Calling all bird lovers - grab your binoculars!

Tsonek Expeditions Trail

If you enjoy bird watching, or are curious to learn more, you are in for a great experience. Mauricio Melgarejo, the Director of Tsonek Expeditions, describes his team’s experience and approach: “We combine the disciplines of ornithology, botany and entomology to show you the fascinating ecosystems that surround us in a special way – you’ll breathe in the freshest air of the planet and discover the wonder around you with every step we take”. Birdwatching Circuit The walking circuit begins at the Tsonek Eco-camping Area, where your guide will evaluate the conditions and interests of the group, provide you with binoculars, scopes, and field guides, to facilitate better observation and identification of the bird species typically found in the forest, valley bottoms, wetlands, and lagoons. The excursion is intended not only for bird watching; but also, for exploring the interrelationships between different bird species and the rest of the ecosystem. Birds usually spotted during this excursion include the southern crested caracara or carancho (caracara plancus), the kestrel (falco sparverius), the red-backed hawk (buteo polyosoma), the southern house wren (troglodytes musculus), the Patagonian sierra-finch (phrygilus patagonicus), the Magellanic tapaculo (scytalopus magellanicus), the Andean condor (vultur gryphus), the black-throated huet-huet (pteroptochos tarnii), the tufted tit-tyrant (anairetes parulus), the fire-eyed diucon (xolmis pyrope) and the Magellanic or black woodpecker (campephilus magellanicus), among others. Apart from the species inhabiting the region, you can also find various migratory species, depending on the season and the conditions. Reservations: This circuit is offered by Mauricio Melgarejo, of Tsonek Ecocamping y Expediciones, located 1.6 km north of the entrance of Villa O’Higgins, along the Carretera Austral; (09)78929695; info@tsonek.cl; www.tsonek.cl.