Santiago: a new beginning Part 2

The Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary is located in the Central Andes to the east of Santiago, Chile, and only takes about an hour by car to get there. The forests, birds, and mountain chains give this place its unique natural features where you will find small forests with species like mountain cypresses, pines, poplars, elms, and ash trees - these have been artificially introduced in the country by the locals and Conaf, the entity in charge of protecting the Chilean forest. Yerba Loca is surrounded by two mountain chains, the highest peaks being El Altar and Los Piches, with 5.222 and 4.274 m respectively.

Being so close to Santiago means it is very popular with both campers and day visitors. The area is also great be both short and over night hiking. My main interest is birds and this area does not disappoint despite it being relatively dry and hot in summer. The broader area also allows for even more species, including the Andean condor.

A short visit of only 4 hours allowed me to get to know the area and very casual birding also provided a number of different lifers for me.

Santiago: a new beginning Part 1

At the beginning of January 2017, I arrived in Santiago, Chile, to start a new chapter in my life. I transfer to work in Santiago of the next 2.5 years. While it may be with the same organization, everything else is new - work area, colleagues, environment and living environment. While this is a challenge, it also presents many more opportunities. A new country to explore, new friends to be made, direct access to the whole of South America, and more specifically a completely new set of birds to explore and photograph.

While Chile may not have the largest bird list or most beautiful birds, it certainly makes up for in terms of variety and uniqueness. Santiago itself has numerous green areas and there are a number of good birding sites relatively close to the city. In the far northern there is the desert environment, while in the south Patagonia is waiting. All I need is time and money .....

Santiago

A modern and busy city (see Part 3), closely nestled in a bowl at the base of the Andes mountain range. Summer is warm and clear blue skies. Yet there are some locations with good birds if you want to make the effort. Parque Bicentenario (Vitacura) in the city is such an example. The lush green is most welcoming given the natural environment is hot, very dry and rather brown in the middle of summer. Not only are there a small number of captive bird (their enclosures are not big enough for them to take off) such as the Chilean Flamingo and Black-necked swan, but a number of other bird species. However, to some them all one needs to get there early to miss the maddening crowds, which over weekends can be large and noisy.

Once the city had been explore a little it was then time to venture out of the city! See Part 2 for a visit to Yerba Loca Nature Santuary.

Andalucia: Sevilla at Easter

The fact that Andalucia is a special place is beyond doubt. Go there at Easter and it is even more special with many religious festivities taking place in most major centres by day. Chief among these activities are those taking place in Sevilla. A long awaited trip to Spain but really worth it. Although there for a week, the journey began and ended in Sevilla.

A few images of the city and festivities.