I slept poorly in the cold. When the alarm clock rings I am still very sleepy. But the prospect of an extraordinary rafting experience makes me get up. By the time I have done everything, dawn has already begun. First I have to make myself really cold-proof. Fleece underwear, fleece shirt, a shirt, the blue navy sweater and the ski undersuit. In combination with the neoprene waders it may look a little over the top, but in retrospect I notice that it might be too warm around the top, but it could be a bit warmer on the feet. In the early morning light I climb the raft with the tripod set up and the camouflage tent stretched over it. I climb into the water of the Rio Paine, which is densely covered at the edges with surface vegetation – like our duckweed. The Spectacled Duck (Speculanas specularis) feels particularly comfortable here. At first I notice that the ducks are not so keen to be photographed in close-up with the Nikkor AF 4.0 / 600. Nevertheless, a few atmospheric photos succeed. The raft as a construction is really great, you can even sit down on the “beams” (made of aluminum sheets) to relax.
Yesterday evening I had passed Lago Pehoe with the expensive campsite and the even more expensive Hotel Explora. Finally I come to the information center at the mouth of the Rio Paine in the Lago del Toro. There are at least 3 buses in front of the center and 10 alternative hikers. But I get good tips inside from the Guardaparques where I can see something. The Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) is said to occur here as well. The statement about the occurrence is a bit vague, but I want to try it. In addition, the Scale-throated Earthcreeper (Upucerthia dumetaria) should also not be neclected. Then there should be a home for Spectacled Duck in a wetland right next to the center. I can hardly believe it because I meant her at home on flowing rivers. My first inspection confirms my skepticism. But the place is very nice and I will try it in the morning.
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 country, 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 views of the rock and ice landscapes of famous mountain ranges such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Torres del Paine are breathtaking. The turquoise-blue glacial lakes such as Lago Desierto below 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.
A special 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. A hike 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) – also called the Huanako – 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.