Hi and welcome to this page of my blog that took me forever to make and edit, and is slightly pointless.
However, it looks cool and made for a fun challenge while I volunteered for two weeks in the Iberá Wetlands in the north of Argentina.
Iberá means “bright/sparkling water” in the local Guaraní language. It is absolutely stunning and has been visited by National Geographic and many other documentary makers from around the world for its wildlife and birds.
I am a birder and love making lists so this Pokemon-style “gotta catch ’em all” game was great to learn all the Argentinian-Spanish names for the birds, and to see how many I could check off while here.
When I came here the first time I stayed at an incredible wildlife lodge in Portal Cambryeta. This is where I saw 90% of these animals and birds.
I was here as a tourist initially but ended up returning as they invited me back to volunteer.
OVERNIGHT STAY
I honestly cannot recommend The Wild Wetlands Lodge highly enough, due to:
- The abundance of birds and wildlife was THROUGH THE ROOF
- It’s run by a Nature Foundation that has been here since before the National Park
- We paid the one fee for:
- The most luxurious accommodation looking out over the reserve
- 2 safaris out on the reserve and nighttime wildlife watching
- 4 delicious local meals
- Private transfer from Ituzaingo
- Endless sightings of capybaras
- And by far, the greatest hosts with the best hospitality
If there is one place you want to splurge on during your trip – this is it!
DAY TRIP
If staying overnight is not your jam, I highly recommend joining a safari as a day trip.
There’s some great options on Viator, however I recommend this safari because it’s run by the wonderful people who own the Nature Foundation and Reserve.
Now, let’s get into the fun stuff!
P.S. All photos here are taken by me, and within Iberá/the region (hence why some pics are shocking). If I’ve seen the bird, however elsewhere, I haven’t included it.
Animal Checklist
Bird Checklist
Rhea (Struthioniiformes) & Seriemas (Cariamiformes)
Tinamou (Tinamiformes)
Waterfowl (Answeiformes)
Storks (Ciconiiformes)
Herons, Ibis and allies (Pelecaniformes)
Are you tempted yet?
Here’s the link to The Wild Wetlands Lodge.
And the link to a 6 hour safari (if you cannot stay or afford the night).
Vultures (Cathartiformes)
Cormorants and Anhingas (Suliformes)
Hawks and allies (Accipitriformes)
Rails, Gallinules and allies (Gruiformes)
Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and allies (Charadriiformes)
Pigeons and Doves (Colombiformes)
Cuckoos (Cuculiformes)
Owls (Strigiformes)
Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes)
Kingfishers (Coraciiformes)
Woodpeckers (Piciformes)
Falcons and Caracaras (Falconiformes)
Parrots, Parakeets and allies (Psittaciformes)
Here’s the safari that takes you to the Nature Reserve.
Perching birds (Passeriformes)
I developed so many favourite birds during my time there. Highest nominations go to:
- White Monjita: you ever seen those pics of the snow bird which looks all poofy and happy and like a borb? That’s basically this guy.
- Strange-tailed Tyrant: (of course) so rare and such a delight to see.
- The Red-and-green Macaws: because they’re being re-introduced and that’s great!
- Burrowing Owls: very cute because you think it’s another pile of shit or wood but no! What a delight!
- Cocoi Heron: this bird is glamorous.
- Red-crested Cardinal and Sayaca Tanager: blue and red excitement in a land of brown and grey, what can I say.
- Variable Oriole: simply cute and I’d want one as a friend.
So, enough about me, it’s time to book your trip and let me know which bird you most want to see!
*No AI was involved in the writing of this post. This article contains affiliate links which may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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