The Science of Birds

From the Field: Patagonia


Listen Later

In this "From the Field" episode, which is number 112, host Ivan Phillipsen shares his recent experiences birding in Patagonia while leading a two-week tour through this remote and breathtaking region. Speaking from Puerto Varas, Chile, he provides an immersive account of the landscapes, birdlife, and unique ecology of Patagonia, spanning both Argentina and Chile. 

Ivan explores the geography of the region, highlighting the towering Andes, vast Patagonian Steppe, and dramatic glacial fjords. He also dives into the region’s ecological dynamics, including the stark contrast between the lush Magellanic subpolar forests and the arid steppe, shaped by the relentless Patagonian winds.  

Ivan recounts the group’s birding adventures, from the southernmost city of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park to the legendary Beagle Channel, where they encountered Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. Throughout the journey, the group pursued an ambitious goal—spotting all eight bird species with “Magellanic” in their name. 

Ivan also highlights memorable moments, such as an unforgettable sighting of a Snowy Sheathbill, a leucistic (partially albino) Scale-throated Earthcreeper, and a massive Andean Condor scavenging scene on the Patagonian Steppe.  

Ivan reflects on why this wild and remote region captivates him, from its evolutionary history and glacial landscapes to its unique yet sparse biodiversity. 


~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Science of BirdsBy Ivan Phillipsen

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

717 ratings


More shows like The Science of Birds

View all
BirdNote Daily by BirdNote

BirdNote Daily

1,152 Listeners

Living Planet by DW

Living Planet

122 Listeners

Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,925 Listeners

Outside/In by NHPR

Outside/In

1,427 Listeners

Nature Guys by Nature Guys

Nature Guys

517 Listeners

Sidedoor by Smithsonian Institution

Sidedoor

2,166 Listeners

The American Birding Podcast by American Birding Association

The American Birding Podcast

636 Listeners

In Defense of Plants Podcast by In Defense of Plants

In Defense of Plants Podcast

1,208 Listeners

Ologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Ologies with Alie Ward

23,310 Listeners

The Wild with Chris Morgan by KUOW News and Information

The Wild with Chris Morgan

3,274 Listeners

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't by Tony Santore

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

502 Listeners

Native Plants, Healthy Planet by Pinelands Nursery, Bleav

Native Plants, Healthy Planet

259 Listeners

Relax With Animal Facts by Stefan Wolfe

Relax With Animal Facts

602 Listeners

Completely Arbortrary by Completely Arbortrary

Completely Arbortrary

1,192 Listeners

Life List: A Birding Podcast by George Armistead, Alvaro Jaramillo, and Mollee Brown

Life List: A Birding Podcast

142 Listeners