Argentina: Bahia Bustamante

OUT OF THE 16 MARINE BIRDS
THAT NEST IN ARGENTINA´S COAST,
13 DO IT IN BAHIA BUSTAMANTE
In 21 breading colonies populated with 1 to 7 sea bird species each.

Within these 12 marine species we find the Magellanic Penguin colony (spheniscus magellanicus), which reaches up to 100.000 individuals.

In the area you may also find significant colonies of Blue-eyed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) and Rock Cormorant (P. magallenicus). The Blue-eyed Cormorant is the main guano producer of the country and their colonies have suffered sporadic extractions during the nineteenth century.

2 ENDEMIC SPECIES

The Chubut Steamer Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus) i
s found in large concentrations here,
as well as the Olrog´s Gull (Larus Atlanticus).

Both species are rated internationally as threatened birds.

7 MIGRATORY,
5 NEARTIC &
2 PATAGONIAN SPECIES
FREQUENT THE AREA

Bahía Bustamante region is one of the main transitory spots on most coastal bird’s migratory journey - especially for the Red knot (Calidris canutus), the White-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) that have their main non-breeding colonies on Tierra del Fuego island.

GREAT VARIETY & DIVERSITY
OF OTHER MARINE AND STEPPE BIRDS

The Sea Lions colony on the islands (Otaria Flavescens) reaches up to 4.000 individuals. This is a very important colony, representing around 20% of the total number of sea lions which inhabit San Jorge Gulf area.

The richness of the area also attracts the presence of killer whales, dolphins and Commerson’s dolphin. With a little bit of luck, on their way from or to Valdes Peninsula, a Right Whale or an Elephant Seal may visit us.

As per Steppe wildlife, you will be surprised to see all kinds of native animals that live in this part of Patagonia: Patagonian Cavy, lesser rheas, guanacos are easy to spot and, occasionally, some restless armadillo or skunk may lean out of a thorny bush. The sunset is the best moment to watch a great variety of birds, tinamous and even grey fox and maras

We open the season! It's Spring time. Penguin Season Stated Migrating birds are flocking around Steppe wildlife is mating	All of the property s full of flowers. Penguins have laid their eggs. We can see Lesser rheas chicks and other newborns We start swimming and enjoying the beaches
Days get really long. Summer is here. It's beach time and picnic! Penguin chicks are born. Male sea lions are arriving in the islands. Our berries and fruits are ready to eat.	The sun is strong and days are long! Wildlife is at it's most. Lots of activity. Beaches and tide pools are very enjoyable! Penguins chicks are growing. Our fruits and vegetables are looking great!
We harvest our honey. The veggie garden is very productive. Wildlife is expressing itself greatly. Beaches are very enjoyable. Sunsets are stunning.	It's the vine harvest! And wine making season. Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking. Penguins are molding. Migrating birds are flocing around again. Beaches continue to be enjoyable.
The best sunrises come at breakfast time! Penguins start to migrate. Perfect for trekking and exploring. We harvest our quince to produce quince cider. We close our season.

L A D A T C O T O U R S
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Bahia Bustamante is an IBAs - Important Bird and Biodiversity Area