For The Birds
Posted on May 15, 2007
Filed Under Nature |
2 Comments
I must admit that until recently flora or fauna had never been high on my list of interests when traveling. Actually I used to think bird watching was a peculiar and strange hobby, like listening to opera without subtitles. I think it may be an age thing, but I discovered I no longer find it strange. As a matter of fact I now think it is kind of entertaining, like watching puppies tumble.
Almost accidentally, we found ourselves observing many local birds during the last trip to Uruguay. As we drove away from the city, they were everywhere; although not quite like in the Hitchcock movie. All we needed to do was sit down with our mate in hand and pay attention to the surroundings - and what a treat.
The first bird we noticed was the Tero (also known as teru-teru). It is a largish bird with long red legs, gray head, black chest, white underbelly and an elegant look. Most noticeable was the odd little tuft of feathers at the back if its head. The one we saw was about 15 inches tall and had a funny way of walking. We later learned that it got its name from the sound of its distinct call that sounds like “teru, teru”. I read somewhere that it is considered the official bird of Uruguay.
The second bird, known in southern Brazil as João de Barro was already very familiar to me. In Uruguay it is known as Hornero (because its mud-dome nest looks like a traditional oven). The hornero is small, about 7 inches with feathers the color of clay and walks rather than hop. During our stay in Atlántida, there was a pair living in the tree outside our window often singing together a distinctive, happy song. Wherever we went, we spotted the characteristic nests on tops of posts, fences, balconies and rooftops. Oddly enough, I read that this bird is the national bird of Argentina.
The next bird to fly into our vacation was a hummingbird. We barely saw a glint of brilliant green coming in through the window. Then we saw it circle the room trying to find its way out until it got stuck on the windowsill in front of the glass. Without a fight, it allowed me to pick it up and release it through the open window. Being the simpleton that I am, it made me happy the rest of the day.
In the course of our vacation we saw many other birds: flocks of green parrots, dozens of doves, hundreds of swallows doing their amazing acrobatic maneuvers, cardinals, woodpeckers. The list is too long and maybe you don’t like opera the way I do.
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2 Responses to “For The Birds”
My wife was thrilled to see this article. She is a birdperson from way back. The saddest part of her life now is that Pocitos has so few birds. She’s on a mission now to create an aviary oasis in the new house so she can sit in the yard and watch them.
Let me know when it is ready. I’ll bring the bird seed.