tit-Tyrant, in a poor photograph not showing 'tufts' as they do in real life.

If I'd had the privilege of naming this bird, I think it would be Lucifer's Tit-Tyrant. Although only a tiny thing, all seem to keep 'tufts' erect at all times and are, extremely mobile, little Devil's to see.

Austral Pygmy-Owl

A great addition to the 'World List' but according to some authorities, still a sub-species of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl?

Eha & Toomas Vetevool from Tallinn, Estonia.

'Birding' Santiago

Santiago is, by comparison with most South America capital cities, ver small. That also goes for the 'tourist center' which appears less than a square mile. That may not be a bad thing this year, as like other places along the way numbers of visitors have been much reduced. However, my main objective this morning was making an early start at the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, a wooded area I knew nothing about. Again at 06-30 I was listening for new sounds and calls, the most distinctive and numerous coming from flocks of Austral Blackbird, a species I hadn't seen previously.The same can be said for a lone Tufted Tit-Tyrant that put in a brief appearance, but not long enough to capture the image. It was good to start the day with a brace of 'lifers', but next came a conundrum, while out of range according to this book, I feel the Thrushes I was recording were Slaty, with very few being the resident Chiguanco, so until otherwise convinced I'll stick with the first option (good opportunity to get the 'Thrushes book out Dave!). Breakfast starts at 09-00 and while that wasn't the most important consideration of the day, I did restrict myself to the lower level of the Parque albeit a good number of steps above street level. There I found 2 raptors that for now remain unidentified, along with 3 California Quail and a pair of Chamango Caracara, while somewhere in the distance there was the raucous chatter of Parrots. The day had started very well!

After 2 slices of toast and a cup of coffee, advertised as breakfast, I was back again this time to take the funicular to even higher ground. Up in 'the gods' there was precious little sign of any life let alone birds, and as the day got hotter and I followed the long and winding road it seemed like I had returned to a different place. In my customary 'navigator' way I took a wrong turning and when reaching the bottom of the hill found I was 2Km from where I wanted to be. Front and center a Fast Black. Seemingly more expensive here, especially when you get seen off, the fare was £2, but worth it as one, the day was now roasting and twp, the Parrots were calling close by. A gang of about 30 Monk Parakeets awaited me. and if my memory serves this is the only Psittacine that builds a nest and does so communally? After a lunch of fine Chilean beef steak, mashed potato and coffee I spent the rest of the day lazing. Where I am staying is in the heart of Boogieville and despite the ear plugs the 'war drums' could still be heard at 04-30.

Never mind, a new day tomorrow and one in which I mean to branch out and try a real adventure. If it comes off it should be a great moment in my travelling life, if it doesn't, nothing ventured nothing gained!

WATCH THIS SPACE!

'Lists Update'

GOLDEN-SPOTTED GROUND-DOVE*

WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES*

ANDEAN HILLSTAR*

PUNA MINER*

LESSER (PUNA) RHEA*

GIANT COOT

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER

BURROWING OWL

PERUVIAN THICK-KNEE*

AUSTRAL BLACKBIRD*

TUFTED TIT-TYRANT*

CHIMANGO CARACARA

CINERIOUS HARRIER

MONK PARAKEET

SLATY THRUSH*

CHILEAN MOCKINGBIRD*

PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE

CHILEAN SWALLOW*

CALIFORNIA QUAIL

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA*

CINERIOUS HARRIER

Trip Total - 845
World Lifers - 554
Endemics - 57


Andean Hillstar nest, unfortunately the parent birds were not seen to return.

Overlooking Santiago, Chile

Parque Metropolatano de Santiago

White-crested Elaenia

showing a little more of its usually hidden treasures.

Being claimed, until further checks are made

as Slaty Thrush

The streaking on the throat points to Slaty Thrush

California Quail (male)

California Quail (female)

You said I'd have another Dave and here it is (also species as predicted). Just as a matter of interest, this is also on my Derbyshire List, as Andy Lindsay and I 'clocked' one when Barbel fishing on the Derwent some years ago!

Monk Parakeet - back

front

and center

Chilean Mockingbird

Austral Blackbird

Plain-breasted Ground-Dove

Unidentified Raptors

if anyone can help,

it would be very useful.

Thank You!

Eduardo Rosencruz ???? to 2006

This one remains unidentified, but still working on it. Found near Arica yesterday there seems to be nothing like it in the book - what is it Daragh?

With very few choices of transport, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and do the full 2,300 'clicks' to Santiago in a oner, stopping off briefly to fulfill a mission I'd promised myself if I should ever venture this way. A 'luxury' coach, as they call them, would have been ideal with huge front parlor like seats and slightly closer attention, but I'd made my play and would have to put up with what was thrown at me! A 14-00 departure gave me little time to get back to the hotel to collect my things, and make a point of saying farewell to a staff who had really taken to, and helped me, but I was there in good time for the delayed 15-00. Seats double banked and the coach full, I was ready for a deal of discomfort, but as it turned out they were comfortable seats with ample leg room, excellent A/C and a reasonable Steward service, except for the victuals which were a little Sparta. Deciding to kill a little time by starting a 'birds seen for the coach' list (what else?), it started well with House Sparrow, Pacific Dove and Turkey Vulture but that was IT for the next 6 hours as darkness fell. It was inevitable sleep would come slowly, and by mid-night I was still shuffling around in my seat, but that was the last I remembered until 09-00 as we pulled into Santa Rosa Bus Terminal, one of just 5 stops on the way, and right outside a coffee shop. I was happy to get out, enjoy a favorite early morning beverage, then climb back aboard for the next leg. The terrain for what seemed like the whole distance barely changed, with desert of one description or the other being the main feature. Sometimes stark and arid, others boulder strewn and occasionally sparsely vegetated, the only change seemed to be the distance away from the mountains (some snow covered) and high hills. Despite being a coastal road, there were very few glimpses of the Pacific and what habitation there was only amounted to a few broken down old steadings.

Anyway, one thing that did come from this trip, apart from getting me where I wanted to be, breaking the previous record of a single journey on the same vehicle. 21 hours was the figure to overtake, as Mike Hughes and I ventured from the Paraguayan capital Asuncion to Buenos Aries, Argentina in 2003. Then, the countryside was a good deal more eye-catching as we passed hundreds of miles of the Pampas and through thePalm Fields of cattle country.

The beautiful sea-side city of Valparaiso perches, literally, on the edge of the Ocean, and was the birthplace and home, for many years, of my (and everyone else's) GREAT rig mate Eduardo Rosencruz, colloquially known as Eddie the Night Baker. Ed was one of the most personable individuals it was ever my pleasure to rub shoulders with, and I can state, without fear of contradiction, that would go for every Core Crew member on the Buchan Alpha. Eddie was a Chef extraordinaire, but his 'baking' was legendary across the North Sea. However, even that was surpassed by his cheerful, obliging nature nothing ever being too much trouble. Any Buccaneer could tell you endless stories about him and his Chelsea Bus, Dutch Pastries, Cinnamon Cakes etc, but above all his bread, which rarely got to the table as the Shite Hawks pounced (no disrespect meant).

My favourite story, involved a none too slim woman who worked on the rig and to be honest not the prettiest 'rose in the bowl'. Entering the galley ay 04-00 to get my routine 'fresh baked 'egg and bacon banjo (quick release at turn of the shift to go birding), I threw Eddie a usual Que Pasa (what's up), he replying in his normal fashion, F**k All! Thinking to throw him a curve I casually said "eh Ed would you have sex with the woman concerned"? quick as a flash he replied "only in an emergence", which sent me into fits of laughter which still exist today.

To all our loss, Eddie became seriously ill in 2006 and past away after a bad time in hospital. I, like many others, visited him in the Aberdeen Infirmary, and to see a once fit man waste away like that was tragic. After he died I made that promise to myself and today I fulfilled it. Just sitting on a bench for a few minutes I just wanted to make sure Eddie had made it home. A message to those readers on the Buchan 'A' (I know there are a few) he's there, looks happy and is flying around with the Seagulls. RiP Eddy the Night Baker.

My intention now is to bird the park for maybe one or two days, dependant on the birdlife after which I have a 'side-track' project that I'm going to chase up, but more of that later.

Finally today, I arrived in Santiago after 29 hours on the coach but cannot complain of a bad trip, in fact it was much more comfortable than I could have hoped. At the Coach Station the Tourist Information soon fixed me up with a map and assured me there would be plenty of Aves in Central Park manana. This had been my hope all along and seeing that the taxis were controlled from a booth were the price was agreed and you were allocated a cab also pleased me. That way there can be no questions at the destination and everybody leaves happy. Unfortunately, this was not the case tonight, as we reached the street the tourist lady had suggested chiefy, the driver, asked for 5,000 peso, a 'fiver'. To cut a long story short I summoned a motorcycle copper, who after a long haggle which only those 2 understood it was decided I had to pay up again. So, no matter how seasoned a traveller you may think you are someone will get you some how. On the up side he had put me down right outside what in UK you would call a quaint Victorian town house, where the room including breakfast is just £15, so all's well that ends well.

PS

There is one hell of a curse on that 5,000 'sobs' so he'd better be careful how he spends it!

Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, here's one that nearly slipped the net. The Golden-spot is clearly visible but overlooked as crap on the lens, one born every minute? TICK!

Andean Duck, some still say it's Ruddy and who am I to say? TICK years ago?

Heading South

Time to move on again with the aim of reaching Santiago (2,100Km) in the next few days. Arica has been a great place to spend a little time but all of a sudden days seem at a premium, so gotta move! Don't know when I'll get access again so for now here are a few photos to keep you going.

White-winged Cinclodes

Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch

and for those who seem not to be getting enough Mammals (Nick), despite Ocelot earlier, here are a few.

Southern Viscacha

Vicuna the smallest of the Llama family

Alpaca is third largest, but couldn't get a photo of Guanaco (the next down in size)

and finally, Llama. This one is a truly 'wild' beat as can be told from the red and white outer ear coverts, there you've learnt something new today!

Reserve National Humedal, Arica, Chile

I must say that in line with most other places, the lady on the desk and the Night Porter at my latest hotel have been so very helpful. Seeing my Field Guide, they suggested after Lauca, Humedal might be a good place to visit. On the Web-Site it is described as Reserve National Humedal and the accompanying photographs show boardwalks and small wooden bridges reflecting into cobalt blue waters, while in reality it is a run down coastal fringe topped up with junk and litter. Nevertheless, there are similarities with Burton Bradstock (a coastal site west of Weymouth, often good for birds for the none Dorsetite's among you) with several small lagoons protected by a shingle beach on one side, and sand dunes plus small stands of reed throughout its length. The other feature of Humedal is just about the whole area is covered by a thick plant growth that I can only describe as terrestrial 'Parrot Feathers', so similar is it to the aquatic growth. A main road runs a few hundred meters from the lagoons and beach, which appeared devoid of traffic when I arrived at 07-00 this morning, but later discovered it to be a 'dead end'. Between that and another road, forming a V and going back in the same direction, there is waste ground main use 'fly-tipping' where there are a few shrubs.

I had arranged for the Porter to get me a taxi, but would have to forgo breakfast due to the earliness of the hour, wanting to reach this site by dawn. I arrived in the foyer at 06-30 not only to find the taxi on 'stand-by' but also a breakfast awaiting (including coffee) perfect start. About 15Km from town, the fare was £3 which I didn't pay as the arrangement was for him to pick me up at noon, when the sun just becomes too much. He was happy, I was happy.

Andean Coot

Black-crowned Night Heron (adult)

It wasn't difficult to see many birds from where he put me down, but on a quick scan it was seen that all were familiar and already on the list. The open waters of the lagoons had their share of Andean Coot and a variety of Gulls, while in the margins the odd Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Snowy Egret and a Moorhen were feeding. Returning to the road, to seek higher ground when approaching any of the many small streams running to the sea, there were many Black-crowned Night Heron (adults and juveniles), American Oystercatcher and, maybe fair to say 'not before time', an American Golden Plover. Apart from Rufous-collared Sparrow, only 2 other passerines were seen and both are in the pending file awaiting identification.

Cinereous Conebill

Crossing the road onto the wasteland, it was easy to coax Cinerious Conebills from cover, but unfortunately a fine pair of Band-tailed Sierra-Finch, showing their bright yellow legs and bills evaded the Canon. Scanning across the area, a small bird of prey was seen perched on a round white stone, but at that distance too far to photograph or ID for that matter. Needing to get the sun behind me, I started to walk a wide arc when something else caught my eye. There in a clearing among the undergrowth stood a whole bevy of Peruvian Thick-knees, 9 to be precise. This was considered a huge bonus, and I still had my eye on the potential raptor, that might be American Kestrel. Despite having seen good numbers of them, I just love this little bird of prey so thought it well worth the chase, but the overall appearance was changing as I got nearer. Eventually, it sometimes takes a little time in these matters, it dawned on me that it was in fact a Burrowing Owl, another species that maybe should have been added to the Trip List long ago. Maybe the most common Owl in the Americas and certainly one of the easiest to see, being diurnal, at last it was going in the log. But there was more to come as I picked up on 2 more further on, and on close approach found a family party of seven.

Peruvian Thick-knee

Peruvian Thick-knees

Burrowing Owl

a long time coming, (look closely you'll see all 7)

but at this range well worth the wait.

The sun was high now, time rapidly approaching noon and still an hour walk back to the starting place. On the way back I found a pretty dowdy Peruvian Meadowlark, but managed this photo so no complaints, and one of the many Turkey Vultures at perch. Seems like this youngster wasa waiting for mum or dad to return with a dead dog or something. All in all this was a pretty good site, so tomorrow I may return and try for some Gulls in flight shots.

Peruvian Meadowlark, still thought by some to be a sub-species of Long-tailed Meadowlark.

Numero Uno juvenile Turkey Vulture

and a close up of and adult birds head, that should be full of groceries!