Huet-huet: observation in Patagonia

Patagonia is a country of contrasts. Patagonia, the storm-swept south end of the South American continent, does not only captivate nature photographers. The further south you go and the narrower the continent, the wider and more endless the landscape seems to become. Suddenly, rugged mountains protrude from the plain like fangs. Scraps of cloud hunt across the sky.

The way from El Chalten to Lago Desierto is pure Patagonia. When you arrive at Lake Desierto, an impressive panorama opens up. We do not hesitate to take a long walk. It goes along the north bank section of Lake Desierto. The path along the lake is little more than a path along the water. To do this we have to cross a very adventurous suspension bridge. The path passes hill and dale. But at some point I almost go crazy. Wow, that’s a Black-throated Huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii) also just called Huet-huet for short. It just stands in front of us and then runs a few meters without any fear. Stays and scratches with his feet in the loose forest earth. I can’t keep up with my camera, which I finished in no time. The Nikon 2.8/ 300 lens with the Metz Blitz MZ-1i may not be the right choice. Again and again I have to go to the Huet-huet and chase it back away because the close-up limit has been undershot. The bird doesn’t take it from me. There must be a particularly productive spot on the forest floor. The Black-throated Huet-huet keeps coming back to the spot and then scratching again. I then take my 3.5-4.5 / 35-105 zoom. I can probably take some good close-up pictures with it. There is a peculiar tension in the air. I’m shooting some slide films. A pleasure.

The views of the rock and ice landscapes of famous mountain ranges such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Torres del Paine are only a few breathtaking highlights in Patagonia. The turquoise-blue glacial lakes such as Lago Desierto form a perfect contrast. The often changing weather and strong wind are a constant companion in Patagonia and add to the roughness of this area.

Blue glaciers shimmer in the soft light of the south, their ice crunches, cracks and cracks. So in Argentina’s probably most beautiful national park “Los Glaciares” with the imposing glacier “Perito Moreno” and its ice towers up to 70 m high.

From these, huge chunks of ice keep falling into “Lago Argentino”. This extraordinary natural wonder is a real treat. Barren areas of grass stretch to the horizon, seemingly unspectacular, but hardly any viewer can escape their strange fascination.

An experience is a drive through Patagonian landscapes whether on this side or beyond the Chilean border. You simply have to experience the “Torres del Paine” National Park with an impressive hike lasting several hours. Also a hike on one of three well signposted trekking trails to the Vespignani glacier is overwhelming. One strenuous tour reward you with a breathtaking view to the north side of Monte Fitz Roy. A walk along the southern shore of Lake Gray is a must. Here the wind blows away the chunks of ice from the imposing Gray Glacier.

Only rarely does the wing beat of an Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) or the bright screech of a Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) mix with the incessant howling of the wind.

In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic . The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.

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