A Morning Escape into Nature

Cattle Tyrant

Our morning hike on the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve Trail in the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve was a refreshing change from the city's bustling streets. Stretching 3.8 miles through wetlands, grasslands, and forests, this easy trail offered a peaceful retreat into nature. Though the weather was cloudy, the high humidity and heat made for a warm and tropical-feeling adventure.

Overlook

A Lush Green Oasis

Overlook

As we stepped onto the trail, we were immediately surrounded by lush greenery. The dense vegetation, towering trees, and winding pathways made it easy to forget that we were just minutes away from the heart of Buenos Aires. Birds chirped from every direction, setting the perfect soundtrack for our hike.

Overlook

Parakeets and Martins in the Sky

Monk Parakeet

Early into the walk, we noticed flocks of Monk Parakeets darting between the trees, filling the air with their noisy chatter.

Blue dawnflower

Overhead, a Brown-chested Martin soared gracefully, reminding us to keep our eyes on both the treetops and the water below.

Brown-chested Martin

A Wetland Full of Life

Rufescent Tiger-Heron

As we reached an open wetland area, we spotted a variety of waterbirds wading and gliding through the shallow waters.

Wattled Jacana

A striking Rufescent Tiger-Heron stood motionless, scanning for prey, while a Wattled Jacana balanced effortlessly on floating vegetation. A Limpkin foraged nearby, its long bill probing the muddy banks for snails.

Limpkin

The Southern Screamer’s Call

Southern Screamer

One of the most exciting moments was spotting a Southern Screamer standing tall in the grass. Its distinctive silhouette and deep, echoing calls made it an unforgettable sight.

Trail View

Nearby, a pair of Rosy-billed Pochards paddled across the water, their vibrant bills adding a pop of color to the scene.

Rosy-billed Pochard

Birds of Prey Watching from Above

Harris’s Hawk

As we continued along the trail, we looked up and spotted a Harris’s Hawk perched high on a branch, surveying the landscape.

Coypu

A pair of Crested Caracaras soon joined in, their sharp eyes scanning for movement. Seeing these impressive raptors up close was a definite highlight of the hike.

Crested Caracaras

The Melodic Sounds of the Forest

Rufous-bellied Thrush

Moving into a more shaded area, we were treated to the sweet songs of a Rufous-bellied Thrush and the lively calls of Great Kiskadees, which seemed to be everywhere.

Great Kiskadee

A Cattle Tyrant hopped along the ground, seemingly unfazed by our presence.

Grayish Baywing

Meanwhile, a Grayish Baywing and an Eared Dove fluttered between the branches.

Eared Dove

A Splash of Color

Red-crested Cardinal

One of the most striking birds we saw was a Red-crested Cardinal, its bright red head standing out against the greenery. It hopped confidently on the grass, giving us the perfect chance to admire its beauty before it flitted away into the trees.

White-tufted Grebe

A Refreshing End to a Warm Hike

Overlook

Despite the heat and humidity, our morning hike through the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve was a fantastic experience.

Overlook

The variety of birds we encountered, the peaceful wetlands, and the feeling of being immersed in nature made it a perfect way to spend the morning. As we exited the trail, we were already looking forward to our next wildlife-filled adventure!

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