Country: Argentina
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Rio Grande
Rio Grande is an Atlantic coastal city in the northern grasslands of Tierra del Fuego, used as a two-night base for the northern steppe, lagoons and coastal shorebird areas.
Read MoreCrossing the Antarctic Convergence
En route to South Georgia, we now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
Read MoreBeagle Channel seabird and wildlife watching
In the channel we may find Magellanic Penguin swimming in open waters, South American Tern, and Southern Fulmar in flight, and Magellanic Cormorant (Rock Shag) and Imperial Shag perched on rocky islands.
Read MoreSeabird watching in the westerlies
Several species of albatross, including Black-browed, Southern Royal, and Wandering may follow the vessel into the "westerlies," along with Slender-billed Prion, Sooty Shearwater, Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, Wilson's Storm Petrel, and other species. We are in the path of winds that blow around the Southern Hemisphere in the mid-latitudes, controlling much of the climate of Patagonia and southern South America. For seabirds they make foraging possible, indeed many never approach land except to breed and can relax or sleep on the wing. There is also time to look for birds from the bridge or other observation areas, and if we encounter currents with krill, there are sea mammals to see as well.
Read MorePort of Ushuaia
The Port of Ushuaia is the embarkation point for the expedition ship, a one-minute walk from the recommended pre-cruise hotel.
Read MoreTierra del Fuego National Park day trip
Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Ancient forests, glacial lakes, and rivers that feel as untamed and unhurried as they did centuries ago await you here. We spend a full day exploring the park's diverse habitats. In the southern beech forest, we search for the striking Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner, and the delightful Thorn-tailed Rayadito. Look out for Spectacled Duck, Great Grebe, and Flying Steamer-Duck along the rivers and lakes, and keep your eyes peeled for Andean Condor soaring overhead at any moment. It's a wild and beautiful day out that you won't forget, and an excellent way to start your Antarctic journey.
Read MoreUshuaia coast and forest birding
Ushuaia surroundings offer a big diversity of environments. They are close to each other and provide great flexibility to adapt to the birdwatcher's needs. There are good spots along the coast to find Kelp Goose, Ashy-headed Goose, Flying and Flightless Steamer-Duck, Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatchers, and Dolphin Gull among others. We are able to have excellent views of these birds. Visiting the nearby forest trails, we have chances for White-throated Treerunner, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Austral Blackbird, White-crested Elaenia, Austral Negrito, Long-tailed Meadowlark and others.
Read MoreBahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve birding
A visit to Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve is worthwhile and usually offers views of Correndera Pipit, House and Grass Wren, Magellanic Snipe, and a diversity of ducks.
Read MoreNorthern grassland and lagoon birding
We start searching the northern grassland and lagoons of Tierra del Fuego, a good area to find Magellanic Plover and Rufous-chested Dotterel, Least Seedsnipe Tawny-throated Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Short-billed Miner, Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant, and others.
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