Today I went with Scarlett and new friend Ricardo to the Cotesma Reserve in San Martín de los Andes. The purpose was not so much to see birds as to do a population study.

We divided the area up into eight sectors and spent time on each sector, seeing which species were in evidence and attempting to record the number of species per sector. Bird mobility didn’t make our task any easier, but I think in the long run the data we recorded will be useful.

It was a great chance to be reunited with my birding friend Scarlett and with some of my local bird friends. A few photos follow, indicative of what we saw today.

Ashy-headed geese, a pair. Very common in San Martín de los Andes.

Upland aka Magellan Geese, male with white head.

Black-faced Ibis, recently chosen as emblematic bird of San Martín de los Andes.

As usual, there were a number of cinerous harriers flying low over the wetlands

A pair of Southern Wigeon in flight

Among the many ducks on the water was this pair of Silver Teal

The ubiquitous Southern lapwing, in fine voice

Austral Thrushes were out in abundance

An early arrived pair of Austral Negritos were in evidence – this is the male

Not too sure what this was – decided it must be a Grass Wren

Not a conventional day’s birding but an enjoyable day nevertheless, with good weather and pleasant company.