Birds Photo – Villa Wetlands & Pucusana Islands

THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A 2 DAYS TOUR OPTION ADDING THE VISIT OF BALLESTAS ISLANDS

VILLA WETLANDS

We start our tour early in the morning to avoid the rush hour and we head directly to the Pantanos de Villa Reserve. The Villa marshes are the only protected area within the city limits of Lima. This complex of lagoons, pools and marsh areas made up of totora reed clumps, are part of a migratory corridor and resting point for several bird species along the Peruvian coast. More than 130 bird species have been recorded here, and at least 40 species can be seen on a single visit.

Our first stop within the reserve take us to a coastal lagoon next to the beach where we will be looking for birds like Great Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Andean Duck, Gray-hooded Gull and Gray Gull. Depending on the season sometimes we found small numbers of Andean Gulls in this area. A quick scan from the seashore will allow us to observe species like Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Boobies, Guanay Cormorants flying by and sometimes even Peruvian Diving-Petrels.

As the day starts to warm up we move to our next location, a group of small ponds surrounded by totora reeds. This vegetation is the habitat of two species, the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant and the Wren-like Rushbird. After seen these targets we’ll try to find some hard to observe birds like Plumbeous Rail and Least Bittern. On the trail back to our car we will stop for a moment to look for Peruvian Thick-knees in an open area covered with grass.

PUCUSANA

Our next stop is the fishing village of Pucusana, about 60 Km (38 miles) south of Lima. Pucusana is located inside a small cove and protected by an island just in front of the town. From here we will take a boat to navigate the waters around the island where we will have close views of some of the Humboldt current specialties like Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Boobie, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Blackish Oystercatcher, Belcher’s Gull, the endemic Surf Cinclodes, Humboldt Penguins and the stunning Inca Terns.

Continuing with the navigation we visit a small colony of South American Sea Lions. This rocky coast is also the habitat of the endangered Marine Otter, one of the smallest otter species in the world. After our pelagic trip we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Then we’ll move to our next location at the Lurin River. This area is home to the rufescens subspecies of Bran-colored Flycatcher that might be split in the future. Other species that we can observe in this area includes Croaking Ground-dove, Amazilia Hummingbird, Peruvian Sheartail, Purple-collared Woodstar, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Scrub Blackbird, Harris’s Hawk and Peruvian Meadowlark.

WHAT TO BRING

• Your Photography gear.
• Warm clothes for the night and the morning ( gloves, beanie, winter jackets, winter socks ) Rain coat in case of bad luck. Good comfortable walking shoes.
• Headlamp for walking in the dark, essential!
• Sharp eyes and your smile!

RECOMMENDED GEAR

• Mid-range zoom to cover a variety of focal lengths
• Wide angle for landscape opportunities and astro-photography (f 2.8 or wider works best)
• Tripod for landscape shots and astro
• Filters for landscapes (ND, Grad ND and CPL recommended)

TOUR PRICE (ALL AGES)

1 person: 540 USD

2 people: 300 USD per person

3 people or more: 230 USD per person

PRICE INCLUDE:

• Transportation from your hotel or the airport to the localities mentioned in the tourdescription.
• Professional birding guide.
• Entrance tickets to the Pantanos de Villa Reserve.
• One-hour boat trip at Pucusana*.
• Lunch at Pucusana.

PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE:

• Alcoholic beverages at the restaurant.
• Tips for the guide and driver.