Map

Bird watching in Neuquén See map

Spring is the ideal season for bird watching, an emerging tourism attraction that has full contact with nature.

The mandolin is one of the species that can be seen in San Martin de los Andes. Picture of Luciano Busca www.sanmartindelosandes.gov.ar

Known about 9800 species of birds in the world, more than one thousand can be seen in Argentina and about 300 are found in the province of Neuquén. For this reason, in the province works are been developed with the aim of strengthening the tourism product such as the construction of viewpoints. In addition, each year takes place in San Martín de los Andes the South American Bird Fair.

Important Areas for Bird Conservation

Since 1995, the Important Areas Program for Bird Conservation Important Bird (AICAs) is conducted. A global initiative dedicated to the identification, documentation and conservation of critical sites for birds in the world, working for their conservation.

Species according to the areas

In the towns of Villa Pehuenia, San Martín de los Andes, Villa Traful, Aluminé, Piedra del Águila, Collon Cura area to Junín de los Andes and protected natural areas Batea Mahuida and Chañy and the Nahuel Huapi National Park it can be found: the Condor, Giant Woodpecker, the siskin, the Comeseo, eagle, ibis, among others.

Bring a guide to easily identify the species of birds. Photo www.neuquentur.gob.ar

In the town of Villa La Angostura you can see the common Cauquén, kelp gulls and hooded Café on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Flying steamer duck, the Red League Gallereta, the remolinera Arauca and the Big Macá or Huala, among others.

In the area Caviahue-Copahue and protected natural areas Copahue and Cuchillo Cura highlights the Andean Gull.

In the cities of Neuquén Capital, Vista Alegre and Zapala you can see Black-necked swans, flamingos, ducks, Macas. The area also has four AICAs: Laguna Blanca National Park, protected area Auca Mahuida, Paso de los Indios and the Mangrullo Natural Protected Area.

In the Protected Natural Area Epu Lauquen you can see the Huet Huet Castaño. In the Tromen Provincial Park is located bathed Los Barros, nesting sites for birds such as Common Macá, Hooded Silver, heron, Bandurria Berry, Southern Flamingo, Black-necked Swan, Coscoroba, Grey-headed Cauquén, Common Cauquén, Duck juarjual, Big Dipper Duck, Duck Corn, Duck Overo and Duck Spoon. In the summer you can find migratory birds such as Pitotois, the Sandpiper and Plover Swimmer.

Photo courtesy of Efrain Davila, Villa La Angostura.

Recommendations

• Bring binoculars or binoculars.
• Bring a field notebook and pen to record the birds seen.
• Bring a guide to easily identify the species.
• You should wear comfortable shoes and clothing colors inconspicuous to avoid scaring the birds. Keep silence also helps birds do not go away.
• At dawn and dusk are the best times for bird watching.

More information at www.neuquentur.gob.ar or at the Department of Tourism of the province of Neuquén.