Day 26 - Montevideo, Uruguay

Today we chose "Birdwatching in the Wetlands of Montevideo" as our excursion. We knew serious birders prefer early mornings and late evenings, but we aren't that serious and booked the tour.

Our guide, Adrian was not only knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but also a pleasure to be around. We visited a wetland pond, lake and estuary beach all while being treated to refreshing water, fruits and snacks. In all, the group spotted and identified 68 different species in four short hours.

Adrian would hear a bird song, identify the species, play the appropriate bird call coaxing it out, scope the bird and then present information from his birding manual. We all took turns peeking through his scope. He spotted birds in the bush most of us had problems locating even with his help. He was also proficient with birds in flight. Joan figured he could spot one approaching from Africa.

We learned about mating habits, nesting techniques, migration patterns and probably things the birds didn't know. Come to find out, Adrian was more than your typical travel guide. His real job is with Uruguay's Ministry of Environment. Although bird watching is new to Uruguay, as part of the Ministries eco tourism efforts, new national parks were recently established with the environment and birding in mind. Even more amazingly, the Ministry has only existed since July 9, 2020.

When I asked why the governmental interest, Adrian pointed out Uruguay was on a major bird migration path running between Argentina and Canada. Over the last ten to fifteen years, concerns are mounting over observed migratory changes.  Uruguay can't fix the underlying problems, but can help the birds adapt.

Call it global change or what ever you want. The fact is the birds are affected and must adapt or die. Uruguay found a way to help. What can you do?