Southern Argentina: Hooded Grebe Extension

One of the most spectacular ornithological events in South America in the twentieth century was the discovery of the Hooded Grebe in 1974 by Dr. Maurice Rumboll, in the state of Santa Cruz.

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This optional extension to our Southern Argentina tour takes us deep into Patagonia in search of the beautiful and critically endangered Hooded Grebe and other enticing species. In visiting remote steppe grasslands and isolated lakes and marshes, we feel our chances for finding this mega-rare bird are high. We will concentrate especially on locating the grebe and the Austral Rail—itself only rediscovered to science in 1998—and in the process enjoy an overall avifauna that includes majestic Black-necked Swans, colonies of Silvery Grebe, Gray-breasted Seedsnipe, Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Harrier, Chocolate and Cinnamon-bellied ground-tyrants, and a selection of miners, cinclodes, and more.

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Patagonia hosts a low human population density—almost all habitation is limited to widely spaced estancias (large-area sheep ranches). We will stay in two such estancias that are especially suitable for group visitation (also offering the opportunity to see how they function). One of the properties is located directly in front of marshes and reeds on the Chico River, a key site to look for Austral Rail.

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We will also stay at an estancia on the plateau overlooking Lake Strobel. From this location, we’ll be better positioned to reach various lakes in secluded areas where the Hooded Grebe is known to occur. The Hooded Grebe is an enigmatic species that was probably never abundant to begin with, but the effects of non-native fish introductions and habitat alteration have contributed to the bird’s decline. More recently, climate change has emerged as a pronounced threat to the species, as it has caused the drying out of the aquatic habitats where the species breeds, thus causing breeding colonies to shift more often. Fortunately, intensive conservation measures seem to have stabilized the population, or at least slowed its decline. To see this special bird, we will need to be flexible in our planning. Our efforts will be greatly aided by the knowledge of the local researchers studying the grebe, who will know of their whereabouts.