Argentina field notes, v1505

Myers, John P.
Unknown
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley
Original Source
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Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org

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Myers, J. P. 1973 - 74 Catalogue #03 - #183 Paraguay Argentina
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J P Myers 1973/03 1974/01 Catalogue 285 Km N of Rio Gallegos by road, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina heavy fat 036♂ Baird's 37g sk=3/8 oss 28 October 80 km N of Rio Gallegos by road, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina mod fat 037♂ Ch. Falklandicus 66g sk=3/4 oss 6 November 100 Km W of Rio (Gallegos) by road, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina 038 Baird's 039 Baird's 040 Baird's Partido de Madariaga 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina heavy fat body molt 041♂ Pl. dominicus 146g sk=7/8 oss mod fat body molt 042♀ Buffy 33g 25 November 043♂ Buffy mod fat body molt 62g sk=3/4 oss 044♂ Buffy mod fat body molt 63g sk=3/4 oss 045♀ Goold's Plover 139g heavy fat body molt 046♂ Pectoral 75g (possible heron) flock heavy fat body molt 047♂ Pectoral 76g body molt flock 1 January 048♂ White-rump 37g mod fat sk=3/4 oss body molt 049♀ White-rump 38g body molt heavy fat sk=3/8 oss 050♂ White rump 35g body molt sk=3/4 oss 3 January 051♂ White rump 35g heavy fat sk=3/4 oss body molt 052♂ white rump 36g body molt mod fat body molt 053♂ whiterump 33g sk=3/8 oss body molt 4 January 054♂ white rump 39g sk=7/8 oss body molt 5 January 055♀ Pectoral 55g sk=3/4 oss body molt 056♀ Pectoral 58g sk=3/4 057♂ Pectoral 80g sk=3/4 very heavy fat body molt 058♀ Pectoral 55g sk=3/4 body molt 059♂ (Suv?) White rump 38g heavy fat body molt
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SPMyers 1974 Catalogue 35 Km S. of Juncal, by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 February 086 alcohol White rump non-territorial 38g 087 alcohol White rump non-territorial 37.5g 088 alcohol White rump non-territorial 37g 089 ♀ juv Pectoral bursa=5x5mm 54g very heavy fat heavy fat sk=3/4 body molt 090 ♀ ad White rump non territorial 38g body molt heavy fat sk=3/4 body molt 091 ♀ juv White rump non territorial bursa=6x6 3.6g body molt 092 ♀ ad Thinocorus rumicivorus 51g follicle count mod-fat 093 ♀ ad Thinocorus rumicivorus 54.5g fuel/pead body molt (T3=1/3) 094 ♀ Buff-breasted Sandpiper 47g body molt heavy fat 095 ♀ juv Pectoral bursa almost involuted 59g body molt heavy fat 096 ♀ Buff-breasted 49g for fill 5 March 7 March 8 March Allard 097 ♀ juv White rump bursa=7x7mm egg 42.5g heavy fat sk=1/3 body molt Very beautiful sk=1/2 098 ♀ ad (?) White rump beginning to differentiate 45g body molt heavy fat sk=1/3 body molt 099 ♀ juv White rump bursa = 7x6mm 39.5g body molt heavy fat sk=1/2 body molt 100 ♀ juv White rump bursa = 3x9 48.5g body molt heavy fat sk=1/2 body molt 101 ♀ juv White rump bursa=7x7 41g body molt heavy fat sk=1/2 body molt 102 ♀ White-rump ova developing almost involuted 48.5g body molt heavy fat sk=1/2 body molt 103 ♂ White rump no obvious bursa, indistinctible 41g body molt mod-fat sk=1/4 body molt 104 ♀ White rump bursa = 7x6mm 37g body molt heavy fat sk=1/2 body molt 105 ♀ juv White rump bursa = 5x6mm 38.5g very heavy fat sk=3/4 106 ♂ juv Stilt Sandpiper bursa=9x6mm 59.5g very heavy fat 107 ♂ juv Stilt Sandpiper bursa = 9x6mm 55.2g body molt heavy fat sk=3/4 108 ♀ ad White-rump ova differentiating 42.5g body molt sk=1/2 35 Km S. of Juncal, by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 March 109 alcohol Buffy possible very almost involuted gremach contents 51g very heavy fat 110 ♀ Buffy bursa questionable 5.6g body molt
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JPMyers 1974 Catalogue 35 km S. of Juancho by road Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 20 April 136 ♀ ou=6.6x3.9cm White-rump USFWS band# 74-1710 14 recovery reported 6lg sk=3/4 ou=7.5x4mm pos. lusca estimos completely involved or differentiated light lump 137 ♀ ou=8.5x3.5 ou. diff. light 1.2mm White-rump 57g sk=1/2 , ext.h. fat 138 ♀ White-rump 59g sk=1/3 1km W of Argentinialay road, Pcia de Santiago del Estero, Argentina 11 August 139 ♂ ad ou=6x3.5 ou diff. light lump Bairds 53g sk=3/4 ou=6.9x3.6mm or diff. light lump 140 ♂ ad Bairds 36Ag sk=1/2 35 Km S. of Juancho by road Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs Aires, Argentina 15 March 141 T=4x1.5 bat skeleton mod fat 23 August 142 ♂ ad ou=6x2.9mm White-rump 35.8g 143 ♀ ad ou=2.5x1mm Baird's ov. not differentiated 49.9g body molt mod fat 149 ♂ ad T=3.8x1.5mm White-rump 38.2g body molt mod fat 145 ♂ ad T=9x5.9mm Pectoral 68.2g fat 146 ♀ T=3x1.9mm Zonibyx modestus 7.7g mid fat 27 August 147 ♂ ad ou=6.8x2.5mm White-rump Flood< together 40.0g ov. differentiated light lump 148 ♀ ad ou=7.8x3mm White-rump 45.0g very fat 31 August 149 ♂ ad Baird's 44.2g little fat 150 Pectoral 20.0g body molt mod fat body molt 2 September 151 ♂ T=7x3mm Oreopholus ruficollis 179 g very fat 152 ♂ T=4.8x5mm Oreopholus ruficollis 13.6g mod fat body molt 7 September 153 ♀ ou=5.2x3mm Cathenius Cranideuca 13.2g little fat body molt 154 ♂ T=3.7 mm 183g fat 155 ♂ T=13x5.5mm Gollinago 131g fat ou=9.4x3.8mm 156 ♀ ad Calidris canutus ov different light lump 413.5g fat 11 September 157 ♂ ad ou=5.6x3.5mm White-rump <5 flock together 402 body molt 158 T=3.5xl White-rump Flock 159 ♂ T=8.5x3.1 mm Thincocus ruminans 61.6 little fat + almost recognizable, (strange) by shot buffalo treated 17 September 160 ♂ ad 60.0 body molt mod fat
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J.P. Myers 1974 Catalogue Estancia Meduland, 35 kms. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina 19 September 161 ♂ Charadrius [illegible] collaris little fat 31.9g body molt mod fat 162 ♀ ad f=3.9x1.1mm buff-breasted sandpiper 65g body molt fat 163 ♂ ad f=3.1x1.5mm buff-breasted 62.0g body molt mod fat 164 ♀ ad buff-breasted 65.6g body molt 27 September 165 ♂ ad f=4.5x2mm buff breasted 3 together stomach taken 66.8g body molt fat mod fat 166 ♀ ad f=2.9x2.5mm buff breasted 3 together stomach 64.9g body molt mod fat 167 ♂ ad f=3.9x2mm golden plover Sericotrya inornatus 181.3 fat 4 October 168 [illegible] ESCUERGO 20 October 169 ♂ ad f=1.8x2mm Buff breasted sandpiper territorial 140.70g body molt 170 ♀ ad f=1.8x2mm golden 145g fat 4 November 171 ♀ ad f=2.1x5mm white-rump territorial 410.1g mod fat mod fat 13 November 172 ♂ ad f=2.9x2.5mm buff-breasted sandpiper non terr. 65.8g body molt mod fat 173 ♀ ad ov=7.1x3.2mm buff breasted sandpier non terr. 50.1g body molt 174 ♀ juv f=3.1x3.8mm white-rump territorial 40.1 little fat molts 175 ♂ ad !! ov=6.0x3.8mm white-rump territorial 42.9g molt fat 16 November 176 ♀ ad f=3.5x1.5mm buff-breasted territorial 54.2g molt 21 November 177 ♂ ad f=2.1x1.0mm buff-breasted territorial 66.1g fat molts 27 November 178 ♀ juv ov=8.5x3.4mm white-rump terr. 40.0g molt mod fat 179 ♂ ad f=3.0x1.0mm white-rump [illegible] 43.8g molt mod fat 180 ♀ ad ov=8.5x3.4mm white-rump [illegible] together terr, alcoholic 43.8g molt mod fat 181 ♀ ad f=4.0x1.7mm white-rump terr. 41.5g molts 182 ♂ ad buff-breasted alcoholic 52.4g 183 ♀ ad buff-breasted 67.5g fat molts
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Jann P Myers 1973 Journal 1 20 July 17 Km ELuque [illegible] Dept Central Paraguay Drove along road heading east from Asuncion w/ Phil + Roger Stopped by river to collect birds, got 4 there shot 3: 2 Synallaxis spixi and 1 Schoeniophylax phryganophila [put up one spixi and also phyr.] We were then till from 8:30 until 11 am. Temp - 14°C, drizzle, slight wind. in addition saw: 102 thea, 4 whistling herons, 1 white necked heron, 1 great black hawk, many black vultures, crested caracaras, jamanas, yb. anis, 1 white headed marsh tyrant, Kiskalic (mang), vermillion flycatcher, tropical gnatcatcher, masked gnatcatcher, red crested cardinal, picui ground dove, commongrunt 21 July Ita Raraba Entamada Dept. Central Paraguay walked to North beach of Paraguay river where 50 yards SE from Ferry Terminal. There is a wide mud beach extending along the river with some vegetation covering. kicked up flycatchers were perched on the mud foraging off the surface. Also some other tyrant - similar to a vermillion crowned flycatcher but I had no birds and did not ID. These were no sandpipers visible, but at a proper time of year it should be productive. Stayed for only 15 minutes and then returned home. Temp below 15°C, slight wind, heavy overcast. 22 July 1 Km South of Tobati, Dept. Central, Paraguay hiked w/ Phil, Lora, Ro Maggir to vampire bat cave ~ 0.5 km east/w of road. Went into cave; taped on #la some of vampire wing beat and a few series of chatter. Phil said that there were no other species present. Then spent rest of afternoon making futile attempts to collect birds. Temp outside cave was 13°C. Little wind, heavy overcast. the terrain that we covered was old lava
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J.P.Myers 1973 Journal 2 1km south of tobatí, Dept Central, Paraguay 22 July contd flow, covered in places with heavy scrub including trees up to 15'-20' in height. Also much wild pineapple. Phil shot a grassland sparrow (Myospiza humeralis) which he prepared, and also a house wren, which I did up (05'). Both birds were in the rockier parts of the lava, although not taken together nor at the same place. Although we went by very little habitat that would appear to be suitable for sandpipers, I looked, and saw none. 17 km E of Luque, Dept. Central Paraguay 23 July @ Returned to site of 20 July in afternoon with Phil in order to collect birds, via netting and gun. Heavy overcast, temp in range of 14°-15°. No rain. Stayed until dark after beginning ~3pm. Netted one cardind, 2 creamy-breasted bearded thrush [collected 1], 1 tropical gnateater [?] - cat 07.], shot 1 lesser seedfinch (Phil prepared), 1 chili spinetail (Phil prepared) and 1 Buff-throated Saltator (not prepared). Saw but did not collect (list not inclusive): A. cinamou, chotoy spinetail, 2 plush-streaked jay (these birds were actually ~5 km down road in a denser and higher forest). Saw 2 fox at in road at dusk Trans Chaco Highway, Asuncion = Km 275 25 July Entered the Chaco w/ Phil, Lora + kid; drove to Rincon Charren at km 275 during morning and until mid-afternoon. Morning began overcast, got's but without rain. Began to rain at Paraguay River Ferry. Did so intermittently (and lightly) for 15' 50 or so km. Stayed overcast whole trip. No attempt was made to identify birds, as Phil knew most of the conspicuous ones and we had to reach Km 275 before it began to rain steadily. However, we did stop to try and identify 2 birds, one a probable rufescent tiger heron, and the other a buteo upon which we left undecided. Some of the conspicuous and common birds seen while driving were Jabiru and Maguari Storks, Snail Kites, several species of parrot +
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SP Myers 1973 3 Trans chaco highway, Asuncion - Km 275, Paraguay July 25 (parakeet (esp monk parakeet), giant wood rail, lap-wing, 3 sp. love, hornero, roadside hawk, black-necked hawk, sparow hawk, et. I will make a more detailed list on the return trip next week. 275 km NW via Hayes by road, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay July 25 We arrived at the estancia Rincan Charrua in mid-afternoon. It is located several km north of the trans chaco highway, with the ranch house located several hundred yards east of a small river. Forest is low, dry scrub, typical for this part of Chaco. About 4 pm Phil, Alvaringo (caretaker) and I went hunting for ducks. Walked SW to river, where we immediately saw 50 or so teal, ~10 muscovy ducks, many southern screamers, limpkins, plumbeous and buff breasted ibis, etc. Also found a maguari stork nest (occupied, ~10' up in air on isolated tree on W side of river, tree isolated from forest by swamp.) Shot no ducks (not for lack of opportunity). A more thorough list of birds here will be produced during the next few days. The weather began to clear in the evening, with clouds moving off to the north. Temperature during the night went down to below 4°C. July 26 Drove before dawn and walked to the river approximately 1/2 km to SW from ranch house. It was cold - 4°C, but clear except for a line of clouds extending ~10° above horizon along its entire length. I went to sit and watch the southern screamers which were in a flock big on the swamp near the site where several forces come together and cross. There were 112 screamers in that flock. Also a pair jabiru stork nearby, and several maguari storks. I stayed in that mainly through the morning to take photographs. At least 10 jacanas along a 30 yard stretch of the river's swamp.
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal 4 Km 275 W of Viatayes by road, Dept Pres Hayes, Paraguay July 27 Again a cold morning - ~5°C. Clear, only a thin line of clouds eastward extending along horizon. I walked out to the same area as July 26 to photograph but met with little success. After lunch I went out at 1:30 to collect. Shot 1 Vermillion-crowned flycatcher (08) along the edge of the swamp. From the house went SE to Sibainour along telephone wire until of last swamp. The wire extends through a [illegible] swamp until it hits the swamp. The moist is a low (15-20') scrub of [illegible] diversity with only a few species of tree, dominated by what Phil tells me is a Prosopis (legume). The trees are in general not close together - 2 ft (rarely) up to 20 ft with the crowns touching. Ground cover is a wild pineapple or nothing. Often the ground beneath the trees is bare. This may result from grazing (cattle), which we learned was over here several years ago and continues on a lighter scale now. What % of the land that is not moist is palm swamp - stands of palm, trees fairly dripped with mud, standing clear water, or standing water with a solid cover of some plant (identity unknown) between them. The presence of cattle is very clear, as it is difficult to find a stretch of mud which is not densely marked with cattle hoof prints. Prints of other animals - small cats, foxes, sheep, deer, raccoon, bird, are also abundant. In the palm swamp the most easily detected animals (apart from cattle) are Vermillion-crowned flycatchers, jacanés, [illegible] cardinals, southern screamers, limpkin, plump-tailed chachalaca, monk parakeets. The afternoon along the south side of Saido swamp I watched a small fox for a few minutes moving along between me and a flock of (8-10) limpkins. While sitting in the same spot just after the fox left a
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JP Myers 1973 5 by road Km 275 W of Via Hayes, Dept Pres. Hayes, Paraguay (by road) July 27 cont'd A little mixed feeding flock of small birds passed through. It had v-crowned flycatchers, a rufous-sided towhee [illegible] freigillid, and red crested cardinals (the dominant species of this flock). They stayed on the ground and low in the shrubs around me. The flock was broken up by the appearance of a sharp shinned hawk: the cardinals scattered first (no obvious calls were made) the hawk landed ~15' in front of me, stayed for about five minutes, and then left. I soon followed, heading back around the S side of the swamp. Second Within 100 yards I picked up another mixed flock, this composed of a different set of birds: spauld olole, v-crowned flycatcher, a small plain tyrant (almost kinglet size), and a few (perhaps two) warren-billed woodcreepers. I collected one of these clendroclyps, and also an olole. I then continued toward the north along the east side of the swamp, and encountered another mixed flock similar to one I had seen (but not described) previously; It was composed of 2 species of tyrant: one of a species like the ash-throated flycatcher S., and the other a many (perhaps as many as 18) of a smaller, dicker bird which I had seen flocking previously. I collected one of these also (Catalog # ). I forgot to mention previously that earlier in the day I had seen a curious-beaked woodpecker [illegible] drilling holes in Prosopis. I watched it for ~15 minutes, and only once did it land on a palm; that out of five trees which it visited in the time I watched, and furthermore, that the palm was used not as a feeding place but as an alarm. Chachalacas were also common; I saw at least 6 in [illegible]
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Journal 275 Km Wef Via Hayes by road, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay for hours out (and in the process missed an infuriatingly easy shot at one. On the way back I saw a tamandua - a small anteater-as it too lumbered across an open clearing by some monte. As I approached it it stood on its hind limbs, balanced with the tail, and spread its forelimbs wide. I backed off, it turned, and went up a nearby tree, As I (closer to the house I was again reminded of the infuriating situation here with respect to mockingbirds: there are two very similar "very" species both accuracy in the scrub along the edges of the monte; I believe the species are M. saturninus and M. trivirius and will collect each in order to make sure. Finally, I must comment on the remarkable density achieved here by vernal [illegible] in crowded flycatchers - they are everywhere except the center of the monte; they occur alone, in groups feeding in Jacana habitat, on the backs of horses + cattle or at their feet, with sheep, and with the large wading birds. As I have noticed previously, they are also members of some of the mixed feeding flocks. For example, in one meadow grazed by cattle (with a bull still present) - short grass with a few isolated shrubs, surrounded on one side by palm, another by monte, and 2 others by cut woods, with one small almost dried puddle at in a corner - there were over 40 v.c. flycatchers, along with up to 10 cardinals, 2 buff-backed ibis, 2 tapacings, on semillan flycatcher, one white manjita, 2 unidentified finnails (?), (with pronounced crests). And the meadow was an equilateral triangle not more than 50 yds/side, the density and diversity of insectivores - esp. tyrannids
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JPHugers 1973 Journal 7 July 27 cont'd 275 Km W of Via Hayes, by road, Dept Pres Hayes Paraguay is remarkable. What might this have to do with calitridines? especially with insectivorous calitridine going (wee they to feed here). [It should be observed that because of low temperatures (down to 4°C at night, up to 30°C in day) insect abundance is (according to Phil) much lower now than usual, there are few mosquitoes, in contrast to the normal situation. No clouds till afternoon, then only small puffy cumulus, cleared at night. Phil and I went out night-lighting with head lamps - spotted two foxes, two anteaters (same species as I had seen earlier in the day). We walked along the fence readily east from the building complex, thereafter about 1 Km followed another fence north and W.W. for a short (less than ½ km) distance. 2 species of capimuliform, neither collected nor identified. One might hawk-like with wing spots and white on tail; the other also gregarious, the other solitary and saw the conspicuous white marking. July 28 Phil and I walked (beginning at 6:30 - clear, 5°C) toward NE to dawn (?) then perhaps one or two Km beyond, continuing to NE. Most of trail was through monte - Prosopis semil; we were looking for deer and/or peccary beat. Saw one deer on the way there, but it stayed too far away for a shot. Did get two of the many chachalacas seen for heard. We did very little bird watching. Of interest however was a mixed flock of oriole - spaullet, golden-winged cacique troopial that we encountered along the trail on the edge of the monte - palm swamp ecotone. The spaullets were both on the ground and in the base of the palm leaves perhaps 15' up. The other two species were in the palm center and leaves, with the
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JPMyer 1973 8 July 28 cntd 275 Km W of Via Hayes by road, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay. Troupial definitely more peripheral than the golden-winged. Although I remember no other species being present within that particular flock, these could have been, as we tarried not; however at a second flock with similar species seen a little later there were definitely others present although I did not specifically note any. We headed WSE until reaching a large clearing running NW-SE (90° to our line of travel) and then took it to the NW. The original clearing was actually very dense but low (10-15') brush in a damp area. To the NW it opened into a very large (0.5 km²) meadow, bordered by palm swamp, forest, and swamp caused by the dam. There was also open water at the far NW side of the meadow. Upshot were up to 10 maguaris troop, an unknown number of southern screamer, plumbeous (Cuff-necked) ibis, zero-two, uncountable numbers of vermillion-crested flycatchers and conclusively, some tistade flycatchers and others. Also overhead flew a large flight - perhaps 45 - muscovy duck. We walked along the SW side of the meadow and then headed back to the cabins upon reaching the dam. The forest on this side of the meadow was dense, high (30-40') and green; not the typical monte. Pteropus pigeon roosts in the higher trees of the forest (and in all of the surrounding monte). We shot several of these to augment the charata (chacluba) as well as a few white-tipped doves. Their breasts were delicious, although minuscule. # The afternoon of the 28th, we went to a nearby retiro for the Rincon Charrova ranch (Retiro Loma Jhovy) for Phil's bat work. At the gate house to the main ranch (Km 275) we were offered a red-legged sercima for sale, and told that it had been caught in the nearby monte.
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SP Myers 1973 Journal July 29 Trans-Chaco Highway between Km 275 and Km 420; Dept's Pro Hayes and Dept Boqueron, Paraguay We left the Rincon Charrua at 9AM; clear sky, 5°C approx at dawn. A truck had gone through a bridge several kms to NW and delayed us for a short while. Arrived at experimental station (Km 295) around 10:30am. Met with friends of Phil. Left about noon, and drove through to Km 420. Weather remained good the whole way, reaching 20°C. I recorded flock size of monk parakeets seen along road. Saw 2 laughing falcon, one crimson headed woodpecker. Reached 420 in evening, set up nets and camp. Shot several guinea pigs. There were many flocks of crested horneos foraging in the road before and during dusk. Shot one to identify but did not prepare. During the evening (approx 7:30 pm) there were many Noctilio flying over a tajamar by the road. They were hitting the pond several times in one sweep, with hits separated by less than 20 cm. Two or three bats would hit the pond at almost simultaneous times, 2 going in one direction and the other in the opposite (the shape of the pond made only 2 approaches possible, both parallel to the road.) Phil said that he had never seen them so dense. Perched above the same pond was a scree owl - very small ears, quite vigorous. Did not identify. July 30 Km 420 Trans Chaco W of Via Hayes, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay Heard several pugnary owls at dawn, saw none. Sky clear, little wind, temp ~10°C. Just to the W of camp beyond the tajamar there was a small dirt road leading off to the north. It was used recently by 6x4. I followed this in ~200 m till I reached a still smaller road leading off to the W, which I took. Through the scrub I saw a great rufous woodcreeper. Also 2 jays (perhaps plush-crested) and a narrow-billed woodcreeper. They were close, but not obviously moving together.
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SP Nuyers 1973 Journal July 30 cont’d 420 Km W of Via Hayes by road, Dept. Boqueron, Paraguay. Small down sized woodpeckers (of ladder back style) were in cactus — the cactus — a cylindropuntia according Phil — is common here, growing to 20’ and in places quite close together. The woods here is continuous (as opposed to at Chanute when it was interspersed with palm swamp) and much thicker. More succulents and many more spined species of plant. It is very difficult to move through without machete or previously made trail. The wild pineapple is less dense where it occurs. Most of the trees are lower but dispersed amongst the dominant scrub are large (30-40’) trees which may be Palo Santo. Crested hornbills are common and quite visible along the trans-chaco. Also there are 2 species of saltator. One — probably a buff throated saltator. Trans-chaco highway 420 Km W — 475 Km W, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay. Drove from mid morning through to early afternoon. Passed through F. (adelfia) and stopped there for supplies. Laughing falcon few km E of F. adelfia. Again, I recorded more parakeet flock size. Temp rose to 31°C. Clear, strong wind picked up out of W. 475 Km W of Via Hayes by road, Dept. Boqueron Paraguay. Chose campsite by road. No water but there are dried tajamaras nearby. Some mosquitoes, many flies and stinger bees. Clouding up. Saw a crimson headed woodpecker working over one of the large trees (35’) nearby. The forest here is very similar to that at 420 Km, except for the increased diversity of cactus and spined plants. Some of them are really quite vicious. There is one common one which spreads across the ground in large patches: one by camp is 8’x4’ but less than 4” high. Leaves are oblong 5cm long, narrow and flat. Spines
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SP Meyers 1943 Journal July 30 dentfld 474 Km W of Villalager, by road, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay grow from buds - 3-4/bud with over 20 buds/leaf. spines are variable length, some up to 3cm; the spines are sturdy enough to stick to leather boots and resist removal. The shrubbery is equally armed; Here the cylindrocentia is [illegible] closer together than there it was at 420. At least four species of parrot, 2 large (one long tailed) and 2 small. Rufous and crested horneros; the species of tyrant that I observed flocking in Rincon Chavua (7-27) and collected - flocking here again but in smaller groups (2-3 birds); flocks of gruit cebler, a small ferrard - perhaps spinelled - in flocks, chochelaca. Phil and I went night lighting after dark but saw only one [illegible] and a small armadillo which Phil had not seen and collected it. Stayed warm all night, closely July 31 Dawn overcast, warm - in 90's or 80% F. 3 deer seen after road. Chochelaca, crimson headed woodpecker. Parrots. Saw thru door (gyrrod), one pygmy owl, either ferrugineous or least being mobbed by arrived flock of gruit ceblers. Heard at least three within earshot of campsite. 474 Km W of Villalager & Asuncion, Left's Boqueron, Proo. Hayes, + Central, Paraguay Left camp at 10:30 with clouds becoming imminent. Arrived Filadelfia 11:45, then stayed to eat lunch and shop (stores did not was closed 11:30-2). Left Fila 2pm, drove to Rincon Chavua, arriving at dusk. Stayed there until 8 pm and then drove August 1 through night until reaching ferry at 4:15. 15th July 5:30. Asuncion by 6:45. Aug 24 1 Km S of Villalger on dock over Paraguay River, Dept central, Paraguay ~10 small shorbirds flying N. seen for less than 3 seconds. Cold de Pectorals - Searched but saw no more.
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JPM Myers 1973 Journal 12 Aug 25 17 Km E of Yague by road Dept Central Paraguay went out from house with Lois and mother at 6:4M (dawn around 6:30) for light bird watching. Dawn clear. Predawn sky was clear (stars visible from house) but very strong wind (min of 35 mph) out of south. Temp at 8:20 = 63°F. By 6:4M sky was overcast, with, heavy cloud cover moving fast. Major event of trip was sighting of first [illegible] confirmed sandpipers - Pectorals in a wet grassy field just past the last bridge (headed east) over the river, a few hundred yards before the road gate. The field is briefly described under Pectoral entry. My suspicions that the shorebird seen yesterday by Villeta were Pectorals is reinforced. They were definitely sandpipers of the right size. Today also saw 6 rhea a few km beyond. The sandpiper [illegible] side in a bunch not far from the road. 2 sp. of plover, including 2 flocks of monk parakeet which I recorded. Two-tino, a snipe fighting the wind, diving, and making some typical snipe-like sounds, only 3 jacana (2 adult + 1 juvenile) and other wire typical fare for this road, except somewhat unimproved, perhaps because of the gusty wind, the birds were much more active at 8:30 than at 6:30. Aug 26 Out at dawn w/Lois. Returned to field 17 km east Yague. 54°, windy, but nowhere near as strong as yesterday. Overcast, wind out of SSE. Got to site at 7:15. Shorebirds there. Flock of 20 [illegible] whistling ibis. Largest abundance of shorebirds (SB) Flying at a given time was ~50. This is one flock of ~20
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JP Myers 1973 Journal 13 July 26 cast 17 Km E of Luque, by road, Dept Central, Paraguay Birds which appears to be fairly coherent in its movements. There are a few smaller groups which joined with the large one to form that ~50 bird flock. Most birds are of the same size + in flight look like Pectorals. At no time did they approach closer than 100 yds though, so through binos, given my as yet unfamiliar eye for calidrids, they may or may not be what I think they are. When they land most disappear into the grass, which is like that of yesterday. With the scope I can occasionally pick one out. One walked within 2' of a southern lapwing (in front of) and it was considerably smaller than the S.L. therefore it was not a yellowlegs. But a few times some of the birds flashed all white tails (not when flying). This is confusing, - therefore positive ID awaits a closer approach + confirmation. Tink-take flycatcher was foraging nearby in very similar (if not identical) habitat. We drove on to San Bernardino (less than 10 km) and found no other SB, nor any similar habitat. Did watch a spectacled tyrant forage for a while. Aug Aug 29 Trans chaco highway Km 0-300 Dept Potosi Paraguay left Asuncion at 6am with Phil + crew and Lois, caught Piquete-cve ferry at 8am. temp 58°F at 6am. Sky 100% clear, slight breeze, from SSW/Th. Took data on work parakeet flocks throughout trip. Watched along road for shorbird (but saw none). Fewer shorks than last time (no jaloira) nothing exceptional (but then!) We did not dally very long for birdwatching. Arrived at the retiro of Eaton's ranch at Km 300 where Weeal's crew et.al are staying (approx 1km north of Trans Chaco Highway) at 8:30 1530pm. Weather remained beautiful for the whole trip. Km 300 W of Villa Hayes at Retiro on Eaton's Ranch, 1 km NE of Trans Chaco highway near Rio Verde river, Dept Potosi, Paraguay Just after arriving a flock of 16 shorbirds flew SE south past
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JPNyiers 1973 Journal 14 Km 300 W of Villa Hayes at Retiro on Eaton's Ranch 1 Km NE of trans- chaco highway, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay Aug29 cont'd camp (3:45 pm). While I was at the car getting equipment to go out, Phil said that he saw another (or the same) flock flying in the opposite direction, and others to the north near the lagoon. He said they were not yellowlegs. Lois and I went out; we followed the S side of the lagoon to the S going all the way around (several hundred meters to the end of the lagoon from the camp), then back up the other side until it curves off to the east. At a point less than 100 m past the place where the lagoon curves east, we found a crossing, and worked back to the camp along the W shore, headed south. Mudflats are located only in a few places NW of the retiro. The most extensive series of mudflats are at the point where the northern end of the lagoon curves to the east, and for some distance (150 yds) to the S from that end. Both sides (E+W) have mud. It is here that we found the shorebird landed. I could not get a very good look at them, but enough to see that there were at least 3 species (6 yellowlegs + 2 small), and that I would need the scope. By this time clouds were coming out of the west, + the sun was setting. Wind light. The birds were too spooky to be collected. Also seen in the marsh (+ relevant to shorebird): many jacanas, several pairs of terso terns, kiskadees, vermillion-crowned flycatchers. Also louisiana heron, giant wood rail, guira cuckoo, monk parakeets, whistling heron, maguari stork, vermillion flycatcher, white- necked heron, smooth billed ani, etc. Will make a detailed survey.
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JP Myers 1943 Journal 15 At northern end of lagoon, near Retiro on Eaton's Ranch, 1 km of Trans Chaco Highway, 300 Km W of Villa Hayes, Dept Pro Hayes, Paraguay Aug 30 See map of location, Aug 29. Bob and I left camp at 6:30 9m and walked to northern end of lagoon. 100% overcast, slight S wind, temp = 58°F. Shorebird there again. This time I came with scope (but again w/o Peterson.) When we left at 6:25 there were 5 SB flying along east side of lagoon 6:35 at N end 6 Yleap 6 smaller sp. 6:45 6 more small sandpipers came in some of the little SBs are definitely White-rumped (C. fusicollis) too. 2 on beach in front at 6:45. Somewhat I found a Pectoral feeding with 3 Yleap. on Nw end. One more C.fusici. appeared just when the others left. At 7:25 still sandpiper (Micropluma himantopus) came in w/ Yleap. We tried to shoot some of the birds but were too far w/ 410+ dust shot. Went back to camp at 7:30 after having chased everything away. Two adult teal + 11 ducklings in lagoon. Trail to Rio Berce from Retiro on Eaton's Ranch, 1 km W of Trans Chaco Highway, 300 Km W of Villa Hayes, Dept Pro Hayes, Paraguay At 9:00 Phil, Lora, Lou, Filipa-i + I walked to river from camp. River is such only infrequently, now being a series of interconnected salt pools, bordered by cracked wald, mud, salicornyx (or the local substitute) and running through very thick Prosopis aculeata Prosopis aculeata. A herd of 25-30 collared peccaries crossed the river just as we arrived. Slight wind, overcast. After chasing the peccaries unsuccessfully we headed S along river. Soon saw a solitary sandpiper (T. solitaria). chased it for 1/2 mile but could not collect. No other sandpipers seen in river. 1 Kiskadee foraging along banks, 2 tree ducks, incredible number of mammal tracks: mata lion, tapir, capybara, crab-eating racoon, small cat, fox, deer, paca, gypson. Many were fresh. The water contains a great deal of swimming invertebrate life, and I am surprised that there were no other bird species using it. We walked back along the same route and in coming. Temperature getting up, cloud cover still complete, wind also rising from south.
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal North end of lagoon near retiro at Edebo Ranch (1 Km N of trans-chaco road, 300 km NW Villa Hayes, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay Aug 31 cont'd 8 peeps 0844 did not stop going south. At about this time a flock of Cardinals (2) and Vermillion crowned flycatchers started feeding in the mud, on the clier vegetation, and some on plants in the water. The flock was fairly coherent, spread over 20' x 10' of shore. [illegible] 0650 [illegible] 4 Yegs almost landed but we were putting up nets + they moved on south. [illegible] 0740 - 3 Yegs headed south. 0755 a large harrier flew low over the marsh, Taucanas scattered in front of it, calling loudly, the few terns flew up to meet it, a long-winged harrier. 8:10 Robin - lila thrush. Vermillion flycatcher on perch since 07:30. I [illegible] set up nets [illegible] extending out across mud flats and sat in nearby scrub watching until 08:30. No SB's showed any sign of landing. At 0830 I reefed the nets, chased off a herd of cows away, and went back to the house. Wind picking up. 65°F by 0815. 4 Yegs flew by just as I was leaving. Trans chaco Road Km 300 - 455 NW of Villa Hayes, Dept Bogocoron, Paraguay Sept 1 left @ retiro at Edebo ranch at 0800, driving NW along trans-chaco w/ Phil et al + Lois. Temp 42°F at 0600. I had checked the NW end of the lagoon at the victors before leaving and there again were 200 migrant SB's. Sky clean, no breeze. Saw solitary sandpiper at km 320, another at ~340 and a third at 365. The last one we collected w/ #6 shot. All these birds were along the edge of the pond which lies the road. Every one that we saw was on a muddy area of one of the ponds there was very few birds when compared with the number of site which looked appropriate, i.e. many mud flats were without these solitary sandpipers. A 4th SB was seen at about 380. No other species of SB seen, except local residents i.e. tern + jaecana. [illegible] 2 sorimina at 425, together
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Trans-chaco road, km 455 - 540 NW of Villa Hayes, Dept. Boqueron Paraguay Sept 2 Spent part of the early morning walking along road w/Lois near camp. The one patch of water (10' x 15', 4" deep, surrounded by mud and fairly obscured by trees) showed no sign of shorebirds. There was a swallow-tailed hummingbird. We followed a small, old jeep trail north from the road for about 1 km. Vegetation was much more open than I expected, with several patches of grass (largest 100' diameter) along the way. Otherwise it was thorn scrub, ground cover often wild pineapple. Shade height < 10', but occasional large trees (palo borracho, palo santo) thrown in. Walked until we came across a cultivated field, then returned. Saw very little in the way of birds, but I was concentrating on camera. We left camp around 10am and started west again, with the intent of reaching teniente Ochoa. Just east of Mariscal Estigarribia the terrain started having perceptible topographic variation, gently rolling w/ a few sharp breaks. Cactus becomes much more evident, perhaps because of the effect of heavy usage or more useful trees/plants. Absolutely no water by road until less than 5 km east of Mariscal, when all of a sudden there were a number of pools by the road, + in Mariscal a good sized one. No shorebirds. West of Mariscal it starts to dry up again, although judging from the effort that has gone into building bridge on the road, and from very evident washes, it must be wet sometime. Vegetation changing, becoming more open, looks as if the thorn scrub may begin to open up
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Trans charo road Km 455-540 NW of Villa Hayes, Dept. Boqueron, Paraguay Sept2 contd However we were told by Wayne Lovett of Wetzel's expedition that around teniente Ochoa the prist is very thick and quite high. Unfortunately, we were neverable to verify this, as the baby got sick and we had to turn back cerca Km 540. Returned to Km 465 for night, arriving at dusk. We saw 7 Patagonian hages on trip back, 4 west of Mariscal (2 pairs) and 3 at Km 465. tried unsuccessfully to collect. No showbirds seen all day. Trans charo road Km 465-300 NW of Villa Hayes, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay Sept 3 at dawn walked w/lais along road and along a clearing (by fence line) ~1 km SE from comp. 1 screa perched in tree. A ? mixed flock of plush-crested jaap, 2 acteids, + one dendrocolaptid. Much vocal activity by saltators, on every few hundred feet or less singing. It was a fairly warm night, morning clear + a light breeze. Broke camp at 9 and drove to Filadelfia, then on toward Wetzel's crew's camp (the line camp at km 300). At pond where we had camped 7-29-73, ~1 pm Km 420 collected one greater yellowlegs. If were there w/ a what may have been a solitary say's pipe but I didn't get a good look. As on the way out, solitary's were fairly common in roadside ponds, never more than 1/pond. Phil cataloged the 4 legs. In the area around 365 km there were a more extensive series of tajamanes + the number of soldanies increased. Then we found a flock of 4 pectorals One jalaire at Km 590 swamp
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JPMyers 1943 Journal Trans-chaco road, Km 465 - 300 NW of Villa Hayes by Dept Bogueron, Paraguay 1pm Sept 3 contd at km 365, a few hundred meters from where I had collected a solitary on Sept 7. They were not feeding, perched but just sitting on the mud a few feet inches Got 2 w/one shot. The area around 365 was a large (at least 1km in diameter) open field with water visible only by road. Saw several small groups of other birds flying nearby. Continued on to Km 320 where we turned in to Juan Zalazar to look at some ponds Wayne had said had birds. Less than 1 km from trans chaco (south toward headquarters) The driveway goes between to large medium sized ponds, bounded by mud + dried mud, ~200' long + 100' deep with more water on the other side of the dried flat mud (~200' acres), the other pond bordered by vegetation. On the former pond it's muddy and spew) over onto the pond behind (east) of it, was a stock of 17 golden plovers + 2 or 3 small semi-palm- like plover (positive ID pending collection). Watched for a few minutes + saw about to collect when 2 buff- brained sandpipers flew into the edge of the pond. Collected both of them. [illegible] Returned to line camp + spent evening stuffing birds (0130) Evening was even warmer than the previous night, with insects remaining active throughout.
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J P Myers 1973 Journal Trans-chaco at Km 320 to Campo Flores, ~50 Km E of trans chaco by road, Dept Boqueron Paraguay Sept 4 The manager at Juan Zalagar had asked Phil + Martin to visit Campo Flores, a victiro for Juan Zalagar, where 15 cattle had died within the last few days of something looking like bovine rabies. We drove out in Phil's car + Wayne + Martin's jeep along a road which not too far from the t-chaco changed to a cowpath. Trip took 3 hrs one way. Very strong WNE wind. temp warm. No clouds but much dust in the air. Within the 1st ten Km the road goes by an amazing amount of water, including 2 very healthy sized lakes, one over 1 km across. Also numerous tajamayas. Collected 1 Wilson's phalerope near the second lake). Then the water disappears, although the amount of palm swamp (now dried) traversed suggests that at other times of the year it is quite wet. The only other places where there was any standing water seen there by intermediate retiros where a lot of bulldozing had been done to make tajamayas + d reservoirs. We had planned on spending the night at Campo Flores but the wind indicated that rain was not too far off (as early as that night, probably within a day or two) so we turned back. At C Flores I saw a few peeps flying in the distance, one solitary, and 2 golden plovers on the airstrip. That morning as we had stopped at the headquarters at Juan Zalagar, and exactly where I got the buffiris yesterday I got 2 white-rumps today. At CF I spent most of my time preparing one, so few croo little opportunity to explore the nearby large reservoir. On the way back (left-CF at 330) we reached Cora-i, a large intermediate.
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5P Myers 1943 Journal 22 Trans-chaco at Km 320 to Campo Flores, ~30km E of Trans- chaco by road, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay. Sept 4 contd retiro 2 hours from the trans-chaco at • 1630. Immediately I saw 2 buffie flying + through bino's several more on a field of short grass, but the consensus was to push on. Another Wilson's phalarope at the same place the 1st one was collected at ~1730. Many chachalaca on the road. Got 2 deer, saw 2 more. Reached transchaco at • 1810, dusk. Returned to camp + put up birds. Lagoon on Balagar driveway, 0.5 Km S of trans- chaco, 320 Km NW Villa Hayes, Dept Boqueron, Paraguay Sept 5 At dacon Lois + I drove from line camp to lagoon where I'd gotten the buffies Sept 4 and the white-rumped Sept 5. Arrived 0645. 6 lesser Yeggs + 1 W. phalarope. 15 minute later 1 white-rumped and 1 semipalmover showed. Then 2 more semi-palm plowers. the Yeggs + phalarope flew across the road to the other pond, both landed at the edge (only 2 Yeggs) + then returned. Collected WR + one semi-plover. Returned to line camp and then packed to go home. Wind very strong from north. Hazy with dust but no clouds. Warm at dawn, in 60°F at least. See white-rumped species account for better description above habitat Transchaco road Km 300 - O.W of Villa Hayes, Dept Pres. Hayes, Paraguay Started for home at • 0930. Wind staying strong, clear. The amazing thing about the trip was that we saw NO sandpipers between Rio Verde + Villa Hayes, despite concerted & fully consistent effort. After the experience Sept 3 west of Km 300 this is very surprising, especially in light of the much greater amount of water available east
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JPMayers 1943 Journal Trans-chaco highway Km300 - O W of Villa Hayes, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay Sept 5 cont'd Rio Verde (Km300) as compared to that available west of Rio Verde. By far the greatest density (not all that great) was in the vicinity of Juan Zulayar, but there were birds to the west. (and according to Greg Schmidt, ornithologist in Wetzel's party last year, time or many birds at Temecuit Ochoa). The situation to the east is not expected. It may result from the possibility that the only water to the west is near the road, and results from human activity, whereas to the east water is abundant. This would result in birds being much more visible in the west. But I would have expected at least some birds to the east, even if only flying. Certainly the poodon tajamares are not that different in appearance or size. Perhaps the amount of emergent vegetating along the periphery of the eastern ones is greater. One difference is that in the surrounding habitat, toward the west the monte is more prominent, while palm swamps dominate in the east. At Zulayar, the country was more open than elsewhere, neither p-swamps, nor monte for large areas around the water. That was also true at 365. Therein lie 2 possibilities - 1) that the observed distribution pattern is not true, that birds are equally common in the east but less visible because of habitat differences + the increased abundance of water away from the road. 2) that it is true, and that it results from some unknown reason(s). Among these may be 1) some habitat difference in the microflora that I did not
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Transchaco highway Km 300 -> O W of Villa Hayes by road, Dept. Pres. Hayes, Paraguay Sept 5 cont'd detect, 2) a change in the amount of available mud flat, or 3) a result of migration pattern, with mostly the bird shunting through West Paraguay. N.A. Shorebirds seen on the trip (Aug 29 - Sept 5) Lesser Y legs (collected) Greater Y legs (collected) Solitary Sandpiper (collected) Golden Plover semi palin or Plover (collected) - rotted Buff breasted Sandpiper (collected) White rumped Sandpiper (collected) Pectoral Sandpiper (collected) Stilt Sandpiper Blue Wilson's Phalarope (collected) A striking thing about all my shorebirds was the similarity of the places in which I saw them. There were differences - see species accounts - but my overriding impression was that they were in the same places, or at least more so than I originally expected. This impression will probably change as my eye becomes more attuned. attuned. But nonetheless, at one site (??) I collected (on different day but within feet of the same place) (BBS, WRS, P, and saw three LYL, WP, and GP + SS. (this was at Juan Zalazar). If I return there, I would profit from remaining + observing rather than the hectic collection efforts which occupied my time so.
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JP Myers 1943 Journal Laguna las Flores Grande Rio Salado at Puente Romero, 27 km SW of San Miguel del Monte by road, Partido del Monte, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 15 Arrived at marsh just east of bridge (Puente Romero) around 1000 w/ Lota, M.A.E. Rumboll, + Jorge Rodriguez Mata There had been a heavy frost the previous night, clear, this with or morning it was clear, wind from NE (15-20 mph), + cool - temp in 50°F's. We circled the marsh by car 1st to the north + then back around to the south, both times heading west from the bridge. On the south the Rio + the marsh are both salt. There is some flood marsh starting up in this, the spring, but much of it is a low dead grass, open water, or fairly empty salt flat (upon closer examining the flat even found to be sparsely covered by a grazed stubble. The water line has obviously been much higher + most of the land that is within 30 yds of water is muddy enough to be slipping to walk or drive on, even tho there is a powder on the plants - dust because of the lack of recent rain. We went from the north side of the bridge out west along the N shore for ~2 km until stopped by a fence. Only shorebirds seen 2 flocks of Hudsonian godwits, and many BW Stilt (of course lapwings). This shore had no exposed mud to speak of, with the water running up to just into a thick grass ~8" high. We then returned + went along the S edge out to the point where the Rio Salado flows towards the marsh.
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J P Myers 1943 Journal Laguna las Flores Grande Rio Salado at Puente Romero, 424 Km SW of San Miguel del Monte, Pro. del Monte, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 15 cont'd This side of the marsh has a much more gradual slope, a much sparser + shorter vegetation, + as arcult - there are several places which approach being mudflats. About 450M W of the road, near the SW most part of the border we found a flock of N52 [illegible] small shorebirds: there were 52 altogether, at least 9 Bairds, 1 Zonibyx, 8 W phalarope, and the rest - perhaps 50 or so, Wumped. The flock moved together, both along the edge on foot, + when it flew. We stayed there for N20 minute working on distinction between WE + B, + then went on to the point where the Rio enters the marsh, beyond which we could not pass. From there we could see a large expanse of short vegetation in water - open water - mud (very little) mixed habitat. 1 flock of N25 WR + Baird (both species present but absolute count or not? not estimable.) Also 1 Negro (G-or L?) foraging near a G Plover (?). 2 separate flocks of Stilt Sandpipers, one of 13, the other 5. Many BNSTilts, a few H Godwits. (We saw several large Trolley + G-(up to 32) individuals in one) along the S. shore on the way to the point). Other things of interest will be summarized by a list from Maurice at the end of the trip. We did see here, however, a pair of great grebes w/3 young ~ several weeks old. This means that the breeding season is along
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JPN Myers 1973 Journal 29 laguana has three Grandes on Rio Salado at Puente Romero, ~27 Km SW of San Miguel del Monte, Partido del Monte, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 15 cont'd further than I expected. M Runnoll says that lapwings are breeding from July on to November; we have seen snail kites today carrying nesting material, corondoro pygmy engaged in flight song, and found vultures horned and partially built. One overwhelming feature of pampa bird life is the density of barnswings owls. I shall have to make calculations - but in a good field there might be 3 or 4 visible along 100 yds of roadway + less than 100 yds trade. And good fields are common. Two-to's - the lapwings - are also extraordinarily frequent, + a calculation must be made. Over thing, Lago San Lorenzo ~15 Km W of Castelli by road Sept 16 We have stopped by the road on our way from a campsite about 30 km W of here toward Goal La Valle where MR's family has an instancia. Last night the strong NE wind stopped and it cleared over almost completely. At dawn there was very little clear sky visible (<5%). No wind. Warm - in mid 50's the road here goes close to the S end of the marsh (it is the old road - dirt + little sized), going over a spit of water which has a marsh about it. Clouds are starting to break up at 08:00 + a slight SSE wind. Many shorebirds are flying over toward the South: Piedral, wR, Bards, Siltspiper, Y-legs, Hooded, goldenplover. We stayed at this spot for 30 minutes, leaving at 0817. I may be mistaking some of the
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JPM Myers 1973 Journal Lago San Lorenzo, ~15 km W of Castelli by road, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept/16 cont'd Skinde which I called Stilt Spipers which were actually Yllep for Stilt Spipers (I am taking data from tape) but with that in mind the numbers of flying birds over that pt are interesting : approx Stilt spipers (for Yllep) - 1+3+4+10+5+10+4+4=51 banded-white rumped - 20+20+3+6+5 =54 precreal Hogshuit -15 =15 G-plower -1+2 =3 Wilson ph -10 =10 fallinays 1 =1 the water over which the bridge passes at this point F136 is a spit coming off of Lago San Lorenzo, a lake whose main body lies to the N of the road. To the South it extends in a much narrower channel, with small borders of marsh quickly ending in typical Pampas grasslands. The marsh-lake to the north has on it both species of swan (the b-mixed are w/young, Arowan several ducks, at least 3 icterids, etc. See the list given Sept 17, as it includes birds seen today in summary form. by road ~10 km W of Castelli, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina. We have stopped by the road in order to look at flights of golden plovers passing over. See G-P. species accent for numerical data - the site is amidst plowed+grazed fields.
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JPMayers 1973 Journal 29 Sept16 contd 200 yds W of intersection of Canal 2 and Route 11, W of Canal La Valle, [illegible] Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina We stopped by a low area in the grasslands which is filled with water at 1240. There is a large group of mixed shorebirds numbering between 200 and 300 birds feeding along the edge of the water + in it. Short grass (<5") surrounds the puddle, acres of it to the south as it is in a grazed field. The grass continues up to the edge of standing water, and into it, until the water reaches 2-3" in depth. Then the grass cuts out, + there is little vegetation. A few reeds occur in the deeper areas, as well as some tall dead weeds (3' high). Took a 2 1/4" photo (EX 120-3 #12) Birds sighted there: C. melahotus, C. fuscicollis, perhaps C. baudii, but not positive, G. plover, G + L Ylcap, M. himantopos, BN Stilt, Brown headed gull, H Godwits, Wind has changed to S, cloud cover breaking up - 30% temp in mid 50's to low 60's Punta Raga along lee side, ~10 km N of San Clemente del Tuyu on Cabo San Antonio, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina we arrived at 1445 with tide just starting to go out. by 1530 there is 50' of exposed beach. while sitting + eating lunch a sandpiper landed in front of us, as did 2 G plovers. S Black (brown) Albatross are visible over the point + out several hundred yds to sea (the Atlantic!). 2 American septercatchers also. Walking south along lee shore: [illegible] 40-50 GP, 1 ruddy turnstone, a few Scotland plovers in winter plumage, WR, several sandpipers, and 2 C. canutus. Many Royal tern, some South American tern.
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3P Myers 1943 Journal Several hundred yds S of light house, Punta Raya, Way San Clemente del Tuyu, Cabo San Antonio, Pucia de BA, Argentina Sept 16 cont'd After walking along the lee shore W of the light house (previous locale) we drove (vork S and around the lighthouse, parked, and walked north along the beach. Tide is way out, now ~ 1645, with 30 yds at least of exposed mud, extending out from the raised land where vegetation begins before reaching water. Most of the mud has a surface sheen of water. (Whimbrel, 3 ruddy turnstone, [illegible] golden plover knot, 15-2 collared plovers (falklandicus) 39 peeps 20+ godwits all WR probably. These birds are distributed over a piece of beach which is described by an arc 600' radius and 20° [illegible] water Most of that is mud without water on it. I have data on the distribution of three birds relative to water. It is in their respective species accounts. Of interest was the fact that falklandicus tended to be more toward the water than Calidris. Most of these birds were feeding, with some resting for preening. Summary-field trip in NE section of BA province near San Miguel del Monte, Gral La Valle, and San Clemente del Tuyu, Pucia de Buenos Aires Argentina Sept 14-17 (Add details in Journal for specific Lois, Maurice Rumford, Pablo Canevari, and Jorge Rodriguez date for details Mate (for Monk area) left BA Friday evening and returned. Journal see specific [illegible] Monday morning. We traveled ~1020 Kms, going from
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SPMyers 1973 Journal Summary of field trip in NE BA province near San Miguel del Monte, Gnal La Valle, and San Clemente del Tuyu, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 16-17 BA to San Miguel del Monte [where we spent friday evening], from there to San Clemente del Tuyu, stopping en route just west of Castelli for Saturday evening, and back to Gnal La Valle for Sunday night. Monday morning we returned to BA via the coast road through La Plata. The following species were identified: Rhea americana - by road on Route 11 near Esquina de Crotto, ~20 Nothura maculosa - seen ahead throughout trip Podiceps major - San Miguel del Monte (SMM), at G.L., and SC at sea Podiceps rolland - SMM and GL Podilymbus podiceps - SMM abundant, GL less so but present Diomedea melanophrys - 4-8 seen at SC at sea Phalacrocorax olivaceus - 1 at SC Ardea cocoi - all over, solitary, 8 all told Egretta alba - all over Egretta thula - all over Ixobrychus involucris - one at GL Euxenura maguari - all over Plegadis chihi - flights at SMM, less common at GL Ajaia ajaia - 100 in flock near GL, appear to be nesting in tide Phoenicopterus chilensis - 28 at SMM, 4 juv. Chauna torquata - all over, most at GL Cygnus melancoryphus - all over, large chicks seen at GL Coscoroba coscoroba - lots at GL, in pairs, SMM Dendrocygna bicolor - flights at SMM.
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Summary of field trip in NE BA province near San Miguel del Monte (SMM), Ondavalle (GL) and San Clemente del Tuyú (SC), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 14-17 Dendrocygna viduata - 19 SMM M'd - for details in Anas georgica - thousands, mostly in flocks at SMM, pairs at GL Journal ace specific Anas versicolor - pairs all over, commoner at GL Anas flavirostris - prs all over, " " " Anas sibilatrix - prs all over, but few. GL-10pr. SMM-1 Anas plataea - prs at SMM, 1 pr at GL Anas cyanoptera - prs at SMM and GL Netta pepoacca - a few prs all over Oxyura vihata - 2 or in breeding plumage, GL Circus buffoni - 2 at SMM, 1 at GL Circus cinereus - common at GL, 1 imm, ~10 adults in prs Rupornis magnirostris - one at SMM, two along Rode 11 Elanus leucurus - sparsely all over Rostrhamus sociabilis - very abundant all over SMM, GL and R11 Milvago chimango - most common at SMM but everywhere else too Poliborus plancus - common at GL, one SMM, nesting building but not occupied Aramus guarauna - heard at GL and SMM Fulica leucocephala - all over SMM and GL Fulica armillata - ao F.L. but many less Fulica rufifrons - one at GL Gallinula chloropus - one at GL, two at SMM Porphyrio melanops - prs at GL Rallus panguinolentus - heard at Magdelenia Aramides ypecaha - 4 at Magdelenia, lots heard Haematopus palliatus - pairs at GL, SC
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J D Myers 1943 Journal Summary of field trip in NE BA province near San Miguel del Monte (SMM), Gnal La Valle (GL) and San Clemente del Tuyu (SC) Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 14-17 Vanellus chilensis - all over at incredible densities [illegible] - for details in journal on specific Charadrius falklandicus - common at GL Rostratula modestus one at SMM with pegs Pluvialis dominicus - all over near coast, few at SMM Gallinago gallinago - one GL Calidrisfuscicollis - lots at GL; SMM, near SC Calidris bairdii at least 9 at SMM Calidris canutus 5 GL Calidris melanotos at least 10 east of Castelli Micropalama himantopus SMM + GL Arenaria interpres - 4 at @ SC Calidris (illegible) alba - 3 at GL Tringa melanoleuca - GL + SMM Tringa flavipes - GL + SMM Steganopus tricolor - SMM + GL Neimenni phaepus - rare at SC Lunio haemastica - common SC and GL and SMM Himantopus himantopus - SMM (abundant) and GL (less so) Larus belcheri - adu + imm at SC Larus dominicanus - SMM + GL Larus ridibundus - SMM + GL Larus cirrocephalus - only SMM Sticta maxima - ~50 at SC Columba pica (illegible) - common, nesting of chele Columba maculosa - SMM + GL
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JPMayers 1943 Journal Summary of field trip in WE BA province near San Miguel del Monte (SMM), Gral La Valle (GL), and San Clemente del Tuyu (SC) Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 14-17 Zenaidura auriculata - all over (col) - for detail annual in specific date Columbina picui - SMM, GL, Route 11 Leptotila verreauxi - GL and Route 11 Myopsitta monachus - SMM and GL Guira guira - SMM, GL, Route 11 Tyto alba - SMM, GL Speotitis cucullaria - very common at SMM, some GL and Route 11 Asio flammeus - SMM Ceryle torquata - GL Colaptes campestris - SMM, GL and R11 Chrysophilus melanolaemus - SMM + R11 (near Magdela) Furnarius rufus - all over - Building ovens Spartonoica maluroides SC. GL only one Anumbius annumbi - all over Phacellotomus sibilatrix SC and Magdela Asthene huiloi - one at SC Seropophaga migratoria - NW of GL Pitangus sulphuratus - all over Machetornis rixosa - a few all over Hymenops peropicillata - a few everywhere Lessonia rufa - 1 at SMM, one at GL Phytotoma rutila - Route 11 only Africana cyanoleuca - SMM + GL Tachycineta leucorrhoa - few at SMM, many GL + R11 Troglodytes aedon - at SMM + GL
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Summary of Field trip in NE BA province near San Miguel del Monte (SMM), General La Vallle (GL) and San Clemente del Tuyu, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sept 14-17 or details see specific dates Minino saturninus - SMM, GL and R11 Minino trivirius GL, R11 Turdus rufiventris GL Poliophtla dunicola - one at GL Anthus corvenden - common at SMM. +GL Amblyramphus holoceniceus - GL, RT 11 Agelaius thilius - SMM, GL, still flocking Pseudoleistes verscens - abundant at GL, R11 Molothrus bonariensis SMM, GL, R11 Molothrus rufoaxillaris - SMM, GL Molothrus badius, GL RT 11, SMM Zonotrichia capensis - all over Embernagna platensis - one at SMM, lots GL, R11 Donacospiza albifrons - pair at SE Sicalis luteola SMM, GL Spinus magellanicus 18?, R11 Xolmis coronata - R11 one only Chlorostilbon lucidus - one heard at Magdeleno Limnornites rectirostris - heard at Magdeleno 9/14/73 BA -> SMM Monte at night 9/15/73 around SMM and to campsite on Lago San Lorenzo via Pila 9/16/73 San Lorenzo to Cadelli, Dolores, Conoca, Pte La Colorada, San Clemente to Punta Raya and back to La Esperanza 9/17/73 return to BA via Route 11
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JPMyers 1943 Journal 10 Km NE of Mephy, at Laguna los Iternaldes, Proia de Santa Fe Argentina 23 September 60s and I went with MRumboll, Otto E Hohn, and Edward Shaw to LosHernaldes, a large marsh-lagoon where Hohn is studying black-headed ducks. @ the day was clear, windy, and warm (60's). We went to a ranch at the east side of the lagoon in order to get a boat, then spent 2 hrs rowing west through past a tick swamp (filled with nesting white-faced ibis, brown headed gulls, coy billed pochards, great, red-billed, and co's rolland's grike etc) in order to reach an island in the center. On the way we collected 3 black- headed ducks. On the island there is a house (abandoned), a coral, water trough, and a small group of horses. Here we found white-cumped , Piedbald , and perhaps a few Baird's sandpipers, as well as greater+ lesser ylegs, Wilson's phalarope, and many nesting black-necked stilts. I watched the pipers for a short time (before trying to collect (at which point they uncooperatively flew away). For the amount of habitat present there was a disappointingly small number of birds present. This had proved to be the case the day before, which we spent visiting a large number of marshes in the Venado Tuerto area, none of which contained any sandpipers (although there were a few ylegs). According to NVE this is generally true for that area. Certainly remarkable, after all that we had seen the weekend before at Calo San Antonio, was the lack of any Golden Plover. At LosHernaldes we saw a number of nutria floating in the seen on top of tide raft in the middle of the this colony.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal by road 928 Km NW of Buenos Aires on Pcia Route #157 Nef Tentera Totoralejos, Pcia de Cordoba, Argentina Oct 3 We were driving north from Cordoba, Pcia de Cordoba, towards Tucuman via Route 157, having left Cordoba ~7AM. The road is flat for the 1st 50km and then begins rolling, especially after cutting away from the road National Route 49 toward Santiago del Estero. The area is very dry, with many cactus - largely prickly pear and later an organ-type. About Km 900 (Cumberland from BA) we passed the first standing water. There had been a series of brackish water-holdings which were dry. The water was in one such thing, with cattle + people around it. No storebirds. At Km 928 we passed a series of small roadside puddles, more than 15' across (i.e. water more than that width), but extending for perhaps 500' along the road. 18 Baird's sandpipers were spread along this length. I collected 2. Soon after the ponds were salt, and surrounded by salt borders of mud ~5' wide on both decades. The dry mud went to the road on one side and up the axle of the right-of-way to the other. Vegetation beyond was low xeric scrub. Less than 20km beyond the collection site we came onto a great salt flat, which we had been bordering for at least 50 km. At one pt. I had seen, from a vantage pt., well out it, then second to be patches of standing water. But it could have been mirage. No other storebirds were seen the entire day. We spent the night between Frias and Santiago del Estero (where we were going for carpins) in a small range of hills.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal 38 Pucial Route #307 between [illegible] and Antiguo Quilmes, Pucia de Tucuman, Argentina 5 October Left and drove south from Tucuman on Nat. Route #38 to [illegible] and turned west there on Pucial Route 307. We passed through [illegible] at approximately 0930. Weather was raining (the first of the season according to CC/frag), cool (in the 50's) with a wind blowing strongly to the west. Elevation at Montewo is 11200'. We made little systematic attempt to identify birds as we saw them, but did make an effort to find shorebirds. The road follows a river up the mountain to a pass at 9900' called Abra de Juferrillillo. On the opposite slope it follows a stream down to a large valley, the bottom of which is 6000' and which follows the Rio Santa Maria. Going up from [illegible] the first 20 km is flat, green passing through sugar cane fields. Then there is an abrupt change to mountain road (road surface good in rain, though) and a dense subtropical rainforest of bamboo, bromeliads, very large trees, and [illegible] fuschia. Orog told us to expect forest ducks and Cinclus schulzii, but we did not see them. The vegetation changed little until ~3000', when the undergrowth began thinning out (changed little, that is, to an uncritical eye). Abruptly at 6000' the road breaks out into a very large valley over 13 km long and not quite as wide. At this point the vegetation becomes pampa-type steppe-like in nature. The weather broke here too, with the clouds (which had been at road level on the way up) lifting and clearing. We stopped to eat on a broad open field about 6 km from the opening of the valley. Here the ground vegetation was a very closely cropped grass; much loose shit all around. A pair of Andean hupings were on the
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JP Myers 1973 Journal 39 Rucial Route #304 between Acheral and Antiguo Quilmes, Pcia de Tucuman, Argentina 5 October contd field by the road. ~50 yds f to the S from the road the river formed a steep embankment, with a broad open field on the opposite side. On the grass across the river were several pairs of Southern Lapwing, as well as at least one more pair of Andean. The river at this point had much sand and open banks along it. At the WNE end of the valley, beyond Tafi del Valle, the road becomes quite steep rising to 9900' in 23 Km. Beyond the site described above I saw no Southern Lapwing, but many Andean. Rufous collared sparrows were common in the bunch grass and along gullies. There were an incalculable number of thrushes - at least 2 species, one being definitely Ceranotus melanoleucus, the other probably B. polymorpha. These birds soared extensively, and also used the extensive outcroppings of rock for perches. Chiguanco Thrushes (Turdus chiguanco) were common as well. At least 2 furnariids (one Cinclodes - almost certainly atacamensis, seen in gullies and ravines, and I found one nesting on the bridge spar over the river at the south end of the above valley (6000') and one which I did not ID but do have a 35 mm photo of several hovering owls, including a mating pair (their pellets had much mammal fur in ALL them) at 8900'. The only Carencho I saw up the river was at 7000'. Spanow hawks (modified by Andean Lapwings). Above Tafi del Valle (6000') the only trees were by houses, of which there were one or two every few Km. Vegetation was otherwise some sort of bunch grass, being grazed by horses, sheep, and llama, and guinea pig
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Privial Route #307 between Acheral and Antiguo Quilmes, Provincia de Tucuman, Argentina 5 October cont'd Rock outcroppings and eroded gullies, many with running water in them were the dominant geo-form other than the broad loose-soiled slopes. At 9700' there was an obvious change in the soil, the amount of loose rock in it, and the density of the vegetation (it became more so). This continued up to the top of the pass (9900') and down the other side, with the land becoming more xeric. Many barrel-type cacti were present from ~9000' down to ~7000'. At the bottom, near the Rio Santa Maria, there was a low scrub forest developed, much more water down there than I expected. At El Banado there was a small holding pond and series of water-filled ditches. Many swallows (sp?) and some Southern lapwings. No whistlers. Sandpipers. On the way down I spotted what were probably 3 Andean condors, but they disappeared before I got the scope on them. We went back up and over the Pass, spending the night at 8900' on the SE side. Laguna Los Flores Grandes on Rio Salado at Puente Romero, ~27 Km SW of San Miguel del Monte by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 Oct After spending the previous night 3 km N by road from Promontory we were unable to reach the bridge the previous evening because of a mix of good roads [we got stuck] soaked by rain. Lotti & D arrived at PR approximately 08:30. Water level is much higher than it was 15 Sept. In fact, + may be several feet above the level present then. The south side road is impassable; the north side (level) is not entirely at all more for skaters (+ there aren't any) - water covering all mud up to grass, with white foam bordering much of the edge. However, 75 km north
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Laguna Las Flores Grande on Rio Salado at Puente Romero, ~2.7 Km SW of San Miguel del Monte, by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina of the bridge @ by road we found pictor and white rumped; Habitat was recently plowed field with sparse grass rising up to 30cm richos; The field had toward several depressions, occupying something like 35% of its area. Three were filled with water. The Snipes were moving between the depressions, being chased by Southern lapwings (see species account). Also saw 20 hudsonian godwits, 2 large (50t) ibis flocks, 9 tero's (within 200 yd radius of car (in half circle), many brown-ooded gulls, white-faced whistling duck, fulvous tree duck, yellow billed pintail etc. Weather was in mid 50's, wind very strong out of west, cloud cover 30% (had been clear at dawn). Just as we were about to leave 3 more Pectorals flew by (at 0915) - making a total of 6 for that city, a 2 then @ 0940 WR at 0920. The Pectorals again had problems with the teros, >1 move pectoral with that flock. 0921 9 pups flying east. Found a tero chick. Hornero's building nests, Fork tailed flycatchers back (saw them near Newman on Oct 4 for first time); now flying in BA area. Punta Raza, ~10 Km N of San Clemente del Tuya, Calo San Antonio, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 Oct cont'd We arrived circa 1530 to the "parking lot" + set of huts at the end of the road from San Clemente. More people than last time. Walked immediately to the west in order to survey the tidal flats on the NW side of the point. Tide was waning; in fact it may have already turned. ~50 White - Rumped, 3 sanderlings, 10*uddy turnstones, golden and blackbellied plover, oystercatcher. The little brown
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Punta Raga, ~10 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyu, Cabo San Antonio Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 Oct cont'd The birds were very spooky, not letting me get close enough for a shot. They collected across a tidal outlet too deep for me to wade. In the future I must approach that area from the lighthouse or from the hunting club. We camped on the le side of the first major slough which is west of the ocean (behind a set of dunes). It may be reached [in low water] by taking a small dirt road which cuts off right from a pt on the "main" road to Punta Raga about 100 yards to the east of the place where the lighthouse road leaves the Punta Raga road. This slough is the area where Ollrog had told me shorebirds foraged when the tide was high and covered the major mud flats to the north. At 1800 we found 3 Vlegs, 2 P. dominicanus + 1 P. squatarola, tero's, perhaps 3 Stilt sandpipers. [Also Cliff + Barn Swallows.] Recall that low tide turned mean @ 1530. 1805 - Lesser Vlegs came in 1808 (lower left). 1815 Bothrops!! slivered down put my butt + 2 inches from my boots I didn't see it until I parked about. I then walked ~300 yds W + found a large flock of WR-24, many Vlegs (perhaps some Stilt), 1 oystercatcher, many ploras, including defenders (both species). The birds were using 2 areas, one across due east from our camp (which is ~50 yds S of the pt where the road "crosses" the slough) and another north 300 yds along the slough at a pt where it joop to the west. The geeps seem to prefer it closer to camp, 2840 yards down across from camp. [illegible] Birds are very flighty, but feeding when they land. 1842 - wind chying, & more geeps coming into camp site. Sun is
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal 43 Punta Raya, ~10 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyu, cabo San Antonio, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 Oct cont'd almost set (65° above horizon). A storm is passing along to the west toward the south, 1844 23 WR down, plus 9 plover. 1846 - Squeaterola came in, speaking a few WR. What is the bird in the area of this c鹰 that sounds like a ruffed grouse? Ask Maurice. One non-WR joined them the WR when they flew off to the north out of sight. 1903 sunset, temp=55° 12 Oct Unfortunately today is Juan Peron's inauguration, and thus a national holiday. As a result, San Clemente del Tuyu is filling up with people, and Punta Raya suffers as a consequence. By 9AM the sea near our campsite is filling with people (they never stopped coming till we left in mid afternoon), the procession began as I was escorted in a path of out in the mudflat surrounded by a flock of white-rumps. Their people's presence disturbed both my behavior (in that I did not feel I could go shooting) and the birds' (as evidenced by frequent flights). Nonetheless I was able to get some worthwhile data on WR (see specimen account). All told through the morning there were about 60 WR, then in 2 separate flocks (which at times merged). Also - Knots (2) several Pluvialis, G Ylega, 3 hudsonian godwits. I began watching at 0645 (sun up) temp 50°, wind s/s/e/10 and pan west. Peeps /30-40) were already in the slough at that time. Both the peeps and I stayed in the slough until 0920, after which they left (I stayed to foto crows). As far as potential study site go, this area is very attractive. The birds are known to be here throughout the season. There are at least two different habitat types in which they are foraging (tidal slough no
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JPMyers 1973 Journal 44 Punta Raga, ~10 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyu, Cabo San Antonio, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 Oct cont'd fiscal mud flat), they are very accessible, and the slough lands itself so being gridded. The accessibility though is more of a deficit because of the numbers of people that come. According to the MacDver's (mayor of Gral la Valle) this weekends traffic is representative of much of the summer. There are more on the point than usual, though, because of a coast-wide series of fishing contests. It may be worth asking MR if we can get onto the area on the other side of the Rio Salado mouth, and thus out of the way of most of the people. At 1330 Low + I went to the beach by the hunting + fishing club, when we had gone with MR 16 Sept (described as "several hundred yds of light horse Punta Raga") Tides had just turned. I saw a flock of over one hundred WR across the Rio Salado line, and along the beach we saw both Fluvialis, 8gptercathurs, 30°-30° W.R., 3-4 budmanian godwit. We could not pass to the large mud flat that we had reached with MR on 16 Sept because the tide was still too high. The great number of people there compelled us to leave. Came due Road along Canal #2, headed west from Gral la Valle, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina We examined the water hole visited 16 Sept by us + MR just 200 yds west of Rte 11. The pond had extended its margins by 75-100'; no shorebirds were present. We then began a census of lapwings and burrowing owls: starting 3 km west of the intersection of Rte 11 and Canal 2, we stopped every 2 km. I counted all teros and burrowing owls present without what?
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JPMycs 1943 Journal Rodalong Canal #2 headed SW from Guad La Valle, Provin de Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 October could detect with 3 minutes. Also any other shorebird were cont'd noted only P. dominicus (P.dominicus + T. subruficollis(!)) Wind was strong and from south; temp in 60's, no clouds. We continued radio camping for an hour until camping by the canal. During the evening Jr. Bianini (?) on whose property Weller worked, and where cootk spoonbill nest according to Maurice, stopped by to charles. He invited us to visit his lake - I record this in order to take him up later on the invitation. His house is the first one after the 1st bridge over the canal after leaving Rte 11, N 10 km to the west. Many large flocks of Phalacrocorax olivaceus flew over at dusk, as well as Black-necked swan, R. spoolbill, flickers white- faced Ireduck. 13 Oct. At dawn 33 Phalacrocorax oli: flew SE east overhead. Temp 88°F, wind very strong and from west. no clouds. 0800 we began cruising again. The data for yesterday + today are presented below: Km (from Rte 11) zero bowl other Sbirds 5 3 0 6 P.dominicus 7 11 0 1205 9 13 0 1305 11 8 0 13 17 1 100+ Plomia. 1 Tryngibos subruficollis 15 11 0 17 6 0
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J.P. Myers 1943 Journal 46 Road along Canal #2 headed SW from Gnal Lavalle, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 13 Oct cont'd Km (from Rk II) too bowl other solid 19 4 1 21 1 0 23 6 2 25 3 0 24 4 1 29 4 0 Route 56 to Gnal Madariaga from Canal 2, Rk II S to Rte Canal 5 Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 21 km S of the intersection of Rte 56 + Canal 2 (where we turned south) we stopped to survey a field of golden plover, with the intent of picking out Buff-breasted pipers. An hour's walk thus every 35 G.P. within 100 yds (radius) of car, and one Tryngites subcucullatus. The field was very closely cropped, having both Turner cattle unit. Grass is less than 3" high, and there are thistle sparsely distributed in clumps 3'-10' apart, with large open spaces of grass only as well. Terrain fairly flat; this is a marsh not too far away. Screamers + tero's are also there. We found two birds at 1120, wind still strong + from W, no clouds. This field is not atypical of much of the route, but at the same time it is more closely cropped than many of the area. At 1130 found 3 more buff-breasts in a flock of golden plovers on a field just beyond the last site, 18 km N of Gnal Madariaga. (According to a roadside sign) at the intersection of Rte 56 with a road leading to west to Monoalvo (13 km). The field on
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JP Myers 1973 Journal 47 Rte 56 south from Canal 2 to Gral Madariaga, then south by Rte 11 to Canal #5, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 13 Oct cont'd Five Km south of Juanchito we spotted Yleap flying over to a marsh 100' from towisty road. ~100 G+L Yleap, 30+ Pectoral Spiper, + 1 W phalange. Collected Pectoral. The area is Very attractive. A passerby from the estancia (who gave me permission to hunt here) said the place was called Charly(sp) then past the puddle in which I shot the birds (sp) is similar to that at the intersection of Rte 11 + Canal 2. visited Sept 16 1973. Emergent vegetation throughout the water, mostly a grass with two patches of tile. Water up to 1.5' deep, with a (wood) area around the periphery shallow. The trench is 50 yds north of a RR crossing. 300 yds S of RR 30-40 Yleap + 3 pectorals, the marsh continues for some distance. 19.8 km S of Juanchito - no buffies in a block of 25 (G.plover). 25 km S of Juanchito - 42 g.plover, no buffie (see sp. account). 28 km S of Juanchito 9 g.plover At this point there is a beautiful ranch with much g.pard buffy habitat and also tidal areas (the dunes are about 2km To the east of the road.) 35 Km S of Juanchito - 100+ [illegible] definite + a healthy percentage mixed) Buffbarked Sand piper. Six species account. Collected one. 20 G.plover and 2 ters. The field here looks identical (or almost) to the other fields where we saw buffies. Very short stubble w/sheep. Spotted the buffies before spotting golden. This field is owned by people who have a house @ 34 Km S of Juanchito, 46 N of Man Chiquitina 5km N of "La Atlantida", 12km N of 5 the discovery of Charly Ea Mobland Ea Charles
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JP Myers 1943 Journal Rte 56 to Oral Madariaga from Canal 2, then Rk 11 from Oral Madariaga South to Canal #5. 130ct cont'd which we saw three last 3 buffalos is quite similar to the one where the previous one was. grass cropped almost as closely. (3-4 miles in tufts) by sheep.
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Canal 5 South on Rte 11 to Mar Chiquita, then back North To Canal 7, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 14 October 1400 we broke camp and headed south along Rte 11. The day has been clear (no clouds), with little wind (a striking change) and warm temperatures (48° at dawn, into 70's by noon). 10 km S of the canal #5 junction we found a herd of rhea (9) around a nest (see sp. account) with 4 eggs; the eggs were in the process of being laid. 18 km S of Canal 5 a field w/ 100+ Golden plovers + sheep, ocamurs, burrowing owls, terns, churangos but no evident buff-breasted sandpipers. Field is similar to those where buffets have been, but this one is covered with a small butter-cup lilac flower. 0.5 km to west from road Rue is a large swamp w/ what looks like feeding colony of gulls + ibis. At Mar Chiquita we went All along the road to the cast hue dumps can be seen, and for Hui (after part of the trip a large body of water (Laguna Ular Chiquita) is very evident. Much of the vegetation to the east is the spiny cactus also occurs at Punta Raya. Along the road on both sides are ex- tensive plowed fields, as well as a lot of grazing land - 20% or so which looks like potential buffle habitat. At Mar Chiquita we went out to the beach, which was jammed w/ people. No dandpipers; 4 oystercatchers. Albatross + 1 Macaroni visible off shore. A big group of terns look like they're getting ready to nest at the north end of the lagoon which empties into the ocean about 500 yds north of where the beach road ends. We then returned south, and took a side road from Rte 11 w/ to Nahuel Roca and Calafurra. 700 meters East of the junction of these two roads (1700 pm) found 100+ Golden plovers + 4 buffle
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JP Myers 1943 Journal 49 Canal 5 South on Rte 12 to Mar Chiquita, then back North to Canal 7, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 14 October cont'd The field in which the Buffaloes are again situated is that in which they have been appearing: grass ≤1" with a few tufts that are higher, although this field does not have the density of tufts as some of the others. Teru's, gulls, burrowing owls, + sheep. 3 Km west of the junction found 300-400 Golden Plover plus at least 10 buffaloes. This field has taller grass, with clumps of tuft grass and clumps of dirt covered with a pulpy weed. The plowings are well spaced, although it is improbable to tell for all because they are distributed from the road to a point 500 m or more away. We continued on to Nahuel Riva, then north to Cal-fucura, seeing only a few more golden (flying) and no buffaloes. Inland there is little more of the classic buffalo habitat, at least on this road. At Cal-fucura we turned around, returned to Rte 12 via Pu sena route, and found a camping site where Canal #7 (~10 km north of the point where we rejoined Rte 12) flows into Lagoona Mar Chiquita. On the road as the sun set hundreds of golden plovers could be seen flying from west of the road toward the marshes along the Laguna. I watched one group land on this side of the Laguna. Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 km W of Mar Chiquita, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 15 October arose at 0545 and went to edge of mud flat at the mouth of Canal #7. A fantastic shorebird habitat - very wide, shallow mud flat, with water from the canal flowing over (less than 5" deep, for several hundred yards out), much of that less than 2". [illegible] Freshwater, Shit Spiders [illegible], 50-60 Wrump, several Peckonat flying inland
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 Km N of Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 15 October cont'd The pectorals were all flying alone. Sun up ~0600. Also saw many Hudsonian godwits, G and L ylegs, golden plovers. All of the birds were on the broad mudflat beyond the mouth. Temp. at dawn was 48°. No wind, no clouds. I returned to camp at 0700. Fled back to marsh at 0815. I hid along the edge in a patch of treetop sedge + watched for an hour. At 0815 20 WR, 10 H godwit, [illegible] tern, ducks, a few golden plover (I scared away a flock of G+L ylegs upon arriving). 5 Km W of Mar de Plata, by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina The sea is now buffeting against a low cliff which extends both to the W + South from here. A huge raft of Macaronectes - several hundred birds - is right off shore. Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 Km N of Mar Chiquita, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina ~1830 I returned to the edge of mudflat + hid in the sedge. When came there were: 1 oyster-catcher, 10 terns, ~50 G+L ylegs, 30+ G plovers. By 1845 things were returning. On island ~500 m to the North there were (at 1845) 50 G plovers, 20 WRump, many gulls (of 2 species) + terns. ~1908 Sun set: 31 GP on edge of flat straight out from mouth + 16 WRump. Immediately, in the mouth all 20-30 G+L ylegs + 40 L ylegs, 10 tern, 14 WR about 120 ybs up along shore. ~1916 a large WR flock suddenly burrowed to 75 peeps. 3 W. Philomae. 1921 Jack flew north + out of sight. BN Still came in at that time
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JP Myers 1943 Journal 51 Mouth of Canal #4 into Laguna Mar Chiquita 22 Km W of Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 15 October cont'd Then 8 [illegible]-like birds appeared. Light not good enough to see [illegible] anything much more than silhouette: larger than WR, good eye-strip (light), bill long + curved at end (or dropping), chest is greyish with some whiter areas forward the center, i.e. moderately clean. Back is dull grey. Unfortunately I can't see their tail pattern. No white down back. They are Stilt-Spotters 16 October Down at [illegible] mudflat by 0530. A lot was at the mouth when dawn both Yeggs, a screamer, ciconia's phalange, ten tin, Hudsonian godwits, golden plovers, [illegible] flew left. But most of them left by the time I had hidden myself in the sedge. 10 skimmers went by. 0640 23 peeps visible. 0650 - Stilt and pipits. I keep heat track during the morning of #s of WR's visible at 10 minute intervals, 20 sp. accent. Left to return to camp at 0715. Down again at mouth of canal by 48 tern, 10 L Yeggs, 20 golden plover, 34 H godwit, 11 WRump, 21 gulls of Kelp + (Mournehead), 6 b-necked swan, 10 ducks (most pintails) and a few terns. Stopped at canal 0730 I walked south along the edge of the mar for ~700 paces: the g flat mud bottom becomes much firmer and slit deeper as soon as you get away from the mouth of the canal; much sandier. Not typical sheld goose foraging habitat. 0735 saw 2 peeps flying moth. Long-winged much harner foraging over the sedge to the west. Many Zonotrichia in the vegetation and spectacled tyrants, Pampas finches. I walked to a point where I could see all of the beach (between me and a fishing club (the 1st one south of the canal). There are no sandyjacks, nor does it look as if the channel of the edge is changing from that of the mixture of mud and sand which it had been up to then. From this point I can
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52 Journal Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 Km N of Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 16 October cont'd see part the elks, and with the scope distant ~30 Hgodwit, 24 flamingos, a few gulls, 3 b-necked swans, ducks, and 5 olivaceous cormorants, and several great gyles. At the far end of the lake are large numbers of swan and flamingos; many great gyles spread out over the water. 0940 headed back to camp. We saw here capybara + nutria tracks, as well as a fox. 1000-shot a wrytail in front of the mouth of the canal 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina On our way to Gral Madariaga we stopped at the field where I had shot the buffy the previous day. The birds were still there; many of them. We went onto the house to again try + get permission, but found that the Capataz, a Sr. Costas, would not be back till dusk. We got temporary permission to go walk onto the land to collect. I got one buffy.(024) There were easily as many of them this time as before, but perhaps fewer golden plovers. After we then left for Gral. Madariaga, and at 1800 we back to talk to the Capataz. Just before he arrived we saw 2 short-eared owls and one long-winged harrier hunting over the nearby fields. Costas says that the Estancia is called El Medaland, owned by Sr. Arvelaiz of Mar de Plata, living at the corner of Reason & Albert (or something like that). We also secured camping + hunting permis- sion for tomorrow night. Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 Km N of Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 14 October. Out excorsed in tule by the edge of the marsh by 0530. I located myself 500 paces to the north of the mouth of the canal, right in front of a large (in area) but low sand bank on which the birds have been (both morning + evening on previous days). I was about
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JPMeyers 1943 Journal 53 Mouth of Canal #7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 22 Km W by road from Mar Chiquita, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 October contu @ 15 minutes too late to get there without disturbing the (circle)ly 0530 then was too much light. Mollled by gulls for 10 minutes, they then left. 0600 6 peeps, 6 black shermanous, a pair of Pheocryphus woo feeding in the tole within 3 ft of me most of the morning. 4-colored tyrant, Agelaius. 6-14 kept there all morning, as well as golden plovers, tree-tews. At 0602 the sun was on the horizon - little wind, temp in the 50's, cloud cover ~ 25%. At 0605 I started sampling #'s of peeps every five minutes, and continued until leaving at 0730. Then Wilson's phalaropes ad about 10 still sandpipers came and left while I was there. Hudsonian godwits around all morning. The usual contingent was present. After leaving my hiding place- easily collected five white rumps from the flock I had been watching. Estancia Mabaland 35 Km South of Juanerio by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 1530 we entered the Estancia by the gate immediately to the SSW south of the housing complex by the road. A dirt road leads present east here for Km through a classic buffy-golden plover field, with over Arroyo Chico, through a dryer + taller set of grass and a tide swamp, on the other side of which the road ends at another housing complex. About a km east from Rte 11 became a series of small, vegetation filled (grass) roadside puddles, and a few larger ponds bordered by grass. I collected a preformal at three off the side of the road here (030) Saw at least 3 others. Scads of buffies and golden plovers along this stretch of the road - they are not at all spotted by the car. At least 100 gulls, with 150 buffies in one flock at that site. 1550 headed on east, 3 more Picobrals flew by as we took off. 1600 - 24 buffies within in a herd of cattle. Few of the birds (except the Picobrals) were feeding. For the next Km (or after gate) there were thinly scattered golden plovers with no buffies nor any picobrals. Then we entered another group of buffies, thinly spread with a flock. 4 on the right within 50 ft of road. 50 yds down road a road 14 buffies
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54 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S of Tucumelo by road, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 October contd 0.75 Km further east we arrived at Arroyo Chico. 2 Hudsonian godwit, 2 ♂♂ w-hump, one Pectoral, several Plowers, one Olivaceous cormorant Immediately across the arroyo grass a line closely cropped field with, —also cloths + dust higher, pulpin grass w/ flocks of buffies circl: 10 buffy + 1 golden. 50 yds down 20 buffies. Across road 80-100 golden players. Their field was also atypical - almost all tuft grass 4'-5" high which obscures most of the bird. 5 Km from Rte 12 we entered the big swrump — black-necked sword —bird, pied-billed grebes, Agelaius, yellow billed pintails etc. Brg. the roadends 6 Km from the Rte 12. There we met several quicheros, one whose name is "Wishi" (?) who said that Pectorals are most common Sandpipers here — but I doubt his information. Wishi said that much of the water around her is permanent, especially to the east toward the ocean, where there are lagoonas several meters deep. Unfortunately you cannot go the whole way (any farther than the 6 Km we have gone already) by car. 1820 While preparing the. On the way back to our campsite, which is just out of the "ridge" on the west edge of the series of ponds I noted 1 Km east of Rte 12 on Estancia Medaland, I collected a buff-breasted (032) . 1825 while preparing the birds from today I kept an eye out for buffy-golden activity. Sun still above horizon. 30 buffer 120 yards to the south from camp + flock of 100+ across pond to W.E. 1835 Flock of nearly buffies to south took off 68-90 2 buffin return to that side. Perhaps they roost in this area. 1850 - few buffins + many goldens fording over field. 1855 13 buffins going N.E. 1900 Sun just set — 200 buffies, a few goldens, 2330 and finished the last white-rumped — wind came up — strong from S.W. It continued through the night and next morning, in the process ripping top a guy line for our tent fly. We headed south along Rte 11 toward Mendoza Plate after I had finished the buffy
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JPL Myers 1973 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 km south of Tandil, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 18 October and pectoral collected yesterday evening. Throughout the morning while doing the Grids I [illegible] saw goldens + bufffie flying in the wind + foraging in the grass near our camp. 15 km E of Miramar by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina From camp on a bluff above the ocean several hundred albatross + shearwater are visible. At least some of the albatross may be great hooks as if jaegers are present as well, but difficult to tell in the evening light at the distance at which they are flying. By dusk only a few birds were visible, including 2 Macarones in above shore 43 km E of intersection with Bahia Blanca by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 19 October Flock of 80-100 Golden Plovers flying north across road at 1645. They are the first GP we've seen all day, since leaving last night's campsite near Miramar, despite the fact that we have passed a lot of fields which looked like appropriate golden habitat. Salital de la Vidriera, 31 km S of Bahia Blanca by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina At 1400. Just before dusk, as we crossed the Salital on Road #3 a flight of peeps flew past over the road. 20 October 0900 we came back to the Salital from camp in the car, and parked by the side of the road. The vegetation around the salital is low scrub-fount. On the edge, there is a broad expanse of firm mud. Water appears to be shallow some distance out. Close to the road are a number of Baird's Spikers feeding on the mud. Across the water are well over 100 peeps, but as I [illegible] also saw a flock of 13 Wrumps I'm not sure what the large flock was. From behind, and from the few birds that have left the group + flown (cyber, I would guess most of them to be Baird's. I collected one Baird's (032) from the group by the road. Weather cloudy, [illegible] wind, tempin 50's
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J.A. Myers [1973] Journal 5 Km W of Balía San Blas by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 20 October cont'd The road to San Blas from José B. Cares crosses a tidal channel + mud area just before reaching San Blas. We camped to the south of the road, ~100 yds from the bridge. Along the tidal flat all during the afternoon and evening we I counted ~50-100 W ramp, 3 or 4 oystercatchers, 15 [illegible] gulls, 3-4 Ylegs, and about 10 golden Plovers (!). Also 4-5 tern-terns. The W ramp appeared only after the tide was almost completely out, as foraged in a basin that, with the tide solely, contained only a thin ribbon of water, with 30 ft mud on each bank. At dusk a thunderstorm moved in, and it rained an incredible amount, [illegible] soaking some of our gear thoroughly. 21 October Very low cloud cover, strong [illegible] wind. W ramps were foraging on the sand flat at 0730. We are still recovering from the previous night's waking. As it looked as if it was going to rain, and there was some doubt about the permeability of the road anyway, we left immediately. Viedma, Provincia de Rio Negro to Puerto Madryn, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina, Route #3. Though not at all remarkable because of the vegetation, we saw no shorebirds for this stretch of road, several hundred kilometers. West South of Viedma you enter a rolling country covered with yerba low scrub. By the time you are in Chubut the vegetation looks very much like a Mojave desert - [illegible] flora. Very few birds - some flocking flocks of finches, a bluebird-like bird, and a few turkey vultures. Golfo San Jose, ~16 Km N by road from intersection of Provincial Routes 2 and 3, Peninsula Valdés, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina 22 October We tried to find Roger Payne's study belt but wound up in a cove several Km W of the main road and 1 or 2 Km SW of Pague (we think). In order to get here we took a dirt road leading to the left from the main road ~15 km from the inter- section of routes 2 and 3, following the dirt road until it hit Golfo San Jose.
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Golfo San Jose, ~16 Km N by road from the intersection of Racial Rtes #2 #3, Peninsula Valdes, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina 22 October the weather today has been dreadful - no wind (or very little), few scattered clouds, temp in high 60's. On the dirt road from the main road saw crusted tinamou (sp?) a tawny-throated dotterel, and 2 Patagonian hawks. Also flocks of finches, or mockingbirds. The dirt road leads to a large cove in Golfo San Jose, which, at low tide, is bordered by an extensive muddy sand border, and to the north by the same plus a Salicornia - White Flat. The muddy-sand flat is perforated by small ponds, up to 20' long and a few inches deep, as well as one stream which appears to be flowing in. The Salicornia has a series of deep ditches running out toward the ocean; they have water in them, and are occasionally bordered by a thin edge of sand or mud. Within the Salicornia are patches of exposed, often caked and dried mud, varying in size from a foot or less across to 30' or more. The latter are much less common than the former. The Salicornia flat extends from a pronounced rise, where terrestrial vegetation (sparse xeric scrub cropped heavily by sheep) begins out to high tide line. It looks as if the Salicornia is at least infrequently covered by high tide, judging from the water lines along the edge of the above-mentioned rise. Tidal when we arrived was very low. There were many white-rumped sandpipers out on the mud-sand, most of them around the edges of the ponds. We saw flocks of several hundred WR flying. Also a few (10) Bairds in the Salicornia, and 2 Knots out along the ocean (far) at the ponds). We chose a campsite, 30' from the edge of the rise, behind a clump of trees. On the other side of the trees, ~50' into the Salicornia, was a flock of 470-500 white-rumps getting ready to roost (1830). They stayed in the area till as late as I could see (~2000), but were not out there when I walked out at 2200. Although at that time (2200) there were isolated WR in the Salicornia. During the afternoon we had also seen Charadrius falcklandii on the beach + Salicornia (many of them), albatross, Macronectes, and whales!! The whole area lies than 3 miles off
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Golfo San Jose, ~16 Km N by road from the intersection of Pricial Road #2 and #3, Peninsula Valdés, Río de la Plata, Argentina 22 October shore. There are several of them. They are slopping both side + tail fins against the water, as well as making a loud blowing sound. Rolling over. 55° at dusk 23 October Sun over the hills to our east at 0700. Wind is up, from SW. Warm, thin cirrus clouds covering ~20%, with some cumulus to north. Whales, albatross, and white-cumps offshore. 400+ WR seen, on selenocing and out on mud (tide low but coming in rapidly). 20-2 flocks of 10-5 sanderlings along shore. One Golden Plover!! A few Baridi heard flying. 0930 a flock of WR and sanderlings came in to the area when they flew. The WR were roosting last night. ~150 WR + 40 sanderlings. 1000 looked out from camp, a few geese are always visible flying by. We met a sheepherder this morning, named Sr. Fracaso (sp?), who said we may obtain when we want. Also told us that the name of the Estancia is Augustin Torrejon de Madero — that maybe the name of the owner (our communication was not perfect) or of the Estancia. Fracaso intimated that he or his family (Fracaso's) owned the land, or so I understood. In the middles of the day we went to Roger Payne's base camp approximately five kilometers up the coast to the south. There, Payne was working and not available, but two of his assistants, Chris, a Stonybrook grad student, and Rosa, were there and helpful. In addition, we talked briefly to Payne via radio. He suggested we check out Whale Cove (the spot they call our previous night's campsite), and Playa El Rincón, look south toward Puerto Madryn near Isla de los Pájinos. We then drove on to an elephant seal breeding colony at Punta Norte. The seals are spread along the beach from Punta Norte at least several km south; the colony is not dense, at least when we arrived. Also there are sea lions here as well. We watched a 07 and his hareem, 6+ plus their young of the year. The 07 spent this made many advances to the 98, and we saw at least four copulations. This wound was fresh, with fresh blood. As we left it appeared that
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal 59 Punta Norte, Peninsula Valdés, [illegible], Argentina 23 October cont'd another 8", also with fresh scars, was approaching (it would advance several yards and then lie very low and close to the beach, then narrow as if to check on the reaction of the Pinti, the harum, who was sleeping) Many Macaroni's cruised up and down the beach. Sheathbills!! were foraging among the sea lions on the shore, and out on an exposed rocky intertidal area. We saw 15 altogether. Many Dypteryx catchers. I Baird's sandpiper head flying over. At least 30 WR flew by to the north after the tide was well on its way in. Five stopped to forage on the rocky intertidal area where sheathbills and dypteryx catchers had been. Kelp gulls. Undeciphered terns. On the way west from Payne's we saw several Lesser Rhea, two solitary and 3 in a group; One Guanaco. Several palagonian rails. Also something that looked like a Rhinocryptid - a castor-when sized bird, mostly brownish with rufous under the tail, a pronounced eye-strip. We found a group in the scrub. They did not fly except to get or leap off low bushes. Ran with tail erect. 24 October Punta Norte, [illegible] to Caleta Valdés, Peninsula Valdés, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina We spent the early morning hours photographing along the pebble beach near camp. About 100 yards from shore the ground becomes entirely pebbly, with a few stands of vegetation - beneath a mixture of dirt and pebbles - spaced out along the western inland edge of the pebble strip. The strip itself is divided into a series of bands of different sized pebbles, the smallest being about 3/8" in diameter and the large ones being up to two inches. The strip alternates from one pebble band to another as the strip undergoes a series of undulations after leaving the very steep wave-washed tidal edge. Along the tidal edge, it must be 40-50' high, an spread of sea lions, sea elephants, and septercatchers. Macaroni's were cruising overhead. Out to sea, just past the breakers, were southern right whales. Later in the morning we shipped about 3km down the boat for an hour, and 6 pairs of adult
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JP Myers 1993 Journal 60 24 October cntd Punta Norte to Caleta Valdez, Peninsula Valdez, Provincia Chubut, Argentina plus one young) passed by as headed north less than 50 yd offshore (just on the other side of the breakers - it was very unimpressive). I do not know how deep the water is at that point, Fick was high. As I was photographing near camp a flock of 30 or so White rumps landed at the on the pebbles at the top of the tidal edge. A solitary white-rump was also seen with a solitary (Chandriiform) within a few feet of a bull elephant seal. Also heard one Band's flyover, also solitary. Driving south toward Caleta Valdez we saw oceidnipes (Thinorius ruminiciorum) along the road, beginning less than 500 yd from where we camped. They fly like sandpipers, which was how I recognized them, but their ground movements, are very different. We also saw a minimum of 8 flocks of (valky lesser rhea, all accompanied by a solitary adult, plus 20-30 adult rhea occurring singly or in small groups of up to five individuals. The largest group of chicks had 20+ individuals - they are very hard to count as they run through the scrub; the smallest ~5. Each flock was com- posed of individuals of fairly uniform size, but there was variation between flocks, with the smallest chicks being less than 1.5' (the adult had to wait for them while fleeing from us) and the largest being perhaps 3' (running well). 10-15 Guanaco spread thinly along the road, especially toward Caleta Valdez. A flock of ~35 Golden Plovers at the head of the calata. At this point we suffered a flat tire, and persisting only one spare, we opted to head quickly to Puerto Piramide. Golfo San Jose, 16 Km N by road from the intersection of Picún Pito #2 and #3, Peninsula Valdez, Provincia Chubut, Argentina After another flat tire, we decided to remain at the site where we had camped the night of Oct. 22. We arrived at 1900 hrs, and found that the flock of 400+ LAR were again roosting near the campsite. I disturbed them in order to greet nets. But that evening, just as twilight was fading to night levels, I walked along the beach and found that the birds were spread out along the interface between Salicorns and beach. Nothing was therefore unsuccessful. The question remains as to whether or not they were there because I had disturbed them earlier, or whether movement to this area after dusk was typical. Recall that
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J.P. Myers 1943 Journal Golfo San Jose, ~16 Km W of intersection of Rical Rtes #2 & 3, Peninsula Valdes, Pcia de Chubut, Argentina 24 October contd a similar pattern was probable the last night that we camped here, with the birds leaving the roosting area near camp at dusk, and with only solitary ones flushed from the Salicornia Salicornia during the night. Whales were very active. 5 Guanaco on road in. 25 October Up at 0530 to move out to Salicornia-beach interface. 100 WR seen but they were more in Salicornia this morning. 0630 big flock, over 100, seen foraging in Seli; the birds became much more spooky as the morning progressed, and it seemed like there was a factor of time of day rather than my activities. 0815 nothing settled, most WR on Salicornia with some along track. 3 Golden Plovers. Many Chan. jalklandicus. (033) 21 km W of Malepina by road, Pcia de Chubut, Argentina There have been isolated ponds of water along the road during the last 20 Km. Vegetation very sparse: sage-juniper like (I don't know what the local equivalents are). On the plateau some 1500 ft. plateau 40 or so km inland. At this particular pond there were five Baird's Spiker foraging along the edge. I collected one (034) Puerto Descado to the Andes via San Julian via Rical Rt #1201, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina 27 October Least seedeater around. Many rhea (some with chicks) and substantial numbers of Guanaco. A few tawny-throated dotterels, Ch. jalklandicus in most sandy places when I looked. The road traverses stipples cut by occasional river valleys (e.g. Rio Descado) and arroyos. When it is not descending into or ascending from one of these, then the road crosses a flat plateau, barren except for short non-grass vegetation. I don't know what the ground cover is. Most of the time there is only very short trunks of a needled plant, along with a few other equally short forms. This is broken by paths of a shrubby juniper-like bush, several feet high. Wind is strong, and continuously out of SW. Cold, a few sprinkles. We also are passing occasional ponds of varied size, some up to several hundred meters across. At the larger ones one to several flamingos are usually present, as well as pairs of upland geese.
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J.P. Myers 1943 Journal Puerto Deseado to San Julian via Pcial Rte 1201, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina. 27 October cont'd On two of these I have seen flocks of parp. The first one were too far away to ID. The location was about 85 km S of P. Deseado. At the second were Baird's, 60km N of San Julian. I collected one (035) (1240 hrs). The pond was brine, containing brine shrimp. (Chamadoiu Falklandicum) was also present. San Julian to Rio Coyte via Rta. #3, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina 28 October 112 km S of San Julian we stopped by a pond in the road. 2 Lance orbilatrixi, 2 (07+9) (plain) gare, 5 Baird's sandpipers. The bird I collected one Bairds (036). The fields are covered with least seedeagle in this area. We camped at a point just south of Rio Coyte, 98 km W of Rio Gallegos in a field to the west of the road carpeted with pib at least 41 species of bird: least seedeagle, [illegible] tawny-flowered dotterels, Rufous collared sparrow, and at least one fastuosa ferrugineid. The least seedeagle was by far the most common bird, especially so because of their displays. The fields on the southern, upper edge of the valley of the Rio Coyte - it is sloping gently to the NW, covered very particularly by a juniper-like brush, the tallest being 3½-4' high. In before the brush is a grass, but mostly bauchet. Temperature during the evening got down to 2°C; now wind at second or during the night. Cloud cover cleared. The river itself, which we crossed about 20 min. before Bill Stiffler left Bill Gallagher camping, has created a very broad and wide valley with a considerable amount of expanse under most of it flowering. Along the river is much low green grass. There are David's sparrow there, as well as Mayaguez sylvestris, apart gare (by the hundred, both impaired, in flota) and several species of duck. Rio Coyte to Rio Gallegos via Rte #3, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina 29 October cold, still and windless at dawn. Least seedeagle displaying all around camp. Zonotrichia singing. At 0815 a wind came up. For a considerable
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Journal 63 JP Myers K13 29 October Rio Couk to Rio Gallegos, by Rt #3, Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina + Oreoathlus distance we kept track of #'s of least seedeagle seen per km. (see speed account). 8 Baird's seen flying just after leaving camp. The vegetation along the route changes from that seen near our camp; it's one of short grass with boulders. Then bushes reappears again once the descent into the Rio Gallegos valley begins. Rio Gallegos to Monte Aymond (Argentina border with Chile), via Rt #3 Pcia de Santa Cruz, Argentina 1800 left Gallegos and drove south, sampling Sceolopipeas before little wind, 40% cumulus cloud cover. The seedeagle was dancing along this stretch of road. In addition, we saw 3 chicks. The habitat has become much grassier - a bunch grass and even fields that look like buffaloes. Igneous rock. The geologic formations are unique in this area, many high, comes spraying from broad rolling fields. There are also pockets of water, many small roadside puddle plus a few large depressions, due to their depression was 100' deep and roughly circular, and perhaps 0.5 miles across. Water in the depth of the basin appeared shallow. Baird's seen along road in puddles, especially near the border (see speed account). At one pond, the seed- pipers appeared to be spaced out along the edge of the pond. About 50 sparrows seen altogether along the road. Baird's in every pond. 30 Oct Camped ~25 km N of border on a side road leading to Rio Chico. At the morning we were surrounded by Sceolopipeas displaying and by tawny-throated dotterel. On the way to the border we saw Baird's landed in fields, foraging. Also flock of 20 on a puddle (see speed account) - the "upland" Baird's was with 2 tawny- dotterels in habitat which was buff-brown like. The presence of buff- necked this in these grassy fields, after first having seen the Reid's, pale- swamps in the Chaco Paraguayan Chaco, was not startling. Their singing cries were always present through the morning as groups flourished.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal 64 Monte Hymond, [illegible], to the ferry at Primiera Delgada on the Straits of Magellen, Pcia de Magellanes, Chile Immediately upon leaving the border guard (after a nerve-wracking hour with the Chilean military) we started seeing Lesser Rheas. The change was dramatic, as we saw none between Rio Gallegos and the border. Whereas within 100 yds of the border we saw the first small group, and we continued to see them sporadically all the way to within Stan of the ferry. At least 20 all told. The only perceptible obvious change in the habitat was an increase in the amount of standing water (with perhaps a thickening and quenching of the grass). Numerous puddles "percol puddle" with both W-R and Baird's arrest of plum. The puddles are not very big, afew ft. across, and by the sides of the road. Grass emerging along the edge of the ponds. Southern hupwings also present. Oropholus present. Not too many seelangis. We arrived at the ferry at 4:30 pm, just as the tide was beginning to expose a series of rock jetties sticking out into the Straits. Flock of about 100 preps was foraging 200 yds to the NTE from the ferry slip; 20 Breathbills in three with them. Both species are working around the rocks, at their bases. Also present - helpgulls (200+), Dolphin gulls (5-6), rock cormorants (flying in both directions either singly or in small groups), also definite Ph. allewenter and Ph. africepoin mixed small flocks (up to 4) - but these cormo- rants are far outnumbered by the Rock, & Magellanic penguin Many terns - south american arctic accentric. 10-15 Commangers dolphins in Strait, less than 1 mile off shore. Fluviculitt and black petrel and small size were very evident even at the distance over which we were viewing them. At the tide's lowest point the ferry boat was completely out of the H2O. Its crew gathered several large buckets of mussels from the rocks when the Breathbills had been.
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SP Myers 1973 Journal 65 Cerro Sombrévo # Picada de Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego, Chile by road to Rio Grande, Ten. Nacional del Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 31 October We were forced to stop for the night outside a police station because of an 11pm convoy air effect in Chile. 41°P outside in the morning, 30% cloud cover, no wind. Left Cerro Sombrévo after getting a Salvo conducido from the rancheros at 0820. Few birds seen in first 50 km, Lucas C.S. I saw about 50 km on. The land in this section of Tierra del Fuego is much drier than I had expected. Bearded grass, many fewer ponds than there between just across the Straits. The road goes up to ~500', and occasionally passes through a gentle valley in which can be found a small meandering stream. 72 km from C.S. saw a Gallinago walking in the middle of the road, [illegible] Just north of San Sebastián, near Tres Lagos we entered a large flat area peopled with puddle and Larus. A juniper-like scrub. Baird's in and around the puddles. [illegible] (see append.) Numerous small flocks. Some white rump, blue as well, including birds foraging in grass. Seedsnipe, green, Ch. fallow [illegible] too. Many WR and B along every small puddle by the road [illegible]. These birds were not necessarily in puddles, [illegible] they were spooked by the car. Although I never saw 100° Baird and perhaps 50 WR. Unfortunately we could not stay in this area very long because of the need to get past the Chilean border guard and back into Argentina. Between Monte Hymond and San Sebastián, the two frontier points the road crosses, we had to make our way through 6 military checkpoints. At Lluchas near Campamento Los Chorillos, 68 km N of Rio Grande by road, the country line is very hilly, but the hills are on the scale of sand dunes. [illegible] grass, sheep. Spooled a flock of 25 Baird. Along the road in this area we saw a small group of WR and Baird. Flock of up to 50 Magellanic Oystercatchers. South of Rio Grande - Fork of 17 peeps. We went to Viamonte in search of
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SP Myers 1993 Journal 66 Estancia From Rio Grande to N. Maimonte, by road, Territorio Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 31 October Maurice Rumboll and Joseph Tell who were to leave left toward their for us as their wheelabout. Met Adrian Goodall at the Estancia. 10 Km NW of Rio Grande by road (dettor between Rio Grande and Estancia Maria Blotti), Terr. Nue. de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 1 November Late the evening of the 31, Rumboll led us to a camping spot at the edge of a small lake where Tell has been studying the Magellanic plover. Wind moderate and steady at 0745. Low 40's °F 30 WR (light breeze) by shore on mud flat (see spec. accent). I walked down to Tell's blind, and after a few lengthy search found Pluvicelles - 3 adults. Also at least 1 incubating a solitary Baird's plover and 3 Ch. Falklandica. Toward the end of the lake (the SE) the shore becomes much more pebbly, although above the water line (rock near the car are similar, though less offensive, exposure of puddle. The track by Tell's blind is fairly steep, rising 10' in 30'. No vegetation in the water. Tell tells me that breezes in wind strength and direction achieve a quasi-tidal situation here: wind from the west pushes the tide down to the east. This could be a very interesting feature of the species habitat on Tierra del Fuego. Across the road from this pool lake and the car is another lake. There are peregrine as well. Also a shama and a black gall feeding or a dead reedland goose. At 0900 Tell & Rumboll came. We watched a pair of Play socialis feeding. This chick, then went back to Chapiro by the blind and caught their chick. One other chick (as banded) this morning (see spec. accent). Estancia has Flamencos. 84 Km NW from Rio Grande, Territorio Nue. de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina We went with Tell in two cars in order to check out some incubating Pluvicelles in two different salt lakes near the main road (house
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SP Myers 1973 Journal 67 Estancia los Flamencos, Km W/E from Rio Grande by road, Terr. [illegible] del Trina del Fuego, Argentina 1 November cont'd Estancia los Flamencos. My letter of introduction from Perez hijos may not have been necessary, but it did not hurt. The first meet was beneath a lake of fair size (>1 km long). Wind from W/SW and very strong. We were able to park 50' away + 30' above the meet on the edge of a cliff. (see spec accent) From the cliff I surveyed other birds visible (we were waiting for the flow, to return after having disturbed it with a blind): pair of crested duck, 60-80 cypriol gulls (particularly away from shore and on steep grassy slopes visible across the lake to the SW), Magellanic oystercatchers, Kelp gulls, 25-30 peeps on far shore (exposed shore as wind from SW- i.e. they are feeding where the wind has blown the water away) The second [illegible] meet visited was on a lake approx 5 km further along the road. This lake is much larger and more exposed (i.e. not sur- rounded by a encircling set of cliffs as the last), and the wind has moved the water back an aerial tile distance - several hundred yards of exposed mud are visible. We successfully watched the flow for an hour (see spec accent). At the edge of the exposed mud- in a thin band going as far as I can resolve (given heat overwate) which is at least a [illegible], there are peeps, Minimum estimate of 1000 [illegible] probably more, the band goes from the edge of the H2O (saline) back ~50' into mud (see spec accent). Just before we left the wind dropped noticeably. Soon flights of W/E were leaving the side edge, as if the lessening of the wind had allowed the water to re-advance cover the area where they had been foraging. This may not have been true, as there were still plunk of birds out on the edge foraging. Among those going past us there were no Avirius Bairds,
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Journal Rio Grande to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 1 November cont'd 1700 left Rio Grande and headed south along the main road to Ushuaia. Stopped at Punta Maria, ~28km S of Rio Grande key road we found a Zonibryzoides nest (+ photographed it and the bird). Several other nests seen in the vicinity. M.R. on Jell had told us there were several nesting birds by the road here. 11 preps seem flying between R.G. and P. Maria. Preps also landing or turning-like vegetation while the Zonibryzoides are nesting. Between R.G. and Viamonte the road runs along the coast except for a long initial detour inland in order to cross the Rio Grande. Upland Geese were everywhere. S of Diamante we entered into deciduous Nothofagus and headed SW inland toward Lago Fagnano. 2 Gallinago gallinago, the 2nd in a meandering stream meadow in the midst of Nothofagus. There also were Tucelo felixlandii and a Fiery-eyed dicton (an incredible rideye). We camped on a side road heading west toward the N side of Lago Fagnano. 3 dominant birds around camp - Chilean swallows, behaving as if they were resting in the Nothofagus, upland geese (unavoidable), and Buff-necked ibis- which flew over calling frequently. In the morning of the 2nd we drove on South toward Ushuaia, stopping briefly at L. Fagnano because I saw 30-40 shrews on the water. Sp. unidentified - they were dark bellied, with no visible white, either underclim or on bill. Secondary parts appeared somewhat lighter brown than the rest of the body. Very slender and long wings. Tail looked like that of a sooty shearwater, perhaps a bit trigger. At the lake there was a very strong wind blowing out of the west toward us. The hide were at the E end, visible from a cliff over the lake ~10 km W by road from the ACA Hootenia. At 6: Further along the road, but still alongside the lake we got an excellent view of a white-throated caracara; it was with a Caracara in the forested area at the sides of the road. At Lago Sancudni we stopped to photograph a major pent bag by the road - an amazing number of house crows in the surrounding forest and the dead trees in the bag. The road goes over a pass to the SE of this lake, reaching ~1500'. At this elevation the Nothofagus becomes sparse and gravelly; just above the road here is timber low. In a few places the road reaches meadows which are continuous with the alpine vegetation. The weather has been temporarily cold + spatially extraordinarily variable over a very small scale, the inland mountains have two dominant features - very long and deep E-W valleys-
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SP Myers 1973 Journal Rio Grande to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 2 November cont. e.g. Lago Fagnano, the Beagle Channel, etc., and smaller valleys running N.S. which, appear due to the glacial formation of the E-W-, are largely hanging valleys above the major E-W series. The weather changes while passing from one of the E-W axis another, and within 15 min-30 min it can become quite stormy within a given E-W valley. Weather came from the W. Arrived in Ushuaia in mid afternoon. Steamer ducks, Macronectes, [illegible] brown at [illegible], cormorants (white necked species), kelp gull, skun, a Magellanic penguin, kelp geese, and more in Bay. We went on toward Lapataia to camp for night. At La Esmeralda another white [illegible] duck was perched in the trees by the road. Not at all spooky. At mussels from Channel for dinner. Lapataia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 3 November We camped on a side road off the main road between Parque Nacional del Tierra del Fuego (Lapataia), by a river (Rio Pipo (?)) which the road had been paralleling after leaving Ushuaia. Dense Wet foliage, except where logged to along lower stretch of river. However, the density is not so great as to be impassable. We walked upstream for ~1 Km from camp in order to fish (no luck). Pair of ashy-headed gase flew past us on the river. No torrent ducks. Many house wrens Watched 3 Dark Faced Ground tyrants: at first five were only two birds foraging on ground a third flew in. One of the original pair then began displaying—approached intruder, raised one or both wings to a point (above body) at 45° from horizontal, the original pair followed" the intruder upstream until out of sight (30 yds), repeating the display. It was impossible to keep the bride straight, so one or both of the pair may have been displaying, although I had the definite impression that only one was. Also buff-necked ibis, chermango, chestnut swallows, Zonotrichia. [illegible] Lapataia: After breaking camp we went to Lapataia and out to Bahia Lapataia; Literally the end of the road. 3 species of cormorant (found a nest with eggs), kelp, and ashy-headed. Both species of steamer duck. Rufous backed negritos, or cinclodes sp., great gull, a large flock of buff-necked ibis. House wrens. Back toward the Hosteria watched an immature Nectornyx nycticorax fishing. Overhead flew was almost always a Black cheeked Buzzard eagle. 2 Bare-chested Sandpipers!! on river bank at Hosteria.
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Journal Etamena Medland 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina a short distance. 23 November cont'd Arbelang was not there, so we drove Barrett Wilson up the road to await his return. Many of the fields along the road in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to Medland are of the short grass-type which seems to be preferred by bufffio and golden. And in fact the birds themselves are there. Between the entrance and Arroyo Chico I found no large concentrations of bufffio, but at 3 out of 5 stops made they were a few. Golden are common, but indifferently dispersed in all the fields along the road. In this stretch there were approximately 50 bufffio and ~200 goldens - a very rough approximation. We stopped at the bridge over Arroyo Chico, the northern limit of Estancia Medland. In the water were 5 Phalacrocorax aristotelis plus some ylopaintails. Many brown headed geese along the shore, plus a few white-rumps. 2 barn swallows, 1 cliff swallow, 1 tree swallow, 1 southern martin (which I think was building the nest I found in construction under the bridge). In the field to the NNE were well-dispersed goldens but no visible bufffio. We crossed Arroyo Chico, and went to a field <2 km beyond Estancia Arroyo Chico (building on W side of road) where yesterday I had discovered another large concentration of bufffio and goldens. They were still there. This area appears (with a cursory glance) to be like the dense bufffio area on Medland - short grass, gently little (but some local depressions). 100+ bufffio easily visible at a distance from the road. At this point Arbelang drove by so we headed back toward the Copatag's house to meet him. Without any fuss - without having to produce letters of introduction etc. - he gave permission to work here. The following day, we followed him through the gate, and stopped a few hundred meters from the road (along the dirt road) where the track goes down a shallow bridge. Running N-W-S, perpendicular to the dirt road, is a series of small, shallow, and drying ponds. They are 300 m -500 m long, but less than 10 m wide. 3 patches of tule, run over 3 m in diameter, most of the pond sparsely "covered" with a woody plant a few feet high, singlestalk and Solanum leaves. This plant appears to grow in areas which are covered by water during the winter and spring but dry up on summer. Thus disappoint that these ponds dry up (except perhaps for small puddles around the ditch). Anyway, there were 6+ yelp (less than 20 total), GR (<10), and ~15 Pectorals. Bufffio were present but not abundant on the field to the W beyond the rise. 2 screaners along the pond, a small flock of pintail in the water. Many Belleginent Cattle + a herd of horses. In fact
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Estancia Mieland, 35 km S of Juanico by road, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 23 November cont'd the livestock have had a very pronounced effect upon shorebird habitat here: along the edge of the pond much of it is heavily trampled by cattle—producing a wallked effect. I [illegible] had the impression that the Pekabola stayed out of this "formation". On the upland habitat the cormorant is a very obvious feature of the microtopography —and pretty much only use for buffle and godwits. I have seen both species perched on and in the lee of crupians. I have seen buffle feeding from them (and Australian godwits). It is also possible that individual crupians serve as local landmarks. [illegible]. From these ponds we drove out the dirt road toward the main farmhouse—6 km from Rte 12. It is much drier now than last month (October). None of the puddles by the road this way where I collected Pekabola from have any more water, and even the swamp lagoon 5 km in have noticeably less water. At Arroyo Chico is also lower; then, [illegible] [illegible] crossing the bridge, we found Ylap, WR, Hardwitz along the mudshore. There was a small flock of buffles by the bridge, but none just across it, but more further on than there had been last month. B rhea among cattle. Maguari storks, coscoroba swans, many shorebirds (mainly Ylap + WR), ducks, common stilts in the lagoon. We turned around and came back to pick up the bridge, driving off the road—to the N ~ 50 m. By this time it was 4pm. An immense and very dark storm had been coming rapidly from the SE, borne by strong winds. There we passed the rain in the car—the buffles and godwits that had been in the field when it hit disappeared—they did not leave when the wind augmented but only after the hard driving rain abated. But before the rain had stopped (although it did lessen in intensity—a sign of daylight) birds were back foraging around the car. Despite the fact that more rain appeared imminent and that to both E and W from us it was still coming down heavy (cumulus clouds) [illegible] [illegible] NWW We decided to walk with the wind along Arroyo Chico to the N. The arroyo winds meanders in a NW direction, having cut a swale (~50 yd), a shallow (10") channel through the flat lands. It appears that in some places a ditch has been worked on—for there are piles of dirt—providing the only upward relief [illegible] in the area. On the land side of the bank are often depressions, some of which have stands of the woody plant described earlier today, suggesting that it is occasionally underwater. Most of the land is short grass [illegible], with thrift of varying density. There are a few plowed fields, some with last year's stubble, one done quite recently. No trees—except for those
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JPM Myers 1973 Journal Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina around farm houses in the distance. The Arroyo was surprisingly replite with white-wumped pipers. We saw 200-300t in the 2Km that we covered. Also large more than 50 (less than 100) Hypodaits A few flags. Cormorants. 1 Ruddy turnstone (flipping cow slits - I must of till Jell how struck [illegible] its resemblance to Magellanic plomer), brown headed gullo, many ducks, a few golden plowers (in the mud), 1 buffy (on the mud). Over the bank and in the field predominant birds were (buffler and goldens - several hundred of such species; we saw them on both side of the arroyo. Southern lapwings, brown and yellow marshbrid, [illegible], Fendrickia, Anthus, paimaing ouls, also very evident. Surprisingly few nasty little furnacials to confront me. Saffron finches flocking in thistle along the bank. Another amazing thing was the presence of large and not-very-degenerated shells - both bivalve and gastropod - along the Arroyo and on top of the grass. We returned to the car at 1830, cutting directly across the fields. We then went to the Sabrecuici for a visit + dinner with Sr. Arbelaiq, the capatay Sr. Oetao, and the ranch hand living with his family at the ranch house, a Basque named Huici (he is very sharp, with good info + an unusually inquisitive approach for someone here in the campo - he may be the Wagonlord of the ranch). They told me that 1) that weather like this - windy + scadford extreme thunderstorm, was not unusual, and 2) that all of the ponds to the W of the ranch house dry during a normally long day summer, though the Arroyo, and lagoons to the E, remain with 6.0. I told Arbelaiq again and in more detail what I wanted to do on the Estancia, stressing that it needed several weeks would be a year's work, and he (I wasn't sure how much he had absorbed this - it seems to be slavery down from age) - he and the capatay said to treat the land as if it were my own. Whoopee. Arroyo Chico from Farmhouse Road Bridge to Rt 22 Bridge, Estancia Medland, Pcia de Buenos Aires Argentina 24 November We hid in the car all morning from the rain and wind. Violent squalls out of the SE every 45min or so. Buffin and goldens foraging around the car (see camp list). By noon the frequency of the storms had lessened, so we started off on foot, following Arroyo Chico to the WNW, the first turn was done alongside a fence, not at the Arroyo (we had been over that stretch yesterday). When the fence approached the Arroyo (and ended) we began following the streambanks.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Arroyo Chico, from Farmhouse Road Bridge to Rte 11 Bridge, Estancia Mendoza, 35 Km S of Tumaco, Ruta de Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 November cont'd Thermals up to 10m. We followed the Arroyo ~4 miles to where it goes under or north Rte 12. During the entire trip, there was a strong wind out of the SE, the continuity of which increased during the afternoon, and also during one 20 minute squall at about 2:30. That was the only significant rainfall of the afternoon. However, most of the time 75% of the sky was covered by heavy cumulus. We followed the same route back (although cutting corners) arriving at the car by ~1900. The nature of the Arroyo does not change dramatically along the length that we covered (see yesterday's description). The surrounding fields are also fairly similar, most of them being short grass with thistle, or the woody plant described yesterday, or occasionally stands of short bunch grass. Buff breasted sandpipers, golden plovers, and southern lapwings could be found everywhere. White rumps, goldens, and Andean godwits were scattered along the length of the arroyo. One unidentified Charadrius plover in winter plumage; the bill was extremely short and I think it was probably scolopacidae. Species seen: neotropic cormorant, spotted nothura, Maguari stork, southern screamer, speckled teal, Milvago chimango, Southern lapwing, golden plover, semipalmated plover(?), WR sandpiper, buff-bellied pipit, H-godwit, brown headed gull, burrowing owl, blue and white swallow, wr swallows, [illegible], fork-tailed flycatcher, cornebundo pipit, Pseudoleistes virescens, Molothrus bonariensis, Sicalis sp., Bontrichia capucina. It was amplyed by the paucity of species. Farm house road, from Arroyo Chico Bridge to Farmhouse, and then W across country 2km Estancia Mendoza, 35 Km S of Tumaco by road, Ruta de Buenos Aires, Argentina After returning to the car (above) we drove E toward the Estancia farmhouse, turning left (N) just at the last fence before the compound. There is a dirt track that goes ~100 m, then W, then headed slightly S of W along the East side of the farmhouse marsh, following contours toward the first windmill and gate. Passing by here we continued on N till almost reaching the only tree in this direction (which is by a coral). We turned into the tall branches of scotse (?) and found a campsite. The wind kept up during the whole late afternoon, although noticeably decreasing in velocity. Cloud coverage dropped down under 50%. Of particular interest along this route was the series of ponds on Farmhouse Road just before reaching the farmhouse. There we found
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Farmhouse Road from Arroyo Chico to Farmhouse, then N across country into Estancia Meekland, Aviande Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 November cont’d Yllags, WR, and Redshanks. A definite suggestion — more than a suggestion — of territoriality in the latter species on their ponds. Also 13 Still Sandpipers. The ponds are in the process of drying — well along in that process, with several feet of caked mud along the periphery; Several type of thrushes in a field of the short grass variety, and have around them a type of emergent vegetation spread sparsely along them. The cross-country trail we took parallels a continuation of these ponds. But the contour does appear to become a much more substantial body of water (not visible from trail) because of the presence of large water birds — e.g. coomorants, swans, storks etc. Tule, plus the edge which is so abundant near the sea around here. The trail itself is in a slightly rolling field of short grass, complete with buffle and goldens. Fit drink & oat on top of the roof of the car and remained there until binoculars were no longer functional (7:30-8:45). Could sleep alone if I could spot white bud were rooking, or at least the direction. No birds flew east over me. Many goldens flew over to Rio V, and dropped out of sight — perhaps a kin or feather. Over 100 Goldens were feeding! until I could no longer discern their movements, in the field around the car. No suggestion of roosting, except for the fact that they appeared to be more closely packed (and that there were “roosting flights”). Buffies could be seen roosting less than 100 m away in the middle of a small short grass field (see sp. acct.) 25 November I got up at 0530 and took a short walk to the N from camp where I had seen WR flying over the night before, [illegible] Dawn was clear, windy and cold (34°F). Sunrise ~ 0530. Less than 500 m from camp was a small pond with a large development of tule on its N shore. Nothing looked like prime shorbird habitat, although thought I heard a [illegible], WR and Yllag flying overhead. Several spp. of duck, Philomachus, etc. To the NW of this pond, less than 200 m, was a much larger body of water. Again nothing like prime shorbird habitat. Rollands and Great Grebes. Several Maguari storks along the edge. Agelaius philippei fledging in the tule. Several flights of WR, Yllags, and Haploptila. Both Coscoroba + B-necked swans
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JP Myers 1973 Journal 25 November cntd 2 Km NNE from farmhouse, Estancia Medland, @ 35 km S of Juancho byroad, @ Riachuelo Buenos Aires Argentina. Buffalo and golden were present in the short grass fields between camp and the first pond but not nearly so thick as last night at dusk. During the rest of the day we explored the area between the first and the third (last) cottonwood wills W of the farmhouse. Our time was cut much too short because 2 hrs of it went into clogging out of a sandhole. Between the lowland, tall "bunch pidge" areas and upland callings and dunes (waterfowl) there is a thin strip of short grass field ~100 m wide that runs north from the farmhouse for over 10 km, the cottonwoods are spaced out along this strip. The diversity of the species in the short grass seems definitely enhanced by the proximity of these other two habitats. In addition to the ground living insectivores (golden, buffy, Conejero pipit, and Pseudoleistes (M.b.) +Tetrao lapwing, other flycatchers (Cribradu, spectacled tyrant, cattle tyrant, and bush-tailed flycatcher) are present. Also Agelaius thilius. Buffalo were present in quantity, but not as many as on the other side of the Arroyo. Saw 4 young Screamer chicks, and several (1 batch) Spotted Wolluera chicks. Many armadillos in the sand. The sand dunes are covered by vegetation, this far from the sea, and pitted with many small, and some large, pond/lagoons. Hivici told me that further out there towards the ocean the lakes get very deep (shoulder depth). W/R, Redorals, goldens, 1/4 gap at most at the ponds we saw. This area warrants more exploration. Several rhea. Returned to same campsite around 0600. During the afternoon it became cloudy and a strong wind developed from the N. Definitely threatening by dusk. I collected a golden (041) and a buffy (042) from the short grass field less than 50 m from the car at 2000. During the evening the wind continued to increase (out of N) and clouds moved up us from S. Started raining by 2200 and continued intermittently and violently until dawn. At some point during the night the wind shifted to NW out of the W, where it was at dawn.
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JPMycs 1973 Journal Tower Alleged Allos Llano, Estancia Wedelarad, 35 Km S of Junincho by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 28 November contd by fields of taller bunchgrass which continue in eastward, encircling within a kuror so the branch edge (?) dulatati in which we camp, near our campsite. We drove around the periphery of the Llanos, looking for bufffios and goldeners. Thymo they, ingenuity. the can sparrowed bufffio at the rate of 3750 baril every 100 yds or so, [illegible] and golden commutat more frequently. Also, Rhea, [illegible], Pseudoleiota, Molothrus, Vanellus, Sicalio, Milvago, cows, and horses. I found a place suitable for the prime buffy grid, work value, with a tower; I can not only see two areas where there were numbers of bufffies, but also behind the tower to have a [illegible] into flu Arroyo; i.e. a cwr site. The wind continued from the W all morning and into the afternoon, but no rain, [illegible] little cloudcover, but the temperature was warm, 65-70. We tried a new approach to buffy spotting - a side on the roof while Lois drives. Yesterday we had done this using the blind on the roof, and it appeared to work fairly well except for the limited vision. Today, without a blind, the birds spooked, but it was difficult to [illegible] tell how much of their apochenies was a result of our being exposed on the roof. Rte 11 Pond, Estancia Wedelarad, 35 Km S of Junincho by road, Pcia de B.A. Argentina Rte 11 Pond is the pond lying beside + to the Say Farmhouse road, less than 500 m E of Rte 11. We came here after the above expedition in order to look for Pectorals, and to see if this area warranted griddling - there were, and it does (per ap. accent). We also saw spoonbills, C+L Yeggs, WR, Vanella, Stiff, spipers, G plowers, and smaller flying. On the way back to camp, between Rte 11 pond and Arroyo Chico Bridge, I collected 2 bufffio (043, [illegible]), one golden plover (045) and 2 Pectorals (046,047). The bufffio and golden were from the short green fields along the road. The pectorals were in the Arroyo at the bridge with several g Yeggs and 3 Wilson's phalaropes. These were at least five more Pectorals here (see ap. accent). Past the Arroyo Chico Bridge, about halfway to the farmhouse, were the 2 rhea - they are frequently there. By this time it was 1700 hrs. Spent the rest of the day collecting a take from a damo supply.
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SP Myers 1993 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pucin de Bueyos Frier, Argentina 8 November cont'd By this date I have given memo to several important features of Medeland, and I will draw a rough (not to scale, only approximate direction) map, to be done with more delineation at later date. SEE JOURNAL 23 August 1974 for map N Arroyo Chico * 3rd windmill * 2nd windmill O corral * campsite tower Alleged pile grid 4 (lanes) ons tower * 1st windmill + Grid 3 house of capitan Grid 2 Farmhouse Road Rte 11 pond original duty ridge field S edge of property Arroyo Chico Bridge not to scale 0 Km
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JPMyers 1973 Journal 2 Km N of Farmhouse, Estancia Meatland, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina 29 November We spent the morning at camp in working on skins and stakes. About 10.30 I happened to look up and see a large flock of (100+) of Swainson's hawks soaring. These were the first of this species that I had seen in Argentina. They continued to pass overhead in large flocks as the morning progressed, with two landing independently (at different times + in different places) in the stubby short grass. No hunting observed. The wind was moderate, continuous, and out of the W. Light cloud cover. Farmhouse pond, Estancia Meatland, 35 km S of Juaicho by road, Pcia. de B.A. Arg. 2 December Began taking grid data 0830. The morning had begun cool (45°), clear, and with a slight breeze at 0530. By 0830 temp had risen to 68°, and continued up until I stopped at 1230 at 79° which grew stronger out of SW and became moderate and steady by noon. Cloud cover never rose above 20%, all of which was [illegible] on the horizon. The grid was dominated by a flock of Brown-headed gulls (both medium & miniature) - [illegible] in each grid count. There were very few Calidris, pectoralis (1 on each of 6 grid counts) + 2 WR. This was fewer than I had seen on any previous cursory count. Other shorebirds recorded in counts: Limpkin, golden plover, BN stillt. Also, White-faced ibis, Neotropic Cormorant, Common egret, Kiskadee flycatcher, Furnarius rufus, Anthus correndera, Sicalis, Paser domesticus. In addition to species recorded in the counts, where passed on or over the grid between counts: Southern lapwing, Southern screamer, Milvago chimango, WR swallow. Also, species recorded on the grids appeared and disappeared between counts. This was particularly true for Vlegs which seemed to anticipate my counts, leaving a few minutes prior 10 counts were run 0835; 0900; 0930; 1000; 1030; 1100; 1130; 1200. The birds appeared to adapt readily to the presence of the car and blinds; the blind is on top of the luggage rack; [illegible] with a roof acting as a climbing point up to the observation point. The only species which was obviously spooked (upon [illegible] (in that they left) were 2 screamers. The gulls did not even set up a greeting chorus, merely, as they certainly would have done if I had approached on foot. Judging from the behavior of the birds on the grid, we were not obtrusive.
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J.P. Myers 1993 Journal 2 December cont'd Arroyo Chico Bridge, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina After the last count we went to Grid #2 at Rte 11 Pond in order to finish placing stakes and painting numbers. Several Pectorals (see ap accent); little else. On the way back to camp We stopped at the bridge over Arroyo Chico on Farmhouse Rd. Looking N in the arroyo Observed a flock of LY legs, Hogdirls, and we, sitting on the mud by the water. There were ~15 WR (although blue may have been snow; they would be picked out), most of them preening Rte 11 Pond (Grid #2), Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina First sample 0630 At Grid observation post 0600. Temperature mild 57° with a slight NNE breeze. Clouds NE horizon ~20%. Stayed taking grid counts until 0830. 8 samples taken at 15 min. intervals. During that time temperature rose slightly to 70°, the wind picked up sharply, and cloud cover increased to 80%, with a low threatening cover coming from W. Totals (format = sp, even/amount, total) range Pectoral Sandpiper, 3, 2-4 (24); white rump, 0.25, 0-1 (2); LY legs, 2, 0-5 (16); GY legs, 0.25, 0-1 (2); Southern Lapwing, 1.25, 0-3 (10); White-faced ibis, 0.95, 0-4 (6); Neotropic carmorant, 0.18, 0-1 (1); Sicalis, 0.18, 0-1 (1); Phleocryptes, 0.13, 0-1 (1). These totals are made without consideration of the possibility that the individuals recorded in different counts may be the same bird. For example, I am fairly certain that no more than 4 Pectorals were feeding on the grid during the whole observation period. In addition to species recorded on the graph, within the vicinity were roseate spoonbill, southern screamer, golden plover, buf-breasted sandpiper, Carrancho (4 flew over during 2 hrs, each time being chased vigorously by lapwings), chimango, Anthus correndera, Kiskadee flycatcher, Farmhouse pond (Grid #1), Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 4 December we camped on the observation post. Up into blind at 0530, first sample taken 0600. Temp 62°, clouds 100%, wind strong from NE. It rained lightly between 0400-0515, and continued to sprinkle intermittently while down in the blind. 3 counts made - 0600, 0700, 0730. Temp dropped 1°. totals (format as above): Pectoral 1, 1 (3); white rump 2.3, 0-4 (3); Stilt sandpiper 0.67, 0-1 (2); Golden plover 0.3, 0-1 (1); LY legs 0.3, 0-1 (1); Brown-headed gull 1.3, 0-3 (4). I was very discouraged by the paucity of shorebirds using the grid this morning. There was only one Pectoral present; I was able to follow
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Farmhouse pond (Grid 1), Estancia Medland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina it almost continuously for the entire observation period (see fott and table following data at min. intervals). It may be that the pond has been totally exploited for its food resources—or at least to such an extent that other feeding areas are now more profitable. Along this line, it is obvious that the pond has dried considerably even since we put in stakes. Perhaps concurrent drying of other areas has exposed new [illegible]. Whatever the cause, the birds are not here in the numbers that they were when we decided to grid the area. Unless this changes, I see little point in continuing to work Grid 1. Windmill campsite, 2 km N of farmhouse, Est. Medland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina. Returned to due after abandoning Grid 1. We had not been due for over 24 hours because of the different campsite last night and yesterday's trip to Mar del Plata. My funnel trap, placed in the field near the camp where goldene feeds night and buffaloes roost in the evening, has been destroyed by [illegible]. They have proven to be a nuisance. Not only do they behave unpredictably when confronted in the fields—usually scaring birds—but for e.g. they come and rub their heads against the car while I'm sitting on top, and have destroyed many stakes in both grids (by eating (?) and by scratching Zonotrichia feeding juvenile). At 1100 we started back toward the Farmhouse. En route, it began to rain hard. Farmhouse Eucalyptus grove, Est. Medland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina We set up camp within the grove so that I could cut stakes and have a shelter to retreat to during rain. I used the shelter most of the afternoon, because of continuous rain. By 2000 it had rained 60 mm (Huici has a rain gauge). Wind by 1000 had swung to ESE, and was very strong—branches in Eucalyptus blowing down. Around 1900 there was a hiatus in the rain, and I made a cursory exploration of the grove. It is less than 500 m x 500 m, largely Eucalypts with [illegible] poplar along the Sand E borders. There are several species of birds within the grove that I never see on the grasslands, as well as species nesting in here which forage out in the open. It would be very interesting to compare avifauna in Eucalypt stands here with those in US, especially as far as how they divide up the resources. I will provide a complete list of
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Farmhouse Eucalyptus Grove, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho, Pcia de B.A., Argentina species within the woods live as soon as identify some of the tyrants. During this today's rain several deep puddles have appeared within the grove, suggesting that there may be a significant change in the shrewbird habitat as the process may be in progress. Farmhouse pond (Grid 1), Estancia Medeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 5 December 0700 walked down the campsite in the Grove out to Grid 1 during a break in the rain. During the night it continued to rain, accumulating 10 mm. Grid 1 has been completely covered with water, the pond now refilled to the edges of its mud banks. Previously, yesterday at dawn it was broken into 3 distinct puddles separated by stretches of dry or almost dry mud. This morning it is a continuous pond; all of the muddy areas where Pectorals and we were foraging previously have been covered. Along the road in this stretch between the farmhouse and the first gate, the many puddles that had dried or were almost drying have filled to the point of overflowing. Stretches of grass are an inch deep in water. And thus morning the rain is continuing, although intermittently. Huici tells me that last year of 23, 24 and 25 December there was a similar storm that dumped considerable amounts of rain. There are shrewbirds foraging in the newly inundated grass areas—Nothing on the grid, but along the edges is a flock of WR, a) about 30 m to the W in a small puddle (grass lined) is a group Pectoral, a wr and a Veg. In another more extensive but newly formed puddle is a flock of WR, Ibis, Agelaius, Xiphias. 500 m W of Farmhouse, Estancia Medeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 1500 we walked W from the farmhouse toward the windmill. Drizzling, the precipitation driven hard by a strong SE wind which continues unabated. From Farmhouse road all the way to the windmill is now an almost continuous puddle, 700 m wide in some places, and reaching 0.3 m in depth. Flora are WR, Veg (mostly lesser), Pectorals, Stilt Sandpipers, Terns, WFBird along the length, distributed unevenly. A few spots, one in particular at the W end of the biggest pond in the series (on the downwind side) was notable for the number of WR
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Journal 500 m N of Farmhouse, Estancia Midland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 5 December contd There - well over 100. It was on this site where most of the birds were concentrated, though other areas also had surprisingly spread birds. But I was struck by the question as to why so many of the ponds - apparently identical - lacked any birds. It may have been related to the wind: bugs were floating on the surface, and being blown downwind. The smaller ponds may not have had enough surface area to "catch" sufficient numbers of bugs in order to make the downwind side show high enough densities (or at least to reach the deficient/unsatisfied densities reached on this, the largest, stretch of pond.) to make foraging acquisitively feasible (or whatever). After seeing the effect of the recent rain on the habitat here, we decided to put up a grid quickly, hopefully to be used tomorrow. We returned to camp, picked up stakes and within the hour had a 4-unit x 4-unit grid up and painted. I remained in the vicinity to watch the bird flock until 6pm. (see ap accent) Drizzle continued through the afternoon, as did the wind. One notable thing about the behavior of all of the shorebirds was their fearlessness. Even the goldens to created my presence, and the WR almost ignored me completely. This was much less skittish than before, but spoonbills were normal (fleemed). This grid is 3a. 6 December Walked from camp in Eucalyptus to newly placed grid at 0600. One 5 min drizzle, but otherwise the storm appears to be breaking. Clouds higher, wind activity decreased and shifted more to S. Temp 59° at 0700. Birds within the grove much more moved this dawn than yesterday. Out in the field, the birds are considerably spookier. This was especially apparent with goldens and WR. A flock of shorebirds was feeding in almost exactly the same location as yesterday afternoon. Appeared to be fewer, perhaps 50, WR. Nothing on the grid. G+L flocks spread along most of the pond before. Grid 3 and Farmhouse Road, when I walked to from Grid 3. WR's in patches along the ponds, no big concentrations as yesterday. 8 BN stills. Then were WR along the edges of Grid 1, but the flow before I got within 50 yds. A few pectorals along the edges of the ponds. At 0630 I saw the first patch of blue sky that had appeared since Monday dawn (3 December). However, by 0730, back at camp, the weather turned again, and producing drizzle. We went out at 0800 to place two more grids near Grid 3, spaced along a U-line from Grid 3a.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal 500m N of Farmhouse, Estancia Wiedeland 35km S of Tucumcdo by road, Pcia de B.A., Arg. 6 December cntd. spaced at 150m interval. The murgids are 36° and 3c, the latter being the [nillegible] habitat. short northern work. They are both similar in structure to 3a, with water covering grass fields. 3b is at the S end of a pond; 3c at the south. - One flock of 7 pectorals was on the 3b before placement. 7 December Short light rain beginning 0600. Up at 0530. Within 1/2 hr the sky began to clear, and by 0730 cloud cover was less than 80%. Walked with Maurice Rumball and Christopher Leadly (who appeared yesterday afternoon) out to Grid 3. Considerable numbers of chicks flying southwesterly. Also many shorebirds in air. Rumball was able to point out several birds that not identified, particularly in the pampas grass habitat to the east of the Eucalyptus grove, Pseudocolopteryx flaviventer (Garibaldi), Phaellodromus striaticollis (Fickel's ruddered spinetail), an unidentified Asturine, Rallus sanguinolentus (Plumbeous rail), Rhyncholus rufescens (Red-winged tinamou). On the ponds on which Grid 3 was located were sizable flocks of shorebirds foraging, primarily WR and Lyleg, but including Pectorals, Greater Lyleg and Golden Plover as well. The tower 1km W of Arroyo Chico Bridge, Estancia Wiedeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina Rumball carried us and stakes for the grids near the tower on Arroyo Chico via his car. A small flock of WR was on the Arroyo shoreline, dispersed evenly in a line along the edge of the water. Immediately there were WR, a #bodwit, and a Ch. fallaxetica down to the S at the center of the arroyo, where the Arroyo broadens and becomes shallower, providing more extensive habitat; the WR by the tower appeared to be behaving territorially, with territories ~3m long (some larger). In the lagoon to the W of the arroyo creek many Buffles, most of them foraging in small flocks. On the W end of the lagoon, a small pond had been created by the recent rain. WR, Pectorals, and Baird's (10+) were foraging within; also Lyleg and Golden Plover; the southern end of the pond was extensive enough to have attracted Coscoroba swan. However considerable shallow water at this end of the field, with indications of grass and much or more deep. After Rumball left, Lori + I placed stakes on Grid 4, the 'buffy' grid beneath the tower.
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JPM Myers 1973 Journal Tower Llanos, 1 km N of Arroyo Chico Bridge, Estancia Wetland, 35 km S of Juanico by road, Picia de B.A., Argentina 7 December (Cont'd) 3 buffies were on the grid within fifteen minutes after finishing stalking. We walked from the lower clue east across the Llanos. Baird's were still foraging along with Ward peckers in the new pond. From here we went S to the farmhouse road, then E to the Estancia. The most striking thing about the walk was the amount of grassy field [esp. that ~6" high] which was inundated by several inches of water. Estancia Wetland, Picia de B.A., Argentina 8 December Worked with Lois + Huici on grid and tower today. A thunderstorm came up at dusk, dropping 20 mm of rain on the already soaked countryside. 9 December During the evening another storm hit, leaving 22 mm [the afternoon] Farmhouse to Tower Llanos, Estancia Wetland, Picia de B.A., Argentina 10 December Last night's storm luring around this morning could be 800. At 0930 I left camp in the Eucalyptus, and walked along the road until ~SSE of the tower, when I turned and headed directly toward the tower. The road was so thoroughly soaked that it was difficult to walk. The field along the road are very wet; much of their surface is covered by standing puddles of water. In a plowed field between the road and a fence to the N, I spooked Pectoral + WR from the puddle, and Golden and Buffers from then [illegible] slightly higher area. Then an huge flock of golden flying, more so than on other days; the birds are very spooky; I was unable to approach any sandpipers. Once at the tower, I spent some time malling in burkup cache along the frame, to provide some sort of blind. Only a few buffies came to the grid area during this period. Also many fewer WR along the Arroyo than have had been in the last few days. 2 Ch. Fallbeetles on the shoreline. The water is at least an inch [illegible] covering 1" more horizontal area on the shoreline. The WR presence could be a result of my several day activity around the blind, or perhaps due to the [illegible] water increased depth in water in the Arroyo, covering but foraging areas. In addition, the latter factor could interact with the quickly increased amount of surface water all over the Estancia, producing large areas for [illegible] WR (and Pectorals) foraging.
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JPM Myers 1973 Journal Farmhouse to Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juanabo by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 10 December (cont'd) At 1430 it became apparent that another storm was going to hit from the S, so I packed up and began walking back. Rain caught me about 200 m N of the road; because of the lightning, and any lightning rod of a backpack, I settled down in a hollow cornfield to wait it out. I had oposited Pectoralis, WR, Buffs, and Goldens just before the rain started. When it hit, huge flocks of Goldens began appearing, several hundred birds visible in the air at once. During the peak of the storm few were flying (although there appeared to be another burst of birds when the hail (up to 1 cm diameter) began). It rained for 35 minutes, after which the strong S wind continued but the clouds were much lighter. As soon as it stopped raining, more flocks of shorebirds - especially WR, Golden, and Buffy. These were the largest flocks of shorebirds I had seen since arriving on Medeland; certainly the largest for several months. Flocks were always visible in the air, several at a time, most of them headed S away from the storm. The birds were not as spooky as they had been earlier in the day (certainly they were not the same individuals) - a small group of WR allowed me to approach within 10 feet. After this rain (I do not know the quantity), the land is more soaked than ever. Grid I (which I passed on the way back) is almost entirely in water. The area D on the SE corner, which had been dry green, is now shallowly submerged - the tips of the grass are sticking out. Lyeep were in their foraging. Several of the stakes - which after the 3" storm were just barely out of the water, are now lost from site. These recent rains have had a pronounced effect upon the shorebirds in Medeland. I hope that the coast will be dry enough to allow me to see a repeat of the patterns through which they pass upon arriving here in August, when the land is equally (or more) covered with water. We shall see. Grid 3, 500m N of Farmhouse, Estancia Medeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 12 December Walked from camp to Grid 3, arriving just before 0700. Slight wind from N with mostly clear sky. Temp ~60°F. Camp path leading from farmhouse
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Grid 3, 500 m N of Farmhouse, Estancia Midland, 35 km S of Tucumano by road, Pucia de B.A., Argentina 12 December cntd is now passable in auto, the first time in a week plus. Much of the surrounding grass, especially in hollow [illegible] is in shallow ponds of water. In the major pond along which Grid 3a-b-c, in grand view was a large flock of shorebirds, mostly between 3a-b and 3c. In the fields were Lyleg (100+), C4L (30), WR (<30 - most near 3c, on the S west side at the edge of the lagoon), Pectorals (50+). On the way out tapping did their thing, moving our incorrectly. They are a definite obstacle to any study, as the other shorebirds appear to pay attention to the movements of the tapirings, and go off. This was the major problem this morning. Birds were on the grid, but on all but two instances they began giving alarm calls before I could get close enough to sample. L & G Lyleg are much spookier than Pectorals. As I was concentrating on approaching the birds, especially near c, several times I flushed small groups or solitary individuals out of tiny puddles, a few fat actors with no open water - just half-submerged grass. Also 3 Gallinago g. And one flock of ~30 Pectorals. The actual counts in the grids were not that profitable, despite the abundance of birds in the vicinity. I am sure that, had I not been spooking them, and had I remained longer, eventually in all the grids flocks of Lyleg would have appeared. The actual tallies: Grid 3a: Lyleg 2 samples of each subgrid (3a, 3b, 3c) between 0745 and 0815. 3a: Lyleg 0.5 (0-1); Kiskadee 0.5 (0-1); Spectacled tyrant 0.5 (0-1). 3b: Lyleg 1.5 (0-3) ; Pectoral 0.5 (0-1); Spectacled tyrant 0.5 (0-1). 3c: Lyleg 2 (2-4). On 3a the birds seemed most sensitive to my presence, especially for the second sample. 3b was least sensitive. Other shorebirds seen flying near grids - william phalacrope, golden plover. Tower Llamas and Arroyo Chico, Estancia Midland, Pucia de B.A., Argentina At approximately 1300 we drove out to the tower in order to grid areas on the adjacent arroyo. No traffic visible on Grid 9, but many between the road and the tower. Large flocks of gulls still evident, and we scared pectorals out of puddles in the fallow cornfield. There is still much surface water in the Llamas. Cows were all around the tower and on the grid, scratching. Our activity here may have incurred the attentions of the immediate area cattle because we have provided convenient scratching posts. The cattle obviously use them, as the
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JPMayers 1973 Journal Tower Llanos and Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pcia. dt B.A., Arg. 12 December cont'd stakes have cattle lain on them, some are knocked down, etc. Also the guy wiring for the Tower are well used, and many are quite loose. One serious question, if indeed the cattle are now attracted to the area, or what effect their increased presence will have on the buffalos and golden usage of the grid area. From the tower we drove breakout to the road, across Arroyo Chico, and then off the road, back to a point on the Arroyo immediately across the Arroyo from the tower. On the way we passed through a series of fields rippled with golden and traffics, more or less I had seen in these areas previously (23, 24 November). More water was present in isolated puddles, although there was not as much surface area covered as in the Tower Llanos, the fields also had a more ragged appearance, with many short (6") weeds protruding above the short-grass base. Several flochs of pectorals spotted, as well as a few WR. We gridded the Arroyo shoreline for 275 m (1 stake / 5m) across from the tower. WR were concentrated on the shore in an area well trampled by cattle, in the vicinity of stakes 50-55. I noted definite differences in the bottom consistency while driving stakes: the area near 50-55 became less sandy, and more muddy, than those areas farther to the S. When we finished this grid, it appeared likely that there would be more rain. The morning N wind was shifting toward the W, and low clouds filling the sky, some quite dark. Returned to farmhouse for stakes (a few crops fell), and then back to Tower Llanos for more gridding: Grid 6, S of tower, with a grid 75 x 100 m, with 25x25 m units, i.e. 3 units x 4 units. We decided to try units this large in order to make it possible to cover more area. We then drove W along the Arroyo in order to begin placing the WR transect: 100 m gridded by 1 stake / 5 m, with intervals between grids of 200 m. 10 grids in total. On the way upstream we came to a slightly lower area on the Llanos, about 300 m from the tower, which was full of shovelwires. The "lowland" was ~ 95 x 100 m, very bumpy (small shallow depressions, 6"-1' across with many 3"-4" mounds alternating with the depressions with many of the depressions water-filled). Pectorals and WR, and a few buffalos were in this area. The bumpy depression ended abruptly and became a smooth expanse of short-grass Llanos, continuous with the Tower Llanos. Many Griffs and golden foraging deer (i.e. >20 buffalos). In this small area the separation between upland and lowland species was fairly clear-cut.
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Juancho, by road Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 13 December Awoke at 0510 to sound of thunder. Rain began ~15 min later and continued for the t. Clouds breaking by 0930. Grid 3, Estancia 500 m W of Farmhouse, Medeland, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 16 December Walked out to grid 0700 to finish painting stakes placed 14 December. Shorebirds all over the grid. Surprisingly, there were no WARs, but 40+ Pectorals, 100+ Lyleggs, a few golden plover, and ~5 Gallinago gallinago. One flock of ~50 Wilson's phalarope was feeding about 200 m S of the SE end of the grid. Water level in the grid is down perceptibly, much more grass showing above the water. At the main marsh to the W across a line of branch edge, another flock of shorebirds, largely G+Lyleggs, with 3 Silt sandpipers was foraging on a mud flat which, now, since the rain, has become overgrown with a decreased-like vegetation. One climatopos flying over the grid; a flock of W-fibis. During the day we sighted the widge of Ardeley, the Estancia's owner. At 1930 Lost kit on off with nothing equipment beside Grid 36, and I had the nets up within ~10 minutes. A large thunderhead to the S caused light levels prematurely. Very little [illegible] was flying after 2000. A few G-Yeggs missed the net, as did a pair of Golden Plover. I caught nothing by sight, and after almost nothing a short-eared owl that was foraging over the Grid 3 area I failed the nets and headed back to camp (2145). Discovery supported by the paucity of flying shorebirds. Perhaps the storm had an effect, or perhaps this area is typically depauperate at this time of the year. Prominent birds flying overhead between 19:30 and 2145 were Nycticorax (30 is small groups + solitary), Ani ajaia, Vanellus, Tringa. On the way back I stopped by the speedo to Lummo I've been photographing — the young hen became jimmidy; I tried to catch them by spot lighting, but when I got to within 4 ft they flew. 17 December I had planned to return to the nets at 0400 and try again. But when I woke up, it was slightly later, and raining. So I stayed. At 0800 out and picking up the net. 10+ Pectorals in 3b, a flock of Lyleggs there too, One Gallinago. The corn had left the net alone, but I had caught several species of beetle (ranging up to 2" in lego length, one which ejected a raised smelly substance with a hiss when poked) and a dragonfly.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Arroyo Chico near Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 December contd Came to tower 1200 to place [illegible], repair Grid 4, and enlarge it. Most of the surface water through which I've been shidley for the last few days en route to the tower is now good gore. [illegible] However, as near camp, and around Grid 3, the mosquitoes in the Llanos are becoming a [illegible] trial. Absence of wind this morning accentuates their [illegible] perverseness. Buffalo and galdons both very apparent on the Llanos, but winter are traveling in the large flock seen during the last week. Few WR were on the gridded area nearby from the towers in the Arroyo; 2 buffaloes were bathing. There were Gplover, Hgadwit, Lykaga, Ch. Falklandica. Water in the Arroyo has receded ~ 2 horizontal feet, or several inches of vertical. This is partly due to the absence of the usual S wind, which seems to pick up the water. From the tower, I went back out to the road, I saw the Bridge, and then N again to a point on the Arroyo across from the towers, in order to mark observation post for the linear transect in the Arroyo, Grid 8. Lapwings were extremely annoying; at one time I had 6 hounding me, plus two brown- headed gulls. They will make walking the transect very difficult. Grid 9, Farmhouse Puddle, Estancia Medeland, Pucia de B.A., Argentina Lais drove me out to the observation post, me in thigh on top of the car in the blind, at @ 1615. Slight rain, moderate - strong wind from NE, very dreary and low clouds, temp = 65°. Took quist count at 1630. Our arrival did not appear to affect the birds whatsoever. Two flocks, one of WR, and another of LYL, remained foraging between the car and the grid. A few speckled teal flew but returned shortly thereafter. Totals (species are #/sample [range], total #): Pectoral, 9.6 (0-20), 67; Whit-rump, 5.1 (0-20), 36; Microspalax, 0.3 (0-2), 2; Lykaga, 6.4 (0-14), 45; Gplover, 1.7 (0-5), 12; S. lapwings, 0.9 (0-2), 6; S. screamer, 0.3 (0-2), 2; Speckled teal, 1.6 (0-5), 11; Kiskadee, 0.1 (0-1), 1; Speckled tyrant, 0.1 (0-1), 1; Cattle tyrant, 0.1 (0-1), 1; Anthus correndera, 0.2 (0-1), 2. Chimangos (Milvago chimango) and ~30 w. thalarpops feeding in (0-1) WR swallows flew overhead frequently. A flock of Hgadwit foraged in the 360 area between- swampers. The Pectorals observed on the grid evidenced no territoriality, although one in the (-1,-1) area appears to be so [see op. accent]. In the -1,1 and -1,2 area a pair of
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JP Myers 1973 Journal Grid 9 (Farmhouse Puddle) Estancia Wedel land, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 17 December cont’d Southern lapwings are raising 3 chicks (less than 1 week old). The lapwings are very aggressive particularly Cpler but including WR+Pectoral towards other shorebirds, and devote considerable time to chasing invaders away. The defended area includes at least part of the (0,0) area part of the grid; thus the lapwing behavior is having a pronounced effect on shorebird dispersion in that region. I did have some difficulty in running samples, for two reasons: the size of the grid units is large, and it is difficult to cover a unit well. I am observing from a point at which the scope is so powerful as to be awkward, but where it is still too far to use binoculars. Secondly, the habitat contains some microtopographic relief, enough so that a Pectoral can almost, if not completely, disappear. Also, bedraggling obscures a few areas of the grid (not completely). At 17:55 there was a large disturbance which caused many of the foraging shorebirds to fly, with alarm calls. I was not sure of the source of the disturbance, but there it may have been one of the ranch hands running a herd of horses into the Farmhouse area. However, he was several hundred meters away. Because of the alarm calls and the reshuffling, I took an additional sample at 17:55. Most of the birds had congregated in the (1-2,0) One idea which occurred to me while watching the regrouping following the disturbance had to do with the effect that feeding style may have on tightness of flocking. Birds that forage with their heads down may derive considerable advantage from flocking in tight groups, e.g. Microspalama. With my data on dispersion, plus additional material quantifying the % a bird spends with his head down or up, I should be able to examine this. Additionally, I predict that, if flocking is of anti-predatory significance (not necessarily in the selfish herd tradition), then territorial pectorals, for e.g., should spend more time looking up, i.e., less time foraging, than flocking pectorals. This is, of course, problematic — unless golden, but the intra-specific comparison may prove fruitful. I must take foraging behavior data in such a fashion that time available for observation is included in the measurement]. At ~ 18:45 major flocks of shorebirds left the grid. The first was mixed of WR + Lylap; they flew up from the (0,-1) and (0,1-2,0) area, landed in a flock near (2, 2-3), and then took off again towards the NNW when a 3 F4L flew over. Pectorals remained in the (3-4,0) area, but flew less than 5 minutes later. Golden’s remained
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Grid 9 (Farmhouse Puddle) Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Juvanchoby road, Provincia de B.A., Argentina 17 December (Cont'd) No calibration wire left on the grid for the following count although they were in the [illegible] (-1-0.5) area, being hassled by the lapwing pair. Small groups of shido continued to land and fly away on the grid until the final count at 1930. Weather throughout the afternoon was consistently cool (65-62°F), light rain during several of the counts, and a moderate - strong NE wind. 18 December Up at 0500 and on observation post over Grid 9 by 0530. First reading at 0600. Weather as evening before, light rain, 62°F, mod-strong NE wind. Incident vertical light at 0530 = ~4 foot candles. Rain increased to heavy by 0645, at which point it became impossible to use the spotting scope (rain on the lens) and I retired 2 samples, totals: [illegible] (sp; ave/cat, (range) total): Pectoral, 3.5 (2-5)7; WR, 1.5 (0-3)3; Micropalama 2 (0-4)4; GYkep 0.5 (0-1)1; S Lapwing 4 (4)8 - including 3 chicks/cat -; Speckled teal 3.5 (2-5)7; WFlbis 0.5 (0-1)1; Anthus correndera 0.5 (0-1)1. I may have scared off a few lapwings upon arriving, as I believe myself and had to climb into the blind upon arrival; however, the behaviour of other birds (five: 4 lapwings) on the grid later during the morning suggested that the birds may have left for other reasons: It was not until the second count (0630) that any of them stayed in our area for long. Most landing remained a few moments to minutes, and then flew again. I do not believe it was a reaction to my presence, as there were no alarm notes, nor alarm behaviour (bobbing) typical for birds that have detected me. One territorial pectoral in (3-4,-1) Grid 3, 500m N of Farmhouse, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Juvanchoby road, Provincia de B.A., Argentina After rain stopped (not as heavy as first appeared it would be) I had to drive out in the blind to the Grid 3 area. First sample taken at 1300. Cloud cover still complete, with incident vertical light ~500 FC. Temp = 68°F, wind moderate from 30°E of W. Birds received the car and blind well as more flew, nor were we chased by foxes. totals (2 of 3a, 3 of 3b): 3a: Pectoral, 6 (5-7)12; WRump 0.5 (0-1)1; Micropalama 0.5 (0-1)1; GYkep 1.5 (15-16)31; GYkep 1.5 (0-3)3; Goldenflower 0.5 (0-1)1; Shapwing 1 (0-2)2; Speckled tyrant 1 (0-2)2; Pseudoleide virecru 0.5 (0-1)1. 3b: Pectoral, 5.7 (2-9)17; GYkep, 2 (1-4)6; GYkep 0.3 (0-1)1; Cottamplorer 0.7 (0-1)2; S Lapwing 0.3 (0-1)1; WFlbis 0.3 (0-1)4; Speckled tyrant 1.7 (1-3)5. [illegible] present thus total despite the fact that I am not completely satisfied with the counts. Between samples, I followed.
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5PMyers 1993 Journal Grid 3 (500m Nef Farmhouse), Estancia Mieland, 35 Km S of Juancho by roads, Pcia de B.A., Argentina (individual Pectorale, noting feeding + social behaviour (see ap. accent). They were able to disappear completely in certain areas of the grid because of the high grass, and did so frequently enough to make me doubt the completeness of the census. They did not disappear, however. I was distracted at one point on 1836 by a group (1) of 3 Gallinago. These birds were feeding and preening within a radius of 3m of one another. They were in an area between the observation post and the grid, in higher (both in elevation + in actual vegetation height) and clearer than the grid. Last sample at 1415; weather condition almost identical to those at beginning (70°). Tower Area (Llauró and Arroyo), Estancia Mieland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 1925, on tower - sky is 80-90% covered in 4th low clouds (but pioneer a following - they are not so heavy as earlier, and then have been extensive patches of blue). Lois brought me here left, ~30 min to age. Arroyo contains (fallow, toward S at curve to W, ~200m away) - 20 Godwit; closer in toward tower, ~100m away - 10 WR with 2 Ch. Falklandicus, 2 G. pluvia. The players continue down toward the grid - 4 on this side of the grid. 2WR on E side of Arroyo on grid. Grid 7 (SE of Tower) containing: 2 Ch. falklandicus, 1 buff-breasted spiper. In Grid 4 (50m NE of tower) - 3 golden plover, 3 buff-breasted sandpiper. At 1935, disturbance, and ~30 WR flew up Arroyo, taking with them those I had counted. All the godwits left. Birds circling overhead, and settling into field on opposite side of Arroyo. 0736 Incident Vertical Light = 260 ft-candles. 2000 - flock of 16 BN 5ft. Land just past the grid, just as a herd of 8-10 wild pig ran across the corrego + to the NE across Strellenos. Lapwing bounded them as they ran. 2005 IVL=32 fc; then when the sun is setting now, there are a few buffaloes in Grid 4. Sky has almost cleared. Wind moderately from NE. At 2000 began sampling - 1 each of Grids 5, 6, and 4. Totals: Grid 5: white rump 6; Golden plover, 2; Ch. falklandicus, 1. Grid 6: Golden plover, 1; Ch. falklandicus, 1; Grid 4: Golden Plover, 6. I began to run another cycle of sampling, but light levels fell too low to read numbers on stakes (IVL= 9f.c. at 2020) 2025 WR left, 1 flying up Arroyo. 2 Lapwing flew into Arroyo. 2026 1 G.plover downstream. 2027 1 G.plover landed on Grid 5, 4 flew by. 2028 golden flew; 2029 1 GP upstream, 8th Gull upstream; 2030- 3 GP flying down Arroyo. 2031 2 GP landed, took off. 2035. 2035 Agai Agai [illegible] left [illegible] downstream [illegible] 2042 - 8 BNs [illegible] at [illegible] [illegible]. Going up stream. These notes were taken
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Tower Llanos area, Estancia Miedland, 35 Km S of Juancho, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 18 December Cont'd Looking W across a section of the blind, ~50m of length, I stopped when light conditions became too poor. Remained in the tower for night sleeping After a poor night (e.g., bowing owl woke came up at 0230, hearing overhead—quite an apparition—and then landing on the blind) but fortunately with no rain nor attack by cow (they shake the tower considerably when they come to scratch on it). Up at 0530, with the sun on the horizon. Clear sky, temp = 52°; NVC=260ft. A low fog covers the whole visible area; in the tower I'm almost above it. Immediately took sample of Grid 5 & 6. While then I was attacked by cows, they continued across Arroyo after with the help of a few flying stakes from the tower. Grid 4 read at 0600 and 0605. I continued to read grids through the morning until 1200, when I air-peeded me up. Because of cows, at ~0930 I had to get down where them away, + thus lost the grids. Any did not sample for an hour. At ~1000 I noted large flocks of golden and bufflier started flying over the fields; they continued this way until my departure (see r.p. accent) totals for Grid counts of 19 December at Tower Llanos: Grid 4 (6 samples) 4a (5x5 units) (10 samples) [Species, no. (range), total]: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 2.4 (1-6) 24; Golden Plover, 1.0 (0-3) 10; Correndero Pipit 0.4 (0-2) 4; Cow 0.4 (0-2) 4. 4a is contained within 4b, the former being 4 25x25m units marked into 5x5 units. Thus, the totals of 4b include those of 4a. 4b totals: Buff-breasted: 5.1 (2-10) 51; Golden Plover, 1.0 2.3 (1-5) 23; Correndero Pipit (5x5) 0.6 (0-2) 6; Cow 1.8 (0-7) 18. Grid 7 (6 samples) total Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 1.0 (2-10) 41; C-plover 1.7 (0-3) 10; Correndero Pipit 1 (0-2) 6; Mole Humus bonariensis 2 (0-1) 1; Cercos Sicalia 0.5 (0-3) 3; Cow 1.2 (0-2) 4. Grid 5 (3 runs): Wrenup 3 (0-5) 9; Golden 3 (0-8) 9; Micropalama 0.7 (0-2) 2; Arenaria interrupta 0.3 (0-1). Grid 6 (2 runs) Wrenup 0.5 (0-1) 1; (oldan 0.5 (0-1) 1; Southern Lapwing 1 (0-2) 2; BH Gill 1.5 (0-3) 3. The major discovery of this season at the tower is the amount (frequency) of intra-specific aggression between Bufflier, and its apparent space-specificity, i.e., territoriality (see r.p. accent). I now have strong indications for the existence of territoriality in Tryngite eutricha, Calidris melanotos, C. fuscicollis, and C. bairdi. At the same time, it appears that not all birds of each species are territorial—all of the
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JPMYERS 1973 Journal Tower Llanos Estancia Medeland, [illegible] 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina. 19 December (contd) At that time, I have watched foraging birds of all 3 species under circumstances where they do not flock. The problem can be solved logically: observation -> that birds of each species engage in territorial behavior some of the time. There are two broad classes of possible acts of hypothesis (assuming a "clean" causal relationship): 1) external features, including food type (sensitivity to density of birds, dispersion [even as patchy, variation in density, etc.], habitat dispersion, predation [e.g., through feeding behavior, sight, frequency, etc.]); 2) internal features: age or sex class, past experience, including here or breeding ground, different breeding population. Not all of these hypotheses are equally testable, and because of the very high possibility that a number of factors are interacting, a test of a series of dichotomies appears impossible. [illegible] It is possible that birds are territorial some of the time, + flock at others (in fact it is almost certain). But do all flocking birds at some time establish there or try to establish territory? First, I argue that habitat variables are not the critical factors; they may be a necessary condition for territoriality (e.g., a minimum time of habitat stability), but they do not appear to be sufficient, for I see non-territorial birds in all the habitats in the estancia in which I have seen territorial birds. With further data, I will be able to test this statement with proportions within populations & for changes in % with time during day, weather etc. These factors could be confounding an otherwise clear picture, but I doubt it. Age & sex classes may be the critical factor in determining which birds (once given the necessary habitat conditions) are territorial. In fact, they may be both necessary + sufficient. This would be unsurprising, of course, the adaptive value for territoriality. [avoiding for the moment Hamilton's suggestion that the behaviors are not adaptive] Ok well. 5850 m Grid #9 (Farmlhouse Puddle) Estancia Medeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina Observation post On grid at 0545. [illegible] sky clear, slight W/NW breeze, temp 65°. First reading at 0600: temp 66°; clouds 0°; wind slight, NWW; Incident vertical Light = 580 fc. Temperature rose quickly during the morning, so that when I left (0930) it was 80°. Wind increased to moderate, but no clouds. Rain 7 samples. Totals (sp, ave # range) total): Pectoral 167 (4-42) 117; LwRump 7.9 (0-15) 54; Micropalama 0.4 (0-2) 3; Lylega 8.9 (3-2) [illegible] GyLegs 1.4 (0-2) 10; Wilson's Phalarope 1.1 (0-5) 8; S.Lapwing 1.1 (0-2) [illegible]; 20 December
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{ "text": "SPMyers\n1973\nJournal\nGrid #9, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.\n20 December\ncont'd\n(Grid totals cont'd) Hupsoarian gadoit 0.1 (0-1); Anao Versicular 0.7 (0-1) 5; speckled teal 1 (0-3) 7;\nCorcorero pipit 0.7 (0-1) 5; Kistadree 0.6 (0-3) 4; (wF) Ibois 0.3 (0-1) 2; Himantopus 0.1 (0-1);\nOf particular interest this morning was the result of a disturbance immediately prior to the 0900\nsample, birds concentrated heavily in the (1,0) and (1,1) census units. My reading of this dispersion\npattern was made more difficult by the fact that the terra lepiping raising a brood #3 in the\n(0,0) unit and surrounds chased the large flock from their landing site several times.\nTower Llave, Estancia Medeland, Pcia de B.A. Argentina\nCame to tower at 1800 w/cos, at 1855 ran grid 6, then again at 1900+1905.\n1915 began counting flying shorebirds. Behaem. 1925 and 1945 I was running grids 6, 5, + 4.\n\n[illegible] \n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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JP Myers 1943 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Wedeland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 20 December contd Grid count totals: #4 (once) - Gplover 5; buffbrowed spiper 1, Cpipit, 1. Grid 5 (twice) (5 counts) WRump 15 (9-21),30; buffy 05 (0-1) 1; Gplover 2 (1-3) 4; H gadowit 05 (0-1) 1. Grid 6: @@@@ @@@@@ White rump 13 (6-25) 65; Pectoral 2 (0-4) 10; buffbrowed spiper 0.2 (0-1) 2; Gplover 3.2 (1-5) 16 Southern lapwing 2.8 (2-3) 14; Hudsonian gadowit 0.4 (0-1) 2; B Hgull 0.2 (0-1) 1. Grid 9, & Farmhouse Puddle, Estancia Wedeland, Pcia de B.A., Argentina 1450 23 December Lois drove me to the observation post and walked away from the car. It was immediately apparent that the grid had changed from its condition 20 December, at least as indicated by the distribution of birds. In (3,0), when 20 December there had been Pectorals and White-rumps, there were a few gulls present with more of the others. Weather on arrival was typical of the last few days - clear, (10% cloud cover), warm (24°C) with a moderate NW wind. Grid totals: Pectoral 415 (27-65) 360; White rump 42 (4-42) 91; Micropalama 8.5 (0-68) 68; Cylegs 0.75 (0-1) 6; Lylegs 1.9 (0-3) 15; Golden Plover 11 (6-16) 88; Wilson phalarope - (0-1) 1; S Lapwing 1.5 (0-2) 12; Ybquitail - (0-1) 1; W Faced lark - (0-1) 2; Pizururo pujon - (0-1) 1; Speckled tyrant 1 (0-3) 8; Forktailed tyrant -0 (0-1) 1; Kiskadee - (0-1) 1; Molothrus bonariensis - (0-1) 1; Correndera pipit 3.6 (0-7) 29. The shorebirds struck me as being more congregated from the when I arrived than they had been during the last observation period, and I was fairly sure that my arrival did not cause a significant disturbance on the gird. Lapwings activity was again a significant feature of the dispersion, especially in the (0,0) area. I was unable to obtain sample birds past 1940 because of light levels. A large thundercloud to the SE observed the sun prematurely. 1930 a flock of Micropalama plus a few with Stewart grid. They remain (less than 10 minutes fortunately at a sampling time). After they left the other shorebirds began flicking and taking short flights, returning to the grid. One flock of WR did this twice. It looked as if they were preparing to leave. However, by the time that I left (2000) they were still on grid foraging. Throughout the observation session there was a small group of resting (offing ground) shorebirds in the area immediately to the E of the grid (Little Lagoon (5,0) approximately) - Golden, White rump and a few Pectorals. Temperature down to 26°C at departure, coincided with good NW, 50% cloud cover.
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Grid I, Farmhouse Puddle, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Triancho by road, Provincia de B.A., Argentina 24 December On grid observation post by 0550 - sun just on horizon. No wind, temp = 18°C, no clouds but a thin, low morning haze hanging over the grid. My arrival did not disturb birds (judged by lack of alarm calls or bobbing), but at 0540 two ranch hands chased a herd of horses across the puddle about 125 m south of the southern end. Two other such disturbances during the morning, plus 2 gunshots. These disturbances did not appear to affect the distribution of the birds, as none flaw, nor were there any obvious movements. However, they did evoke calling and head bobbing. Especially the gunshots - virtually all the birds I could see stopped feeding and began calling. I was able to hear every species at a grid hole on the grid calling, especially: 6.4 legs. Between 0600 and 0700 I ran 11 grid counts. 3 factors appeared to be very important in the distribution of the birds this morning: 1) in lower left h corner, (0,0), (1,0), (0,1), and perhaps (0,2) [as well as just outside the grid in (1,0), (-1,1)] then a pair of Southern Lapwings have been chasing out all other shorebirds. This behavior has not been consistent enough to exclude all other shorebirds (none of them have a 0 cumulative score) but the lapwing activity is obviously interfering with foraging by other birds. The reason for this behavior appears to be that the pair of lapwings has 4 chicks foraging in that vicinity. Interestingly, the foraging efforts of the adults are not concentrated there (see ap. accent). The interference by the lapwings has spread during the morning, to a point where by 0900 it was chasing birds off of (1,1) and (2,1). The effect of the lapwing behavior spreads beyond the periphery of its defined area, apparently because of the spreading in time. White rumps and pectorals coming area on the periphery of Rosebirds forced off their feeding areas usually first fly only a short distance and land in the vicinity of other pectoral birds. This results in more territorial (bird) interactions, which brings us to 2) aggression within the pectoral. Then several (probably 5) very aggressive birds on the grid, whose aggression appears to be space specific to territorial. (see ap. accent.) And 3) - several WR also appear —except the lapwings—to be territorial. Almost all of the aggression has been intraspecific. Occasionally I see a pectoral chasing a WR but never with the space specificity of the latter —
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Grid 1 (Farmhouse puddle) Estancia (Meckland), 35 km S of Junin by road, Pucara Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 December cont'd specific attacks and supplantation. Indeed, I am enough WR - Piedoral pairs to suggest that the association may not be accidental. It will be interesting to determine if the white rump and Piedoral territories are placed independently of one another - but greatly impossible to then separate out possible habitat influence on the placement of activity + territory centers. the 2 Ylegs present on the grid this morning was also territorial, excluding all other 2Ylegs from foraging. Although I picked up a BNStilt pair in one cant, they were frigidly. One of them exclude other BNs from the entire pal (all 130 m long of it). The only shorebird species which at no time showed territorial behaviour were Micropalama (Crapaccant). Minimum of 5 territorial Piedorals, 3 territorial WR and 1 territorial Ylego on grid this morning. Probably more WR than 3. 0845 - one instance of what must be called a default grouping -> 2 Red's and 2 WR in the (5,6) unit [wcu] (the grid to extend that far), still of them, three times they were chased out of other areas. The territories of Piedorals + WR must be strongly affected by Lapwing activity - not only in the fact that in some areas the Lapwings will not allow other shorebirds (e.g., when their chicks are) - but also in and the constant stirring effect that their chasing must have on the dispersion of adjacent birds - but also because the exclusive area of the Lapwings change in time. This morning, we have snaked (Crapaccant). The defended area has shifted toward the center of the grid, incorporating more or more units. The instability! Add this to the longer term changes in habitat-induced by elyting! Grid totals (22!) Samples; Polition Species, area (range) total): Piedoral 6.6 (3-13) 146; White rump 6.9 (4-17) 159; Micropalama 0.1 (0-2) 2; Galliariago 0.2 (0-2) 4; 2Ylego 0.5 (0-1) 11; G.plover 0.3 (0-1) 6; BNStilt 0.1 (0-2) 2; Slapwing 0.4 (0-3) 8-inc 4 records of chicks; Agelaius thalassus - (0-1) 1. 26 December: Out on observation post, fly at 0510. Clouds 80%, temp 19°C, a light N wind. Southern Lapwing active in clearing shorebirds from c. (4,0), (4,1) etc from the beginning, although Lapwings not consistently active throughout the morning. It was immediately
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JPMyers 1973 Journal Grid 1 (Farmhouse Puddle), Estancia Medland, 35 km S of Trencha, Ruta de Buenos Aires, Argentina 26 December confid apparent that the grid had dried somewhat since the last observation period, 24 December, particularly in the (0,1) area which was shallow to begin with. Now, where (0,1) there had been predominately, with a few mounds of dirt extending above surface water, the grid units are approximately: (0,0) - 80% water; (0,1) - 70%; (0,2) 50%; (0,3) 50%; (0,4) 50%; (0,5) 10%. I.e. Used the mean of the grid in the other areas of the grid are not noticeably different, because the water is somewhat deeper there. During the morning the clouds grew heavier, and by 0730 it was raining heavily. At 0745 I retreated. By then, however, I'd made 7 samples, as follows: Grid total: Pectoral 4.3 (4-5) 29; White rump 5.7 (3-8) 9; Microptiloma Bairdi 0.4 (0-3) 3; Microplama 0.4 (0-3) 3; Lesser Yellowlegs 1.3 (0-2) 9; Golden Plover 0.4 (0-1) 3; Southern Lapwing 1.0 (0-2) 7 (including); Kiskadee 0.4 (0-1) 3; C Pipit (0-1) 1. During the morning I recorded additional sets of data: 1) Sites of aggression — on an enlarged grid map I plotted the locations as could, the exact sites of acts of aggression between the part of my species recording the time and the species participating. It is not a complete account of the agonistic acts performed except as during some of the periods I was sampling. And some species, particularly, Pectorals & Lapwings, are better represented because of the relative ease of locating them. 2) Following data — selected individual records were followed, this position plotted every minute for 20-30 minutes. Both of these data were in the grid notebooks (with limited accuracy in species account). Aggression → the morning was repeated on 3 sheets, each covering 40 min of observation. Period 1: 0550-0630 35 total; Pectoral → Pectoral 13, Pect→WR 2, WR→WR 7, LYL→LYL 1, SL→Lapwing → WR 2 30 total Period 2: 0630-0710 Pect→Pect 11, Pect→WR 1, WR→WR 7, SL→Pect 4, SL→WR 4, SL→LYL 3 Period 3: 0710-0730 14 total Pict→Pect 7, Pict→WR 1, WR→WR 3, LYL→LYL 3. I left the grid at 0750 because the very hard rain was making observation impossible. During the morning a total of 10 mm fell between 0700 and 1400. I returned to the grid at that point. It was still raining (5 more mm fell during the afternoon). Added additional sample effects, including the effect of 10 mm on the grid was invisible, particularly in the (0,1) units which had previously dried considerably from their condition on 12/24. Although it does not the 10 mm has not completely reversed the drying trend, the grid
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J.P. Myers 1973 Journal Grid 1 (Farmhouse Puddle), Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Juanchoy, rong Ria de Bs. Aires, Argentina 26 December cont'd is much more similar to that of 12/24. Overshadowing the grid on my arrival was a flock of 24 Microplasma foraging. The majority stayed throughout my observations. There also appeared to be fewer Pectorals and LYL. During the afternoon (I stayed until 1600) the rain stopped briefly to start again just before I left, and the wind picked up from moderate to strong. Temperature remained around 20°C. 19 samples. Totals (sp, ave, range, tki) Pectoral 3.4 (2-5) 65, Whirrump 3.7 (0-6) 73, Microplasma 24 (17-28) 454, LYL Legs 2.4 (0-6) 44, GYL Legs 0.2 (0-3) 4; Wilson's Phalarope 0.9 (0-2) 17; (L-Plover - (0-1) 1; Speckled teal 0.3 (0-1) 5 ; (Corvusornum Pipit - (0-1) 1. Lapwings were present during the afternoon, apparently, but their activities appeared to be dispersed, the center of their activity are off the grid. However, the lower right hand corner of the grid ((low (4,n), (3,n))) they are chasing, especially during the latter part of the observation period. They are definitely clearing from (4,0) and are occasional from (5,0) (2,-1). But not as regularly as in previous observation periods. 27 December On grid at 0600, but took no sample because of constant disturbance. Returned ~ 1 hour, during which I saw several SC attacks and a number of territorial interacting including one prolonged Pectoral flight (see ap. accent for Pectoral). Back at 1125, took first reading at 1195. Temp 27°C. Lapwings decided in 48 (0-1) count. and the SC had been aggregating in the grid first 20 min all the way across the lower part of the grid - this is the dominant feature of the grid this afternoon - zero aggression throughout the first part of the observation ranging over most of the lower half of the grid. Four of 21 samples must be considered zero disturbed. In addition, it is apparent from the 15 hour of 5 minute sampling intervals (1600-1700) that, if the Lapwings disturbance is persistent enough, the effects take a considerable time to decay. It may be that all of the 5 min hour samples are thus affected, though I labeled only those occurring falling within one minute as two disturbed. Two other significant features of the data are the presence of non-torerial pectorals in some of the samples (see ap accent) and a solitary Microplasma which remained most of the afternoon. Totals: Pectoral 4 (2-7) 86 Whirrump 3 (1-4) 61, Microplasma 0.9 (0-1) 8; GYL - (0-1) 1, LYL 1 (0-1) 20
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J P Myers 1973/ 1974 Journal Grid 1 (Farmhouse Puddle), Estancia Medoland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 27 December cont'd totals (month) Golden plover -(0-1) 2; Southern lapwing 0 6 (0-4) 13 (inc. 10 chicks); Swamy, egret -(0-1) 1. 28 December Trip to Mar de Plata for provisioning. In the evening a thunderstorm, 22 mm rain recorded at the Farmhouse 30. December Out a Grid 1 0350 in order to place mist net for banding. One satellite crossing. Finished putting up net at 0425 - within 2 seconds of having finished I heard the first WR of the morning. Upon arriving at 0330 there were red-winged tinamou already calling, and a few Zonotrichia. Walked from camp out along the S fence to Grid 1. My approach to the grid area was met with 3 Lapwings calling, but not from 1; they were in the Grid 9 region. Also a few G Ylegs began to call. These were no birds at the grid when I arrived. 0432 no big influx of birds yet. Sky 60% overcast with a big storm on the way from the south. Wind mod, NW. 0435 light high enough to see birds' silhouetted against the sky (but just my birds - ducks & roseate spoonbill) 0436 small flock of WR heard going into Grid 9 0438 first Golden head. 0442 heard first pectoral. Birds are definitely over grid 1 by now. 0445 screamers begin to call. 0450 went to check net. Banded 6 WRump and I Micropodoma. A L Ylega and a Pectoral bounced off the net at different times during the morning. After 0515 birds were definitely avoiding the net in flight. Went back to camp 0630. Began to rain 0700 - 5mm during morning 31 December 2mm rain during morning. 1. January Arrived at Grid 1 from Villa Guell party (happy new year) at 0330. Set up two nets within the grid. The wind was somewhat strong for good netting, and a storm threatened to the south. The sky became overcast while I was pulling up the first net. 0405 - one Pectoral flying 0415 spooked a WR (!) off the grid, one which I know was not there at 0330 because I had tromped throughout that area of the grid. Toros began scolding me when I got out of the car at 0330. The red colouration in the dawn became apparent, growing pronounced by 0445.
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Myers, J. P. 1974 Journal Argentina
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JPM Myers 1972/ Journal Grid 1 (Farmhouse Puddle) Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Francisco, Part. Jock Madariaga, Proia de Bs Aires, Argentina 1 January first yellowleg call. Netting was moderately successful: 4 Piedrots, 3 white rumps, 2 Zonotrichia, 2 Sigalis. The sandpipers received USFWS bands + color bands (see S.p. accent + banding schedule) the finingillito nothing - what monsters they are in a net. By 0645 a fierce storm was imminent. Not wanting to be holding the nailed poles while standing in the puddle as the midst of lightning, I folded the nets and ran. As yesterday, after release the WR did not fly; rather, then, fan 10'-20' and stopped to peen. Piedrots all flew. Just before beginning to clean the nets and band, I walked through Grid 9, 75 m across the road. I did this in the hope that by spooking birds from #9, more would be picked up in the nets. I was impressed by the # of birds already in Grid 9 - despite the fact that I had heard no great quantities flying in. It was too dark to tell well, but there were several flocks (50+ birds / flock) of WR and Piedrot. Remembering 23 December - that birds were flying into Grid 9 at lake ca 2000 - it occurred to me that #9 may be a roosting area. The storm hit just after we left the grid - strong winds + 19mm rain. 1800 returned to Grid area. White rump Yellow LEFT in (G3). No other banded birds detected, although 3 Piedrots were peering, and a small flock of Micropluvia, feeding. Grid 9 - 1830 set up two nets in suspected roosting area. I then retired to the road ~200 m away to watch. Towards dark (19:30) I had spooked one large flock of Piedrots (200+ birds) off of grid while setting up nets. Towards dark (19:30) flocks began to appear - especially WR, Piedrot, and G-Y legs. ~20:05 something spooked a flock of WR + Piedrot that had been peering near the net (10 m away) - they flew up, and some of them in. The clamor of birds caught birds spooked the marsh, and several hundred birds took to the air. I followed the WR + Piedrot flock contained to which in flight proximity of the net, and I picked some up as they went by. During the evening banded 21 Piedrots and 14 WR. 2 WR died in the net.
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JPMeyers 1974 Journal Grid 9 (Farmhouse Paddock) Estancia Meceland 35 Kms. of Juanadas, Partido de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1 January (cont'd) In addition to those I netted 2 Slapwinga and 1 Sicalis. Rained (briefly) about 2200. During the night (in wind) became steadier. 2 January Rained continuously most of the night, and steadily all morning until 1330. Accumulated 41mm. At 1330 sky cleared 100%, and remained that way without wind until 1830 when Cumulus started pouring in from the west. Still little wind. At 1900 I walked to grid 9 — the rain filled the area (grids 1+9) up to a point similar to that achieved by the rains of 4-6 December. [illegible] Few birds on the grids. Found one dead banded white-rump (Right Orange, Left Yellow B21 52017) and one live bird that couldn't fly (orange orange) [illegible] -050,059 Picked them both up. Unfurling rats, headed a ball more + encourage away, and retired to a vantage point. Compared to last night's abundance of shorebirds, tonight's paucity is alarming. Did activity change the roosting area? Or did they move because of the rain (incurved water level making other roosts more desirable)? The only birds which lighted were a group of hudsonian godwits and another of Gylp. Heard very few white-rumps and fewer Pectorals. Caught one Southern lapwing — nothing else. Grid 3, Estancia Meceland, Partido de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 3 January 1700 walked from Farmhouse north through Grid 3 and to the first windmill, ~500 m W of Farmhouse. Warm (in high 70's) with the wind not strong enough to keep away hordes of mosquitoes. No clouds. I went to secure the area after yesterday morning's defense; the effects were obvious but not quite so overwhelming as I had expected. Water level near that of 6 December. I had not been in this area for over 2 weeks, and was struck by the luxuriance of the lowland vegetation — nearly 6'8" grasses and sedges (Juncus spp.). Spoke several (all male) from the flooded grasslands. Few shorebirds — one flock (<10 birds) of Lygge, a few Gylp, and 3 Pectorals on the grid. At the northeast of the grid the brush edge "hedge" [which serves to separate the gridded wider body from a large lake swamp to the west] juts out — and the gridded pond almost reaches the lake swamp. Here, on the frond of the swamp, was a flock of 15 WR, a
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Grid 3, Estancia Medeland, [illegible] 35 Rm S of Tlanchao by road Ptdo de Madariaga Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 3 January (contd) small number of BN Stilt, 4 Pectorals, several S. lapwing, and 2 Southern Scaupers. Collected 3 White-rump (051, 052, 053). 4 January @ Trip to Mar del Plata. Returned 1830 just before rain. White rump I had caught 1 January, banded, then found alive 2 flighters 2 January had died in our absence. Prepared it (054) Rain began in evening and continued throughout night to past 0830. 55 mm. 5 January Dawn cloudless and strong Swinds; temp 50°F. 1900 walked along same route as 3 January - from Farmhouse through Grid 5 to Molino - and then beyond ~300 m. From then circled west around tule Marsh, and walked back to Farmhouse road along fence on west side of tule marsh. Went past Grid's 1 and 9 on return route. Weather in 70's, very windy (S) and cloudless. Winds strong enough to make this my first mosquitoless day in the field for weeks. Returned 1700. Collected 2 white rumps (059, 060) and 4 Pectorals. Saw 8 probable Painted Stripe - they were all on the edge of the tule marsh, probably forced out of normal foraging areas by water levels. The water is now higher than it has been at any time since our arrival in November. There is no exposed mud visible in any of the areas through which I passed. Water levels is at least 3 inches higher in the Grid 3 region than it was 5 January. A flock similar to that which I found 5 January was in the same vicinity foraging - but displaced N 30' by the higher water levels. There were more grids beyond the Windmill than there were in the Grid area. Beyond the Windmill had not had water much less any birds - until the 3 January rain. Present was a flock of 50+ Pectorals, about the same number of White rump, 15 Hudsonian (adult), 10 Himantopus, a few golden plovers, ~10 S. lapwing, many Lyle's and a few G. Y. leg. Grid 1, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Walked past Grid 1 on my return from above passage through (Grid 3) area. No birds landed and warily passed through a flock of 50+ WR Flamingo. Water level is up ~3"-5" - no likely habitat included within the grid now - all but the damagullo is submerged. Here 2 Shahoon almost under as well. Solano
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Rte 11 Pond, Estancia Mickleland 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 7 January 0700 Drove to Rte 11 Pond on Farmhouse road and parked in car when the road goes through that lowland. The object of the trip was to collect a Pictoral of known territorial status. Therefore I sat in the car watching nearby Pictorals (of which there were few - 24, including one that looks like it has juvenile plumage). After 2 hours spent determining that, with a fair degree of certainty, one particular bird was defending an area just S of the road, I moved to collect it. In the process it flew, and after several unsuccessful approaches it began consorting with other disturbed Pictorals - after which I was no longer sure which was which. In the chase I managed to shoot 1 WR (063) instead. Weather: cool, slight breeze, no clouds. On the way back to camp I collected 2 buff-breasted sandpipers from a large flock of buff-banded goldens foraging by the road near Arroyo Chico Bridge (061, 062). They were in the fallow corn field. The flock was fairly tight for these species. Grid 2 (Rte 11 Pond) Estancia Mickleland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina 8 January After spending the night ~100 m from Grid 2, I placed Nets at 0300 hrs. By 0530 the light was too high, so I took the nets down. During the morning caught only 1 male Southern Lapwing. Returning from netting I picked up one lapwing chick off of Grid 1 (069) 9 January 5mm rain. I remained in camp to rehabilitate maggot-injured specimens Rte 11 Pond at Farmhouse Rd, Estancia Mickleland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina 10 January Drove to Rte 11 Pond with Loin at 1530. Temp in 70's, wind very strong (stank car rolling from stop on level) and sky 20% cloud cover. Wind kept up until 1630; it quit as a brief squall passed over head. Birds along the road to my van skittish if the car, but once I stopped they returned to feed nearby. En route saw several hundred golden plovers in the fallow corn field E of the Arroyo Chico bridge as well as several buffalo. Despite the presence of appropriate looking holes along the roadside, with proper amounts of regulation, the east of Arroyo Chico bridge I saw no Pictorals, even in areas when they had been foraging at times when water level was similar. Buffalos [illegible] negrito, [illegible] (I should have noted seeing the jaystone 5 January) uncommon exceedingly common along the road. At Rte 11 Pond I watched interacting between territorial Pictorals and non-territorial White-capped [illegible]
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal 10 January (Cont'd) Rte. 1. Pond at Farmhouse Rd., Estancia Medelar, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina (species account). Collected one timbrid (Federal #065) and one timbrid whistling (066) at 1645 then drove back along farmhouse road Grid 4 (Tower Llanos), Estancia Medelar, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina On the way back from Rte. 1 pond we checked out the path to Grid 4 in order to see if it was accessible. Many golden plopped in the 'Jawbone' field, but only a few buffle. Immediately pushing through the gate at the end of the corn field, and entering into the Llanos, started to see more buffle. However, the numbers were not very impressive (>100). The Llanos, for the first time since our arrival, show no sign of growth above the 1-2" level (in the non-thrift contaminated area). But it is ragged + sparse, and apparently just overlapping seed heads of old Juncus, perhaps a few more. The ditch proved to be comparable for the carriwader still flowing swiftly despite no substantial rains for several days, and excellent singing condition (abundant wind, sun + warm). Indeed the lower areas of the Llanos still have a film of standing water. We pitched a campsite at the edge of the ditch on a direct line between the gate and the tower, and will return this evening so that tomorrow morning will be in good position for netting. Tower Llanos Grid 1, Estancia Medelar, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina Passed through Grid 1 and Grid 9 acres via Farmhouse Road in car at 1830. No Shorebirds on Grid 1, and now apparent on Grid 9. Whump Yellow Right is again in the middle between (Grid 1) and the Farmhouse Road gate before reaching the farmhouse. Grid 4 (Tower Llanos), Estancia Medelar, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina (temporarily) Returned to campsite shortly after sunset. We are right beside a small pond (70' x 20') that earlier in the past been dry. One timbrid we on it, and possibly others, also possibly burrowing) on a larger (4 x 20) pond about 50m up the dale. 11 January Up at 0215 to chase cows from around the tent. Moon just passed full, and at 0215 quite high. Temp lower than in other recent evenings (7°C at dawn). Wind did to a very slight breeze. At 3h 3m we marked down to finally get the cow away, forgot. Up at 0530 to place nets. Walked from camp to tower, and found considerable trouble with the nets because of the loose substrate - I put the first net on Grid 7 on the Llanos
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 35KmS.ofJuancho Tower Llamos, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina proper, and could not penetrate the ground with the net poles, the other net I'd placed within Grid 5 in Arroyo Chico; where the sandiness of the soil did not provide a firm enough support to avoid use of supporting guy lines. (before sending out I tried some fishing with the mist net, but caught nothing except mud). Because of these travails I didn't get the latter set up completely until 0450. During the morning I caught nothing, despite the presence of golden and buffies near or on Grid 7, and white rumps, lapwings, Chambordos folklandicus, and golden on Grid 5. I believe that this is largely due to the fact that after 0450 there remains little time of effective netting hours (as the birds were at least partly in already). Farmhouse Rd, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 13 January Woke up at 0230 in order to net. Sky overcast, strong wind, southwest back to bed. Between 0500 and 0800 it rained ≤10mm. 1000 tried to go out on road toward Rte 11 pond but was unable to got passed mud beyond 1st gate. At 1630 tried again, +was successful. In both attempts I saw that there were no pipits on grids 2 or 9, but at 1300 they had been an emboided solwing in the afternoon on the (0,-1) unit of Grid 1. Several flocks of golden foraging in fallow cornfield as usual, some of the birds on the road as we drove up to them. No buffies seen going. First Redwings at edge of roadside puddle always just E of Rte 11 pond. Also 3 WR and more Goldens. When we drove up there were 1 Pet + 1 WR foraging at the site where I had removed a territorial pectoral 10 January. However, they flew when we stopped, and had not returned 20 minutes to later. I therefore drove off the road along the W side of the pond towards ME. Many All shorebirds seen along tree, between the road + the fence = <200m - was excessively speedy. ~5 pectorals, 2. WR, and perhaps 10 S lapwings. At the fence there as a broader feeding area - the demarcation between upland and water is drawn out - and that is where we found all but one of the Pectorals delayed there for an hour, but the birds were not adapting at all to the presence of the car, and finally flew. We followed (in time). On the way back to the Farmhouse I drove outside the fallow-cornfield, looking for buffies. Blacked 3 (067,068,069) from a flock of 40. No info on their social status, as we were a tremendous disturbing influence while driving to + fro chasing them.
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 08 Farmhouse area, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proin de Buenos Aires, Argentina 14 January 0800 sky clear, nearly windless, temp 70°F. Lois & I walked from camp to the W edge of the Eucalyptus grove, then E through tall Pampas grass ~ 1 Km until reaching a large swamp running in a W-S direction. After following that the Wedge of the swamp for 2 Km W, we cut NW until approaching the area where we had camped regularly in the end of November. At this pt we turned S, following our old "road" and returned to the Farmhouse Eucalypts by 1200. The purpose of the trip was to find other areas being used by Dowland sandpipers — i.e. WR and Pictorials. However, as far as they were concerned the trip was a bust. Until just before heading away from the swamps we had seen no shorebirds. Then, after 2 hrs of lagging, at ~1030 I saw one WR flying S. No other WR seen until on the "road" back to the farmhouse, when I saw a flock of 7 going S. Along the edge of the swamp were many long stretches of area where I would not have expected to find white-rumps or Pictorials: grass too high or water too deep. But several locations were almost identical to spots where I had found pictorials previously. Especially one of the "micro-bays" of water extending (S.E.) fashion, where the bay was well along the way to drying. Saw NB-10 least Bittern, each one solitary and spoiled it from a spot along the periphery of the swamp. Several Plumbeous rails, a smaller unidentified rail or crane. And 3/4 of a dozen ducking birds, including Asthenes sp., Phleacrypta, fimbriaris(?), Tachuris rubrigata, Pseudalecyptus etc. As usual there were several I could not identify. Found 2 snails, one of Sicalis flaveola — Aegro, 800 in a dead or dying "stump" of Pampas grass, the other was a genus sp. - which flitted away before I could get a good look at it — this snail was in a similar spot to the last one, but had an obviously worked tunnel cleared through the bush to get it. 3cgs. Just before heading NW from the swamp we succeeded in approaching 2 (Fryson sp.) — the mudlark I first saw in Paraguay, this pr (a 3rd spotted) may have been 2 juveniles — they appeared smaller than the one that left, and conversed in front of us for 10 min, 15" away, reluctant to our presence. Took 2 poor pictures. At first I thought that there was several, but in the end it appeared not to be. Crossing to the NW on the way back was considerably earlier than our first approach to the swamp from the early in the morning. First, it was darker, as the swamp angled toward the road. But more important — the Pampas
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JPMyers 1979 Journal Farmhouse Area, Estancia Wieland, 35 Km S. of Tandilaby road, Pido de Malariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 14 January cont'd Grass is Lawn + much less dense. This may be due to periodic burning, not in evidence on this particular site but something done by the Estancia to encourage foraging for cattle, or to the possibility that the sandy soil (as compared to that elsewhere) we had passed) is too conducive to luxuriant pampas grass growth. The whole route, except for immediately beside the swamp, and the return down the road, was over short sand during the formation. Even the Pampas grass area is such (so the above possibility may be unlikely) rolls sharply, with mounds 3-5' high and less than 20' across alternating with depressions. In the depressions are girdle crater, and in the larger ones there are small swamps, with tile, rails, etc. But going N10 from the edge of the swamp, when we did, within 200 m the local relief ceased its moundiness, becoming an almost level alluvial plain dropping gradually into the next swamp to the W (grid 3). The change from mounds to smoothness is sharp, + accompanied by a change in vegetation. Short grass, lawn-like in character begins upon the level plain. And with it come Golden Plaques and Buff-breasted Sandpipers. Immediately upon entering the plain we came upon 14 Buffalos and 45 goldens. By this time (1130) the wind had picked up fiercely, and we'd already been just mauled by a squall. A few drops fell (or rather with the wind - we were smashed upon us) as we returned to camp. Grid 5, Towerllanos, Estancia Wieland, Pido de Malariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Drove to Tower at 2030 in order to camp + Hulse (in a good position for dawn netting). En route, just at the site where we turn off the road to land for the tower, I spotted a flock of 20 buffalos in the fallow cornfield, looking as if they were prepared to move. Briefly got stuck in the ditch before the tower, again almost in the depression at the foot of the tower. Incredible hordes of insects hovering over the road, the fences, ditches, etc - any that, which was different from the level Pampas plain. They were so thick that at a distance of 300 yds I thought it was just a small yielded fog. To my relief they were not mosquitoes, but a non-biting, very similar (although larger) beast. During the evening we slapped mosquitoes placed between (I discovered that they have now broken all 4 of usg, the forwards gang guy wire) and looked for the Comet in vain. Wind did at dusk, 5% clouds, 14°C.
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Grid 5 (Tower Llano), Estancia Medland, 35Km S. of Janela by road, Ptdo de Madairaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 15 January Up at 0245 - had to drive 3 or so bulls away before putting out nets. Their three following quads were 15 mins. before the alarm was to go off. 2 Nets up - one (brown, 7'x42') immediately jumped out from tower on average at "mouth" of the little wash that drains in here - 1 to arrayo. Another 50 m downstream, again 1 to Arrayo. When I went out to put up net, 2 lapurings, and also found one solitario WR along the mouth of the wash. Moon was full (decreasing) and at 0245 was ~ 1100 in sky. Temperature at 0400 - 8°C, clouds 0%, wind very light from NE. Charadrius falklandicus heard calling between 3+9 am. Aragus sybillinus (along with lapurings) most vocal app. all their hours. Red winged tinamou began calling just before 0400. 0415 first detectable increase in light level along E horizon. 0430 - first G. down. By 0445 shorebirds sounds were thick, esp. 6 p.m. + lapurings. To my surprise I heard only one WR before light got high enough. Yet at 0530 there was a flock of WR feeding - either they had roosted there, or they had flown in quietly. Bridge WR the other common bird along the shore was Chrysolophus By 0545 I had caught 1 WR, and walked along the shore + managed to herd 6 more into the net (60'). Before dawn (0445) caught a lapuring in 60' net. Grid 4 (Tower Llano) Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madairaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina After coffee returned to the car (0630) - surprised to find we almost surrounded by a flock of 10 Buffin (~20), Golden (5) and WR (!!--3) foraging in the grass. They spooked at mystery close approach (<20') and flew onto Grid 4, joining others there previously already there. 20' buffin on the grid !! And on Grid 7, also short-grass Veneros, then were more buffins interspersed among the cows. 3 more WR foraging with them in the dry grass. Facultad de Agronomía (1 km W of Farmhouse on Farmhouse road), Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madairaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1540 driving along road toward turnoff to Tower Llano we spotted a flock of ~10 WR in puddle on N side of road. The puddle was formed several months ago by the Estancia's tractor digging out fill in order to increase road height in the area. If (the puddle) had been dry, but
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 15 January cont'd W 1 Km W of Farmhouse on Farmhouse Rd, Ptdo de Maduraga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Refilled with the periodic rains. Although I have not recorded it before in the journal, there is usually a GYligo (solitary) foraging on the puddle when we drive by, and occasionally I see a small flock of ORs as today. We stopped to observe them in order to collect known territorial birds (see pp. accept). Two collected, both fumibral, and both juveniles 87(070371). Also saw 2 semipalmated plover on the puddle. Weather very windy, temp in 40's, 0% cloud cover. Remained until 1815. Tower Llamos, Estancia Weddell, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Maduraga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina. After above set of observations continued on tower. Parked car ~200 in Wolfgate at entrance to Llamos from fellow corn field, just before dusk. We sat for 40 minutes watching Gull (wheeled sandpiper) (see pp. accept). Made some behavioral observations on intertidal, and took feeding behavior data. Rufous-backed warbler a major part of this community - all over the Llamos. Grid 1 Area, Estancia Weddell, Ptdo de Maduraga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Drove between past Grid 1 on way back from Tower Llamos. First standstill here in several days - a flock of 7 pectorals flying (landed in Grid 9) and 3 GYlegos landed, No WR. Two chick [illegible] beside Grid 1 [illegible] down 16 January 1930 walked to Grid 1 from camp. Flock of ~10 shorebirds, some Peckford and the veet cote flew over but did not land. Brushed around. GYlego in Grid 9, and 3 GYs flying over, Grid 9 in also water level is similar to what it was 20-22 December, when I was making extensive observation on the grid, the contract in shorebird numbers is appalling. Grid 1-is still higher than it was when I began being aware #s of birds in the last cycle. One solitary WR [illegible] walked away at 2000. Grid 4, Estancia Weddell, Ptdo de Maduraga, Pcia Bs Aires, Argentina 17 January half for Grid 4 at [illegible], sunrise at [illegible]. Riffle 100% overcast, light wind, temp in 60's. A few drops of rain fell last night ~0300. The first 2 hours this morning at the grid were spent repairing some damage. Not only were the guy wires broken (described earlier), but also ~30% of the stakes on Grid 4 had been uprooted, and 75% of those on Grid 5. The new grid we placed two weeks ago was all that was gone. Crows had obviously spent the past night around the tower. They
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JPMayers 1974 Journal Grid 4, Tower Llanos, Estancia Meddend 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 January cont’d were [illegible] still there when we arrived, many on gut flying down at the base of the tower, in the adjacent section of arroyo + the cattle drainage area and/or grid 7. Grass in 7+ surrounds was trampled, and the cows had performed the same with shit. I ran them off, and went to #4 to replace stake. Loi, returned by the car. She noted that as soon as the cows had left, or within a few minutes, a flock of WR, Buffs + Goldens appeared (50 all told) + settled in the “cowed” area. These birds were extraordinarily non-spooky, tolerating my close approach (15’) when I returned from the grid. Most of them, particularly the WR, were working over fish covies. My theory about why hydrobian godwits have long employed dalla thura doesn’t hold for other shorebirds. 2 Lapwings on grid 7 calling from the slot as well. After repairing the guy wires, we climbed onto the tower. [I should note that before the ascent we had fairly clear cases of twin-banded WR + Buffy in the immediate vicinity of the tower (within 20m) and resighting of a banded WR — see napkin app. accent.] First grid reading at 0820. During the morning, the weather remained cool, with the cloud cover eventually decreasing to 70% by 1100, and the wind (after becoming discouragingly strong from N) making an abrupt change to S at 1100 precisely. I was quite pleased with Grid reading. Loi: took following info (not on grid) on one Buffy for over an hour (see app. accent). Grid totals: 4a (2500 m², 5 x 5 units; composed of units (1,0)(1,1); (2,0); (2,1) of 4b) [sp, ann number(range) total] Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 2(0-5)33; Golden Plover 1.7(0-4)27; white-rumped swallow 2(0-12)31; Correndera pipit 0.2(0-1)3; Cow — (0-1)1. 4b (5625 m², 25 x 25m units): Buff-breasted Sandpiper 7.5(4-12)120; Golden Plover 3(0-6)48; white-rumped swallow 1.7 (0-12)31; Rufous-backed negrito 0.1(0-1)2; Pseudoleistes unicolor 0.5(0-5)8; Correndera pipit 0.3(0-1)4. Another cow pipit WR → Lesser Yellowlegs; one appeared in chainage, area at 0940 + began putting! 1035 golden called — then all the local birds flew down toward arroyo. By 1040 wind was very difficult. Loi was impressed by the succession of birds using the drainage ditch coveys — first the WR, Buffs + Goldens. Within half an hour after the flock’s arrival, the density of birds had dropped (at there were a few more goldens, rufous- backed negritos, and S. Lapwings). During the rest of the morning these moved
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, 35 km. S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo. de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 17 January contd always a set of birds thin: 4-5 WR, a few Rufous backed Negritos, an occasional Buffy, tea Lapuring or Golden. (The are L. flava). 18 January Arrived at tower 0620. Sky cloudless, temp at 0530 = 8°. Temp 0620 = 10°. No cows by tower (except dead bull in Arroyo). Should birds allow when we arrived - WR (32, none loaded, visible from tower), Buffies, Golden. 0640 there was some disturbance causing almost all birds within our vicin- itity to fly. By 0650 the area where they were had filled up again with birds WR on Llanos feeding low, cowpoxes, many feeding in 50 m stretch of sand between Arroyo + Llanos. Buffies both on Llanos + along edge. (Goldens all around, 12 GXL in Arroyo. First reading at 0655. 15 sample between 0655 and 1000. 4a At 1000 we left. Grid totals: Buffy 2.0 (0-6) 31; Golden Hover 1.6 (1-3) 24; Rufous backed negrito 0.1 (0-1) 2; Molothrus bonariensis - (0-1) 1. 4b: Buffy 6.3 (1-10) 95; Golden Hover 2.9 (2-9) 43; Rufous backed Negrito 0.2 (0-1) 3; Molothrus bonariensis - (0-1) 1; Pseudoleistes virescens 0.8 (0-7) 11; cow - (0-1) 1. Disappointed by the tardiness of our first reading of the grid. It looks as if the birds were much tighter when we arrived, and spread out between then + the first reading. I think that this was not an effect of our previous, but a dead part of the daily cycle. Further analysis.... 0745 Pichon (ranch hand) appeared to drain a dead bull ~75m from tower in the Arroyo. Did not appear to disturb the birds. Extensive notes on buffy behavior, inc. are definite territorial bird (see sp. accent) 1 km W. of Farmhouse on Farmhouse road, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo. de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina After work at tower this morning we stopped by puddle by side of road where 15 January I'd collected territorial WR. Today there were more WR there at 1050. At least 6 WR there, perhaps 8-10. Puddles dried considerably, to the pichon now there
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5PM Myers 1974 Journal 15 1 Km E. of Farmhouse on Farmhouse Rd, Estancia Medland, 35 Km. S. of Juncaloby road, Ruta Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina are 9 discrete peridollo each less than 15 m long rather than the one long continuous one that had quaked 1/15. Collected 2 territorial birds (072, ♂ juv.; 073, ♀ juv.). See app. accent. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medland, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina returned to tower 1700. Many birds left upon our arrival, but by 1730 the grid was again reptile with buffle. At However, at 1740 everyone flew. Large flight of birds started going over, + the birds golden, buffle around we joined them, going predominantly in E. direction. Read Grid 4, Grid 7, + Grid 13 at 1800. (The latter two I repaired when we departed this morning. Strong NW wind. This reading was interesting: Grid 13 is a newly placed grid running 275 m along a transect headed SE from tower: X 125m A B Tower 25x25 subunits 25x25 100 275 a specified spatial relationship with Grid 4 + 7: (approx here) [illegible] At 1800, following the 1740 flight, only 11B (of all the birds) had any birds, + they were distributed (0,0) = 1 golden; (0,1) ≤1 buff-breasted; (1,0)=1 Golden, 2 buff-breasted; (1,1) 6 Golden, 18 Buff-breasted. However, within 7 minutes of the 1800 reading Guffin + golden were on 11 A and 7. Movement appeared gradual, + was accomplished almost entirely through foraging — e.
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 16 Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 18 January conts walking while feeding, rather than flight to an area. [illegible]. Should have noted that the 19740 flight was not a massed flock affair, but rather theatrin of many individuals (or so it appeared). By 1815 bufffis were on Grid 4 - working on the ground from E to W. By 1830 they had reached the edge of the habitat at the arroyo. 1819 saw first aggression between bufffis or grid. (data see app accent. 1857 found flock of WR, Pectorals, Golden + Bufffis out between 11A+11B: 50 Buffbreasted, feeding; 8 Pectorals, preening 14 Pecks resting; 15 WR resting, 2 Goldens, feeding; 2 Goldens preening. These birds were grouped within the flock by species - pectorals with pectorals, WR - WR etc. But bufffis feeding throughout and goldens around the periphery. This flock was not present at 1830, + probably flown in c. 1845. 1857 still there. 1858 banded WR (see app accent) 1903 - multiple specific assembly still there. 1912 - 54 WR roosting on beach. Prospecto, 3 bufffis on outside of flock. (WR divided into 3 groups, but all within 10 m x 10 m area. 1920 Multi-specific flock of birds displaced by herd of sheep Took final reading at 2005. During the last 5, it was apparent that the bufffis were coalescing, forming tighter flocks, foraging without aggression despite proximity (see app accent). Grid totals for afternoon: (10 samples): 4a Buffbreasted 3.4 (0-10) 34; Golden Plover 2.0 (0-3) 20. 4b Baffy 8.1 (0-12) 81; Golden 3.1 (0-5) 31. Note that no other spp. were picked up in grid samples. Also have following data on one bafly. Grid 9, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Show part #9 on return from Tower Llanos, ~@2100. Flock of about 50LY/lego roosting in grid in area of heaviest Solanum (durayguille) growth. First concentration of shorebirds that I've seen here since 5 January. Light warpoon, so that a survey for other spp. difficult. Saw no others obvious among the Yellowlegs. 6 Pectorals flying over, but did not land.
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JPMylers 1974 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Meckeland, 35 Kms. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madainaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 20 January arrived at tower 0515. No buffets until 0535—when they arrived en masse. Although course had broken 3 of 4 guy wires they were not in the immediate vicinity of the tower (~1 km to E). broken thermometer. Wind slight SOUTHEAST. Extensive cloud cover (70%), lightening on horizon. Many WR on beach. Rufous backed antpitta for- aging by 0545: 2 lapwings, + many goldens. By First sample Grid 9 at 0545—Z Band WR spotted early in morning (are apparent). Some interspecific aggression on grid between Bt+ WR, but most is intraspecific. We were cleared from tower at 0800 by thunder- storm. Grid totals 4a: Buff breasted 4.1 (1-8)37; Golden 3 (2-9)27; White rump sandpiper 0.2 (0-1)2, 4b Buff breasted 9.8 (2-15)87; Golden 4.9(3-6) 43; White rump sandpiper 0.2 (0-2)2; Southern lapwing 2.3(2-3)21; WR swallow 0.8 (0-5)7; Correndera pipit 0.6 (0-3)5. 23 January all times hereforth are Argentine daylight saving — last night Peron caused the switch as an energy saving device. So what was before 0500 is now 0600, etc. Arrival on Llanos at 0600, repaired guy wires, + climbed into tower. Weight at 0700 = 25 x 25m, 5x5 units 700 fteakto. Last night we came out to tower and placed Grid 10 between the tower and (B,O) of 4b. Then to an area in which we have been seeing many buffets. I should mention, that yesterday evening a flock of 7 Hudsonian godwits landed briefly in 4a, and that some of the campsites in the area had typical H.G.-made picking holes. This morning at 0701 the w Hudsonian 6. flew onto Grid 10. Buffets, S. lapwings, golden plovers, and white rumps are in the vicinity— foraging. First grid reading at 0700, temp = 14.5. (Wind mod SE, Clouds = 40% (+ growing). 0730 Ruddy Turnstone on sandy putty beach; white rumps, Ch. Falklandia, G. plover, Lylep and H. Godwits near turnston beach. Lapwing aggression in (01)(02)(12) of 4b—there is an almost fledged chick foraging in that region. See the 0730 chick-centered 4a,4b grid reading for a clear demonstration of the effect of the lapwing aggression From 0730 - 0740 took buffs following data on Grid 10, + then have a gap in
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JPMyers 1979 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Mekland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madurinza, Provin d Buenos Aires Argentina 23 January (contd) the grid readings. Combined with a series of following data for buffeo by both Lois + myself during the morning we have a very good picture of the way in which the buffeio divide up Grid 10 (see ap. accent). Southern lapwing aggessions during the morning in (3,1), (0,2), (1,1), (1,2) of 4b created a state of flux in the shorebird division that was difficult to handle because of the instability. It is particularly evident in the 730, 900 and 1000 readings. The birds are chased out of these again, they go into the eastern areas of (0,1) and all of (2,1) and (3,0) and then begin working back. This creates a cyclical pattern in this division, because once they work their way back far enough the lapwings chase again. During the afternoon Buffie density on Grid 10 decreased dramatically. Grid totals - 36 samples. Buffie 2.5 (0-5) 93 White-rump spiper 0.2 (0-1) 8 ; Golden Plover 0.2 (0-1) 7; H.galwit 0.1 (0-1) 5; WR Swallow - (0-1) 1 ; Geositta curicularia 0.8 (0-2) 30; Correndera pipit - (0-1) 2; Zonotrichia - (0-1) 2. Buffie density before noon (13 samples) was 3.8/sample. Afternoon (23 samples) = 2.2/sample. Grid 4a (14 samples) Buff-breasted Spiper 4.9 (2-7) 68; Golden Plover 2.1 (0-5) 32 ; H.galwit 1.6 (0-6) 22 ; S.lapwing 0.4 (0-3) 5; Pseudoleistes viacecens - (0-1) 1; Anthus concolor - (0-1) 2; Rufous backed negrito 0.3 (0-3) 4; WR Swallow 0.4 (0-5) 6. Grid 4b (contains 4a) ; Buff breasted Sandpiper 9.6 (5-12) 135; Golden Plover 3.1 (0-6) 44; Hudsonian Godwit 2.6 (1-6) 36 S.lapwing 1.9 (0-6) 26 ; Pseudoleistes viacecens 0.3 (0-3) 4; C pipit - (0-3) 2; R.b.negrito 0.5 (0-4) 7; WR swallow 0.4 (0-5) 6; Cow 1. (0-8) 15. Hmm! 24 January We arose early before dawn and were at the tower before the sun but the horizon (0650 ADST) Temp at 0600 = 13.5° N. wind, 20% cloud cover (coming from NE). Effort this morning directed at obtaining additional buffie following data with which to compare contrast within yesterday's data. This turned out to be more difficult than anticipated (the equally interesting) because of the more transient character of most of the buffeio we followed. One seemed to be the same bird as yesterday, several others could
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal 19 Tower Llamos Estancia Mirdland 35 Km S. of Juan de la Borda, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina have been, but they all left before we could get a complete set of following data (see ap. accent). Grid 10 total b (11 samples) Buff-breasted Spiper 1.5 (0-3) 17; Golden Plover 0.3 (0-1) 3; Hgodwit -(0-1) 1; WRSwallow 1 (0-5) 10; R.b. Waguito -(0-1) 1; C.pint 0.3 (0-1) 3; Zonora -(0-1) 1 27 January arrived at Tower at 0430 - drizzle, cool with s/wind. Put up nets one on Grid 10 and one on 9a. remained until 0800. Caught 1 g plover, one W.Rump. Also caught one common piper. Farmhouse Rd Estancia Mirdland, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 8 February Drove across Farmhouse Rd on return to Estancia from Asuncion Anaguay. It is apparent that in our observed there has been little change since for the land + ponds are much drier. No Shorebirds seen at Rle 11 pond, nor anywhere could reaching the Grid 1-9 area, i.e. Farmhouse Pool. The sun was affecting the behind Grid 1-90 it was difficult to see more than the birds as Shovelers, WR, Ped's + Lyriqa present. Grid 1 is dryer now then it has been since before the heavy rains in early December 1973. It looks as if my absence from the area, at least for as #1 concerned, unfortunately - much of the action appears to be over. 9 February 1930 walked out 1 km along Farmhouse Rd west of the Farm house. Fewer than 20 WR and 10 Pechards in vicinity of Grid 1-9, although it appears that they may be roosting there this evening. By @ 2115 (sunset 2100) there were still WR-Pecks on the grid, with 25% looking with bills tucked or preening. Strong SE wind, heavy overcast. 10 February 1400 left Farmhouse + walked out to beyond Grid 9. Then cut north, going N 500 m in through + along the Edge of the Tule Swamp. Rained - light drizzle - most of the time that I was out. Throughout the day a strong SE wind blew, with stretches of moderate - light rain. Accumulated ~15 mm. Swamp water level fallen over 1' since mid-January. This meant that a considerable portion had become inaccessible due to deep water can now be entered. However, it did not help very much, and found no new shorebird areas. The paucity of sandpipers is depressing - fewer than 20 WR + 5 Pint in 3 hours. Did see a Painted snipe, speckling them from along the edge of the Tule field. Returned to camp via dirt track E of swamp at 1900.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Weedland, 35 Rms of Touncho by road, Ptho de Macaranga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina February 11 January Left camp 0930 driving along Farmhouse Rd to Rk 11 pond, 7 WR and 1 Peck in pond between road + Grid 9 - non banked. 1 LYL in Grid 1, as well as ~5 BAVS. No calidris ichneumon nor buffle. Several feet along pond to s. of grid. Absolutely no Golden Plovers between there and Rk 11 pond, nor any in the fallow corn field through which the road passes. Then I was always sure of seeing 50+ Golden - even up to the time that we left for Ascencion (28 January). 1 lone WR in Arroyo Chico by bridge, ± H. godwit. At Rk 11 pond I drove both S to the end of the pool (1 lone Pectoral), up into the field event and along it (nothing in the way of goldens or buffle) + N along the pond to the fence, ~300 m (3 pecks, one WR, several LYL + 6 YL). Many Vanellus, including several groups of 3+, and one of at least 6 or 7 birds. Then, back on the road, I returned to Arroyo Chico, out immediately after crossing the bridge. Followed Arroyo Chico to fence. Along the arroyo between the (bridge + the fence ~10 WR, 1 Buff-breasted, 2 H. godwit, and several (~5) Charadrius falcoandicus. The buffle was in an area just by the fence where cows had obviously spent a lot of time (judging from the density of cow shit). WR along the edge of the arroyo. From the arroyo I cut east along the fence to the first gate (the usual one for reaching the tower) - NO Buffle visible along that stretch, nor anywhere between the gate + the tower except for a flock of 6 spooked out of the thistle patch just before reaching the tower. This is an incredible change - I have never entered the tower Lanco before without seeing at least 20 buffles between the fence + the thistle. No birds on any of the grids by the tower, except for a few WR + Ch. falco. in the Arroyo. Also the flock of buffles which I spooked. 2 Golden Plovers in the arroyo. Driving N from the tower to the next fence I spooked a flock of ~50 Buffles. Although I followed the Arroyo, went through the next gate, and returned to the Arroyo. Then, at 1130 I found a BANDED WR!! - Right Yellow, Left Green - banded 1 January on Grid 9. He was in the arroyo with ~5 other WR. However territorial, definitely an occurrence at the Lanco grids - the one that goes through a fence see up accent. It was encouraging to see that the birds were not spooked by
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J P Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medland 35 Kms of Juancho by road, Paso de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 18 February (Cont'd) any movements in the car. I continued along the Arroyo to the N., until reaching the next fence. No water banded WR, although ~20 WR total, as well as numerous Chalks. At the fence I cut E., following it to a gate, through which passed, and then headed NE across the fields. The fields here are a higher viny/graminiv Tower Llanos-very little looks like prairie buffy habitat. Crossed across 1 field of rhea with 2 adult ♂ and 43 chicks of 2 age classes (roughly 50-58). The chicks were between 1/2 & 3/4 adult size. Another group ~10 birds which, one obvious chick 3/4 age, the other perhaps less than adult. Followed the field in this direction 7.3 Km, until ♀' it ended in a long thin lagoon-swamp. A few Pectorals (25), several WR (6) and several LYT, as well as a flock of Brown-headed gulls were seen in the area. By heading W. N. I was unable to cut around the end of the swamp to go E. again, [illegible] gate in the fence just beyond. Much of the land area which I was passing had obviously recently emerged from surface water. Vegetation was a 2' high, duff-grass which made passage in the car difficult. Continuing W. N. I reached the Bran contained to thicker, and patches of premier material (believing that the land continued to get wetter). It soon became impossible to go on, so went W. at the swamp to cut S., going through 2 gates. The second gate carried me into a region continuous (i.e. not separated by fence) with Tower Llanos, although further E. than I had been because of an extensive swampy area between the Claro & the area I was moving. The area appeared very similar in vegetation to Tower Llanos- short grass, less than 2" high, occasional thistle. Classic buffy-golden habitat. And I found a few -1 buffy+golden. Although from the car it was impossible to see open H.O., I saw a Troupian's tern diving over the swamp-lagoon, so I got out & tried even to investigate. A considerable body of open H.O., strikingly intermittently in N.-S. direction, several hundred snakes, basking by shallow river tub areas, ~100 m across at widest. Some of it looks very shallow, but the presence of (Tocororo + B-Wooded Swans), Ragg-billed Blackbirds, & Great Egret indicated that deeper water is also present. Approaching from the E., a 50 m strip of turf-grass vegetation still submerged in water. Within this strip, particularly nearer the main body of water, I found 6 Painted Snipes. They allowed me to approach closer than ever before, although I have yet to see one before it flying. One flock of ~50 WR flying along the E. side of the lagoon. I then returned to the Farmhouse- it was necessary to extract any rocks left through the last gate because advance in either N.-W. or E. direction from the E. side of this Swamp-Lagoon was cut off by tall grass and/or water. No buffalo or golden-wing on Tower Llanos.
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S P Myers 1979 Journal Estancia Meekland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo. de Maclariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina February 11 January cont'd Weather during this outing was generally overcast, with low clouds coming in a wind out of the W. Temperature was warm, in the low - mid 70's. February 12 January Up at 4 to met-raid) picked up + drizzle started with a sharp drop in temperature 30 I decided not to. Instead walked S from camp in the Pampas grass beyond the poplar stand and collected a juncariid (074) Arrago Chico, Estancia Meekland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo. de Maclariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 1500 drove from camp through Tower Llamas to the Arrago, coming out on it at the tower. Drove from the tower to the far end of the linear grid, 3 km N along the arrago, looking for banded WR. Then returned via the same route (driving on the edge of the sand along the arrago), searching again + at the same time making a careful count of WR along the water's edge. In the 3 km found 64 WR foraging, just beyond the S most unit of the gird, i.e. at the bend in the Arrago visible to the S from the tower, came upon a flock of 17 roosting, feeding, preening and feeding WR. 3 banded birds: R Yellow L Green (was where I found them yesterday); defending a territory on one of the grid units; R Red L Red - banded 27 January Grid 30 was in Grid segment #2; R Yellow L Red - banded 3 January Grid 31 - was in Linear Grid sub-unit #1 by the tower. Also, a small flock We remained by the flock of WR for over one hour, trying to catch a glimpse of their legs as the raking sun passed, judged etc. No more banded birds apparent. A boffice came down to the Arrago from the E to drink + bath during this time period. Many Brown-headed gulls present, 2 B-N Skimmers, a small flock of BN Stiks, and over 30 Chalcoiris fallenderian were in the close vicinity of the WR flock. By the time we left the WR flock had dwindled to a total of fewer than 30 birds - thus having apparently flown to the E, departing in small flocks of up to 10 birds. Before reaching the flock we had seen 2 Prolaeis & squatarola ! - a first for the Estancia Hingan, and 4 other players. Tower Llamas Estancia Meekland, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina From the Arrago wedrove E across the Llamas ~ 2 km until reaching the swamp where I had been yesterday (although on the opposite side) Parking the car, I got on the roof to watch for shorbirds. Temperature in low 70's, wind from S, with low dark clouds coming in with the wind. From the NW a high cloud cover also was approaching, making light levels darker than they normally are by this hour. Many shorbirds were at the swamp when we
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SPMgeus 1974 Journal Tower Llanos Atacama, Mendoza, 35 km S. of Juanchoy road, Pilo de Machuaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 February arrived. It was impossible to count because of the many obstruction provided by vegetation >20 AVlegs; >10 tAlegs; >10 S. lapwings; a flood of over 50WR, plus 2 small floods of 18+ birds each; >20 Pectorals (probably a gross under- count). No Stilt sandpipers (I have not seen any for several weeks) near any golden plovers. We remained at the swamp until 2030. Small flights of sandpipers + Yellow legs continued to come in; NONE left. The behaviour of the large flood of 400+ Pectorals was particularly suggestive of roosting birds. One Painted Singe - foraging in shallow water, open till patting the mud - seen about 1830. While sitting on the roof I saw 113 buff-breasted sandpipers flying E and 2 flying west. None of these showed any inclination toward landing in the swamp. The birds going east (biggest group was 4 birds) continued over the swamp, settling in the Llanos area I discovered yesterday, the other 10 continuing until (it looked like - very far) they reached the brush-edge habitat / short-grass habitat where we had our November camp. Recall that a friend traffics coming in by camp then to escort. Atacama, Mendoza, Pilo de Machuaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 15 February 0930 Araceli Huri, the caretaker's daughter, brought horses around for the 3 of us. She, Lois + O put the next 5.5 hours searching for sandpipers in an area to the N.E.+N from the farmhouse; the morning was cool (30s) and severy, with cumulus clouds building & blowing over during the morning, wind light from S, growing to moderate by 1500. From the farmhouse we went WNE along the line of windmill, reaching the second windmill by 1130. We searched back and forth across the strip of short grass habitat which lies between the brush-edge to the W + beginnings of bare land to the E. To the W we also went as far as through the brush edge to the line of swampy lagoons extending parallel N-S. In the short-grass habitat there were no golden plovers. Our previous observations (since our arrival in November, and until now, last trip out here was before trip to Ascension, i.e. before 28 January) there have always been numerous golden crakes in this area. We found a total of 6 buff-breasted sandpipers - Their numbers are also down considerably. Along the line of swamps, particularly in the vicinity of the first windmill, even small flocks of White rumps. No more than 50 were seen along the stretch. However, we certainly missed some as their ponds and mud flats are invisible from a distance in locales the brush grass (grassed edge) in which they roost & extends to the edge of the numerous small lagoons;
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J P Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juancho, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 13 February (Cont'd) Water from the lagoons has only recently receded from way beyond the 3' bands defined by the beginning of the bunch grass, and now, when the bunch opens ever so slightly, our shoreline found, and within these can occasionally be found WR. Suitable sand is quickly retreating however, and soon this area will be dry except for a few major swamps. At the E end edge of several of the small ponds still reasonably full Gallinago gallinago flew up at our approach. Many Vanellus. From the second windmill we drove NW following the fence which runs through a major swamp + open lagoon. Water thus was deep enough to almost crack any roots in the strings. Along the edge of the water open water, in the tide, were many rafts - looking like the remaining chinanuts, but now often covered with Nutria droppings. Once across the swamp we turned S + followed it to the next gate. Passing through, we entered a field and found 11 February - short grass surrounded on both sides by swamp. One flock of 6 golden plovers and 5 buff-breasted sandpipers were foraging in the short grass habitat. The swamp W of this field was the area I had watched last night, and also entered 11 February. 16 shelducks WR were obvious; spanked one Painted Snipe, saw several L Vleop. We followed the strip of short grass field SE to its end, seeing only one more golden, 2 Aerial Vanellus and 40 bufflecks. At the end we cut W, crossing the Tower Llano + going through the gate which we usually use to reach the tower, then E along the fence, following the road and another fence until reaching the farmhouse Rd, + returning to camp. Struck by the absence of Spectacled tyrants. Tower Hones Swamp, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1430 Moved out to Tower Llano and to the swamp, settled at the east end where 12 February found roosting White-rumps and pectorals. We set up 2 nets, fueled them, + waited until sunset to put them down. Temp 70's, cloud cover dropped from 20% - 0 at sunset (2100), wind chill just below 5. Walking along the edge of the marsh in the 200 m stretch between nets # 8 Painted Snipe flew before me in our passage (between the nets) - most of them were concentrated in our region. The shelduck situation was nearly identical to that the other days day. Throughout the evening before sunset, small flocks of WR, Bets, + G Vleop flying to the marsh. The majority of OUR that I saw coming in approached from the N. No exclusively Red flocks sighted, although I saw a few brown lories. 15 Buffers flew over + containing coat, wing elevation erratic, passing over the marsh. Banding: 7 White-rump, 1 Charadrius fulvibris, and 3 Painted Snipe. Also, salvaged 1 WR (082) and 2 Painted Snipe (083,084). See WR+ Painted Snipe apparent
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 25 February 14 January Arraya Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Bello Madanago, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1030 Began drive from the fence at the S end of Tamar Llanos where it crosses the Arroyo to the N end of the linear grid, a winding distance of ~4 Km. Bathed. Counted WR's, looking for banded birds. The water was dropped noticeably in the last 2 days, creating many small lakes and connecting oxbows with the shore. Birds were speaker than 12 February, with even some of the WR flying in front of the car. Thus, the count see space. may be bad accounts. A total of 111 White-rumps, ~10 buffies, at least 50 Chandrais falcklandicus, ~30 7 golden plovers, ~5 Hudsonian godwit, ~10 GYegs, several LYL, several B-N Shift. The survey took 45 minutes. We had planned to repair the linear grid but rain threatened immediately (it rained 1:30 yesterday's to return to camp in order to see banded specimens. Of course it didn't rain. Temperature all day never rose above 68°. Wind light-moderate from SW, clouds 20-40% until 1900, when they became 100%. February 15 January Reached S end of Arroyo Chico in Tamar Llanos at 1050 and began driving slowly north along the edge of the Arroyo. Temperature 14°C, slight wind from S, low cumulus carrying 30-50% sky. The water level does not appear to have changed appreciably since yesterday. We covered the 4th km in 55 minutes - the count is divided into the 1st km + the last 3, because for the fact that the linear grid runs the last 3: Species, # in 1st/# in 2-4: White rump 22/77; Buffy 3/0; Hudsonian godwit 7/2; Greater Yegs 3/6; Golden plover 2/1; Charadrius falcklandicus 15/58; Southern Lapwing 5/17; Black-necked Stilt 0/7; Brown-headed Gull 24/26; Neotropic Cormorant 0/5; Southern Screamer 2/4; Speckle-throat 4/7; Ypuntiail 0/2; Cocoi Heron 1/0; Rufous-backed Aegrito 1/1. Two banded white rump; R red L red (opetted 12 February in approximately the same position; banded 27 January avid 10) at the N end of linear grid subunit #3, R Yellow L Green (opetted Feb 11, 12, and 14 in same position) at the W end of linear grid subunit #4, territorial. After finishing the count we worked slowly back, repairing the grid from the various of cows + high water, searching for banded birds on the way. Finished at 1730. R Yellow L Green was on territory all afternoon. R red L red was gone when we passed by at 1910. Found Orange L yellow (banded 15 January Grid 5 in Arroyo Chico) at N end of subunit #2, 1910. After buffies seen S of subunit #2 bathing past 1900. Besides repairing the grid, we placed 2 new small cans along the arroyo, one in a linear grid on the territory of R Yellow L Green in order to facilitate following data. The second just beyond subunit 5 in an area of banded WR range. this was a 2 dimensional grid 3x8 units upstream
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JPMigus 1974 Journal 26 Linear grid Arroyo Chico, Estancia Woodland, 35 km S. of Trencho by road, Pato de Machiaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 16 February at subunit 5 by 0530 for banding. Temp = 13°C. slight SW wind, 100% clouds, the cloud cover began to ease No red-winged or spotted tinamou calling anymore. over at 0345 while we were still in camp. Because of 100% clouds, tiny but sun but horizon was impossible to determine, but must have been between 0300 and 0715 ADST. First light detectable ~0620. When we changed up the Arroyo to subunit 5 (leaving Arroyo at 0510) — this were southern lapwing, Chandrius falcklandianus, we saw a spoonbill, but no white-rumps. First CWR heard at 0640. Noted 5 WR and 3 Ch. falck, banding all of them (per band schedule). Had nets drawn by 0800. Unlikely to get the end of the linear grid, subunit 10, and at 0840 began sampling. First sample took 1 hour. We then drove to the S end of the Arroyo (where it leaves tower llanos) — took about 1 hr. (watching 6 Neotropical cormorant fishing upstream — herding the fish, it would seem, a la Baathalornis, in water barely deep enough to hide their backs) + then circuited total grids along the arroyo as yesterday. Totals: (Fence — bend, bend to grid, interior grid) 10:00 AM–11:05 AM White-rump 22,0,56; Ota Buff-banded sandpiper 2,0,0; Hudsonian gull 1,0,0; Greater Yellowlegs 3,0,0; Golden Plover 10,0; Chandrius falcklandianus 16/3/48; Southern lapwing 5,0,16; BN Shelt 0,0,3; Brown-headed gull 8,0,17; Neotropical cormorant 12,0,3; Southern screamer 2 Cocoi Spickled teal 0,0,20; Tern 1,0,0; Rufous-backed merganser 3,0,2. I have divided the count as I have been doing in order to 1) separate out the linear grid densities, and 2) to make the count comparable to yesterday’s taken 100 m S of the linear grid (the second measurement) was included in the linear grid count. Henceforth this 100 m will be included in the 1st measurement Disfainers were sampled for each minute interval: 1 km, 100 m, 3 km. At 1130 we ran the linear gird again. While making the count (for which totals are given above) a concentrated effort was made to grid banded birds. Results: R orange L yellow in subunit #8 6. it flew upstream 150 m; Red L red between subunits 2+3; R yellow L green — on territory as before; R yellow L yellow, green — grid 12; R yellow L orange, yellow — grid 12; R yellow L orange-yellow, beyond grid 12. A total of 6 banded birds out of 56. 1130 - 9 when chicks + 1 adult in field east of subunit #8. Grid totals (2 samples, 1 km of Arroyo spread over 3 km (100 m every 300)): White-rump 24(24)48; Chandrius falcklandianus 19(15-23)38; S lapwing
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JPMayers 1974 27 Journal Linear Grid, Arroyo Chio, Estancia Wedland, 35 Km S. of Juninbo by road, Pelo de Machuipa, Pucia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 16 February (contd) Buffy - (0-1)1; H.godwit - (0-1)1; GY Legg 1 (0-2)2; Brown headed gull (1(0-2)e Cow 5.5 (0-1)11. 0515 We were back in the Arroyo, and began reading the linear grid again. The number of WRs foraging on grid was down perceptibly even without resorting to counting totals. Also Chaunadius falki appeared to be fewer. At 0745 I encountered a number of individuals of both species up away from the edge of the art sand, panning. They were not near the grid and thus not included, even if on a strip of sand deal with one of the subunits. By two units (6+8) and just beyond the ends of the grids, were flocks of bathing WR (5 and 8 WR respectively). After finishing this run we drove to the fanatum of Right Y L Grey and took 60 min. of following data (40 sp. acct.) Then at 1930 began another sample of the grid. WR numbers returned to more previous levels of other days. We finished this reading at 2001. By this time birds were beginning to flock (one species), Returning to Grid 12, took one sample at 2015. Then went to the end of the grid and driving along the sand, counted birds within and between subunits on both sides of the arroyo to the end of the grid. Total of 91 WR were in the Arroyo then, 27 on the subunits and 64 between. Grid totals for the afternoon: Linear Grid: White rump 20.5 (14-27)1; Chaunadius falklandicus 16.5 (14-19)33; GY Legg 1.5 (1-2)5; LY Legg 0.5 (0-1)1; S.Lapwing 19.5 (9-20)29; B.H.gull 3.5 (2-5)7; Trudeaustin 0.5 (0-1)1; BN Stilt 0.5 (0-1)1; Speckled teal 8 (6-10)16; R.h.Neotis 0.5 (0-1)1; C.pipit 0.5 (0-1)1; Maguari Stork 0.5 (0-1)1; Cow 3.5 (0-7)7. 2 things of interest - huge flocks of Bendolidae were seen (see sp. acct); small flock of Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Arroyo, the first of their kind I've seen for several days, they appear to be migrating already. 17 February Began sampling linear grid 0850 from subunit 1, completed at 0925. Added. Ran only once. Totals: White rump 18; Cha. falki 17; S.Lapwing 7; BN Stilt 1/4; Brown headed gull 3; Cacoi Heron, 1; Hudsonian Godwit, 1; Cinclusa pipit, 1; Speckled teal 1. ☼ Weather was cool (15.5°) with a heavy overcast (cloud = 90%, WC = 1000 ft). After completing the sample I returned to near subunit 3 in order to observe on Grid 12. Took 1 sample, what 5 min cultural
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SP Myers 1974 Journal 28 17 February (Cont'd) Linear Grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Juvando by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina from 0930 to 0945. Totals: White rump 4.3 (4-5) 17; Chandrius fallcklandicus 1.8 (1-2) 7; S. lapwing 0.5 (0-1) 2. The banded birds appeared in three data, a WRomp (R.y L. y.g.) and a Ch.falk. (R.v.). See op. accent) in Grid 13, and R.y L. y.g. in Subunit 10 of the Linear grid. During Down the Arroyo after leaving subunit 5 I passed the territory of Ry L. g., + found this WR at 75 m upstream, out on the territory. 5 sheep, one Ch.falk. and 2 BN Stilt were there counted. 700 m Nef Farmhouse, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Gral. J. Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1015 drove north from the farmhouse after coming back from the linear grid. Went beyond the first windmill by N 200 m and in order to collect truffles. After a few minutes search I found one, shooting but only wounding. After following it I discovered other buffle which galloped after the shot, I managed to collect 3 (083, 084, 085). Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 18 February We were unable to return to the Estancia - the creviera after a day in Mar del Plata because of intense rainfall rains. The Cotarec received 27 mm, Mar del Plata getting 37. Linear Grid, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 20 February 0920 arrived at Subunit 1 of grid 10 with Pablo Cancelli, Wt = 600 ftod, temp=15°, wind mod from S. O. clouds On the way from the farmhouse we sighted the first Cracophalus rubicollis - one solitary individual in the short grassland alongside the road before reaching the turn off to Tournelley. Total on linear Grid: White rump, 35; Chandrius fallcklandicus, 18; A.godwit 2; BN Stilt 7; S Lapwing 1; B.H gull 6; Speckled teal 2; Red Shoulder 2. Returning from the grid we cocktiled along the arroyo: From end to Grid 10: 51, +20 (3 Banded Rylyr, Ry L yg, and a Ch.Falk R.v.). From 5 to end of Subunit #1: 11. A total of 85. Then from Hum to the fence 22, or a total of 107. During the morning while working Grid 10 the linear grid we passed grid 4 and grid 10, which had buffle on them. Tour Arroyo, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia Bs. Aires, Argentina 1850 we ran the grid again Temperature at onset -18°, clouds 80%, wind light 2 samples From SE. Grid totals: White rump 34 (33-35) 68; Chandrius fall- landicus 19 (10-18); A.godwit 1.5 (1-2) 3; BN Stilt 4 (1-7) 8; Southern Lapwing 3.5 (1-6) 7
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S.P. Piligas 1974 Journal Linear grid Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Juvanda, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 20 February (Cont'd) B. Headed gull 4.5 (3-6) 9, Speckled teal 1.5 (1-2) 3; Red Shoveler 1 (0-2) 2. After running the grid we drove to the swamp at the east end of Tower Llanos, arriving at ~ 2000. 200t WR, many G + L Ylpg, some Hudsonian gulls, Chardwin falkeandice (including one banded bird, 812028/8), fat one individual at roosts despite a thorough search. Nyctiernphus again common 21 February at subunit 5- grid 12 area by 0545 wl Pardo (Caucau) for setting, Bittern WR. Temp 15 at 0500, heavy overcast appearing in sky after a clear night. No wind, slight rain just before dawn. Flight Driving along the array on the way to the ruffling site we encountered 3 groups of roosting Ch.falkeandice, all with one each in the 3 arrays cents along the main array. Spotlighted one of the players + banded (Left yellow), No WR were on the shore near door day. One Vizcacha seen running into hole by subunit 4. WR arrived at 0849. Banded 9 WR, 1 Ch.falkeandice, and one Hymantopus. First recaptures: 8 Ry Lyg; Ry Lyr; Rg Lr. end of Potrevo beyond linear grid Potrevo, Estancia Medland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Looking for Bordered we drove to the swamp on the potrevo beyond the end of the linear grid, i.e. the land beyond between the 3rd & 4th fences N of farmhouse road : [Hand-drawn sketch with labels: Linear grid, gate, tower, Tower Llanos, gate, swamp being discussed, large swamp, barking swamp, swamp, N, Farmhouse Rd, Anago Chico] There were no pelebals present, though I had found several there 12 February (see journal) However, re-sighted one WR (Rg L0) banded 2/16 in Tower Llanos Swamp. Linear Grid Estancia Medland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia Bs Aires, Argentina 2000 began running linear grid again. temp 15°, Clouds - 0, wind light SE. totals: White rump 42, Chardwin falkeandice 16, GYlpg 7, BNShtf 3, Southern Lapwing 6, Brown headed gull 7, Neotropical cormorant 1, Speckled teal 3, Rufres banded nigrisito, 1. At 2039 the sun was crossing the horizon, I began sampling
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SP Myers 1974 Journal Lincar Grid, Estancia Medland, Rte 35 km E.S. of Juvendo by road, Ptdo de Madanaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina grid 12. Sampled also at 0849. Totals: WRump 5 (5-5) 10; Chardnius fallblandicus 1.5 (1-2) 3; Southern lapwing 5 (1-2) 3. [illegible] Most birds left within 15 minutes of dawn settling—in fact all but 4 flew at 0856. Returning along Arroyo we found Ch.fallblandicus 6 by 0857 at 20m. 22 February Arrived at Grid 12 0640. No WR in go Arroyo on our way, although Ch.fall were present in small groups as seen other morning. G-Yeap and Blapwing calling before we got there. Nothing on Arroyo grid 10 experienced, but heard at 0641. Tuning remarkably similar to previous days, despite complete overcast. One pizachaca seen on route. Arroyo visible higher this morning than it was last night by around 30m of surface area. Water extends all the way to the south end of the grid in an inlet whereas last night it stopped 25m short. 0711 saw first non-feeding birds. Began taking samples at 0715 when NVR reached 4 foot and also. However by mistake I ceased a series of grid samples taken between 0717 and 0800, losing some birds concurrently as well. Lois began following birds at 0730. During the morning we followed 4 grids, including an banded WR (see space) renewed until 1140. 219 samples totals: White rump 27 (0-7) 90; Chardnius fallblandicus 24 (0-2) 37; Black marked stilt 0.5 (0-1) 5; Southern lapwing — (0-1) 1; Brown-headed gull — (0-1) 2. The grid this morning had more surface under than yesterday. Stale cleared to 0 clouds during morning, light wind. Temp — 16° Tower Honos Swamp, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madanaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1600 carried blind into swamp at the end of Tower Honos + placed it in position beside root wedgeley WR, E+L Yeap, + other shorebirds. Sat in the blind until 0830, with very poor luck; only one flock of WR approached within photographing distance, + they were quickly spooked by S.lapwing snatching me. W Saw/head 3 pectorals. Over 200 WR. At least 60 E+L Yeap. Recaptured one WR—Ragly (banded 13feb in this swamp). Leaving the swamp at 0845 we drove out of the dense high grass bordering the swamp to the W entered the faint grass area of Tower Honos. Within 100m of the edge was a large flock of traffic foraging + feeding. Eight pear, last made 3 round—89, 76 and 81. Lincar Grid (Grid 12) Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madanaga, Proia de Bs Aires, Argentina Driving up the Arroyo toward grid 12 at 0850 we found Ragly on his territory. Then proceeded to grid 12. It took 4 readings. Total: White rump 6.5 (0-13) 26;
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Arraio Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Jujuy, by road, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 22 February (cont'd) Charadrius falklandicus 7(0-2)4; Black-backed Stilt 0.25(0-1)1. Sky was clear, temp=15°; light extremely low (<10 ft-candles), the sun having at almost 0.5 hrs. previously (see WR spec. acct). 23 February Banding at subunit #5 of linear grid, and grid #3, in Arraio Chico this morning before dawn. WR arrived: there was a low fog covering much of the llanos + thundery-in patches in the Arraio. Fogged But less than 10 m up, stars were readily perceptible through the mist. WR arrival at 0642 — this was ~10 min after I began hearing GY leg and Charadrius falklandicus. Banded 13 WR and 4 Ch. falklandicus. [illegible] Tower Llanos Swamp, Estancia Medland, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Spent afternoon asconced in blind in swamp where I left it yesterday. Despite the limited visibility from the blind, I recorded #s of shorebirds (details) during half-hour time periods, until it became apparent that the birds were still not habituated to the blind. Total: 103 — White rump GY leg LY leg Muscovian — a noteworthy item — today fluarea hundreds of cliff swallows first seen for months, with a prominent W component in the species sector of movement. 1630-1700 12 3 3 1700-1730 16 0 2 1730-1800 52 10 14 1800-1830 12 1 0 These numbers must be viewed as crude, as I was most dependent upon ears, + deriving #s from memory not at all straightforward. Nonetheless.... One banded bird Rn Lg. 24 February Arraio Chico, Estancia Medland, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Reached subunit #1 of linear grid at 0745. Temp=12.5°C. W/L = 65 ft. wind = 0; clouds = 0%. En route we saw buffalo on Tower Llanos, including a flock of ~20 in the vicinity of Tower Blanca and Gvid 9. Also 8-10 rheas on the llanos. After attempting one run of the linear grid sample, the procedure is as follows: Beginning at subunit #1, at the south end of the linear grid, we stop at standard observation points on the bank above the arraio at a point in the middle of each subunit. Each subunit is 100 m long, with 27 stakes @ 5m intervals (20 units). On the opposite side (West) of the Arraio, are 3 stakes one each opposite East stake 0, 10 and 20, thus dividing the W side into 2 50 m units. Position of all stakes on both sides of the Arraio
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JPMyers 1979 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Juncha by road, Alto de Madariaga, Picia & Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 February (cont'!) (1) upstream as feasible looking for WR and bands. In order to gain to the next potrero we had to go by the swamp discussed 21 February (see map in Journal). Bearded (WR) Big Lo was still again there. The number of them seen this morning was incredible. In addition to many groups of 5-10 (apparently fall sized birds), we found one flock of 43 young (of mixed size) with 2 adults. Also 4 wood storks! in swamp near Big Lo. Running N along the Arroyo, between the first 2 fences, N of the linear grid we found 7 WR - not very many, for the 1.5 km of beach. Crossing through the fence on a little blow with still blooming dandelions (Sido-lower llanura near the tower) - in it were 2 traffico. In the Arroyo in this potrero (3km) we found 53 WR (see sp acct). Other species: 3 Neotropic cormorant; 2 Southern Screamer; 1 Cocoi heron; 45 Southern Lapwing; 9 Black-necked stilt; 9 Charadrius fallarlandi; 2 Greater Yellowlegs; 91 Brown-headed gull. After 3km in the northernmost potrero we reached a drainage ditch & over which you can could not pass. So we followed it eastward a short distance, & quickly came to a large swamp with a great deal of open water. Following the edge at their south, we came upon a series of smaller almost dried black-necked swamps with small patches of tule, and lots of Solanum, and a flock of 90-50 WR and 10 or so 00 Ch. fallarlandi, and one [illegible] Pectoral! Collected 5 WR (086, 087, 088, 090, 091) and the solitary Pectoral (089) [see sp acct-wet peck]. Another flock of rhea in vicinity - 20-30. The Ch. fallarlandi appear to use the hard caked mud lying away from the wet foraging area of the WR, but also foraging could just up to the edge of the H2O. There are consistent differences between their foraging areas & those of WR. However, is part of the timing of Ch.fall's migration related too to the drying of their black-necked marshes in late summer? After resting lunch in this vicinity, we returned to the linear grid and at 1300 (temp=25°, shade 10c=48% 1500 ft.) began reading grid again. Another sample began at 1445, then again at 1935. Grid totals: (4 runs) - total given above, total number for both sides of Arroyo together: White rump 21 (15-32)85; Charadrius fallarlandi 14 (11-16) 57; Greater Yellowlegs 1 (0-2) 4; Black necked stilt 1.5 (1-2) 6; Southern Lapwing 11 (5-15) 42; Neotropic cormorant - (0-1) 1; Cocoi heron - (0-1) 1; Speckled teal 0.5 (0-2) 2; Yellow billed pied rail 0.5 (0-2) 2; Brown-headed gull 6 (0-12) 23; Red-wattled lapwing 0.5 (0-1) 2; Pseudoseisura unicolor 1 (0-4) 4; Corvus capensis - (0-1) 1. 33
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JPMycs 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Merland, 35 Km S of Tucumc by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 24 February contd Totalo accumulated during the survey running back along the Arroyo at 0835, counting all describ onsidants; onsidants; onsidants; total acen cue; White rump 24,40 (104(4)); Charadrius fulvicaudus 14,32(46); Greater Yellow lego 1,2(3); Black-necked Stilt 2,1(3); Southern lapwing 10,8(18); Neotropic Cormorant 1,0(1); Speckled teal 0,2(2); Brown-headed gull 0,3(3); Rufous-backed avigito 0,1(1); Geositta funicularia 0,1(1) Southern Screamer 0,2 (2). Bands seen in Arroyo; White-rump (see resighting chart and grid data RyLg; Roly; Rptg; RrLr; RyLyY; RyEyr; RyLor; RyLpy; RyLpp; RyLpr; RyLrp; RyLrg; RyLgy; RyLGr; RoLyy; RoLyP. Tower Llanos, Estancia Merland Ptdo de Madariaga Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 2100 we drive to the end of termi llanos do the site located 22 February where Mld friend a flock of 80 buffle was beginning behind and it was going to react. They were there again. Tonight too to dark to count numbers, but there appeared to be roughly as many. Using a new netting technique (see buffle species accent) I netted one buff-breasted sandpiper + banded. 25 February 0640 arrived at tower. By 0645 WRs were in Arroyo. First buffle heard flying by at 0653. However it remained the only buffle detected until 0722 when I spotted the first buffles foraging in Huacirculo. They had walked into Grid 4, and were in (1,0) at 4 before we could see them. By 0724 3 buffles were on Grid 10. The morning was warm (temp at 0600: 15°) with no wind, and a moderate, low mist over the llanos, extending vertically less than 10m. 0939 sun just coming above mist. During the morning (until 1000) I took 45 sample on grid 10 (including 0715-0815 at 2 minute intervals, + all others at 10 minute intervals) and 2 on Grid 4b(0900,1000). Grid totals: 10: buff-breasted sandpiper 3(0-9) 130; Rufous-backed registe - (0-1) 3; Anthus converdern 0.5 (0-2) 18; Anthus torquata - (0-1) 1; Geositta curicularia - (0-1) 1. Grid 4b buff-breasted sandpiper 8(5-11) 16; Rufous backed registe 4.5(4-5) 9; Converdern papt3(2-4) 6; Cow 0.5 (0-1) 1. See Buff-breasted sparent for extensive description. I banded WR in Arroyo bathing (see sparent). One Redtail flying overhead the Snail kite flying overhead. Many cliff swallows. 26 February Reached tower at 0645. WR were in the Arroyo just after our arrival, and probably were before. No Guffie on grid at 0645. First one detected at 0713. 0710 JVL= life
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal 35 26 February Tower Llanos Estancia Medland, 35 Km. S. of Juendea by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Chirudo: 578 temp = 16° wind: light NE. 0743 RB Negrito appeared. As before, we did not see the traffic until they were well into Grid 4 foraging - they appeared magically. First Gally cucked Grid 20 at 0745. 0731 sun just cracking the clear horizon. First Swallows at 0736 - all flying W 0740 - the birds moving in herds again - very similar to yesterday - they sweep across 0945 - again as yesterday, there is a lot of flying. The Roper [illegible] Very little aggressions. [illegible] The Roper [illegible] (See 2 percent) Remained on tower until 1000, taking 28 samplodding that time period: Total: Grid 30 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 2.6 (0-8) 73; Rufous-backed Negrito 0.2 (0-1) 5; Conoverda pipit 1 (0-4) 28. Grid 4b (8 sample): Buff-breasted 8.9 (3-19) 71; Rufous-backed Negrito 2.8 (0-8); (Conoverda pipit 19 (0-4) 15. Immediately following the first samp on the tower I began reading the linear grid along the Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Immediately following the first samp on the tower I began reading the linear grid along the Arroyo Chico. Totala: White-rump Sandpiper 17, 18 on each side; Charadrius fulicarius 10,6; Greater Yellow legs 0,2; Southern Lapwing 0,2; Brown-headed gull 34; Speckled teal 0,2. Then, I returned south along the arroyo, counting birds and searching for landed w.r. Totala: White rump on grid both sides 20, 42 between units; Pectoral Sandpiper 10; Charadrius fulicarius 22, 21; Black- cocked shith 0,2; Greater Yellow legs 1,3; Southern Lapwing 2,7; Neotropic Cormorant 3,1; Southern Screamer 2,0; Speckled teal 0,6; Brown-headed gull 4,4; Turquoise 1,3; Rufous-backed negrito 1,1; Conoverda pipit 0,6. Beyond the south end of the grid were 4 cor. The total # of White rump along the linear grid today compares favorably with those seen 2/24: 162 total today, as opposed to 64 on 2/24. However, there has been a decline from 2/20, when 85 were found. And the decline beyond the south end of the grid (where 4 were seen today) is even more striking, down from 22; this had been a fairly constant number. From the fence to the end of the Arroyo property at the Arroyo Chico Bridge. There were no WR on flies stretch of the Arroyo, N 500 m. However, there was one Golden Plover. See Ch. Jalk up acourt for for list of WR band neighbours. WR weighting build in chart in Grid 30 book. 27 February I arrived at the tower at 0720. Within 2 minutes I had seen traffic on the grid, so I arose
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5PMylars 1979 Journal 36 Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland 35 Km S. of Juncal by road, Ptdo de Madariaga Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina that buffers were present at least by the time of my arrival. Temperature at 0630 = 15° Sky = 90% clear except for a low mist rising to ~10m. Slight NE breeze. Sunrise = 0731. At 0735 1/4 in 2m = 130 feet (whence in shade = 50 ft.) White-rump and Cliff Swallows going by. Buffets on grids and on beach in Arroyo, especially in old cow grounds. Sampled until 0900 Grid totals: #10 (16sample) Buff-breasted Sandpiper 3.3 (0-7)50; Rufous-backed Negrillo 0.2 (0-2)3; Conovera pipit 1.3 (0-3)21. #4 (3sample) Buff-breasted Sandpiper 8.3 (0-15)25; Rufous backed negrito 4 (2-6)12; Conovera pipit 1.3 (0-3)4. Effect (leaning the telel) Cacatua Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina After leaving the linear grid read one sample from the linear grid, beginning at 0900. Total: White rump 19,15 (34); Charadrius fallaxlantius 7.9(16); Alaudia gahni with Pectoral Spiper 1.0 (1); Hudsonian Godwit 1.0(1); Greater YLega 0.2(2); Southern Lapwing 7.4(6); Rhea 0.3(3); Neotropic Cormorant 0.1(1); Cococeran 0.1(1); Conovera Pipit 1.0(1). This was followed by a run along the linear grid, searching for barked Lerk and counting all birds. totals: White-rump 30, 46 (76) total; Charadrius fallaxlantius 14,26 (40); Hudsonian Godwit 0.1(1); Greater YLega 1.2(3); Black-necked Stilt 0.2(2); Southern Lapwing 1.3(4); Neotropic Cormorant 0.2(2); Speckled teal 0.12(12); Brown headed gull 1.0(1); Tridactylus tern 1.0(1); Rufous-backed negrito 0.2(2); Conovera pipit 1.0(1). Included in total (WR) 6x11 (18) 100% from the grid (noted at Grid 9! Univerer, Ryleg has gone from its territory. 28 February Rained 10mm between 0500 and 0700 this morning. Went to Linear grid at 1530. Rain does not appear to have raised Arroyo (which is still on its way down). Grid totals: White rump 6,52(60); Buff-breasted Pipper 0.2(2); Pectoral Spiper 0.1(1); Charadrius fallaxlantius 6.3(9) Greater YLega 1.0(1); Southern Lapwing 12.3 (15); Brown-headed Gull 1.0(2); Southern Screamer 2.0(2). Six WR apparent (re large number of WR). After running down the storage looking for barked birds. Lighting was poor. I found 11 barked WR (between the Arroyo and at least 10 and the error Loberato tower. At 1745 I climbed into the tower, watching for movement on the Llanos and from the storage to the swamp (See WR and Buffy apparent). 3 golden plovers on Llanos
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SPMylars 1974 Journal 28 February (cont) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Jujando by road, Pto de Mladuniaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1935) Took another linear grid reading. temp = 25°, wind strong from NNE, clouds = 25%, IVC sun = 2000 fc, shade = 400 fc. Totals: White rump 17,4 (26); Charadrius falklandicus, Maguari 13,5(16); Southern lapwing 8,4 (12); Neotropic cormorant 0,2 (2); Manthorn stork 2,0 (2); Brown-headed gull 0,1 (1). Because of light conditions (looking W into sun to read grid) no birds were read. 3 March reached subunit #1 of linear grid at 1819. En route across tower llanos saw ±50 buffle and 2 golden plovers. Weather: temp 27°; wind mod.NW; clouds = 0; IVC sun = 7000 fc, shade = 500 fc. Arroyo level continuing down, with a muddier appearing in subunit 4. Grid totals: White rump 18,21 (33) ↑ E - W side → total Charadrius falklandicus 8,5(13); Black- necked Stilt 0,1(1); Southern lapwing 5,8(13). Light NNE conditions made it impossible to read birds, though a total count running back along the grid yielded totals: White rump 43,80 (123); Charadrius falklandicus 18,29 (47); S. lapwing 17,17 (34); Black-necked Stilt 3,1 (4); Southern Screamer 0,3 (3); Speckled teal 4,2 (6); brown-headed gull 1,3 (4); Trudeau's tern 0,5 (5); Rufous-backed wagtail 2,4 (6) Correndera pigeon 0,1 (1). Light NNE After taking this survey we drove out onto the llanos. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Mladuniaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina came onto llanos at @ 2000, searching for buffle roost with the intent of netting. Found several small flocks of buffle, totaling no more than 50 birds, but could not find a concentrated roost. Stayed until after dark. Our group of 7 located, another solitary (1) buffle. The £100 lapwings on the llanos gave us no receipt from their warning calls, even after the sun had set. 2 golden plovers, + 2 Thincorus ! The first of the season due (see op. accent). 4 March Arrived at dawn at 0710. heard first buffle at 0734. WR already in Arroyo when I arrived. 0736,5 sun cracked the horizon 0738 temp = 11,5° (up from 10,5 at 0500). 0% cloud cover, but a slight patchy mist. IVC sun = 500 fc = shade. 2 wader stork in Arroyo this morning, at 0740 one flew around the horizon several times. Although favourable weather was prevailing throughout most of the observation period (til 0935), more appeared on Grid 10, and only during one sample (0830) did I only get de Grivito. One flock 30 WR flying away from Arroyo
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JP Mapps 1974 38 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Tandil by road, @ Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 4 March (cont'd) Grid totals: #10 (4 samples) Buffy 0; Rufous backed Negrito 0.25 (0-1); Corvendava Pipit 0.25 (0-1). #9b (9 samples) Buffy 1 (0-4) 4; Rufous backed Negrito 10 (8-12) 40; Corvendava Pipit 1.25 (0-5) 5. Arrapo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Began reading hunter grid at 0834. totals: White-rump 14, 16 (30); Charadrius fallandicus 8, 4(12); Black-necked stilt 2,1 (3); Southern lapwing 1,8 (9); Brown-headed gull 1,0 (1); Neotropical cormorant 0,2 (2); Spotted teal 1,3 (4); Rufous backed Negrito 0,1 (1). Then beginning at 0905 (ending 1000) I ran back along the Arrapo counting + searching for banded birds. Total (white-rump 43, 43 (86) - total); Hudsonian godwit 0,1 (1); Greater Yellowlegs 1,7 (8); Charadrius fallandicus 10, 32 (42); Southern lapwing 3,3 (6); Black-necked stilt 0,9 (9); Neotropical cormorant 0,1 (1); Brown-headed gull 3,9 (12); Spotted teal 1,23 (24); Shoveler 0,3 (3), 12 banded WR, 5 banded Chlidonias [see resighting chart]. No noticeable change in Arrapo level Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina From the S. end of the grid I drove up into the thistled area of the Llanos and found 2 Thincorus immediately. At most 40 Buffon bufflon. Evening - returned to Llanos 1930 and spotted 30 bufflon almost immediately after crossing the dry drainage ditch (see app. accent). We followed them until they roosted; 25 fly low, @ 2010. Sun set at 2025. Moderate NE wind dropped considerably just after sunset. Despite determined effort noted no Buffon (almost did get a call). Crows over a tumble-hunters. Moss 3/4 full, getting stronger; no clouds. Temp x 15 after sunset. Flock of Buffon accumulated to more than 50 individually but before settling they split-up again. No Thincorus over this evening, nor any golden plovers. Arrapo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 5 March reached subunit 1 of linear grid 0935. Sun rose a minute later. Temperature = 13°C, Clouds 20%, already there was a slight N wind + the reddish dawn drizzle 22 could do imploratory in the day. Grid total: White-rump 13, 17 (30); Charadrius fallandicus 3,6 (9); Black-necked Stilt 1,5 (6); Greater Yellowlegs 0,2 (2); Southern lapwing 0,3 (3); Spotted teal 1,0 (1); Coots [illegible] curvularia 1,0 (1); Rufous backed Negrito 1,1 (2). Immediately upon reaching unit 10 I turned + ran down the Arrapo, country birds + spotting larks. Total: White-rump 17, 47 (88) [illegible] between 4 Hudsonian godwit 1, D(1); Greater Yellowlegs 3,1 (3); Charadrius fallandicus 25, 28 (53); Black-necked stilt 1,1 (2); Southern lapwing 7,10 (17); Neotropical cormorant 0,1 (1); Southern Scaup 9,2 (12)
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JPMaers 1974 Journal 31 Arrayo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juandeo by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 5 March (cont.) Specilled teal 0,11(11); Anas versicolor 9,2(2); Brown headed gull 6,2(8); Rufous bodied Aletrip 2,5(3) Gecrota curvicularis 10(1). By the time that this survey was completed (1980) - the line of cloaca to the S which had previously threatened had disappeared, leaving clear sly. 14 banded (WR), 5 banded Charadrius falcon dicens. Water level in the Arrayo unchanged. Towerlures Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 0900 drive onto llanos searching for Thino corus in thistle area. Found four, collected two (092,093). Also collected a solitary butterfly (094). Rte 11 Brd, Estancia Medeland, Pto del Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. After leaving Arrayo, I had drove out to Rte 11 paralleling Farmhouse Rd. The pond to the north is almost dried, with a 2m band of black mud surrounding less than 2cm of water on both sides. One Lyllag feeding there. However, as the S. South considerably more under remains, united the borders are as yet vegetation covered (as in most of the water). Greater and Lesser Yellow legs present, as well as 6 Pectrals! This is the largest group of Pectrals I have seen since returning from Paraguay. Farmhouse Rd, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Returned to farmhouse via circuitous route, looking for flocks of Bufffis and/or scolopace. Followed Rte 11 pond W to fence, then this fence E as far as a drying pond, ~2 Km. The road roughly parallel to the fence. At the pond, after circling around it, I returned to the fence until it intersected with an N-S fence, which I took S to the road. Crossing the bridge, I then followed the S fence southward away from the road for ~1.5 Km until it intersected an E-W fence, which I followed E until it was approached by the road at a point ~1 Km W of the farmhouse. [illegible] At one point, denoted A on the map, I crossed the fence onto Estancia La Diana and walked to Arrayo Chico The most striking thing about this expedition was the lack of what I sought. No Gullin, no scolopace, Nor any Ocreopholus. Only Silipirina (fledy), Sicalis - curvularis flocks, many many Anthus.
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SP Myers 1979 Journal Estancia Medland 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 5 March (cont'd) [illegible] Pseudobator, cliff + WR swallow, refers-backed nigris. In the Arroyo when I crossed into La Diaria, I heard a few Charadrius falllandiius, a crunorant, and some Speckled teal. No WR snappers. From the fence at Point B it was possible to survey a moderate size pond on La Diaria, with a tremendous amount of exposed black mud. Eliphantine viewing was poor because of heat waves + distance, but through the scope I detected a few WR, some Vega, Bilt Shift, or many ducks of at least two species (Speckled teal + Anas versicolor). Screamer. Although I said that I was looking for buffle, after shaving down the vegetation through which I trudged, I damn near suspected that there were more. It was too slight, too tough. Only in one spot, on the E-W side of the fence at A [illegible] was the vegetation close to being appropriate. And here, though the grass looked right, this was actually brush - the patches of brush were too close together. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 7 March Reached linear grid subunit #1 just before sunrise, which occurred at 0740. Temp = 17° at 0530 AM. Clouds 20% - a dense line of high cumulus to S. which soon dissipated. Wind 0 at dawn. Began reading linear grid 0746. Total White-rump 15,16 (31); Charadrius falllandiius 5,12 (17); Greater Yellowlegs 1,1(c), SN Shift 1,1,1(2); Southern lapwing 6,3(9); Neotropic Cormorant 0,1(1); Speckled teal 9,5(5); Shoveler 0,3(3); Cocoi heron 0,3(2); Rufous-backed Migrato 1,0(1); Correndera Pipit 0,1(1). As usual, this early morning run was followed by a return down the Arroyo, counting birds and searching for bands. Totals: White-rump 9 28,66 (94) ; Charadrius falllandiius 11,37 (48); Golden Plover 1,0(1); Greater Yellowlegs 2,2(4); Black-headed Silt 1,2(3); Southern Lapwing 7,7(4); Southern Screamer 2,0(2); Speckled teal 0,43(43); Shoveler 0,3(3); Brown-headed gull 1,0(1); Rufous-backed Migrato 1,3(4); Correndera Pipit 3,8(9); Geositta 1,1/2). Several items of interest: First, a high number of Charadrius falllandiius - subunits 6 and 5 - in it were two banded birds, Right green and Left pink. Secondly - a high number of Correndera pipits, which hunts for food here, if anything, a very irregular visitor to the Arroyo water line. I should note that as of today I have sighted all but 2 of 13 C. falllandiius banded (today I saw 5). And finally, a new WR resighting (in addition to 6 others) - RR Lp, first banded in the Arroyo 15 January. After finishing the band search we returned to subunit #5 to follow a banded WR, RyL00, that has been there since the day it was banded, 21 February (200 WR spaceant).
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Tower Claims, Estancia Medelord, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 7 March (cont) After leaving the Lentin grid we drove out onto Tower Vamos, looking for Tryngito and thinoconus. Found 8 of former (collected one (096)) but no seedsinge. The small quantity of traffic has decreased drastically since 5 March. Rte 11 Ptdo Estancia Medelord, Ptdo de Madariaga a, Provincia de Buenos Aires Argentina 1100 drove to Rte 11 pond air order to collect Perdrol. Found 4 of these, but could not shoot em down. (see ap. accent) Mouth of Canal 7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 Km N. of Mar Chiquita by road, Ptdo de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 8 March reached Canal 7 at 0745 - at the time of sunrise - arriving in an unusual dense fog which had much more depth to it than the normal morning mist. The fog had also been present at Medelord when we left, ~15 Km to the North. Temperature warm - 18°C. These last few nights have been in great contrast to the chill of last week. Upon reaching the canal we drove E along the 1 km dirt road which follows to the mouth of Canal 7 into Mar Chiquita. This was a place that we had camped in October on route south, and again in November on the return trip. The vegetation appeared largely unchanged except for the submergence of a few short grasses beneath taller plants. The place has been much frequented by campers, it would appear - there are 3 here today (2 with a air-propeller driven boat a la Everglades), and remains of others (sans corpses) litter the area. After we stopped at the end of the road. Then, while preparing my collecting equipment, I detected Greater Vlogs, + a few WR flying solitary overhead. However, I was not impressed by their great quantity at this point. Following the Canal, I proceeded 200 m to the shallow mouth at Mar Chiquita. Coming through a patch of tule along the shore, I detected the largest flock of WRumps that I have seen for several months. (Counting to the edge of invisibility - reduced) to less than 100m by fog, I detected just under 200 WR. And their density gave me hint of tapering off beyond the limits of my vision. Oh joy. Ch. bliss. Ch. rapture. Walking upshore along the shore to the South, ~100 m, yielded at least 200 more. By this time, however, it was apparent that the birds were moving in response to my wanderings. I then went due E into the Laguna (which - even shallower than the last
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Mouth of Canal 4 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 Km W. of Mar Chiquita by road, Ptock Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 8 March (cont'd) visitors no deeper than 3 inches any when I went (although no greater than 100 m from shore) appeared but the WR flock continued out for some distance, but I desisted from counting because flutbirds were by then moving. After this became apparent, my attention shifted to collecting; 10 WR (097-105, 108) and 2 Stilt Sandpiper (106, 107). After shooting I repaired the car. Although the fog impaired vision, I did get some estimate as to the numbers of several species present: White-rump 500, Stilt Sandpiper - 30 definite, possibly as many as 100; Lesser Yellowlegs - 30, Greater Yellowlegs fewer, Black-bellied plover 2; Hudsonian Godwit 20 at least; Black Skimmers - 500+; Brown headed Gulls and Trudeau's tern were also present. Maguari Stork. I mentioned that the water was lower than last visit. Previously almost the entire mouth had been submerged. This time, however, there was a very slightly raised island, 50m x 50m, blocking part of the mouth. The water in which the WR were foraging remained under 1.5" for the large part. Beyond it was a large mat of thick slimy algae (See WR + Stilt Sppper-spp. accnt) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Wretched, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptock de Madangay, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 March Arrived in Arroyo Chico as sun rose above horizon - 0745. At 0730 in Arroyo below river we found 2 small flocks of WR - 25 birds in total, plus a partially mottled Hudsonian Godwit, and a Charadrius falklandicus. Temperature pre-dawn this morning (0600) was 17°C. but by 0745 had dropped to 16°. No wind had picked up before we arrived in Arroyo. Diverse cloud cover - very high clouds covering 60%. Lower, fog-like (but off ground) with v30%. Thuffies in thistle patch S. of tower. At 0800 we commenced scoping the lencuar grid. Sun N/L=200 ft. The Arroyo ice up slightly. Readily apparent by looking at the island in subunit 9. Today it has largely disappeared. Pickup one flock while reading grid subunit 6 - 13 birds just flown in. (Grid totals: White-rump 20, 9(29) Charadrius falklandicus 7,2(9); Black Necked Stilt 0,3(8); Southern Lapwing 4,5(9); Nicotropic (Cormorant) 0,1(1); Maguari Stork 1,0(1); Speckled teal 0,2(2); Brown headed gull 0,1(1); Rufous-backed Negrit 2,0(2). Then running down the Arroyo, looking for banded birds: totals (White-rump 24, 115 (739) ; Charadrius falklandicus 8,40(48); Hudsonian Godwit 0,1(1); Greater Yellowlegs 0,1(1); Black Necked Stilt 3,1(4); Southern Lapwing 6,3(9)
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5 PMyers 1979 Journal 43 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km. S. of Juanjaco by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 11 March (cont'd) Neotropic cormorant 1,2(3); Southern Screamer 0,2(2); Speckled teal 0,1(1); Southern Shoveler 0,4(4), Anas sibilatrix 0,5(5), Brown-headed Gull 9,3(12); Black Skimmer 1,0(1); Rufous-backed Negrito 1,3(4). Both the White-rump and the Ch.falklandicus totals are up considerably. Within the WR total the flock also picked up in the grid run (subunit 6), and another flock found between 5 and 4. The latter flock had Rpl.r within it, + therefore had moved up from below the grid (5 of) since I began reading at 08:00. (See WR sp accent) Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Went up onto llanos at 1000, covering area examined 7 March. Saw 13 buffies, all but one near the area where they had been 7 March. One at head of small drainage ditch going into Arroyo at linear grid subunit 3. Then 1100 3 more appeared there, 2 of which we collected (109,110). No Thinocorus. Many White-rump and Cliff Swallows in air (latter approaching, 50% of flock). Many Rufous-backed Negritos, and Conoverdera pipits foraging in short grass + flowers. The pipit density has risen considerably inland few weeks. Saw a Queerous Harrier chasing a Negrito for ~10 sec. Unsuccessful. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 March 0805 Reached curve in Arroyo below river - 18 WR present including Rpl.r. Furry processing, throstle feeding. The temperature this morning at 0600 was 14°, by 0900 it had dropped to 13.5. No sky or mist by camp (but in patches over the llanos and pintaonas a thin mist prevailed). Now in Arroyo, Clouds heavy along the eastern horizon. No wind. Began reading linear grid at 0808 with sun WNL = 700 ft. Arroyo laid similar to yesterday. Grid totals: White-rump 22,11(33), Charadrius falklandicus 7,8(15); Greater Yellowlegs 0,1(1); Southern Lapwing 1,4(5); Southern screamer 0,2(2); Speckled teal 2,0(2); Cocoi heron 0,1(1); Gresitta coniculata 1,0(1); Rufous-backed Negrito 1,2(3); Lavenderera pipit 5,0(1). Running Jaws Arroyo totals: White-rump 32,92(124), Charadrius falklandicus 16,41(57); Hudsonian Godwit 1,4(5); Greater Yellowlegs 1,1(2); Black-necked Stilt 0,1(1); Southern Lapwing 7,2(33); Neotropic cormorant 0,5(5); Southern Screamer 0,2(2); Speckled teal 0,1,13(13); Southern Shoveler 0,1(1); Cocoi heron 0,1(1); Brown-headed gull 0,5(5); Rufous-backed Negrito 6,2(8); Gresitta coniculata 0,1(1); Pseudoleistes virescens 3,0(1); Conoverdera pipit 1,3(A). As yesterday, White-rump and
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5P Myers 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juanicho by road, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 March (cont'd) Charadrius fulvicaudus numbers were above data from recent past. The large drainage ditch, that flows into the Arroyo between Bar 17 has been augmenting their totals, particularly in the last day or two when I've found numbers of birds resting up amidst the crocipes in a broad flat sandy run — the alluvial plain of the drainage ditch. Today this stretch was also responsible for increased #s of Hudsonian godwits — one flock of 4. White-rump Plover was, as yesterday, found twice. First in the early morning below subunit 1 with a flock, then ~0930 between subunits 6 and 5, suggesting that its flock is again inflating numbers. 15 banded White-rump away. After finishing the banded bird survey I returned to seek Ry Lop on Subunit 7, choosing this bird from others because of its constancy. Took following data from 1032-1132 (see sp accent + following data). The bird is territorial. On returning to subunit 4, I was struck by the difference in WR distribution between then + less than 0.5 hr back — there were many areas with any WR, + several small areas with groups of resting birds (see sp accent). 10mm rain this afternoon. 13 March On Arroyo 0800, began reading linear grid 0813. Temperature 12°C, with no wind, and not only a heavy low fog but high clouds as well. Yesterday afternoon's rain has affected the Arroyo water level only slightly. Grid totals: White-rump 19.20 (31); Charadrius fulvicaudus 99(18); Greater Yellowlegs 01(1); Black-necked Stilt 11(2); Southern Lapwing 9.6(6); Neotropic Cormorant 14.2(3); Shorelark 05(5); Spotted tool 36(9); Aras versicolor 01(1); Maguari Stork 01(1); Brown-headed Gull 13(4); Riparian-billed Night Heron 02(4). Although the rain did not raise the water level very much, it did turn our usual route broad along the Arroyo shore to mud, making running down, i.e., a total count impossible. Therefore I went to linear grid subunit 5 in order to follow Ry Lop White-rump again (1010-1103; see WR sp accent, linear grid following data book p 42). During this period a SANDERLING!! appeared at the school. It was still in basic plumage of no sign of molt. Associated with Ch. fulvicaudus and White-rump. Tower Flumes, Estancia Medeland, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina After leaving Ry Lop we drove down the Arroyo and out onto Tower Flumes, briefly surveying the area for Snuffin and Threskiornis. None of the former, 5 pecodejus flying in the same place as previous days.
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SPFlyers 1974 Journal( 45 13 March (contl) Arryo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 1200 returned to linear grid subunit 1 for sample. Grid totals: White rump 11,70(27); Charadrius fulvicaudus 5,9(14); Southern Lapwing 0,5(5); Neotropical Cormorant 0,1(1); Speckled teal 0,5(5), Brown-hooded gull 3,2(3); Coruculera pipit 0,1(1) - As can be readily seen, shorebird numbers declined from this morning, the route from the birds congregating a preening, bathing, and roosting centres, which are traditional (at least over the time scale of this study to date). Today by 1300 a flock had congregated between 6 and 5, roosting behind ocpipin (i.e. downward slopes). Present: six White rumps, Charadrius fulvicaudus, and B.W. Shirts. The tightness of these groups appears to vary. I have the impression that in lake afternoon White rumps aggregate much closer. Between 6 and 7, and again between 7 and 8, then were other scattered groups of resting shorebirds. The 6-7 included a Sanderling (certainly the one spotted earlier). Among that group was also Roly, a bird not seen again only 2/3/5/74. Rie 11 Pond, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 1600 went to Rie 11 pond, collecting one out of the 5 Pectorals seen. Water level in the pond appeared to be up slightly. The Pectorals observed were all foraging solitarily. Arryo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina Then came to Arryo Chico - birds all very spooky - extremely so. Between the curve behind the towerward subunit 4 we found several groups (WR, mostly little) between 3-4. Elachura flava seen very for those that we did see were predominantly resting. Spent some time watching WR feed, trying to determine what it was they were eating. See WR spp. accent. Towerr Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina Spotted 9 buffle flying from Arryo Chico onto Llanos, but could not find them again; when we followed. However, we did find 7 Thinocorus in an opening in the thistle where they have been in the past. Collected 1 (172). 14 March Arryo Chico Estancia Medeland Ptdo de Madaniaga Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina At subunit #1 of the linear grid at 0815. Spectacular sunrise, with high thunderheads forboding to the great, struck pink (by the dawn). Temperature at 0600 = 15°. Wind at 0800 = 0, clouds 20%. No fog. Grid totals: White rump 9,2(31); Charadrius fulvicaudus 8,6(14); Black-necked Stilt 0,2(2); Southern Lapwing 1,10(1) ;
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JP Myers 1974 Journal 46 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland 35 kms. S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Mladaniaga, Provin de Buenos Aires, Argentina 14 March (cont'l) Neotropical Cormorant 0,1(1); Speckled teal 0,9(9); Cocoi heron 1,1(2); B.h. gull 0,4(4); Correndera pipit 2,0(2); Rufous-backed negrito 1,5(4). After proceeding down Arroyo searching for banded birds, we were set upon by a series of extraordinary clouds which came racing out of the south accompanied by wind and rain. The clouds were low, not extensive in width, but stretching from horizon to horizon in a dark grey strip. There were 5 of these in succeesion, the last passing over in less than 20 minutes. Their swift approach, strange appearance, and violence, were remarkable. Because of the rain we were forced to abandon a run down the Arroyo (banks became muddied). 6 banded birds located, however (see resighting charts). Rather than retreat to the farmhouse we parked the car just above the bank by subunit 6 in order to observe the WR flock present there (see WR spp accent) After determining that only one territorial WR used this subunit (controlling the northern part of OW), and that non-territorial birds foraged over the raft, we left driving to subunit 4. Then, after watching several WR feed, I collected one that was "filter- feeding" (see spp accent), also picking up some of the substrate upon which it was working. On subunit 4 I repeated the collection, only this time taking a "search/peck" feeder, along with its substrate. With these goodies we returned to camp. 15 March Began running linicargrid 0600 weather ominous: completely overcast (heavy) with a slight S wind already [illegible]. Temperature at 0600: 2.5° Grid totals: White rump 8,77(25); Charadrius falklandicus 19,10(30); Black- Bellied Plover 0,1(1); Greater Yellowlegs 0,2(2); Black-necked Stilt 10(1); Southern Lapwing 10(6); Southern Screamer 10(1); Cocoi heron 10(1); Speckled teal 6,1(7); B.B. Negrito 0,3(3); Brown hooded gall 0,1(1); Maguari Stork 0,1(1). Then turning about at 10, we ran down the Arroyo seeking out banded WR. Totals: White-rump 23,59(77); Charadrius falklandicus 20,27(47); Hudsonian godwit 1,7(5); Greater Yellowlegs 1,2(3); Black-necked Stilt 2,8(1); Southern Lapwing 6,5(11); Southern Screamer 0,2(2); Neotropical Cormorant 0,1(1); Speckled teal 4,6(10); Brown-headed gull 0,3(3); Geocitta crinicollis 1,0(1); Rufous-backed Negrito 0,5(5). The change in white-rump sandpiper numbers since yesterday [illegible].
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{ "text": "J.P. Pilgers\n1994\n\nJournal\n\n47\n\nArroyo Chico, Estancia Mardiland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga,\ngrid sample) and since 12 March (the last successful \"running down\") are striking especially in the latter\n[illegible]\n\ncase. 12 Banded Rticks were spotted, as opposed to 15 on 3/12, but this variation is normal - i.e. there does not\nappear to have been a concerted departure of banded birds. By the time I had finished surveying the grid,\nthe weather had made it apparent that there would be no rain, but the cloud cover continued. A generally strong moderate\nwind picked up from the south. [illegible] Because of the drop in WR numbers, and because I had seen small\ngroups of WR flying to the N of the Lena shore patrol unit 10, I walked with spotting scope N along the Arroyo E bank\nunder as the road bridge of Rte 23 over Arroyo Chico. Kleinbark I had last received this stretch of Arroyo 29\nFebruary, finding only a few birds extra into will north of the end of the Lena grid. Today, however, there\nwere some important differences - mainly that a group of ~40 WR \"spilled over\" from the Lena grid\narea into the potrero, including banded birds [illegible appearance]. Paradoxus falklandicus, Breaker\nYellowlegs, Black necked Stilt, and Southern Lapwing were also present, although, as with\nWR, the numbers were lower than in the Lena grid area, and most of the birds\nwere in the 1st 20 kilometers. One stretch of Arroyo [illegible] provided additional shorebirds - that\nfly the drainage ditch which had stopped over progress last trip. I included here yet another\nmap, this time with the numbers of the potreros as assigned by the riehards of the ranch.\nIt is very rough - only roughly to scale; the whole Estancia is included.\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\n\n[illegible]\ [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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SPM Myers 1999 Journal 48 15 March (cont'd) Belo Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 55 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina After having read the map, I must qualify it now - it seems only in a ranking system. But it does have local merit. So, I walked along the Arroyo from the Send of Paterno 19 to the Rt 22 Bridge, a distance (on way) of no more than 5 km. Beside the streambed already noted, found a small flock of thincocorus in the brigh on the raised bank of the Arroyo. Other than Shovelers, the dominant birds were ducks: 100+ YB Speckled teal, at least 50 YB Pintail, some Area versicolor, and some Shoveler. But on the Arroyo were rhea, southern screamer, burrowing owls, cinereous + long-winged hammers, Rufous-backed negrito, Correndera pipit, Cliff + WR swallow. Of course Willet and Palyburs. 1 km E of Farmhouse by road, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Stopped by on route to camp when I spotted a flock of WR foraging by the road in a swamp just to the W. of the road. 20 WR, including RyLg. 9 Hudsonian godwit, 5 Lesser Yllega. This bird brings today's total of banded WR to 17!! Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 March Temp: 8° at 0800. (Began reading linear grid 0847. Wind had already risen from S (slight), the clouds = 0. Wiktrumps down today, but not reflected entirely by totals: White rump 7,29(36); Charadrius falklandicus 6,12(18); Hudsonian godwit 2,5(7); Greater Yellowlegs 3,0(2); Black necked Stilt 1,4(5); Southern Lapwing 0,5(5); Speckled teal 2,14(16); Shoveler 0,4(9); Brown-headed gull 0,3(3); Correndera pipit 1,0(1). Although the on-the-grid total is high, it is deceivingly to having picked up RyLr's flock on subunit 4, adding 18 birds to the 18 seen elsewhere. 'Running dawn' totals do not reflect the WR situation: (White-rump 28,49(7) between Charadrius falklandicus 23,27(50); Hudsonian godwit 6,1(7); Greater Yellowlegs, 2,0(2); Black necked Stilt 13(4); Southern Lapwing 0,2(2); Metropica crassirostris 0,10(0); Speckled teal 1,24(25); Shoveler 0,4(4); Cocoi heron 0,1(1); White-faced ibis 0,1(1); Southern screamer 0,2(2); Brown-headed gull 7,6(13); Rufous- backed Negrito 1,5(4); Correndera pipit 1,2(3). Only 7 banded WR found this morning. At least one territorial bird was gone (RyLop). As in the past 2 days, all Arroyo birds were spooky - taking off at the call of a trio. Was my collecting in the linear grid unwise? Or are the WR's getting away. Patagonia
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Medland, 35 kms. of Juncalco by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina March (Cont'd) After completing the linear grid survey we drove out into Tower Llanos. First, we went to the swamp at the E end, and tromped within it for ~1.5 hr. At least 100 or percent, as well as a small flock of 6Y/legs, ~20 LYC at most, a few BNU still, and perhaps as many as 30 (or more) Nycticebus seen! The swamp has dried considerably in the last 2 weeks, with several areas that had over 1" of water then, now passable by foot with only a shallow footprint left in the mud. One large body of water remained I suspect that its 1" depth will hold out for several more weeks. Coscoroba swan, royal pheasant, etc. No grebes. After leaving the swamp we went over the Plains looking for Tryngite and Thinoconus, finding 19 and 25, respectively, the latter in the largest group that we've seen due to date. Collected one buffy (115). 20 March Rte 11 Pond, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Passed by Rte 11 Pool at 0945 en route to Tower Llanos from a morning off the Estancia getting a fire patched. Dawn was foggy, 14°C, with a solid bank of clouds along the eastern horizon. By 0800 a mild N wind was up. At 0945 cloud cover had reached 50%, but it was of the benign puffy small cumulus type. Anyway, there was a small flock of Pectoralis (7 total) on the ponds, foraging near the road on the S.S. side. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1045 began reading linear grid at Subunit 1. Temp-22°, 8byclouds 30%, wind moderate out of the North. Within the last 3 days the Arroyo has become drier, water level falling 2", so that now it is in places less than 5 m wide. In several specific locations the change is quite dramatic, and especially so for the W.R. Drainage, because they are shallow flats barely covered before. Now they are dry, or almost so. Subunit 4 and Subunit 10 are particularly affected by this most recent drop in water level. White crump numbers are done accordingly (or more so) totals: White-crump 83,9(7/4).
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Trenque by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 20 March (contd) Charadrius falklandicus 2,11(13); Hudsonian Godwit 0,14(14); Greater Yellowlegs 0,1(1); Neotropic Cormorant 0,1(1); Southern Lapwing 0,1(1); Speckled teal 2,0(2); Brown-hooded gull 0,1(1); Correndera pipit 2,0(6). After completing the sample we scoured down the grid, searching for banded birds. Total: White-rump 13,29(37); Charadrius falklandicus 15,29(44) Greater Yellowlegs 0,3(3); Southern Lapwing 0,3(3); Neotropic Cormorant 1,7(8); Speckled teal 0,13(13); Southern Screamer 2,1(3); Brown hooded gull 0,1(1) 2,4(6); (cassitta 1,0(1)); Correndera Pipit 0,3(5). We found 6 banded WR, 3 banded falklandicus. The first Total (i.e. WR) is appalling, so is the total # of WR seen - 37, the lowest yet. At the same time, it is very interesting, because all but 2 of the WR found are known, familiar, and those two are too flocking birds which occur only irregularly. They, the main flock(s) in which such regulars as Ryllys cavori, are elsewhere. What remains to be seen. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina. 1215 - Stock of 20 bufflits in llanos by S fence. Also found a few Thincorvis, but I did not search extensively for them. Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina I am writing this with a more general locality heading because the expedition involved several areas on the Estancia. At 01430 I set out from the farmhouse, slapping Srvit 1 km W along Farmhouse Rd in order to investigate the swamp which runs from due North. 15 March I found a banded WR there. Today there were none, only a solitary Lesser Yellowlegs. Water had receded at least 5', reducing the remaining surface water to less than 10's 40'. Borderd by a wide strip of caked mud. Sign of WR foraging eg footprints, was not overly abundant. From land continued out to Tower Llanos via the fallow cornfield, cir which, for the first time there I found Thincorvis, a flock of ~15. From here I continued to Tower Llanos Swamp only to be dismayed by the paucity of shorebirds - there were 14 Cadwitz, but less than 17 White-rumps total (no bands). Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yegs were also also reduced (~15 each). A few Nyctivaghus speared in unison from one area near the S end of the open water. The main body of water is now all accessible to foraging birds.
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51 JPMyers 1994 Journal Estancia Mickelbland, 35 km S. of Trencho by road, Pto de Maccariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 20 March contd and both Yellowlegs. White-rumps can stand at least as far as 15m out from the shore along much of the lagoon. Yet despite all this habitat, there were few birds. After exploring the marsh for ~0.5 hours, I returned to the car, and followed the swamp W to where it intersects a fence (~300 m). For the first time this year I was Humble to go East, as a patch of swamp has by now caked over completely. This put me in an area where I hadn't been since horse-back riding w/ Aureli Chiici, 13 February. I found 2 Buffles (collected on, 11c) and 7 Thinoconus. (springs) also present. Their stock of lagoon presents a scrappier appearance than Tower Llanos proper - the grass is lower, has more open space between it. The Buffles + Thinoconus were quite close to each other, but they moved separately in flight, even after I shut the traffic. After searching for more of either species, unsuccessfully, I turned North and passed through the gate W of the Tower Llanos Swamp (see map p29 Journal), tower (lones) is called La Landing Swamplin this map). Continuing N, I investigated the series of swamps only indicated on that map, and also the large lagoon. Saw a total of 12 WR, all in flight, headed (consciously) North. Also with them were several Hud- sorian Godwit. [illegible] Much of this area is drying up, and a lot of exposed, caked black mud can be found. However, apparently suitable grass still remains, much of it without any signs of WR foraging. The large lagoon had over 50 black-backed swans, a large flock of rosy-billed Pochard, shovellers, yellow-billed pintail, spotted teal. Upon reaching the next gate, I passed through and followed the fence to Arroyo Claro, reaching the Arroyo just above the Lincoln Grid Subunit 10. I followed the Arroyo North to the bridge at Route 11, ~5 km, where I had gone on foot 15 March. The moulting of WR along here has increased, and instead of being predominantly in a few flocks (the birds are much more dispersed). Tight flocks remain, but near the bend of this stretch of the Arroyo, i.e. [illegible] the W end of the linear grid, there are considerably #s of WR behaving territorially, and some that if not territorial, are certainly off spaced out. ~40 WR were in here, perhaps as many as 60. Two birds, Ry Lro and Ry Lgr were within 20 m of one another in a spit of water off the Arroyo ~500 m N of the linear grid. The latter was Muteberg, the former may have been. Further up the Arroyo, however, the prominent mode of dispersion appeared to be a tight flock. There were exceptions, certainly. In fact a significant %
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 52 Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Tuanche by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 20 March, cont'd were spp separated along the Arroyo, as far as the next fence. But here and beyond 2 larger flocks of 22 and ~25 WR foraged, they comprising the majority of birds. Mostly between the head of the linear grid and the Rt 17 Bridge, there were ~100 WR. Larks are very unreliable to note that individuals within the 2 tight flocks appear to have swelled considerably less than the birds along the linear grid. I took a series of 35mm pictures that should turn out well. At Rt 17 Bridge I turned around, forded the Arroyo in the Citroen in a place of sandy bottom, + came back down the Arroyo. To the W, in addition, I headed for buffl o for suitable habitat, of which I found none. Upon reaching the linear grid (after a series of detours composed by poorly distributed gates) I ran down, searching for stranded birds. See WR spaccnt Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 21 March Bogen reading (linear grid) 0818 temp=15°. Cloud cover was 20%, seabirds composed almost entirely of a solid bank to the NE along the horizon. The wind during the grid reading, though it came up by mid- morning, strong out of the North. Grid totals: White-rump 10,4(14); Charadrius (lathlandicus) 6,9(15); Greater Yellowlegs 0,1(1); Black-necked Stilt 0,2(1); Southern Lapwing 0,1(1); Neotropic Cormorant 0,1(1); Speckled teal 0,7(7); Brown hooded gull 3,0(3); Rufous-backed Negrito 1,0(1). [illegible] [illegible] (possibly:
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53 Journal JPMayers 1974 21 March. (contd) At 11 Pond, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S of Tuancho by road, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Threatening for several hours (and indeed raining palpably too beyond the Farmhouse toward the coast) [illegible] to the wind and moved off. After southern lapwing scared off all but 2 of the Redshank, I called one (11?), surveyed the rest of the pond, and returned to Arroyo Chico. In the rest of the pond were 7 more Redshanks, a few lesser yellowlegs, southern lapwings, a small flock of Spotted teal, 13 Wood storks, numerous pale-browed gulls (foraging on the convergent vegetation) and a new arrival (it would appear) to this habitat, a Cinclosoma spp. perhaps flavirostris (but I will call it). Its appearance has been quite dramatic—it is now blue in maize where before there were none. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Pte de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 12:30 began yet another linear grid reading. Clouds were 10%, with a strong N.W. wind. Temp = 22°. Coward skua dominated the grid reading, as they usually do during mid-day sample. Several subjects suffer more extensively from these plans, particularly, 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10. Grid totals: WR 3,5(8); Charadrius fulicarius 6,5(11); Hudsonian godwit 1,0(1); (maker) Yellow legs 0,1(1); Neotropic Cormorant 1,0(1); Spotted teal 5,4(9); Shoveler 0,3(3); Brown-headed Gull 0,1(1); Rufous-backed gull 0,0(1); Cinnamomops pipit 0,2(2). Oof! what a measurable quantity of war, surprised even by Spotted teal. However this was to have been expected, given the paucity of birds present in the dawn reading, and the fact that usually flocking birds coalesce during mid-day hours, thus reducing even further the totals. 50 WR sp. accent. Mouth of Canal Fuerte Laguna Mar Chiquita, 23 Km N.W. (Mar Chiquita by road), Pte de Mar Chiquita, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 19:30 arrived at Canal. I was prevented from an extensive exploration because of 2nd degree bruise on my left foot (which have hampered my movements for 4 days now) but I was able to skirt along the Wedge of the lagoon for ~750 meters to N from the mouth of the canal. What a sight! My last visit here, 8 March, was tempered by a thick fog which prevented any overhead. Today the sky was only 20% overcast, with a very strong N.W. wind blowing down the length of Laguna Mar Chiquita. The wind appeared to have pushed considerable water to the South, making this area much shallower— indeed where the several hundred WR had been foraging 8 March there were none today
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JPL Myers 1979 Journal 54 Mouth of Canal 4 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 km N of Mar Chiquita by road, Pto de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 21 March contd Directly out from the mouth, ~200 m, were scattered WR on a shallow flat. This flat changed abruptly into what appeared to be deeper water with numerous arquero-like flapping birds (except that they were not). Great gilded terns were out beyond, and 2 flocks of ~30 Roseate spoonbills fringed along the edge, as well as many hundreds of Hudsonian Godwits. To the WNW, were the water got progressively shallower, then were broad shallow flats, many hundred yards wide and over 1 km long. The mud changed from a sandy firm bar to a lothan which, the longer one stayed in one place, the more it enveloped me. (I had, with a negligible mat). Before the mud changed there was a small sandbar, perhaps 75 x 100 m. On it were 300-400 [illegible] and beyond, in the broad mud flat, were thousands of WR. I estimate that there were over 5000 WR, several hundred Microspalama, and little black see WR opaque. The WR were polarized, most of them fringing into the wind. I saw no small birds which were at all reminiscent of any other species (beside the Microspalama). The conditions were not ideal for a thorough search. In addition to flux, there were Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted teal, shorebirds, Yellow-billed pintail, Cocoi heron, Black-necked Stilt (100s), both brown-hooded) and lap quetzal, 2+ species of tern, Corcoroba Swan, a few Flamingos, southern lapwing, southern screecher, a few Maguari stork. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 3.5 km S of Juandia by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 22 March 1445 reached subunit 3 of the Lincan grid. Cloud cover extensive, 60%. Temp 22°C. (Wind was strong out of the NE.) Immediately I began sampling the grid. Total: White-rump 5,7(12); Charadrius Falklandicus 8,7(15); Greater Yellowlegs 3,0(1); Black-necked Stilt 2,2(2); Southern lapwing 3,2(5); Spotted teal 4,5(6); Brown-hooded gull 8,0(6); P. pipit 1,0(1). Abundant the last sample, Hu #6 WR was low and comprised largely dry territorial birds. By 1600 we were in its territory in subunit 3. By this time in the afternoon the number of flycatchers using the Arroyo had dropped considerably from the herds usually present during mid-day hours. After completing the sample, included running back down searching for landed birds (prevented by poor light) we confirmed on upth Arroyo into Potrero 19 Grande. After making a forced 1 km Eastward detour in order to reach
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SP Myers 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Trencho by road, Ptdo de Madanaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 22 March (Cont'd) the requisite gate. We followed the Arroyo to a point at which fording in car was possible, and then continued back. However, on route, making a detour up out of the course of the stream, we briefly entered a field similar in vegetation structure to Tower Llanos. Short grass, perhaps thicker than that on the Llanos but not taller. It is bordered on one side by the banks of the stream (Chue, as elsewhere, 3'-9' elevated above the cord outside the Arroyo; the elevated area outwardly covered with thick (1'-1.5') spring vegetation including thistle, with occasional vizcacha holes within either the vizcacha or burrowing owls in residence [?]) and the other by what appears to be an old streamside elevation, suggesting that the stream has since changed course (the what would have been the channel is now filled in). To the South the field continues for several hundred meters, but appears to shift abruptly in that direction into a group of perhaps taller dimensions. In the field in one area nearer the Arroyo are a series of lower areas replat with Solanum. To the east beyond the first formation which I suggested was an old bank of the Arroyo, the field begins anew, continuing for ~150m. Then branch sedge picks up, and a third marsh carrion from free. It appeared to be extensive (and in fact, is partly) the marsh where I collected 24 February. Anyway, on this field we found the usual Lessonia and [illegible], although less dense than on Tower Llanos, Vanellus (several groups totaling over 20) and flocks of Thresorcorus ruminicivorus, of which I collected 2 (118,119). Uncounted 60 Thresorcorus, but these are certainly more. I was struck by the fact that the commoner birds of Tower Llanos now, Lessonia and Anthus are nevertheless obvious here, and that the grass is so much thicker (i.e., horizontal density greater) whereas height of the vegetation is not that different. This field is in Petreto 18, beginning just beyond the fence separating it from 19 Grande. Leaving here we drove to the above-mentioned fording point, 75m E of Pte 11 bridge, and returned down the Arroyo, combing WR + searching for banded birds. By this time it was past 1000. We found 2 bands along the linear grid, Pyg Lyra and Pyg Lyra, even though the former was in the same position where I found it 20 March. Pyg Lyra was in the vicinity of the territory. There was a total of 94 WR alongside the entire stretch between the bridge and the fence dividing Petreto's 19 chico and 200 23. See (WR supp and Thresorcorus suppdent). 23 March dawn windless, temp ~16°. A low dense line of clouds was on the N/E horizon, extending perhaps 5° W above the horizon. This has been a typical dawn cloud formation for several weeks now.
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J Pillars 1974 Journal 23 March (cont'd) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Tucumano by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina and I suspect that it is due to coastal fog, as it sometimes penetrates inland to here. By 0805 a slight NE wind was up. At that time I began reading the linear grid. Totals: White-rump 4,9(8); Charadrius falklandicus 6,11(17); Hudsonian godwit 1,0(1); Greater Yellowlegs 1,2(3); Neotropical cormorant 1,6(7); Speckled teal 10,3(13); Brown hooded gull 0,2(2); Rufous backed Negrito 0,3(3). After sampling the grid I continued North into Patron 19 grant to where Rly (gr. has been) remaining for 1.5 hrs while observing w.rumps (see apparent). Before leaving I collected 2 flocking WR (120,121). While returning I passed through the Tower Llanos, finding (after considerable searching) one flock of ~20 buffleys, and I collected 3 (122,123,124). 24 March Sun on the horizon at 0800 when I began reading the linear grid. Temp = 18°, clouds 40% - a very rosy dawn in color, with high stratus carrying the color over the fog bank along the N horizon. Wind: slight from N even at this early hour. Grid totals: White- rump 9,7(16); Charadrius falklandicus 9,7(16); Greater Yellowlegs 0,1(1); Rufous- backed Negrito 1,3(4); Geositta 1,0(1). At 0835 I turned S and ran the Arroya. Totals: White-rump 13,28(41) ; Charadrius falklandicus 16(30)46; [illegible] Buff-breasted Sandpiper 0,1(1); Hudsonian godwit 0,1(1); Southern Lapwing 3,11(14) Southern Screamer 0,4(4); Maguari Stork 0,1(1); Speckled teal 0,7(7); B. Hooded gull 0,5(5); Kelp gull 0,1(1); Agelaius thilius 0,7,0(7); Geositta 1,1(2); Cinclodes 1,0(1); RB Negrito 3,4(7); Corvendra pipit 1,6(7). The increase in WR#s were due to several small groups, including one with RrLp, 6 Banded WR, 2 Banded falklandicus. Finished run down at 0905 and went out to the Tower Llanos Swamp. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina (wind picks) up to moderate from the N. I went across the Llanos to the swamp at the E. end, seeing WR and Cliff swallows, Leucophaeus rufus, Anthus cor- andens, Vanellus, Thresorcoris ruminicivorus, Rhea and several [illegible] unidentified tall grass dwelling juncariids en route (the latter just before Horscamp).
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 54 24 March could Tower Llanos, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Trencho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina spent an hour within the swamp. 50 WR sandpipers, 15 Stilt Sandpipers, 10 GYlegs, 15 LYlegs, 4 H godwits, 25-30 Nycticryphes, a few BN Stilt. The swamp has receded even further now. The 20 Poscoroba Siron present when I drove up were standing in the middle. Punta Raga, 15 Km W of San Clemente del Tuyu by road, Ptdo de Gral. Lavalle, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina dawn fairly clear with ~15% cloud cover (17°), slight wind from the S. We arrived yesterday morning at dusk from Estancia Medland and camped on the beach ~300 m S. of the North tip of Punta Raga, side tilt but night was well out, as it was before dawn this morning. Sun rose horizon within one or two minutes before 8:00 On the windward (NE) side there is, at low tide, ~100-150 m of exposed sand beach. High tide appears (fujing from track way) to leave ~40 m left between waves and the low vegetation cover. The shoreline is not at all steep, rising no more than 2 m between low tide line and high tide (Estimate). At dawn we walked from the small shanty near our camp across a low flat which lies 500 m NNE of the dunes going inland to the SE side of Punta Raga, where an extensive area of mudflats exist. There we followed this high tide line west to the first major trough (300m) and then followed that inland (SE) for ~500 m. Progressing inland along the trough the soil becomes very muddy, and is at times impenetrable in foot (sans snowshoes). The mud is covered with coloniaria cache, which extend as far as from the low tide line up with the vegetation (which appears to be infrequently [at least] flooded). Much of the vegetation is Chicheria, also some salt-grass-like growth. After trekking through, then "cangrejales" for the approx. distance estimated above, we returned to the road, following it back to the car. Total time 3.5 hrs. The standard situation here is not as daunting as I'd expected (MAER note had described the place as a "staging area for Northward migration"). Although the windward side was humidly, we have not seen the habitat get as the tide turns out. Along the 200 m shoreward-side were a few scattered sandpiping, totaling no more than 10, plus fewer Marsh-stilted plover, 10-15 American Oystercatchers, 2 WR sandpipers, many Kelp gulls, ten road terns, and a Pavonistic jaeger (short-pointed central tail feathers extending less than 2", very rotly plumage with considerable rotate)
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JPMyers 1944 Journal Punta Raga, 15 km N. of San Clemente del Tuyu, by road, Pto de Gral. Lavalle, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 28 March cnt’d The situation with the birds was somewhat better. A total of perhaps 30 Sandliling, over 100 WR, especially in the Arroyo, with not so many out in the great mud flat, 1 Accipiter striatus, at least 30 Actitis macularia!! 1 semi-palmated plover, perhaps 30 Hudsonian godwit, over 50 Charadrius vociferus, [illegible] 6 American Oystercatcher. Also a large flock of Ruff and brown-hooded gulls, 6 Spoonbills — the dominant theme of all. The small shorebirds were speciating — some of them were operating in tight flocks of any size, most of them were foraging separately. The Actitis were all well up the Arroyo in an area with considerable streamside vegetation, including (on one side) some overhanging trees. Several of them were showing breast spots, suggesting some pre-alternate molt. Charadrius vociferus [illegible] other shorebirds (besides the Actitis) also showing original molt, with godwit breeding, allowed by fiscicollis and squatarola, which continue to have individuals varying greatly in the degree of molt, after which just now appears to be beginning signs of capital tract molt — nothing on backs, indeed only some feathers on the head. Observed one aggressive interaction between Charadrius vociferus and semi-palmated plover — the latter, the not the aggressor, appeared to win. As we reached the point on the lee side at the end of the walk, I searched the mud flat as far as the scope was effective, and detected a concentration of shorebirds over 500 m to the W. (we will be there when the tide goes out — it is not accessible from here without several km’s detour, because of the Arroyo.) By 130 cloud cover had increased to 40%, all high stratus, with a moderate South wind. Between 130 and 1430 we walked & cleg along the windward slope to a lagoon 1.5 km S. of the End of Punta Raga. During the time, the wind remained moderate from the S., clearing the sky to a 10% cover. Temperature rose to ~23°C. And, of course, the tide came in as we walked, reaching ‘high tide’ by 1500. Shorebird dispersion changed considerably as the afternoon began: we were departed, things were as detailed for this morning, i.e., considerably speciating, no longer groups. Charadrius vociferus was to be found — all along the beach, solitary or groups of 2-3, after regressing in territorial defense. White gulls even few in number, except for a broad exposed mud bar about 600 m along the route, Sardaban where we found a flock of 10. Sandliling remained solitary or groups of 2-3. 3 Ruddy turnstones stranding together, as well as 8 Knots (one in complete breeding plumage, most in complete winter). However, by the time that we had reached the end the tidal flow had made significant progress, and
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 59 28 March (cont'd) Punta Raga, 15 km W of San Clemente del Tuyu, fly road, Pde de Guadavalle, Pte de Bs Aires, Argentina at the lagoon where our path ended we found a flock of mixed shorebirds, some bathing, some feeding, other roting, of over 100 birds. It was comprised of Calidris fuscicollis (50); Calidris alba 5; Arenaria interpres 2; Haematopus palliatus 5; Vanellus chilensis 2; Pluvialis squatarola 3; Charadrius fulvicaudus 50; Tringa melanoleuca 2; Limosa haemastica 6; Himantopus 3. In the vicinity were flocks of the hirundinacea type, as well as trudeani and sexual maxima. Also heard brown-headed gulls. Then during our return we encountered another roosting flock, all birds roting and preening about 30 m from the shore line. In this were falklandicae (80); fuscicollis 90 (80-100); alba -5; canutus (8); interpres (3); squatarola 1. Falklandicae were the only ones remaining active - they were mainly about the periphery of their group (except for some in the main body roting with their body on the ground) with considerable agitation behind them. The roosting site was a 25 x 150 m sandy flat opening in the dunes which had been filled recently by wave action (the 'considerably above the tid line'). It was surrounded by dune grass, except for the sea-ward side which was largely unenclosed. Where did the birds come from? - they obviously were not foraging along the nearby stretch of beach. Although I did not see this quantity fly in, while we were walking S and particularly W, while we were nearing the flock found at our 5-most point - I kept noticing individuals flying over from the SW direction of the extensive mud flats to the NW. At 1545 tide changed perceptibly, and is definitely going out. At 1640 detected first shorebirds - white-rumped flying along the beach. We have come to a stretch of flat NW mud flat 1-2 km W of the tip of Punta Raga, reachable by road after 8 km (about 3 km) toward San Clemente. This is the area where this morning I thought that I could detect large quantities of shorebirds foraging. At high tide there is no exposed beach, but united a steep bank separating the water from a group of fig trees (100 m), plus other assorted shrubs + grasses, including several flats of Salicornia. The 2 WR seen at 1640 were quickly followed by 5 more shorebirds - 3 WM, an alba and a falk- landicae. By this time up to 25 m of sand and mud were exposed in several places along the 700 m of flat mud bank, although most areas had been exposed by considerably less. Wind this afternoon is light to moderate out of the South, with a 10% cloud cover. In several spots along this stretch of the lagoon miniature estuaries flowing to the main body of water. As the tide lowers, the empty, almost completely revealing mud flats of varying size. One such estuary was considerable size, over 100 m
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SPMya's 1994 Journal Punta Raga D km N of San Clemente del Tuyú by road, Pto de bral la Valla, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina 28 March (contd) wide, curving out of sight to the S (not as far as it sounds, but it must have been over an inland). By the time we reached this colony, the water was low enough to have reduced to a stream less than 10m wide, leaving an exposed mud flat of 90 m at least. The alignment of the mud flat was significant, I believe, to the spatial dispersion of the birds in this tidal area (as contrasted later to the main mud flat to the N). Of particular interest is the sharp break into the channel, which [illegible] was less than 10m wide. As the tide went out, after a brief period in which a very broad flat was revealed, subsequent outflow altered the position of the tide line little in terms of horizontal bird movement. Episodically, however, at this flat we found a flock of 10* ruddy turnstones, 2 BA Skiff, several Hudsonian godwit, 3 Ch falklandica, ± P. squatarola, 3 Knots, and 10 W Rumps. All these birds (at that time earlier) have approached foraging areas from the E. 1659 - a winter plumage Pombyx! 1709 - to this minute, the birds have not been coming to habitat in large groups - nothing larger than a flock of 6-50 far. And, except for the Knots, all birds are fairly dispersed. Squatarola behaving territorially. 1718 - 2 Whimbrel flew over to E. By 1725 I was struck by the fact that not all birds were feeding continuously. For example, at that time I could see an albatross and a squatarola (separated by several hundred meters) eating. This is out of a "flock" - i.e. three birds visible within 200 m - of less than 30 total. 1732 - the numbers of shorebirds present is still not overwhelming, by now I've seen 2-10 Knot, 20-30 turnstone, 150 - WR, perhaps a bit fewer (than 150) falklandica. 1735 - first American oystercatcher this afternoon. Part of the mud flats here are interspersed with a series of short little half-moon bays defined by the distribution of an emergent vegetation (a 8-12" grass) growing below the high tide line. [illegible] low tide line riff rafts [illegible] Key [illegible] mud flat [illegible] emergent grass main body of H2O Club de Pesa [illegible] channel mentioned above [illegible] [illegible] bay A Key [illegible] Location of "half moon bays" [illegible] E there are flocks of shorebirds in each of the bays. For example, in bay A in the easternmost quarter (area of 75 x 30m) there are 23 Ch falklandica, 60
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5 P W Myers 1974 Journal 61 Punta Raga, 15 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyu by road, Rio de Gral Lavalle, Rio de Bs Aires, Argentina 28 March (contd) and 8 White-rumps, the rest of Bay A is noticeably deficient in shorebirds. Among the birds present there is very little sign of overt interaction—certainly no territoriality. The distance between us + them would allow whisper subtle interaction to pass unnoticed. 1820—Parasitic jaeger harrying gulls + terns, the shorebirds on the beach rise en masse at its approach. 1850—in the channel described on the previous page there is a fairly tight flock—10 WR within 10 x 10 m as well as 14 godwit, all oriented in the same direction moving up the Arraigo. In the last 20 min they have moved 150 m over an area in which there are no other WR, and only 2 Ch. fallaxkens and 1 other H. godwit. Thus it is difficult to state that there is a lack of space here—what there is is a very tight clumping of birds (note) in the habitat and, at least in this instance, organized systematically. Returned to car slowly along mudflat, reaching it ~15 min before sunset (i.e., @ 1945). The falling tide situation has not greatly altered my morning’s impression that Punta Raga is not the shorebird haven it had been made out to be. The most numerous shorebird was Ch. fallaxkens, followed by White- rumps. Total numbers of these birds, on the S side of the main mudflat, did not exceed 1000/species. None of the other species exceeded 100/species: Arenaria interpres, Calidris canutus, American oystercatcher, Hudsonian godwit, Black-bellied plover. A few species, alba, Erythraea + whimbrel were less numerous than the 2nd class, probably under 30 birds. Generally absent (likely) were Southern lapwing, See Arenaria, the Fuscicollis, Parasitic jaeger spp accent. 29 March. Sun rose at 0758. Temp—11° at dawn, no wind clouds <5%. We went back to the area where we had observed yesterday afternoon, the mudflat lying along the SE side of Punta Raga, appro- ached from a Hunting & Fishing Club W of the lighthouse. 0845 we were walking down the mudflat from the club. Tide is out very far but may still be refecting. At the club the mud is ~75 m wide, after which a channel of several hundred metres width prevails. Across the channel is another strip of mud similar to that on this side. As on this side, the mud does not remain equivalent in width. In some places the flat is over 150 m W. To the North, across the channel, it continues for aeration. Immediately across the channel from the club at this time was a flock of 80 WR and 24 Hudsonian godwits. Further E along the opposite side as the flat turns south away from Punta Raga, an additional shore-
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Journal Punta Raga, 15 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyú by road, Pto de Gral Lavalle, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina birds foraging. There is a long, narrow strip of pelletly beach which appears to define the N side of the channel. On and around it were 65 godwits, 40 curlews, 27 knots, 30-40 turnstone. However, as yesterday, I am not overwhelmed by the great numbers of shorebirds. Why aren't there more? Others present include Charadrius falklandicus, (most numerous on this side of the channel where they predominate over LWR) 5-10 Tovar yellowlegs, many American oystercatchers as well as black-bellied plovers, only a few sandpipers. 0935 - total estimate of WCR is close to 1000, same for Charadrius falklandicus. 20 Ajai, a flock of mixed terns (80% Royal); 150 Kelpgulls, many brown-hooded. The knot total is over 100. Distribution of the birds now, at low tide, is not even even along the tidal front. Tanger present again While contemplating the tidal sharking line, comparing it with that in which I have been immersed for the last several months (i.e. non-tidal areas + mud flats in swamps) the major difference between their habitats [in terms of what factors affect the % of space-specific aggression] the probability that is one of temporal stability: A bird foraging in a suitable location in the non-tidal area with at time N will be able to forage at that location in N+1 is much higher than one foraging in a tidal area, except perhaps on a cyclical basis. The % of time the total foraging time avail- able to the bird which can profitably during which foraging near a tidal site location can be exploited is small with respect to the % at a non-tidal, non-cyclical location. These two variables are continuous - "% time available" and "probability at N+1" - how do they vary with respect to % of space-oriented aggression? Aecy. During the late morning until 1500 we were along the windward side of Punta Raga where we had been at the same time yesterday. The express purpose of the visit was to collect from the roosting site decided yesterday. However, we began our trek long before the tide had come up (it turned at about 1130), and thus spent a considerable time waiting for the birds to appear. When we first arrived, there was one Ch. falklandicus - it may occupy this area territorially. Other falklandicus were scattered along the beach, as were a few American oystercatchers, black-bellied
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SP Myers 1974 Journal 63 29 March contl Punta Rago, 15 Km N of San Clemente del Tuyu by road, Ptdo de Gual Lavalle, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Plovers, Sandpalling, WR's, and Arenaria interpres. The Knob were foraging directly out from the road on the beach (there were 8). We're [illegible] area in the lagoon described 3188 at the end of our exploration lying along the windward shore. Until 1930 I detected little change in the general picture, except that 6 falllandians were by then roosting in the roost. We had been walking up and down the beach, certainly not contributing to the birds' bliss - nor were the activities of several other humans. Probably as a result, some of the birds, particularly the Knobs, rightcatchers, plovers - moved out just passed the lagoon, beyond the forces of human activity. Knobs by that time numbered 14, and I was visiting with a flock of 100+ terns. Between By 1500 the roosting flock had swelled to 90-60 birds, composed of more than 50% falllandians, most if the rest WR, one Arenaria, and one knob. We sat down by the beach in site of the roost, watched the birds enter. Some flew directly in, from points beyond view in other directions, along the shore. However WR's often stopped to forage in the beach in front, and after a variable interval they flew scurried up the beach. The terrain approached this way, as did a few falllandians. When I finally collected them were 3 sandpalling down on the beach in front as well. Typically the approach pattern, if it involved a stop to forage, also entailed a brief preening bout immediately prior to going to roost. The foraging site was a 10 m wide gently inclined sand beach which for over 20 min during the rising tide received intermittent shallow baths as digger waves began to invade the shore. And inland beyond this flat was a pool, less than 2 m wide, 10 m long, where several birds had foraged before the wave began to reach the gentle slope. I collected 3 WR (125-129). March 31 April Tower Llanos, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Naderangos, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Rained 30 cm last night Organized blind in Tower Llanos swamp from 1615 to 2015. I placed the blind within the swamp over month ago, and have used it sporadically for photography. I moved the blind to its present position 3/26 because that afternoon I had observed numerous Mycophylla in the tiles in that vicinity. The blind was ~9 m across away from the edge of a tile strip running between higher land and open water. Dawn across the open water, on a stretch of semi-dried black mud. The water at the base of the tiles appeared to be less than 2" deep. While waiting in the blind for the swamp to recover from my ride intrusion, I
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal 64 Tower Llamos, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juanjio by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 31 March (contd) surveyed a flock of WR ~75 in 10 across the main body of open water, looking for banded birds. I found two - R.Lg and Pg Lg in the 64 WR present at 16:50. Soon afterwards birds started to appear at the S. end of the swamp: a WT (this foraged in front of the blend for 20 minutes, probably of an open well in the mud in and at the edge of the tile stand. 2 spp of coot, including young of both + adult alone, Phleocryptes, Many-colored Marsh-Tyrant, a 8 Rosy-tailed Pochard, + Aythya clypeata. (See Nyct sp. accent) Unfortunately the Nyct's were not very cooperative for photographing, emerging completely from the tube with falling light. I did obtain some fotos of 1 + the WT (as). At 17:40 total count in Nue Swamp, visible in a 75 x 40 m shallow drying lagoon: 11 Hgawit, 20 Micropalama, 19 Lesser Yellowlegs, (1 GY Lg), 4 screamer, at 1~50 White-rumps, many brown hooded gulls, a few YB Ristard, 1 Maguari stork, 6 Coscoroba, a flock of Rosy-tail Pochard, several Nyctorynchus. By 17:45 a Stork had come in, more WR, an Asia flew nearby. At 17:50 - 74 WR + plus some I can't see. Gulls continued to fly in, as did a few screamer. 19:53 from WR. 19:55 - 14 WR, including Rg Lg flew in. 20:00 the sun set as 3 more WR flew in. 2 more Stork. The wind died by sunset, never having been strong this afternoon. Cloud cover = <10%. Temp ~15°C. En route back to the camp I spotted a wild felice - proportioned like a mountain lion w/ long tail etc., but considerably smaller. The hips + shoulders blades appeared to bear a horizontal striping to them. Otherwise looked a fairly brown. 1 April Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina occasionally down & shrouded by a very heavy fog (not too high, though, as I could see a hint of blue) and 10°C. at 07:45. This fog is the heaviest which has occurred since our arrival at Medeland. Very slight hint of a SW wind. Because of poor light (i.e. fog) I sampled the 1st Chilean grid units from the beach rather than above it. Although the car's presence does not shift WR position, it does push ducks, GY Lg, etc., in front of us. Before reaching the grid however, I found Jogg which are new this year to Arroyo Chico: Zonibyx modestus (3, all in winter plumage) and Micropalama laimanii (2). Grid total: White-rump 10,15(25); Charadrius falklandicus 8,6(14); Hudsonian godwit 2,4(6); Black-necked Stilt 2,1(3); Neotropic Cormorant 0,3(3); Maguari Stork 0,4(4); Buff-necked Ibis 0,1(1); Wilson's Spotted Rail 2,0(2); Brown-headed Gull 14(5); Rufous-breached Nigripes 11(8).
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JPMayers 1974 Journal 65 1 April (cont'd) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Mieland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina After completing the sample I drove S. along the linear grid looking for banded birds. Despite the 30 cm. rain of 30-31 April the Arroyo was at its lowest level yet with several new islands appearing and all foraging areas disappearing. Totals: White-rump 23,42 (65); (Haradius fallax) 20,29 (49); Zonibyx modestus 1,0(1); Hudsonian godwit 4,1(8); Black-headed Stilt 4,10(14); Southern lapwing 4,10(14); Greater Yellowlegs 0,2(2); Spotted teal 0,25(25); Brown-headed gull 4,20(24), Geositta cunicularia 9,7(3); Cicadula fuscus 0,1(1); Rufous-backed Nighthawk 4,9(13); Coundera Pipit 1,0(1). 6 banded WR, 4 territorial and 2 non. 4 banded Ch falconiticus. The WR numbers are obviously up from the last few readings of March, and the increase did not result from the presence of any tighter flock. Rather, the birds there were generally more birds in all areas (except where they had been banded before, + three areas appeared to have similar #s) than the 'invaders' as in holes. Tower Llanos, Estancia Weekland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina After finishing in the Arroyo I went out onto the Llanos to search for buffle. After a considerable search I found a flock of 20 between the thistle patch S. of the tower and the ditch before the gate. One other solitary buffle to the E. from there. Also found 5 Oreopholus on Grid 7 (100 percent). Thinocous are very numerous now, I found several Shuandard in the SW quarter of the Llanos. Numerous Lenoria, Anthus, and Vanellus are still dispersed over the short grass areas. By 1000, about half-way through my search, the fog was not completely cleared off, but it had dissipated enough to show a perfectly clear sky above. Wind continued to pick up from SW, but never became strong. Returned to camp at 1030. 2 April. Mouth of Canal Fijito Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 km N. of Mar Chiquita by road, Ptdo de Mar Chiquita, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1800 began walking from end of road out to the mouth of Canal 7. 0% clouds, wind light to moderate from E. Temp 22-23°C. Moon invisible, 3/5 full. [illegible] at 200m ahead of the canal edge, Entering Laguna Mar Chiquita, Canal 7 splits into one main channel and a minor one, forming a broad delta - a very shallow sand plain of over 300 x 200 m dimensions. In this broad area when we arrived were several exposed flats of sand, terminating 125m from shore, and broken by several shallow 'channels'. The total effect is one of an intricate mosaic of interrupted sand, mud & water. To make the habitat more intricate, [illegible]
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J P Myers 1974 Journal 62 Mouth of Canal 7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita 21 Km N. of Mar Chiquita by road, Pdo de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 2 April (front) the 'submouth' of the Lesser Canal 4 channel, are small 'islands' of floating vegetation (the name of which I don't know, but it is characteristic of many swamps in the Province, forming a dense mat. The plants are small, of less than an 1" in diameter, + multicolored (some red + some green). These 'islands' are never larger than 4' or 5' across, usually 1'-2', of very convoluted form, + separated by water varying in width from 2" - 8". Water depth varies from 0' to 0.5' to less than 1' cfp over a large % of this canal delta. Beyond the flat sand-mud bar it gradually increases in depth, or I after ~150 m there is a sharp break in bottom type - it becomes deeper, at low tide water, broken by a multitude of mud mounts (see 21 March). Someone has conveniently placed a water depth marker out on the flat ~ 200 m from shore - at 1820 it read Red I. Shorebirds covered the flatter delta over 500 m², dispersed in 2 flocks [one at the mouth of the lesser channel, the other at the tip of a large sand island to the N]. Also present: 100+ Hudsonian godwit, every BUSTED, as many as 50 each at Yellowlegs, Chardaruis falllandicus (100+), over 50 Micropalama, a few Southern Lapwing, B-10 flamingo, 20 spoonbill, Cocoi heron, Common egret, Red Shoulders, YB Pintail, Speckled teal, Coscoroba Swan, Black Necked Swan, Black Skimmer, Telp gull, brown-hooded gull, Southern Screamer, Maguari Stork, Cinclus fuscus, Lagonia rufa, White-rumped Swallow, Cliff Swallow (1), Phleocryptus A rough map of the area: The saddle is only rough - N-S dimensions are somewhat compressed with respect to E-W. mud bank higher land N shallow skimmer island deep water break in bottom type gridded area mud flat shallow tidal marker Tide mud flat Canal 4 Canal 7
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5P Myers 1974 Journal Mouth of Canal Tisbo Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 Km N of Mar Chiquita by road, Ptdo de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 2 April (cont'd) At the mouth of Lesser Channel we placed a strip of stakes 25 m apart forming a strip of 4 25 x 25 m units. After completing this we walked to the N edge of Skimmer Island, after which Lois returned to camp and I continued N along the shore, reaching the higher land + mud bank noted on the map just at sunset. It was only late 21 March were the majority of the 5000+ WR had been foraging this evening, with the exposed mud extending only 25 m out from shore, thus considerably fewer WR present, perhaps 500-1000 about mud bank. I returned to camp, cutting across the shallows to Skimmer Island, returning via Lesser Channel, arriving at 2015. See WR apparent. 3 April placed out at mouth of Lesser Channel in closest grid unit at 0615. Slight WNW wind, 0% clouds, 19°C. As we came out onto the mud we found several Himantopus h. and one Nycticorax. ☀ Sun lit horizon 0805. By 0850 light level was beginning to change, + at 0900 Tringa began to filter into area. WR flooded till 0415, + non approved net area until 0750. Water out considerably - the outer- most grid unit last evening had 1"+ of H2O - this morning it is wet mud. The WR appearing to respond to the lowered water, were first seen in a large, very dense band at the water edge, not very far inland from the break in bottom type (see 2 April map). Small bands of them left the main flock at varying intervals, trickling closer + closer to land. We eventually closed 6 WR + 1 Ch. Falco tinnunculus into the net. Filled it at 0845, after which they began to avoid it effectively. Returned to mud flat at 1030, sat down on edge of vegetation, and observed WR's until 1300. I took an extensive series of observations on the new dispersion of the WR within solanit 1 of the grid placed yesterday. (Like one in WR apparent). Through the morning the weather remained similar to that described earlier except that the wind gradually shifted to SW. Clouds 0%. No new species seen. A large % of WR present within the area close to my observation post were territorial or partially so. 1400 returned again to mud flat, this time Lois used my observation post in order to get independent interpretation of what the WR were doing. In turn, I sat where she had been this morning and photographed kindred interaction. Wind picked up, as did cloud cover, which grew to 20% puffy cumulus. At 1510 however, a load of roughly semi-dunk, and armed Aracutus appeared at the marsh + began shuffling. We left. 50 WR apparent.
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JP Myers 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Nucleland, 35 Km S. of [illegible], Juancho by road, Pto. de Maclariaga, Ricia at Bs. Aires, Argentina 4 April Entered the [illegible] Arroyo at 0755 - clouds 35%, no wind. The level has dropped beyond where it was 1 April, to the point where the old island at the curve S. below the tower has now become [illegible] a peninsula. While running the grid we found several [illegible] where the water was less than 1m across, although in most places it is still 2m deep. For the first time Sawara wok swim (or wade) across, though current is still detectable. Grid totals: White-rump 20,11(51) Hudsonian godwit 6,0(6); Charadrius falklandicus 12,9(21); Zonibyx modestus 1,2(3); Southern lapwing 0,3(5); Black Necked Stilt 3,4(7); Wootropic cormorant 5,0(5); Maguari Stork 0,1(1); Speckled teal 3,7(9); Correndera pipit 3,0(1). Returning down the Arroyo we found 5 banded cur (Chunu banded before 2/16/79) and 2 banded Ch. falklandicus. totals: White-rump [illegible] (48); Charadrius falklan- dicus [illegible] (30); Hudsonian Godwit [illegible] (6); Zonibyx modestus 2,2(4); Black- necked Stilt 4,12(16); Southern lapwing 4,2(6); Southern Screamer 0,7(2); Speckled teal 0,4(4); Kelppull 0,9(9); Brown-hooded gull 3,3(6); Rufous-backed negrito 5,1(2); Cinclodes fuscus 2,2(4); Correndera pipit 0,1(1). 11 April The last week or so was spent in the capital, Buenos Aires. Upon return we were told that 2 days before (9 April) it had rained 36 mm. Today that is still evident, with a thick low mist hanging over the fields in the pre-dawn light. Otherwise, 0% clouds, temp 0700 = 9°C. Wind=0. The arroyo appears to have worn several inches as a result of the rain but by this morning it has receded to approximately the same level as 4 April (suggested by the 3' wide wet borders). Grid totals: White-rump 23,6(29); Hudsonian godwit 2,0(2); Greater yellowlegs 0,1(1); Southern lapwing 0,1(1); Charadrius falklandicus 11,11(22); Zonibyx modestus 3,3(6); Black Necked Stilt 0,2(2); Speckled teal 0,1(1); Yellow-billed pintail 0,5(5); Leucania rufa 0,2(2); Geositta curricularia 0,1(1). Running down the arroyo: White-rump 18,56(74); Southern lapwing 3,1(4); Charadrius falklandicus 17,39(56); Zonibyx 2,5(5); B.N.Stilt 4,7(11); Wootropic (Cormorant 0,8(1); Southern Screamer 0,2(2); YB Pintail 0,4(4); Sp. teal 0,10(10); Brown-hooded gull 3,7(10); R.B. Negrito 1,2(3); Geositta c. 2,1(3); Cinclodes fuscus 0,1(1); Correndera pipit 0,1(1). Mink was partially burned off by 0845, though soon after finishing the run it was discerning vision somewhat. Notable event today was the appearance
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 69 Towerllanosa Arraigo Chico, Estancia Meteland, 35 km S of Juando by road, Pte de Vladaraga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 11 April ontd of 2 old barked birds not seen for several weeks: Rylpy and Rp lg. The latter was on its old territory. After completing the circuit we drove out over the llanos to Tower Llanos swamp. En the road, despite a fairly thorough search of the llanos S and E of the thistle patch, I found only 2 baffle (but many Thinocon). The Tower Llanos swamp now has dried to the point where a border of mud buffers all but a very small stretch of tile from open water. In fact, there is now a minimum of 3' of very dried mud around much of the main body of water. WR #3 down to 25 birds (one banded- Rylg) - and now these are more fall landing along the dried mud border. I tromped through several patches of tile, including one with water at the base, but was unable to spot any Mysticophus to flight. There were no ducks or game in the pond either, nor even any coots. From the llanos swamp we drove back to the Arraigo, and I continued up to Rk 11 Bridge. WR along the Arraigo were predominately in several small and tight flocks - very few obviously territorially spaced birds except in one area, ~500 m W of the N end of the linear grid. Skilled. Found one Golden in the pastures along the Arraigo, and many small flocks of Scolopax. Only one Emibyx along entire stretch. Returning to camp we passed over the NW part of Tower Llanos, still looking for baffle. Not only did I find a flock of Tryngite (~15) but also 12 Oreopholus (collected one- 130) and a very tight flock of 10 Emibyx all within a small area about 50 m NE from unit 32. of Grid 4b. Shorebird diversity on the llanos is up! Returned to camp at 1500. During the late afternoon I went out onto the llanos again, going first on a general survey to find any baffle birds - I then located myself- mean the only group of baffle seen: they were on Grids 7 and 4b. In addition, one Emibyx was foraging with them, a flock of 14 Oreopholus was in 7 and the thistle patch to the S; and Thinocon were in the thistle and around the border. Vaneilis plus Thinocon were the most widely distributed spp on the llanos apart from Historia and Anthus (although both of these may have decreased somewhat in diversity, particularly the latter). At 1825 I moved from my observation point on just W of Grid 4b (0.2) to a site nearer the flock of baffle birds, in (0.1) of Grid 4. (See Tryngite, Emibyx, Oreopholus and Thinocon sp acant) Sun hit brings at 1925, ylackar sky + light S wind. I returned to camp 2015.
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J.P. Myers 1944 Journal Arroyo Chico Estancia Mardland 35 Kms. of Juancho by road, Pteb at Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 12 April Left camp for Linear grid subunit 9 at 0600 in a heavy low fog. Temp 9° at 0600. Within the floor a slight N wind picked up. We came out for setting, by 0710 having 3 nets placed. Driving up the Arroyo from the fence at the Send of Tower Clams I found @ Chalk-roosting Charadrius [illegible] Zonibyx, and [illegible] WR. I was almost able to grab them spot-lighted in the Arroyo. Ajai was present, foraging in the dark with its typically back-forth sweeping. Nycticorax also there. At 0900 I heard one WR, + we caught one just about that time. They did not appear in quantity until 0730, though Charadrius falllandicus, Himantopus, Vanellus, and Tringa were calling by 025. We netted 7 WRs, one previously banded (Ry./pr.), and returned to camp after finding the nets. (See WR sp accent) 13 April At subunit 1 of Linear grid at 0800. temp 0900 = 16°. heavy low fog, northeast N wind. Cloud cover other than the fog cypers to be 0, and the cover occasionally reveals clear patches above. I came out to the Arroyo at 0900, + spent the hour walking round with the headlamp. En route driving up to the tower, I found WR rooting in the Arroyo - there were several small groups by the curve S. of the tower. Also Chalk and Zonibyx. On the llanos near the tower I found Thinocorus still rooting while they had been foraging 11 in the evening, reinforcing my opinion that they root where they forage. Began radiating grid at 0806. Totals: White-rump 13,20(53); Hudsonian godwit 41(2); G.Ylega 3,0(2); Ch. falllandicus 6,9(13); Zonibyx 0,4(4); Black Necked Stilt 12,12(24); Neotropic Cormorant 2,0(2); Maguari Stork 1,5(4); Coccinella 1,0(1); Spickled teal 1,9(10); BH (scull) 41(2); Rufous-backed megito 1,0(1); Cinclus fuscus 3,0(2). Running down total: White-rump 26,46(72); H.godwit 54(9); Gallinago gallinago 0,4,0(1); G.Ylega 0,2(2); L.Legs 0,1(1); S.Lapwing 3,8(11); Charfalllandicus 13,0(47); Zonibyx 3,7(10); B.N.Stilt 28,32(60); S.Screamers 0,2(2); Neotropic Cormorant 2,2(4); Spatal 9,0(4); Y.B.Pintail 4,2(6); Maguari Stork 4,5(5); WF/ibis 0,3(3); B.H.Gull 5,30(35); Cinclus fuscus 1,1(2); R.B.Negrito 2,5(7); C.pijit 1,0(1). White-rump numbers are very close to those from the land survey, 4,11. See sp accent. After finishing the latter count I returned to subunit 10-9, at 0930, and sat there until 1100. When I arrived a small flock of WR was present, along with a Zonibyx and Ch.falllandicus. However the flock soon left, followed in less than one minute by a larger flock of small shorebirds,
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SPU11/5 1979 Journal 41 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Trencho by road, Ptd. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina followed closely by a Peregrine Falcon, flying north, low over the Arroyo (26' high). It passed almost directly overhead + was unmistakable. Although the Zonibyx and 2 Ch. falke returned before I left at 1100, only 3 WR approached the area, walking slowly while feeding up from subunit 10. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medland, Ptd. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires Returning from the linear grid to camp I made a complete circuit of Tower Llanos, looking for upland species. Found 100+ Thinocorus, especially near the Thrift pole, 2 Zonibyx (both solitary), and 3 Orcopahus by the N fence, and 2 Tryngita, near the tower. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, Ptd. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina At dusk we went to the Arroyo to try a new trapping technique: I built a butterfly-type net with a 10' dam pole to snare spot-lighted birds. From previous mornings with the car headlamp I thought that such a net would be productive. By 1900 the sun was behind a heavy bank of SW clouds, and a stormy S wind was bringing a thick fog across from the S, racing over the pumps. The rapidity with which the sky changed from a friendly puffy-com- tus to the low threatening + immensely dark cover was impressive. No noticeable temp drop; in fact it was quite warm. I was amazed at the arroyo to find that at several spots, particularly by the curve, there was no current. Indeed, several small sand spits ran completely across. Perhaps it is the S wind, opposing the current, pushing the T.D. back up, and doubt that it would have dried that much today - WR & Ch. fell, Varela, Airmontepes, and Zonibyx were all roosting in the arroyo, with concentration at the curve below the tower and between 8+4 of the linear grid. See WR sp. accent, I was unable to catch anything. Sun hit horizon at 1925; we returned to camp 2130. One Vizcacha & Nycticerax hunting along linear grid. Many eared out at night. Again. 15 April out in Arroyo 0900 spot-lighting cars unsuccessfully (see sp. accent), largely because there were so few. I found only one definitely roosting. Many Ch. falke landicus. Temp 0630: 16° 100% clouds (no fog), light N wind. 0805 began reading linear grid. The Arroyo, in contrast to the evening of 13 April is now flowing again, even if its only
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 42 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medelard, 35 Km S. of Ivancho by road, Pteb de Mladaniaga, Provincia de Bs. As., Argentina a foot or so wide and 25" deep E in some places. At several places along the grid, in subunit 1 (at the curve), subunit 4, and subunit 9-10, there appears to be a slightly raised portion of the arroyo, effectively serving as a dam, so that in these spots the channel is very narrow, and between them there are long + somewhat wider reservoirs. Grid totals: White-rump 1,6 (17); Hudsonian godwit 1,1 (2); Charadrius falcklandicus 7,8 (17); Boniby 3,2 (5); Black-necked Stilt 4,13 (27); R.B. Magpie 1,1 (2). Running down totals: 0830 (White-rump 16,74 (90)); Godwit 4,4 (8); G Yago 0,4 (4); S. Gouring 0,5 (5); Ch. falcklandicus 13,30 (43); Bonibyx modestus 4,7 (11); Black-necked Stilt 29,42 (66); Neotropic cormorant 1,3 (4); S. Screamer 0,2 (2); Maguari Stork 0,8 (8); Speckled teal 0,3 (3); YB Pintail 0,3 (2); B. hooded gull 3,4 (6); Cindodio fuscus 0,1 (1); Covadonga Pipit 0,1 (1). After completing these counts I moved out over the llanos (finding NO buffle) and back up to the Potrero above the N end of the linear grid. A large flock of WR was foraging just beyond the fences, 90 individuals, very tight although with some movement, feeding along a 75m stretch of arroyo. This is the largest feeding assemblage I have found to date in the arroyo. They proved to be quite skittish; my movements spooked them, splitting the flock up somewhat. (I followed them upstream, + after a brief period of observation (see WR spacient) I collected 3 WR (131,132,133) and one Bonibyx (134). When I returned toward camp the weather was as threatening as it had been all morning - in fact a series of long linear clouds had passed over us from the E-W, moving almost in direct opposition to another, lower layer of equally threatening clouds. A few streaks of rain fell. 16 April 0600 went out to Arroyo with Arturo Tarac for netting between subunits 8 and 7. Temp at 0600 = 13°. No wind, slight mist with a 10% cloud cover along the ENE horizon - We were late getting out, and got only 2 nets up before light flocks began to rise at 0720. First WR 0725 approximately. Netted 5 WR, 2 Ch. falcklandian, plus one previously netted WR (RoLoy). The weights on the WR were amazing, one surpassing 600g!! The Arroyo level in this part is very low - in fact almost no current exists. The deepest part of the channel is less than 3" deep. Otherwise:
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ruta de Malvina, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 April started raining 0415 and continued until 0930, accumulating 12.5 mm. The storm first announced its presence around 0300 when lightning became very frequent on the western horizon. This was the most electrically active storm that we have had due for months. At 1400 (after morning of preparing skins) Lois, Iris Breital, and I walked from the farmhouse camp out to tower Llanos and back, taking the following route: farmhouse road to the first gate + 150 m beyond, then due N to the fence at the S end of tower Llanos. We returned by following said fence SE to the windmill, then following the dirt-track SSW to the Estancia. (W)rap to shrubbery the outing was not productive - of course lappingings were in most places except for Spartina and the tall thick grass habitats! which surrounds the Spartina stands. 5 Orypholus were by the gate leading into tower Llanos. We found no xerodrome, nor any Gaffrie. Weather remained cool throughout the afternoon, not rising above 18°C cloud cover varied between 20 + 50%. Moderate SE wind. I took photographs of several of the grassland habitats which we traversed, in particular the Llanos (Chenopodium sp. patchily distributed) in another un-roid group (Ordium?), a Trifolium and sparsely distributed thistle), and the interface between Distichlis stands + a taller thicker growth referred to above. It was intending to note that Salicornia continued from the Distichlis into the other. Habitat interfaces, e.g. that just discussed or that between Distichlis and Cynodon dactylon are very sharp. Returning to the Estancia we passed by the Molino pond, a site I had not visited for over a month. It was completely dry, + probably afforded excellent WR habitat for some time. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland @ Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 18 April Though somewhat late in the game, perhaps should note here that the position of the Estancia is 37°26'S and 57°10'W. Temperature this morning at 0630 = 6°C - cold enough to convince me that the austral fall has arrived. Although before dawn the sky appeared to be completely clear, by first light ~0730, patches of clouds were perceptible and by 0800 I estimated a cloud cover of 60% - heavy cumulus raining to the E, and a slight S wind. The arroyo level was obviously higher today - having received an influx from yesterday's rain + risen ~1-2". I began reading the lipocarpoid at 0816, the approximate time at which the sun hit the horizon. Grid totals: White-rump 7,20(27); Hudsonian Godwit 4,0(4); Charadrius fulicarius 5,15(19); Zonibyx maculatus 3,7(10); B.N.S.Filt
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JPM Myers 1944 Journal Arraño Chico, Estancia Medeland 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo. de Madinanga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 18 April (front) 3,5(8); Maguari Stork 0,8(8); Speckled teal 4,9(13); Brown hooded gull 0,1(1); Rifeus backed Negrito 5,1(2). Running down totals: White-rump 40,56(96); Hudsonian godwit 5,8(13); Southern lapwing 3,5(8); Charadrius falcklandius 24,35(59); Bonnibyx madeculus 7,12(19); Orcopholus ruficollis 4,0(4); Black- necked Stilt 18,15(31); Maguari Stork 0,3(3); W. faced Ibis 0,1(1); Speckled teal 4,7(11); Y-B. Pintail 3,3(6); Brown-headed gull 2,14(16); Cincloides fuscus 4,0(4); R-backed Negrib 1,0(1); Correboracraftit 0,1(1). By the end of these two samples the weather had taken a form very reminiscent of that typifying November- a strong SW wind with enormous cumulus formation sweeping over the grasslands. It began with a very extensive and high line of cumulus stretching NE-SW, covering the lower 3/4 of the SE horizon. This moved in a NE direction, and looked as if extensive rain were falling out to sea. Thin at about- 10:30 a.m., an E-W line appeared, with broken with us all morning afternoon. It is not a solid cover, cumulus but rather patchy bits of very heavy + rain laden (+loosing) clouds. They pass rapidly overhead, raining hard for 1-2 minutes. Then there is no rain for another 10-15-30 minutes; the wind reached a Beaufort scale 6 by 1400 and has remained there. This changed the distribution of H2O in the Arraño, particularly on N-S stretches: water was pulled to the N end. WR feathers were being blown out when they foraged in a down-wind direction. After finishing the grid sample at close out onto the llamas, and between the S gate and the N gate saw 28 Orcopholus, 2 bufflons, and 9 Bonnibyx, as well as 25 Vanellus, 150 Thinocorus, a large number (about 50-95) Leucosticte, and some Anthus. Then are now Cincloides fuscus foraging on the llamas as well. After re-entering the Arraño at subunit 4, I stopped to read Rp Lg’s USEFUL band # (to check for fading)—it won the appropriate number—and observed Ryl00 for 20 minutes (see sp. accent). Mar Chiquita at the mouth of canal 7, 21 km N. of Mar Chiquita, Ptdo. de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 19 April Returning from Mar del Plata Lois let me off at the canal road while she went on to Tandil to collect apples. I walked out to the mouth of canal 7, arriving at the lake shore at 17:20. The WR habitat was completely gone—water level has risen over 3', to the point where it is entering into the reedbeds, and at the edge of the reedbeds it is deep enough for Hudsonian godwits—over 3'. The expanse of mud where we observed Histrionicus WR calliornis
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JPMycus 1974 Journal 20 April Month of Canal 7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita 21 km N of Mar Chiquita, Pteo de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina month (see Journal 2-3 April). Infrequently during the 0.5 hours blue flew afternoon, I heard a CUP and about 1600-1800 saw one fly over headed N. I followed it with binoculars until lost for distance; it did not land. The only shorebirds present were a flot of 30 H godwits foraging within 25 m of shore, a few scattered black-necked stilt, and 2 spp of gull. Docta, coci heron, great gulls and common egrets also occur in the old flats + beyond. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medelard, 35 Km S. of Juncal by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina reached subunit 8-7 of linear grid at 0630, and by 0710 had placed 3 nets across spoked 3 WR roosting there; there may have been more. Arroyo. The morning was clear + quite cold -2° in camp at 0600, local patches of front out in the ( ) fields. No wind. During the early morning I netted 4 WR (including Rybyg), one Zonibyx, and one Charadrius falcklandicus; they were weighed + banded (see Morning schedule). Also netted a Cinclodes fuscus, which I released. The nets were down by 0930, and went to the W end of the Arroyo in order to rundown, taking a census. totals: White-rump 18,34(52); Hudsonian Godwit 1,10(11); S. Lapwing 3,8(11); Charadrius falcklandicus 20,31(51); Zonibyx modestus 7,13(20) Black-necked Stilt 65,78(143); Neo- tropic Cormorant 0,4(4); YB Pintail 0,4(4); Speckled Kel 0,2(6); Brown headed gull 2,4(6); Cocoi heron (Omn 1,0(1)); Maguari Stork 0,3(3); Cocosita E. caucicularia 0,2(2); Cinclodes fuscus 2,2(4); Rufous-backed Negrito 0,2(1). Of WR banded before this morning there were 7 weightings. Also 1 Zonibyx caught, and 5 falcklandicus. The ARNISH distribution stabilising on the Arroyo was remarkable, with 94 of the 143 occurring within a 300 m section. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medelard, Pteo de Madariaga Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Oriolus now are regular on the Llanos, as well as cuplant feeding Zonibyx. Thino- corus continue to be abundant - over 150 in the thickets patches. Also there was a spotted nothura with half-grown chick! 20 Vanellus tld over the Llanos, Lycornia is common; there are [illegible] almost as many Anthus. 75
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SP Myers 1974 Journal 76 Tower Llanos, Estancia Mikeland, 35 km S. of Jumello by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 20 April (cont) S Rhen, a flock of ~50 Sicala lutaola. I fired two swallows now; all are WR's - no cliff. any more. (See Zonibyx sp accent) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Mikeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina Returned to Arroyo in late afternoon and at 1752 began taking following data on Ry100 at subunit 5 (all WR sp accent; linear grid following data book). There is at least some as yet of a territorial spacing system remaining within the WR's here along subunits 4,4-5,5, on the linear gird. However the Zonibyx and Zonibyx offer a much more clear-cut case. (Cloud cover 90% with a moderate N wind. Temp = 12°. Stormy-looking. See [illegible] WR sp accent) also [illegible] Vanellus sp accent.) 22 April temperature this morning at 0800 = 7°C; sun an horizon at 0821. 0% cloud cover; wind = slight from S(0). I began reading the linear grid at 0826. Grid totals: White-rump [illegible] (total) 12, 0(20); Hudsonian godwit 3,0(2); EY leap 1,0(1); Southern lapwing 0,1(1); Charadrius falcklandius 5,18(23); Zonibyx modestus 0,7(7); Black-nucked Stilt 5,10(15); Maguari Stork 0,4(4); Cocciheron 0,1(1); Speckled teal 0,13(13); [illegible] Polyborus plancus 0,2(3); Milvago chimango 0,1(1); Cecoitha cunicularia 0,4(1); Grindales fussus 1,0(1); Corydothera japt 0,1(1). Running down the Arroyo after the grid sample, total were: [illegible] between subunit totals White-rump 22,57 (74); Hudsonian godwit 2,8(10); Southern lapwing 4,10(14); [Golden Plover] 1,0(1); Charadrius falcklandius 16,40 (56); Zonibyx modestus 6,11(17); BN Stilt 9,6(15); Maguari Stork 1,2(3); Yellow Billed Tern 0,2(2); Speckled teal 0,1(4); Ansercicolor 0,2(2); Brown-hooded gull 3,3(6); Cinclodus fuscus 0,1(1); Cecoitha cunicularia 1,2(3); 2-banded Negrin 2,4(8). 9 banded WR, 7 landed Chyfalk and 2 Zonibyx. (see WR, [illegible] Chf. spp accent). After running down a panel over the Nuevo, seeing ~25 Zonibyx (all species), 100+ Thaincorus, 10-15 Ocrephodus, and 0 Tryngites. 1023 began taking Ry100 WR following data (see WR sp accent). The wind, which had changed to now out of the South and strong so pushing the wind up the Arroyo, piling it up. 23 April netting on subunit 1 - put up net by 0740. There was a minimum of 2 WR roosting marks, as well as Ch.falcklandicus. Netted 3 WR, 3 Ch.falls, and 2 Zonibyx, all fly-fleck 2 landed except for one Zonibyx which perched in the net (collected:135)
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JPMyers 1974 Journal 23 April (cont'd) Arroyo Chico Estancia Niedland. 35 km S. of Junincho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. There was no wind this morning, yet when I arrived there were several striped fly subit in the Arroyo which had no water - i.e. the Arroyo had dried to the point where it is reduced to a series of puddles (albeit some several hundred metres long). (See infra Cl.1 + Trib spp.) Long stridulo between 6+7 and again 4+8 one day, although these subunits themselves have water. After settling near the grid, beginning at 0917, the starting time was somewhat later than usual, and may have contributed to my seeing some Sicilia luteola (Grid 12A); White rump 9,25(34); Hudsonian godwit 1,2(3); Southern lapwing 9,1(7); Charadrius falklandiæ 6,15(19); Zonibyx modatus 3,3(6); Black-capped Titi 4,3(7); Brown-hooded gull 2,1(0); Cinclodus fuscus 0,2(2); R.B. Negrito 3,0(2); Sicilia luteola 1,13(14). Over half of the WR recorded were found on subunit 9 (within). Between 9 and 10 this flood continued, with a total of ~85 birds, including several bands. Running down data was lost because of a tape-recorder shaft. Total of 7 WR weighing, including Ryllo and RylTrip on their repetitive territories; 3 Charadrius reweighing; 1 Zonibyx. See Res.chart. 24 April 1800 went out to Arroyo; temp 13°, Wind=6 (Beaufort scale) from S E, cloudy down to 60% after running 90-100% since 1100. It had dawned calm + clear last while I was away a Grid+ finishing note a southern storm blew up, threatening rain all day. Only a few isolated showers fell. The lack of rain was apparent in the Arroyo: a large area between the curve and subunit 1, including ponting of 1 are drying now. Lois left us and my newly created equipment for measuring microhabitat of shorebirds between subunits 7 and 8. I played flute for approximately 45 minutes, until shortly passed sunset. Took data on Ryls: Ro Loy (WR) and a Charadrius falklandiæ above there 25 April went out to Arroyo, arriving at 0815. The water level was up, but in a peculiar way: the strong S, SE wind which continued unabated through the night has apparently pushed water up the Arroyo, covering the areas in and before subunit 1 (which were dry yesterday evening). However, the invaded water did not reach upstream beyond just after subunit 5. On Grid 12 this is water - barely continuous + mostly the result of a dense array of cattle tracks retaining water. But Subunit 7, except for one small puddle,
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J Payers 1974 Journal 25 April cont'd Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Tornacho (by road), Pto de Wadaniang, Pcia de Bs. As., Argentina in subunit 3, [illegible] is a almost, if not completely dry. This dry stretch continues from below 7 through to #12 of subunit 8, that is 415 meters. Above 8 (8-10) there is continuous water again. Grid totals: White-rump 39.4(43); Hudsonian godwit 9.5(9); Charadrius falllalandicus 11.5(16); Zonibyx modestus 2.4(6); B. Necked Stilt 8.4(12); Maguari Stork 3.2(5); B. hooded gull 0.3(2); Cinclodes 3.0(6) White-rump dispersion was again remarkable: almost half of the total birds occurring within 50m of subunit 9. Running down totals: White-rump 38.56(94); Hudsonian godwit 7.11(18); Greater Yellowlegs 9.1(1); Southern lapwing 2.0(2); Charadrius falllalandicus 15.39(52); Zonibyx modestus 5.15(20); Black-necked Stilt 0.2(2); Maguari Stork 1.0(1); Speckled teal 2.0(2); [illegible] Milvago chimango 1.1(2); Brown-hooded gull 1.4(5); Cinclodes fuscus 3.4(7); Coreendra piju 2.0(1). After completing these surveys I continued down the Arroyo searching for banded WR. Today I continued on part the southern border of Estancia Medland, going as far South as a place Huici called La Urqueta - the fork -, where a dam had been built and [illegible] then to a [illegible] (bridge over the Arroyo). Very rough map Estancia medland Estancia la Diana Estancia Atlantida Arroyo Chico Farmhouse road Tule stand the Tajamar small moint small moint La Urqueta BRIDGE The Arroyo changes character beyond Medland; in fact it begins to do so before leaving the Potrero in which Tower Clamos lie. We have always suspected that there is something unusual about this particular stretch of Arroyo because, though I did not realize it at the time, we put the grid on a section of Arroyo unusual for its high density of WR. Only later in the season did any of the stretch N of the linear grid devolve heavy WR usage, and today below the [illegible] Estancia Medland bridge, I saw only one within 200 m of the bridge. Estimate that I covered a minimum of 15 km of the Arroyo, and am confident that no WR evaded my detection. There were, however, many Zonibyx and Charadrius falllalandicus
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal 25 April (cont'd) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Joaquin by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina fairly evenly dispersed along the shore (one every 50-95 m) for the first 3-4 Km. Up to this point the substrate is a sand with many old shell eveduct (and the banks show definite layering with one 8" thick deposit of shells about 3' from the surface). This substrate develops than the mudcler one which characterize much but not all of the Arroyo along the Rio Cargnoid. However, after 3-4 Km, during which the water grows wider & deeper, reaching a max width of 15 m and depth exceeding my boots (1.5') considerably; as the banks become steeper, the sand/silt layer disappears, and the Arroyo edges become overgrown with thick, high (1.5') grasses - this continues beyond the point where I stopped. At this point, where a major (in comparison with the Medland bridge) bridge crosses, it is obvious that there has been a lot of human effort put into defining the channel, springing up the banks, & straightening it out. In the vegetation were at least two Willows, Bonotrichia, and Plumbeous rails. Along the crest of the banks, apparently cropped short by ubiquitous sheep, I saw one small (8-13 birds) flock of Ornopelus. No other shorebirds along this entire stretch. The design for the Arroyo for a moment do comment upon one prevailing feature of the pampas in their area (in fact all of the pampas that I have seen from Belia Blanca to Santa Fe) - the horizon is invariably broken up by monocles - clumps of trees ranging in size from a few trees to several hundred, especially (except right near the coast, particularly to the north east of Madariaga and past Castelli) imported trees - Eucalyptus, poplar, oak - planted around buildings but sometimes, as near La Urquiza (see map) out in the middle of fields by no buildings whatsoever. I think that the dispersion pattern of the monocles - considerably patchy and of limited area in comparison to the vast grasslands which surround them, are of more potential ecological importance than as shelters for man or a relief from the visual experience of an unlimited, flat horizon. I propose that they may in time serve as 'islands' offering relative safety for nesting in comparison to the ground in the grass. The islands are also offer a very special dispersion pattern to those spp. using the woodland habitat which they comprise. With respect to social systems + for nesting dispersal, I suspect that the patchy monocles may eventually lead to refuging exploitation by spp. which have been able to conquer the breeding territory - that is to the pt. where a colony develops within the mont. Anyway... from the bridge I followed the body of water - a baja mar (water-holding pond) around to the W, and then going to the end, and then followed the nearby
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J P Myers 1979 JOURNAL 80 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 25 April cont'd Jener NW to the Arroyo, and back. The Tajamar was full of shorebirds - 150+ WR (many territorial see spp accent; one banded R. lag); 50+ Hgduit, many black-mud Stilts, Ch. falklandicus and Zonibyx. Weather during the outing was blustery, with a mod ESE wind, 50-75% cloud cover, alternately threatening rain + then clearing, and temperature hovering around 13°C. 26 April 0830 5°C. At 0920 I entered the Arroyo with sky 90% clear, 10 wind. The lack of wind, as we had yesterday, has allowed the #10 to back down, so that the area below the course S of the turner has 1-3' of newly exposed mud and wet sand. The curve itself is essentially dry. Also dry was the entire area between the N end of 6 and about 45 m S of unit B. By a very fortunate coincidence I found two of the birds which had been territorial in the old B-7 stretch now on sub 6, + again territorial: They are Zonibyx RO and Ch.falklandicus Ryleo. Schunt 5 is not dry, but Ryleo was with a flock between 3 and 4. (See WR, Zonibyx, Ch.falklandicus, Hgduit sp accent). Several things appear to be happening in conjunction with the drying of the Arroyo, apart from the fact that WR's are just about to emigrate: 1) space is being reduced, and concurrently territorial birds are being forced to abandon if their stretch happens to dry (e.g. Zonibyx RO); 2) there are more birds present anyway, because surrounding areas have dried further; 3) new additional food is being exposed at the center of the Arroyo - the we are using a new feeding style - deep-picking instead of scratch peck. Tower Clance, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 1400 p.m. Tower Clance. Moderate E wind, clouds = 60%. Watching a flock of Orcopholus and Zonibyx forage near the S gate I took feeding data and microtopographic data from Orcopholus Within a quarter of a circle (90° arc) with a radius of 100 m were 9 Orcopholus, 5 Zonibyx, 17 Thincorius, 12 Lessonia rufa, 2 Cinclodes fuscus, 3 Geothrix curvilineata, and 2 Anthus coracium. The shorebirds were limited to this area, whereas the passerines appeared to continue on fairly evenly, the perhaps not the Lessonia. After taking the Orcopholus data I went on to the thistle patch / blance interface where the first Thincorius appeared, + when they have been ever since, + took one set of micro-data from a 8Thincorius. After this, and after satisfying myself that there were no huffies on the blance, I went to the Arroyo.
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J P Myers 1974 Journal 81 Arroyo Chico, Estancia Mottled 35 Km S of Junin by road, Río de Madreng, Ricia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 26 April 1700 returned to subunit 6 area, and found Cliffall Ryllog Zonibyx Roj and WR's RyLpyr and Rplr foraging there. The first two were in their territory, the latter foraging together. I tried to take a microdata from Rplr but could not because, after having followed the procedure, selected the point to measure (from the car while watching the bird), I found that I could not locate with absolute certainty Rplr's exact position in the under. It, of course, flew and floundered about at the Arroyo. So I went up to subunit 10-9 and took data from two unbanded birds. 27 April reached Arroyo piedraum and had shots up by 0720 Sun on horizon at ~ 0830. OR arrival time uncertain, probably about 0725 Niffed & OR, banded them all.
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Patagonia, Provin de Chubut and Rio Negro, Argentina 10 May -27May see 'camp list' for description of habitats and lists of birds sighted during fairly standardised (1-2 hr in time) forays at dfferent camp site. Also 6K, Oreopholus, &and Vultur spp. Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S.of Juancho by road, Pteo de Gral. J. Malajaga, Provin de Bs. Aires, Argentina 31 May 1615 drove from Farmhouse to Tower Llanos to N. end of Linear grid. Moderate NE wind, 98% clouds, temp ≤ 15°c. According to the Estancia residents, it has rained only twice since we departed from here in early May; once soon after we left, and then again only a few days ago. Weather rain were very substantial, as they said, but the land is obviously wetter now than it was when we left: standing water by the road, thick mud in some place, + the Arroyo is flowing. It's narrowest point in Potreros 19 chico and 20 is now by linear grid subunit 4, which it is 1/3 across. My route this afternoon entailed driving along Farmhouse Rd to the turnoff to Tower Llanos, S of the entrance gate, then N into Tower Llanos, over the ditch around the main thistle patch, past the Tower and grids 4 and 7. Then after leaving the Llanos I entered the Arroyo Chico at subunit 4, and followed it N to the end of Potrero 19 chico (i.e. the Nord of the linear grid). Here I turned around (~15:30-17:30-sunset) and followed the Arroyo back to the End of Tower Llanos (Potrero 20), and returned to the farmhouse, spp observed; (sp., total #, #in Tower Llanos, # in Arroyo) Magnani stork 4,0,2 Tringa [illegible] melandruca - 3,0,3 Thelitis caudatus 4,0,0 Gallinago 6,6,0 S. screamer 4,2,2 Cynus melanocoryphus 2,0,0 Anas flavirostris 4,0,4 Anas georgicus 2,0,2 Polyborus plancus 2,0,0 Milvago chimango 5,4,0 Vanellus chilensis 34,7,12 Charadrius falklandicus 64,0,64 Zonibyx modestus 141,32,9 Oreopholus [illegible] 91,79,3 Thincorus ruficollis 175,175,0 Larus dominicanus 1,1,0 Zenaida auriculata 25,0,0 Columba picaguro 5,0,0 Colaptes campestroides 3,0,0 Fornaris rufus 2,0,0 Reoistha cucularia 3,3,0 Cinclodes fuscus 20,5,15 Teguara [illegible] 11,3,8) Anthus concolor 3,3,0
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JPMuers 1974 Journal Estancia Weedland, 35 Km S of Juanlicia by road, Pto de Ulladariaga, Pucicato Bs Aires, Argentina Pseudoleistes viridescens 110,0,0 Sicalis sp. prob. luteola 350,20,0 One of the highlights was the find of 3 banded Chardarus falllandicus - Mr. Ryle and Roly. see Ch. falllandicum, Oreopholus, Zonibyx sppacent. The decline in #s of Anthus conendera and Lessinia rufa is remarkable since my last outing over the llanos. Oreopholus and Zonibyx were much more common. Thincocus appear to be holding their own. 4 June rained most of the day, ceasing 1400 but remaining very #s overcast. Strong to moderate wind persisted all day out of # shifting SW in the afternoon. Sunset revealed a thin but growing line of cloud on sky on the western horizon. 1600-1730 I walked along the southern border from camp to the toward the east, following the fence for 1/200m and then working partway into a drying tule marsh via bogsaths. Behind the Estancia more (the woods around the house, composed of poplar and eucalyptus largely), is a large stretched pampa grass on a very sandy soil. The grass has however, + the tussocks are now beginning to fall. While the grass is very thick and in places impossible to penetrate. Many of the clumps are higher than my head (5'8"), but the bulk of the vegetation is a boat shoulder height down. Walking through the grass you occasionally, (frequently,) break into little groyne although having sometimes with a small pool of tule along the edge. There are invariably #s lower than the surrounding land, + ever water filled during the spring. Just before reaching tule is a stand of spartina, + then comes the marsh. Only after penetrating through tule to a considerably extent did we come upon any standing water. Standing half-hidden by the vegetation - either in pampagrass or tule - 'pishing' for birds proved to very effective Species attracted in this manner are have an * in the following list: Rhynchactus rufescens 2 Circus cinereus 1 Leptotila verreauxii 3 Mothuva maculosa 5 Milvago chimango 15 Guira guira 8 Ardea cocoi 1 Polyborus plancus 7 Cindodes fuscus 15 S. Screamer 4 Zonaidia auriculata 100+ Furnarius rufus 2 Anas rubricollis 6 Columba peacuro 50+ Phleocryptu melanopos 25
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S Pilligers 1974 Journal 1 June (card) Entancia Medeland 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Pte de Gral J Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina *Asthenes sp. B (yellow spot) *Phacellodomus striaticollis 3 Ptinus sulphuratus 3 *Pseudocolapteryx flaviventris 1 *Tachurus rubrigaster 15 Scopophaga subcrisata 1 Hymenops perspicillata 2 Sicalis luteola Tachycineta leucorrhoa 2 Embernagra platensis Troglohydta Vagelhydta aton 2 Conostichia capensis 7 August 14 km N of Cafayate by road, Pcia de Salta, Argentina Gorge 1130 stopped at marsh at the westerly upper entrance into the Quebrada de Cafayate. highs overcast with very strong wind coming up out of the Quebrada. Temperature ~50°F. At the width of the Quebrada, Rio Conchas is a circle, shallow river which at this time of the year has largely dried, exposing large expanses of sand (salt-covered). A few narrow shallow (<12") channels remain. Along the E side is a small cienega, a marsh bordered by pampa grass and sand, never more than 8" deep, and covered with a very green grass which protrudes about 3-4" from the water surface. Small minnows and tadpoles abound. I trudged through the marsh and sand flats for an hour looking for Phoenis - there were none. Spp present: Milvago chimango, Rallus sanguinolentus, Charadrius collaris (8), Vanellus chilensis (5), Larus serranus, [illegible] anurophitha aymura, Ptinus sulphuratus, Hymenops perspicillata, Lessonia rufa, Muscisaxicola, Peitzes militaris, Phrygites gayi, Sicalis sp. Embernagra platensis. The representation of tyrannides was striking considering the time of year, all tide, + paucity of other species. 23 August (Returned to Medeland yesterday evening) 0830 drove from camp out into areas where it had worked last year. Temp 12°C at that time, with a dense haze, undeterminable cloud cover, and slight SE wind. The weather was quite unusual in my experience because of the haze - despite the low temperature it but an oppressive air to the air - the foreboding proved to be true, as by mid morning brief showers were falling, and at 1230 a violent electrical storm passed over. Today may prove to be the first day with substantial rain in some time. I am amazed by the dryness of the land - we were told so much about how incredibly wet the winters are here, and how all the swamps fill they
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Moredland, 35 km S. of Juanico by road, Pto de Madariaga, Ria de Bs. Aires, Argentina 23 August (cont'd) etc. This morning [illegible] many of the swamps are dry. For example, Farmhouse puddle (see map on following page) is bone dry - it is [illegible] now crossed by a dirt road running across the middle of old grid 9. La curva swamp is almost dry. But here one notes a difference between the dryness of April-May and that of August: the wide, dark mud borders are not caked as they were several months ago. I sink in an inch or so as I walk. None of the roadside areas have any water now. Arroyo Chico, which I raced via the usual route (see map - farmhouse rd -> gate A -> tower llanos, etc.), however, had a pronounced current, and although it was not very wide, more water was flowing today than I have seen since early April. Tower llanos swamp has water [illegible] equivalent to 31 March levels. There, too, the difference between the state of the border mud now + in April is discernible. Tower llanos itself is not very different than it was - short grasses, no standing calder. The grass appears to have been heavily cropped, and the field is extraordinarily covered with cow + sheep droppings. Almost all standing thistle + other vegetation of noticeable height has been knocked down. This is particularly apparent along the raised edge of the arroyo. Much of the area which during last summer had ceased to be 'short-grass', has now regained that status. Across the Arroyo (W), unfortunately, this is being plowed for corn. I am told that part of Tower llanos will be also. From Tower llanos I continued up the Arroyo N, making necessary detours for gate A can be seen on the map. The impressive fact about the upland habitat here now is that there is so much that I can now call short-grass, which, as was in Tower llanos, had grown up during last summer. The cows have been busy. Many of the fields are turning green again. However, no Solanum has started to leaf, nor has the vegetation in swamps (i.e. tile) begun to regenerate. Birds: in general, they are extremely active, most noticeably brighter than last fall, and more engaged in displays, territorial singing, etc. See annotated list at the end of today's entry. Shorebirds are here - especially upland S.A. species. Large flocks of Chonophorus and Zonibyx abound. A few Thinocorus ruminans flocks are flying about. [illegible] Charadrius fallaxklandii also present. Among N.A. species I found: C. biardi, C.fasciollis, C.inclanakis, Tringa flavipes, Pluvialis dominica[illegible]. Gallinago also present. (What was impressive about shorebirds today was the heavy use of upland habitat. Or perhaps
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Juancho by road, Pto de Madewiaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 23 August (cont'd) Note: coordinate System placed in pencil; referred to in journal + specio accounts from 8-26-74 on. RTE 11 BRIDGE ↑N TOWER run around ARROYO CHICO RTE 11 Limit D C GATES DIRT TRACK RTE 11 PONDS FARMHOUSE Limit ARROYO CHICO TOWER LLANOS TOWER LLANOS SWAMP (Trout followed 23 August + direction) Windmill SCALE (KM) 0 0.5 1 2 1:50,000 Cracked from map of Instituto Geografico Militar: Pato Querandi Carta topografica Hoja 3757-27-2 (1966) FARMHOUSE CAMP FARMHOUSE PONDE 10 15
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J.P. Myers 1974 JOURNAL Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Jujuy by road, Pto di Malvinas, Frecia de Bs Aires, Argentina it would be more accurate to emphasize the emphasis of the swamps. See appendent and the following annotated list usual shorebird habitat at Medland: Shorebirds Swamp + Shores (Arroyo) Calidris melanotos (3- Arroyo) C. fascicollis 31 Arroyo C. bairdii (81 Arroyo) Himantopus h. (Arroyo, swamp) Hudsonian godwit (± Arroyo) Tringa flavipes (4 Arroyo) Charadrius falklandicus (30, Arroyo) Zonibyx modestus (2 arroyo) Vanellus Opland C. bairdii 15 * Galllingo 8 Erythroplis 200+ 200+ * Charadrius falklandicus 8 Pluvialis dominica 8 Vanellus Thinocorus rumicivorus 100 Non shorebirds Chauna torquata <arroyo> Rhea americana Lessonia rufa arroyo Cinclodes fuscus Spinus magellanicus <arroyo> Geositta Anas sibilatrix swamp Lessonia rufa / Anas <arroyo swamp> Spinus magellanicus Aegialitis fullicius swamp Sicalis flaveola Zonotrichia <swamp> Frecolobotes virgians Phleocryptes swamp Zonotrichia Molothrus swamp Milvus chimango Polyborus plancus Colaptes campestroides Anthus corvandera
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JP Myers 1974 Journal 35 km S of Juancho by road, Rdo de Malariaga, Provin de Bs. Aires, Argentina 23 August (cont'd) total list of today's birds anoted: singing (s), displaying (d), flocking (f), Arroye (A), upland grass (U), short around estancia swamp (p) & calling (c) tall grass or spartina (T), woods (w) Rha americana 20 F, U, T Zonaila auriculata .F, U Nothura maculosa T Leptotila verreauxi D, W, C Rhynchos rufescens S, T Cruira gaira D, F, W, C Theditis caudatus C Specty t conicularia U Euxenura Maguari A Chrysophila melanolaimus WC Chauna torquata A, U, C Colapto campestroides F, U, C Anas flavivostri s A, W, S, C Cesisilla conicularia U, A Anas georgica A, F, C Cinclodes fuscus U, A, F Anas sibilatrix P, F, C Furnarius rufus S, D, U, W, C building Mitrago chinango C, D, F, A, U, T, W Phleocrypta C, P Polyborus plancus C, D, U, W Platagus sulfuratus D, T, W, C Vaneillo chilensis D, F, A, U, T, C Nolitellatrain lessonia rufa F, A, U Chandrius falklandicus A, U, D, F, C Hymenopus perspicillatus T, P Pluvialis dominicus U, F, C Phytophoma rutila W Zonibyx modestus D, A, U, F, C Atticora cyanoloea A Tachycineta leucorhyncha D, F, U, W, C Oreopholus rufiellis U, F, C Troglohydriodon S, D, W Calidris baridi A, U, F, C Turdus rubiventris S, W C. foscollis A, F, C Anthus corvadom S, D, U, T C. melanotos A, F Pseudoleistes virescens D, F, U, T, W, C Gallinago gallinago U, F, C Regulo affinis Tocatius flavius D, F, T, W, C Tringa flavipes A Molothrus bonariensis F, P Himantopus h. A, P, C Spinus magellanicus S, D, F, A, U, W, C Limonis naeestica A Sicalis flaveola F, A, U Thinocorus rumicivorus U, F Zonotrichia S, T, W, P, C Larus maculipennis D, F, A, U, P, C Columba picacero D, U, T, W, C
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Wedeland, 35 km S. of Tandil by road, Pilo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 23 August Evening- I noted that this morning I saw that they were placing the fields to the W of Tower Clones across the Arago. Tonight I learned that they are to plow Tower Clones itself!!! What a disaster. Not only does this destroy the bat buffer habitat on the Estancia and the usefulness of the tower, but it also makes the linear grid inaccessible. I did know that it will be the first time that T.C. has been plowed, something I suspected strongly anyway. An important question about the effect of agriculture is raised: if plowing disturbs the habitat, does the short-grass community reappear in time, and if so, how long? What does this imply about the effect of agriculture on bat population, etc? [Learned that 5 Felis colocolo (sp) - the gato de los pajonales - were caught near the Mouth of Canal 7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 2 km N of Mar Chiquita by road, Pilo de Mar Chiquita, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 24 August Arrived at the end of the road at 10 AM. Cloud cover= 20%, slight SW wind, warming after a temp. of 3°C at dawn at Wedeland. The water level here in the laguna is low, reading 1 cm below Red 2 on the water gauge out past the mouth. There is a small (5-10') of shiny, boggy mud border between open water and the vegetation. There are large expanses of water 1-2" deep. Our states from 2 april remain (see journal), but there is no exposed mud by them. The mudflat which branches off of the laguna near the 'leaser channel' (see map journal p66) also has a narrow mudborder, but is otherwise 'solid water'. Kimmer island is covered. However, birds are perched there, and many sparrows are out in the middle of the laguna obviously standing on a shallow bottom. Spp present: shorebirds: Vanellus chilensis Charadrius falklandicus 25 Calidris fuscicollis 30 Calidris bairdii 10 Calidris canutus 20 (flying by) Limosa haemastica 10 Micropalama himantopus 26 Himantopus himantopus 30 Tringa flavipes 2 Black-shore Others. Coscoroba black-necked swan Fulica Cocoi heron Common egret Netta peposaca Anas georgica Rallus sanguinolentus Phalacrocorax olivaceus Larus maculpenna
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Mouth of Canal 7 into Laguna Mar Chiquita, 21 km N of Mar Chiquita, Pteide Bs Aires, Arg 24 August (con't) Larus dominicanus Agelaius thilius Circus buffoni Pseudoleistes virescens Cinclodes fuscus Zonotrichia Gallus Plurocyptes Eubernagra Athene sp. Estancia Meduland, 35 km S. of Juanjacho by road, Pteide Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 25 August (morning - see camp list p19) 1530 drove w/east NE from the Farmhouse camp out past the first two windmills (see map journal Aug 23). Weather 13°C, N wind (flight) and total overcast. Vegetation out in this direction from camp trampled and only beginning to show green. Solanum not yet growing. Beginning just approximately 1500m SW of the second windmill, however, and ranging beyond the point where we were stopped by impassable conditions, is water!! Beautiful pectoral and Gallinago habitat - a filled drainage area varying between 100% surface water, an intermediate stale with grass emerging out of the water and occasional clumps of dirt, and grassy green areas out of the water but obviously saturated. Snipe were common, with second displaying (see ap. accent) and others moving in groups of 2-4. Transtillarostis were in the water, and a flock of pectorals came by near the end (see ap. accent). I suspect that this area is so wet because it is a shallow but extensive hollow with a large draining area. Unusual bird for Mtdeland: Xolmis dominica. 26 August BOW Dawn cloudy, 9°C at 630. Left camp at 0730 and followed route taken 8-23, as far as the Rte 11 Bridge (see 8-23 map). Then crossed Arroyo Chico, went through gates E,F,G, and H, and returned to camp via farmhouse road. Drizzled several times for a short period. Moderate N wind developed through the morning. 100% clouds throughout, sometimes quite low. As I returned along farmhouse road, it was obvious that the ploining of Towerllanos had started. Anyway. Thinocorus almost gone. Zonotrichia still heavy in upland. Oreopholus very common, 300-400 easily. Somegolubus ~15 Baird's upland, a few along the Arroyo, >10 CW in Arroyo. Ch. fallaxlantius and Acanthiornis in both habitats, but in neither abundant. See app. accounts.
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J P Myers 1994 Journal Estancia Mcdaland, 35 Km S. of Juan duo by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 26 August (cont'd) traveling along the fence from Arroyo Chico SE to Gate C (see map) I noticed (now that the vegetation is low) that there is a slight roll to the land, here. It is no more than 1-2 m variation with a periodicity of ~ 1 cycle / 150 m. But it creates (or is correlated with) regular variation in grass type. In the bottomlands are a thicker grass (Distachlis) whereas on top is a bermuda-type contaminated with dead weeds. The shorebirds (same Vanellus) are exclusively in the upper areas on the short grass. This includes Orcopelopus, Zonibyx, Charadrius falklandicus, and Calidris brachydactyla, and Gallinago gallinago. Vanellus is everywhere. cross section of topography upland shorebirds drought grass Distachlis 150 m 27 August arrived at subunit 10 of linear grid 0545 for banding. en route between subunits 7+8 I spot lighted a falklandicus + netted w/ butterfly net, banded (it turned out to be lump B - see spacer) This morning I used a new pair of blitz 7x60 trapline nets which were DISASTERS - The two ends are of different widths (both ~5") and narrower than the center. The netting is unevenly distributed along the length, and tied in place that way. Anyway... pega didn't appear until 06:50, and then <10. Noted O. By coordinate system (see map 23 August) The netting site was (13,24) and the falklandicus were picked up in (13,20). If that isn't science..... Collected 2 wr returning along Arroyo in (13,18) Wontur coel (12E), no wind, 100% overcast occurring from a thick all night fog. during mid morning and early afternoon we drove along the route taken 8-26 to the NNE from the Farmhouse camp. We went as far as (28,23) [see grid on 8-23 map], and parked there as I walked 200 m NW through a marsh. During the outing it began to rain lightly but steadily, a wind developing out of the south and the cloud cover lowering considerably. The swamp seemed to be extensive with alternation (broad flooded grasslands [with treaderous + given an extraordinary amount of micro-relief by livestock grazing] with some Solanum, partially flooded like mostly just muddy Spartina, and full Hedged Tule Tule swamps - One Chamaetopogon nest
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SP Myers 1974 Journal 27 August Estancia Medland, 35 kms. of Tandil by road, Pto de Madariago, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg. with 3 eggs. A few spp of shorebird (see list below). Many dicky birds in the spartina and tole. Polyploca phuccia Furnarin rufus Rhea americana Milvago chimango Phleocrypts Rhyncotus rufescens Rostralis socialis Spartamica mederensis Notura maculata Ralline originadus Cistothorus platensis Ardea cocoi Laullin clularis Anthus conyendra Euxenora maga Himantopus himantopus Agelaius Hulis Chrysa brayate nest 3 eggs Calidius buiridis (2) Pseudolekto virescens Anas georgica Calidius melanator (1) Molothrus Anas versicolor Tringa flavipu Pitangus sulfuratus Anas flavirostris Tringa melanoleuca Xolmis dominicana Anas cygniblattis Gallinago gallinago Machelornis rixon Larus maculpenno Hymenops perspicilata (87+9) Beruida auriculata Tetra tachiris rubrigatis Columba picacna Tachycineta leucorna Spatuto curvularia Zonotrichia capensis Eudolus fusus Sicalis flarcola 28 August sun on horizon 0°720° temp = 1.5°C, no wind, 0% cloudy, OBS began walking toward La Orqueta, which lies just SW of the border of Medland in Estancia Medland. La Atlantida [coordinates (3,3)] My path was fairly direct from the Estancia Monte, although I was briefly puzzled by a batch of tole that I took to be the beginning of the Orqueta swamp. Vegetation was typical of that found across the fence in Medland: a stretch of 6" grass on slightly rolling land which gives way to Distachis and then Spartina. At the lowest spots there is some Solanum malacoxylon, and also tole. Several small (20x20) patches of bare mud. Continuing west the swampy area gives way to extensive 2"-4" high grass fields, heavily grazed and spotted with dropping the area of interest lies in the middle of one such field, and is a long winding,
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J Pilnyers 1974 Journal 28 August (cont'd) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Dpto de Madariaga, Provincia Bs. As., Argentina 30 m wide depression extending 1500 m to the S and beginning just S of the Medaland border. It is dammed at the S end, and which may explain in part why it continues to have water. Most of it is now saturated mud, with a few patches of Tule and/or Salamanca, but towards the S end there is extensive water. Many shorebirds were present (see list below). I was accosted there by a poon, to whom I explained what I was doing (I was from Atlantida), and he had obviously heard of me. Birds seen (added * if at the Oraque) (including those noted leaving or entering the marsh) Rica americana Rhynchositta rufescens Mithora maculosa Ardea caerii Euryptera maguari Chauna torquata * Anao georgina * Anao flavirostris * Polyborus plancus Milvago chimango Elanina Canellos chilensis * Charadrius falklandicus * see sp. acant. Charadrius semifasciatus* Zonilayx medius * Calidris bairdi * C. fuscicollis * C. melanobos * Tringa flavipes * Himantopus himantopus * Limosa haemoptica * Pseudolusia vivaceo Larus unalaspennis * Tadpoa Larus dominicana Polioptila dumicola Leniada auricularis Ponotrichia capensis Columba piguaro Embervagza platensis Leptila venauxi Sicalis flavaola Asthene hudsoni Spinus magellanicus Phleocrypta * Asthene sp Furnarius rufus Cinclodes fuscus Annumbus anumbi Pitangus sulfuratus Serophasga subintata Hymenops puspillata Tachycineta leucovra Troglodytus aedm Cistothorus platensis Anthos corrondera Molothrus rufoaxillaris* Agelaius thilin *
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Jualuelo by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Proa de Bs Aires, Argentina 30 August Yesterday we went give to the ranch headquarters of La Atlantica in order to obtain permission to visit La Orqueba periodically + to net. The visit was singularly unsuccessful, a result of the unlikeliness of the mayordomo's (Sr. Irogobel) wife, and the fact that he wasn't there. I talked with Don Juan Arbelai other during the evening, and he suggested that I go to Estancia Los Medanos, a few km further to the south, and talk with their mayordomo, Sr. Iraigos. (Curious pair of names, no?). This suggestion is not so curious it might appear: both ranches are owned by the Santamarina family, and Los Medanos is rather higher. Also, Carlos Santamarina lives there. So apparently they can force decisions upon Irogobel. And says D.J., the Medanos people are good, amiable. So this morning we went. Both Iraigos and Irogobel were there, and despite the obvious awkwardness of the situation (we circumventing one by talking to the other) we received permission for access. Telllelujeh. 1600 I drove out to the nearest spot on Medaland to La Orqueba and decided the fence it walked to the end of the water holding pond. This covers a distance of 1.5 km. Wind was light and from the SW. Cloud cover= 100% with heavy cumulus appearing on the horizon. Slight intermittent rain. temp = 9°C. The area is only slightly difficult from 28 August-11 with a slight recession of the water apparent in a broad mud flat which is now a bit more exposed. Several flocks of shorebirds with the dominant sp. being bairdi. Shorebirds present: Vanellus chilensis(5-10), Charadrius fallax (10-35), Euryphorops modulatus 10, Calidris bairdii 70-80, Calidris fuscicollis 10, Limnocrex haemabica 5, Himantopus himantopus 15. See appendicitis of those with asterisks. Also note that today I began a 'Flock' accent 31 August rose at 0900 in order to band, but -3°C and a wind convinced that it wasn't going to be profitable. Dawn 0720. 0830 went to Tower Llanos area of Arroyo Chico. Cloud cover = 10%. There was ice at that hour along the edges of the Arroyo in places protected from the current, particularly the little 'ponds' left in cattle tracks, favorite our foraging depressions. Many flocks of Euryphorops flying S or SE. Shorebirds in, beside along the Arroyo, and
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 Kms. of Jvando by road, Pto de Madinaga, Pcia de Bs As, Argentina. 31 August (cont'd) in the surrounding short-grass uplands were sparse but present. Plowing of Towne Claro is almost complete. I pulled the stakes off Field 10 and 4 just before he plowed the under. Went as far north as (13,24). Shorebirds seen: Vanellus chilensis, Charadrius falklandicus, Zonibyx modestus, Oceopholus rufigilllis, Calidris baildii (collected one, 149), Calidris fuscicollis*, Calidris melanotos (collected one, 150), Himantopus himantopus. Returned to camp 1200. See appendices.* Species using recently plowed field: Vanellus, Zonibyx, Carro maculipennis, Cincloda fuscus, Pitangus sulphuratus, Anthus crenavera, Mole thrush. Observations of white-rumps and bairds today revealed no territoriality, indeed very little aggression (see appendices). I know that we have been using the (11,12) region of Arroyo Chico now for at least a week. Therefore either my hypothesis model of WR territory formation and hypotheses predicting their formation are wrong, or there is an limitation to be placed upon the turnover place of their appropriational. I suspect the latter in particular. I suspect that migratory behavior may conflict with the hypothesized tendency to limit one's foraging efforts in space. This is most simply conceived in terms of some phenomena related to migratory fluctuation → individual more more. Off on a wild rein → there must be an annual cycle in the amplitude of activity cycles, or perhaps in the probability to move. Actually, this is what I expected for territories not to develop until the population demonstrated some stability — but how much is necessary? And what role do the territorial individuals play in stabilizing the population? Anyway, if individuals move more, they will be less likely to engage in space-specific behavior. Perhaps migration entails an exaggerated increase in tendency to move plus compound control of movement (+annual seasonal variation therein). Whoopee. Another bit of speculation: given the action of weather + livestock on dead creeds — i.e., they are knocked down exposing existing extensive fields of short-grass physiogonomy — as the winter proceeds new areas for foraging shorebirds in the inland area must open up continuously. I September [illegible] day along Arroyo Chico. During the morning I drove at along Arroyo Chico to (15,26). Weather is quite similar to that we have been experiencing for several days now. -1°C at dawn, 0% clouds and a slight breeze. By 1000, a mild pick-up and clouds originated passively over from the south and southwest. Most of these are inconsequential — puffy cumulus whose shadow remains over me less than 3 or 4 minutes. Indeterminately, however, especially late morning →
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medalland 35 km S. of Tucumano by road, Pte. de Madariaga, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 1 September (cont'd) mid afternoon - some produce short squalls with increased wind velocity and land, driving rain. The squalls are very local: what I do or don't experience in the Arrayo, for eg at (1526) is not necessarily what is happening at the farmhouse, 36 km away at (130). And it is obviously not the same as that occurring along the coast: it appears as if the coastal strip receives many more and more intense squalls than even we at Medalland do. This morning the squalls gained a new dimension - snow - which fell repeatedly but without lasting effect at the farmhouse north. At (1526) however, there was little rain, and no snow. By evening - just before an 1830 sunset, the sky was essentially cleared - occasional remnants of the clouds remain along the horizon, but these appear to dissipate during the night, till usually at dawn the sky is 0% clouds. Last night, however, there were two brief periods of gentle rain (even though the horizon was clear at dawn). The weather patterns just described are very reminiscent of those we experienced last November and early December. I should mention that total precipitation is rarely more than 3 mm. per day under these conditions. This morning I drove along the Arrayo at 1526 in order to watch interactions within a bandicoot - fuscicollis flock that has been foraging in that vicinity for several days. The wind was such that along this particular stretch of arrayo, its direction was 1 to East of the direction of water flow. This produced a local piling effect of the water along the NE bank, and appeared to clear water away from the SW side. The flock of peeps were distributed along the SW side, with a few individuals infrequently flying over to the other side. This morning there is ice along the sides of the Arrayo (temp went down to -1° very early last evening and remained there). In the vicinity of the tower, in sheltered stretches (e.g.(1314)), ice extends from one side to the other - a "solid" sheet. At 1526 the ice is limited to the edges of the water, particularly the water trapped in 600 hoop points - as the favorite foraging depression of WR's. The total flock was ~ 40 birds. See appendix of Faind's + WR. Also increased aggression within the flock. Shelled species: Vanellus, Erythro, Crepopholus, Ch. fallardi, Tringa op, Calidris bairdii + fuscicollis, Limosa haem, Himantopus, a few Thinocorus. I searched tower flanks & alrededores but found no buffle. nor any Pluvialis. One cinereous horned owl over the Arrayo spotted the flushed peeps.
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J P Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland 35 Km S. of Juanabo by road, Pto de Ubadaniaga, Ria de Bs. Aires, Argentina 2 September dawn at 0910. 0°C, another blustery day indistinguishable from Hudact several. Went out into the Arroyo again to observe WR flocks and take 'site tenacity' and microhabitat data. Also reviewed what is left of tower llanos, went into tower llanos swamp. By 0830 temperature was up to 5°C, and the cloud cover had increased from 0-35% (with a moderate SW wind). In the llanos I found a patch of almost pure buffy habitat at (14,8) ~100 x200 m in dimensions. 3 golden plovers flying over. Nothing else. Sat a few Zonibyx by the gate at (9,10). There were no Orpheolus in the llanos, and surprisingly few cloacal birds in appropriate habitat. Tower llanos swamp was devoid of any peeps, populated only by a few Cinclodes fuscus, 3 Himantopus, and several Larus marauii pennis. No cur bill point along the edge, either. (They had a Larus roosting area). Drove along Arroyo as far Nae (15,26), stopping to observe in (1,12) on the way. 30+ peeps at (15,26) - aggression greatly increased (see app. accats). Come back to 15,26 at 1630 in order to grid. The effects of a continuous SW wind are obvious, salt water has piled up from Mar Chiquita (the large body of water to the south into which A. Chico flows) and increased the water level. Very noticeable all along the Arroyo. At (15,26) the level has increased by several inches causing this morning WR habitat to disappear. 3 September went to Mar del Plata. In today's La Nacion there is a blunt article about the drought 4 months without significant rain being suffered by southern BA province (i.e. here) this winter. Apparently it is most- prominent near Bahia Blanca - where cattle are dying. 4 September 1400 drove from camp to the (0,18) area. Route taken passed along farmhouse road to the Arroyo Chico bridge, NE to (8,16), NW to (3,20) and then SW to (9,18). Returned along the fence to the bridge and then back to the farmhouse. (I should mention that adding on the way out we walked from (3,7) to the Orqueta area in order to check for peeps + the possibility for banding tomorrow AM. Weather through the afternoon was warm (15-17°C), clear (0% clouds) and windy (Strong SW wind). It appears that the last several days weather pattern may be working with crepuscular's and no squalls. Anyway, the Orqueta had dried somewhat since my last visit
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 (km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aire Argentina (see journal 30 August). But then an still extensive stretch of farmed and a flock of assorted shorebirds numbering 100. Calidris [illegible] bairdii are most numerous, with 60 foraging on a mosaic of mud and water. C.fusciollis are also present - perhaps 40. Also Charadrius falllandicus (25), Zonibyx modestus (5) and Vanellus (15). If the weather allows I will band these tomorrow morning. During the rest of the afternoon (ended 1730) I was in upland habitat, much of it short-grass, looking for Tryngites. Much of that fauna was in my location in (918), 4km from the main road perched on a slight rise in the midst of a field which 11 months ago teemed with Tryngites. Today I saw only one possible (but not confirmed) buffle. The field did have 100 Ocopelos foraging upon it, as well as 6 Plevialis dominica (see app. accents). Today the vegetation was typical of short-grass habitat at this time of the year, at least three short-grass field which through the season become ragged with thistle, Jovens and other weeds. Whilst they are smart back to their short-grass state, a few standing thistle remain, exposed and dead weeds sprout sparsely over the field. Vegetation extends densely less than 1" above ground surface. Livestock dropping on every where, and sheep were grazing in this section. The other species common with the shorebirds were barnus maculipennis, Whitman climango, Cinclodes fuscus, Lessinia rufa, and Pitangus sulfuratus. Molothrus flew over. A Moltia (camilla) was feeding near the car. Many Anthus corvus banded at La Orqueta this morning [(2,3) on coordinate system]. Arrived there at 0505 with temp = 2°C, now wind, no clouds. By dawn (0505) there were patches of frost. Heard first fusciollis 0620, although from 0505 on I heard infrequent Charadrius falllandicus Eunibyx modestus, Calidris bairdii and Vanellus. At first light I realised that I had placed the mits incorrectly: they were 100 m 'upstream' from the heaviest gang of peep foraging. We therefore walked down past this area and back up, trying to hear the peeps in front of us. Apparently light levels were by then a little too high. Reuts: 3 C.fusciollis, 2 Ch.falllandicus, 4 Zonibyx. Su bonding schedule. Nothura maculosa singing (tila a curious pygmygaul : [illegible]) this morning for the first time this year (the Rhyochas have been calling since before we arrived)
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JPMYERS 1974 Journal Etania Midland, 35 Km S. of Juanchito by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Ria de Bs. Aires, Argentina 5 September (Contd) 1630 arrived at the curve below the tower on Arroyo Chico (subunit 1-; (10,13)). Remained until 1815 observing a group of shorebirds composed of Charadrius falklandicus, Zonibyx modestus, Calidris bairdii, and Calidris fuscicollis. Although there have been shorebirds at this point on the Arroyo during previous visits this spring, until today the dominant species—overwhelmingly plovers, peeps and me—have been Larus maculipennis, rafting between boats of following the plow which is destroying Tower Herons. This afternoon they were scarce (or no more than 6 or 7 flying areas) as the plow hadn't been used for several days. So this afternoon the shorebirds were there. And the impressive thing about them was the incredible frequency of aggression. Few minutes passed without hearing some aggressive call, particularly by territorial Zonibyx and falklandicus. See appendants. If bairdii might also be territorial, but it wasn't, nor was fuscicollis. The Arroyo here is not atypical of its solitarily through the Etania. A cross-section would look: Short grass Llanos Salamon A mound of grass-covered dirt, pitted with Vizcacha holes Sand, mixed with cactus and bones Water steep, 3' bank, with some sunbless holes and worn by scratching cattle island or sand bar the mounds along the bank are ~2m above the lowest point in the Arroyo. Width of the arroyo from steep bank → steep bank ~60m. Water width varies, narrow ~10m. Depth when measuring this morning was ~ 15cm at deepest. Depending upon time of day and wind direction, there is a strip of wet, exposed mud along the border of the water, usually about 1 0.5-1m wide. Wind this afternoon was strong and due South. 8% clouds. Temperature rose to 12°C. 6 September drove to (10,13) area of Arroyo Chico, arriving 0505 AM. Placed three nets, finishing 0610, ~15 mins after horizon began to report a slow increase in light level. Temp 0430= 3°. No wind. No clouds. Local hosts formed by dawn (accurate horizon at 0703.) Although Vizcachas were in Arroyo, as usual, when I came in before 0500, no small shorebirds were present. Apparently nothing roosted at the curve last night. First falklandicus flew in from East at ~630. First bairdii flew by 640. WR appeared in small numbers shortly afterward. Zonibyx came in before bairdii. 2 Asio flammeus glided low over the foraging area not long after falklandicus
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal (10,13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madarina, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 6 September (cont'd) began feeding. I tried to chase the small birds into the reeds but found that they were fluttering away beneath the reeds (no evasive action apparent), which were ~2-3' off the water at the most. Banded: 3 Zonibyx modestus, 2 Charadrius falklandicus, 1 Calidris fuscicollis, 1 Himantopus b. see banding schedule. 2 Pluvialis almost flew into reeds. Before taking the reeds down I walked ~500 m downstream on the other side of the Arroyo, in order to see how much unplowed area remained: there is a patch easily 200m across in the (8-9,13) area. Much of it looks like potential Tryngites habitat. Only shrubbirds there today were Vanellus, Goxilla, Spreybo Sicalis also present. Chauna in the nearby Arroyo. Also: Several spots which may suit melanotus there also, gray and Solanum filled dips which with water would be nice pectoral puddles. (15,27) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madarina, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina After banding drive upstream to new grid site (Grid 11) placed along the Arroyo the afternoon of 2 September. Saw 1 Lybius (banded this morning) in (13,21), ~2 Km upstream from banding site and 1 L. olf. En rock. Also noticed bairdie flying between Arroyo and uplands, feeding in both places. After dawn the sky clouded over briefly until almost 70% cover, but by 1000 declined to 45%. At Grid 11 I took dispersim data from 0930-1030, and during part of the first half hour recorded flock of Zonibyx paviing overhead. See flock accent, grid data book, WE board app. accents. Behind me during two pairs of observation, i.e. in the (fields to the W in 15,27) were 2 Pluvialis dom, 5 Oryzobius, several Vanellus. Grid totals: [Sp, average (range)] 10 Calidris fuscicollis 2 °(0-5) 59; Calidris bairdie 0°(0-2).26.9; Charadrius falklandicus 0.1 (0-1)3. 30 grid reading at 2 min intervals (most of them). (10,13) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madarina, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1630 - drove out again to the (10,13) area of Arroyo Chico. A very strong NE wind has picked up and is changing water distribution along the Arroyo. 0° cloud. At (9,13) several of the islands in the arroyo here (islands 1-2m dry, 5/m acre) are flooded. Because of the Arroyo configuration here, a NE wind piles up water in this stretch, so it comes in both down and upstream (the Arroyo in several hundred meters makes a turn more acute than 90°). Many of the shorebirds here yesterday (incl. R. pink & Fred (1967)) and this morning are gone. Remaining are several Lh. falklandicus, 2 bairdie's, Vanellus, and
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (10.13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Jujuycho by road Pto d Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina an intermittent Bonihyx At (11.16), i.e. at the N end of the long straight stretch which terminates at (10.13) ((11.16) lying 200 m N of the tower) then was a flock of 7 barnicci inanano while they had not been previously. How water has been removed from the Arroyo, and as a result new foraging areas are exposed. Tower Llanos, Estancia Medaland 35 Km S. of Jujuycho by road Pto d Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1705 - during SE from (12.15). grasslands (or what remains unimproved) turning brown, probably from lack of rain. Very few birds present on Tower Llanos, the only shrikes present being Vireo Hlas. Cinclodes fuxus, Anthus corrucadora (+ probably furcatus) Sicalis luteola, 3 Rhea americana (10-11.0-1) Farmboure Monte, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 7 September Surveyed the camp monte this morning from 0815-1030. Strong N-NW wind developed during these hours. No clouds. Temperature rose from ~3°C to 18°C. The muck has several very well defined vegetation areas, the dominant one being a poplar fringe and a Eucalyptus border. Of course, all trees have been planted, and meat are introduced. A rough sketch at the works. (not really, good scale) Eucalypto row of conifer Citrus Orchard conifers Farmhouse Eucalypto vegetable garden Sycamore conifer Cirn (One) barnyard N poplar camp wilsely clearing of Pampas grass poplar ~250-300 m Along the SW + SE edges are extensive fields of pampas grass. To the NW + NE are swamps (now dry) and short-grass fields. Chickens use all of the muck for scratching, thus we also have a few turkeys and ducks
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1974 Journal (10-11-2-1) Farmhouse Monte, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 7 September (cont'd) Species seen or heard Furnarius rufus (building owans) Mimus saturninus Rhynochus rufescens (hard aside monte) Cinclodes fuscus Turdus rufiventris singing Anao flavirostris calling Anumbus annumbi (building nests) Poliopitla dominica Elanus leucurus M. Iango chimango 2,plunging Leptasthenura platensis (singing) Molothrus badius Polyborus plancus. Hymenops perspicillata Molothrus ruficollis Vandellus chilensis Pitangus sulphuraceus calling Wolothrus bonariensis Pluvialis dominica Machetornis rixosus Bruchidius rixosus Columba picagure — nest w/one egg in low conifer 2m off ground many other nests further Leptofla ferravuxi — nests in Eucalyptus Satrapa icterophrys Andryamphus hispidoricensis Serpophaga subcoriolata singing Teothyptes equestralis Zemaidae auriculata Phytoma rubra (♀) Bontrichia capensis singing Guira guira Tachycineta leucorhoa singing Sicalis flaveola singing Chrysopila melanoleuca Troglodyte aedan singing Spinus magellanicus singing Passer domesticus (10,1) Farmhouse work for SE to coast (~30-15), Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1305 left camp roughly paralleling the SE running fence which skirts the edge of the monte. I walked ~ 100-400 m to the N of the fence for 3.5 km, when the fence ends. Then I continued on another ~3.5 Km until reaching the Atlantic coast. Then I reached the coast at 1530, remained for 0.5 hrs, and then returned over the same route, arriving at the monte at 1815. During the afternoon a strong N-NW wind blew continuously, and extensive cloud-cover (then) came in from the S-SW, developing from 0% to 70% while I was out. Temp ~ 12°C. See camp list of 25 August for list of spp seen in a comparable (but not too extensive) walk through most of the flatlands visited Today. Leaving the monte one enters a ~2000 wide strip of pampas grass with occasional hollows which during wetter years would now be water filled (they have salamons for rule). This changes abruptly to a gorge in which Spartina grows on higher sandy ground between lowland swamps. The swamps are extensive, usually only 10-30 m wide, but sometimes over 500m long (N-E S axis). They are mostly tide, with some large patches of open water. New, however, they are largely dry. Only a few far to the SE remain with
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal [illegible] to Coast, Estancia Mielalnd 35 Km S. of Juncha by road Ptdo d Madaring Pcia de Bs.Aire Argentina 7 September (cont’) expansion of open water. Many pablum of tole arquite dry. Toward the SE, in the NE-SW approximately 2-3.5 Km (between this distance) a third type of habitat can be found: this is a series of higher NE-SW strips of sandy soil between the Spartina and tole; they are covered with grasses, which at this time of year are less than 6” high. However, judging from the presence of woody stalks, during the summer this veg. gains height to ≥30 cm. Beyond ~3.5 Km, a broad band of sand dunes develops. The majority is pure, blowing sand; altitudes of ≤10 m are reached. In some places there are sparse pablum of grass, obviously of several different kinds (one a thin, short (8 cm) grass which because it is so sparse can scarcely be seen from a distance; another is a thick bunchgrass, growing in dense pablum but with 20 cm or more of sand between each bunch, 40 cm high). There are also other types of ground cover, but very little in any given place. Toward the coast the veg. becomes more common. The dune zone (according to Instituto Geografico Militar topo map 3757-27-2) is ~3.5 km wide. The coast line runs NE-SW, paralleling the habitat strip described above. The actual beach, i.e. the strip between veg.-covered dunes and water at low tide, appears to be ~30 m wide with a steep incline. I arrived at a time of low tide, but could not discern if it was incoming or outgoing. A ledge. It is pure sand, not a hint of mud. Water was muddy, with an appreciable (for the area) surf. The tide had exposed a ledge, many feet below high tide, which runs parallel to the beach and in places creates small ponds during low tide. There was surprisingly little debris on the beach. Species list (annotated as to which zone seen in: P (pampas grass) S (Spartina), T (tole + or swamp) G (higher grassy areas) D (dunes), B (beach) O (ocean). I suspect that the strong wind decreased the number of species observed particularly in the grass and Spartina areas. Spheniscus magellanicus (B, dead on beach) Ardea cocoi T,G Elanus leucurus P Rhea americana (P, S, D) Euxemma magnori G,T Circus buffoni T Rhynchotus rufescens (P,S) Chauna torquata G,T Milvago chimango P,S,T,G,D Nothura maculosa ? Anas flavirostris T Polyborus plancus P,S,T,G,O Podiceps major O Anas georgica T Fulica sp. T Diomedea melanophris O Anas sylviolatrix T Haematopus ostralegus B Macronectes giganteus O Anas torsidor T Vanellus chilensis S,G
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (10,1) to Coast, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juanclus by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 4 September (cont) Chanadrius falklandicus B Pitangus sulfuraceus P,S,T,G Pelagornis sternella /oyca G,S Gallinago gallinago (collected) T Hymenops perspicillata P,S,T,G [illegible] Zonotrichia P,G,S,T Larus maculipennis (flying everywhere) Lessonia rufa S,G,T,D Sicalis sp. flying, G Larus dominicana (B?,D) Tachyurus rubrigaster T Pooecipa nigro rufa S Sterna maxima O Satrapa interophrys, G- Embernagra P,S Sterna sp O Tachycineta bicolorra P,S,G,T especially Columba picaruta T Troglodyta aedon P,S Bemalida auriculata (flying over T,P,S Anthus correndera D,B teptofila verreauxi G,T Pseudoleistes virescens P,S,T Cinclodes fuscus S,G,T Aably rumpbus holosericeus Phacellodomus striaticeps, P Asthenes sp (collected 15.3,154) S,P Agelaius thilis T Phleocrypts T Molothrus sp flying Comment: within the Spartina habitat are patches of grass of low stature, less than 5 cm high. There are something extensive. Occasional Spartina 'dikes' run through the middle of tube strips. 2 spp armadillo seen: molita (S,G) and peludo (P). Many nutria tracks in eastern swamps. Some possible capybara (rankhands say that they are present there.) Farmhouse to Rk 11 to 10 km N of Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 8 September 0905 left camp. temp = 8.5°C. clouds = 100%, very strong S wind which blew all night and brought brief [illegible] periods of rain. During the night a storm moved in (as Don Juan predicted because of the strong N wind of the last two days). But it has produced very little rain. It drove directly to (1,20) the short-grass fill along the Wedge of the Estancia by Rk 11. I wanted to check out the shrewbird population here, last examined 1 September, because of the recent period of N wind (which may effect the precise timing of departure and arrival of migrant shorebirds). Thus, I anticipated possible changes: decrease in S temperate breeding sp (i.e. Oryzolus, Zonibyr) and increase in N temperate (Pluvialis, Tryngite). Certainly, all but Oryzolus conformed to prediction. Tryngites finally appeared definitely, there were noticeably more Pluvialis dominica, and Zonibyrx were [illegible]. Oryzolus appeared much or less the same, although as noted elsewhere it is disappearing from other locations. See appendices.
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0 P T Van Bon 7 1 3 1 1 10 8 2 1 11 1 2 2 2 2 8 2 2 2 1 8 1 1 3 7 1 1 3 1 4 Ann - author - cover for Bon, Ben Kisk Cui Pool M.I. 36090 3045 6 golda 2 zon : 46 bridge 51 -field w zon (gold) Otto - G shop
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JD Myers 1974 Journal Farmhouse to Rte II to 30 km N of Estancia Medaland 35 kms. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Bs Aires, Argentina September (cont) After driving through their fill, which lies parallel to Rte II on a slight rise above the root of the Estancia, we stopped to observe Tryngite. The survey of the field, encompassing units (0,17-19)(1,18-20);(2,19-21); and (3,21), was fairly complete (see list below). The fill is now predominately short grass, with vestiges of a moderately dense thrift cover remaining from last summer (the wind, inordinately strong) was ramming these). There is some vertical relief, with several rises of 1-2m, and circular depressions 25-100m across and 1-2m deep. Their vegetation contains stands of Solanum malacophyllum. Birds seen in this field (~5.6x10^5 sq.meter): Vandellus chilensis 10 also Annamibis annaumbi Zonibyx 1 Oreophaslus 71 Pluvialis dominica 28 Tryngite subbifidllis 8 Spectrotyto curvivularia Colaptes campestrelos Zonotrichia capensis Anthus correndera Pseudoleistes virescens Anthus furvulus Milvago chimango Gincolates fuscus Zenaida auriculata 57 Phragus sulphurexens Lessonia rufa 1030 drove north along Rte II looking for goldens + duffia. Encountered every few Pluvialis, no Tryngite. 11 Km N of the Medaland gate (6 Km N of Rte II bridge over Arroyo Chico) we found the field which last November had rivaled Medaland for #'s of baffies. Today there were nothing, but there were Zonibyx, Pluvialis, and Oreophaslus. (as well as sheep + their droppings). This field is influenced by sheep dropping. On Instituto Geografico Militar topographic Map # 3759-27-2 this field lies at (87,67) along the E edge of Rte II. Beyond this field we went another 2 Km, finding nothing. Many of the fields along the road are much too high and rocky for shorebirds, although there are a series of areas which appear to be eminently suitable yet not occupied. This includes the northernmost section of Estancia Medaland which lies just S of Arroyo Chico and is bounded on the W by Rte II. (i.e. (22,30) and surrounding units). We returned to here after turning around on Rte II. To get there we had to return to the gate at (3,22) and work our way via gates on the Estancia lying west of Arroyo Chico. At (14, 26) a heard of sheep spooked a pair of Oreophaslus and a solitary Tryngite. Stopped by grid 11 at 1150 and found 4 WRomp, 10 bairds', and 9 Knots on the grid (plus one fallbountrix).
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Pcia de Bs Aíres, Argentina 8 September (cont'd) From Grid II we crisscrossed the fields between the Arroyo and Rk II as far north as Rk II bridge. Then we forded the Arroyo, and explored the uplands from (24,30) SW to (21,27). There were only a few Zenilbyx and Oreophobus, mostly quite near the inmunde which border Arroyo Chico. Some areas in here appear as if they are suitable for Tryngite. At 17,27 we crossed through a gate, and followed the Arroyo (again in the surrounding upland fields) SW to the next fence, paralleled that as required to reach a gate to the SE, returned NE to the Arroyo, and continued this tactic to Tower Llanos north gate (17,17) and then struck SE out across the llanos, skirting the plowed field. Finally, we passed through TL south gate (9,10) and returned to the camp mate. Returning, the only areas where we saw Oreophobus were in the fields around (14,22) [see journal 26 August]. There were also Zenilbyx and baardii hue. Nothing on tower Llanos in the way of shorebirds except several Vanellus pairs. Peeps common in the Arroyo along the water. Note: the very strong S wind is having great effect on water distribution in the arroyo bed. Water level at the grid has receded 5 m!! to where it cuts through the middle of (n,1). (2,3) La Orqueta, the Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madaniaga, Pcia Bs Aíres, Arg. 10 September reached banding site 0445, the same set of mud where I banded 5 September. Sky clear, very light N breeze, temp = 33° at 0400 but decreased to 0° by 0700, at which time the dawn the nets froze. C. fuscicollis, and C. baardii, and Charadrius falcklandii, roosting in La Orqueta area; we specked birds out of depurarios in the mud as soon as we got there. As far as I could tell there were roosting solitarily, and we never came upon a center. Numbers of proper storm from 5 September, with less than 75 total. 16420 10-15 Ch. falcklandii. After Charadrius melanotos, >10 Pluvialis flying over; 2 Steganopus tricolor. No Zenilbyx. Netted 1 fuscicollis, 1 melanotos, 1 falcklandii. Water level down slightly, but the mud is still half-deep. It appears that the shore birds are not becoming very active until past the time when they can detect the net. Do this because of the low temperature or the fact that because they roost there they don't have to fly and therefore can afford a later start
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Farmhouse to (18,10) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Tuancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 10 September (cont) 1015 left camp and drove NE toward La Manga, looking for buffalo in upland area where I had been last year, and checking out two lakes for preps. Cebotur idyllis - a slight N wind, no clouds, temp ~18°. During the short trip I found no upland shorebirds save Vanellus, which found me on their own. The two lakes still were full—or at least contained sufficient water to obscure any suitable prep foraging habitat. Buphala (19,7) in a small pond with tole (the tole ~ 3m diameter). Within the tole, in fact perched on top of a matted area, is an occupied camancha (Polyborus plancus) nest with 2 eggs. 2 pectorals flew by as I investigated, one feeding at the edge of this tiny pond, and remaining till after 1400. (2,18) region of Estancia Medaland, 35 kms of Tuancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. 1255 left camp toward (2,18) region (i.e. Rte 11 field). En route saw that the pond at (3,5) dry today. A moderate N wind developed during the morning, temperature decreased to 21°C, clouds oscillated but towards the evening increased to 30-70%. We spent the afternoon looking at upland shorebirds on Rte 11 field, particularly Tryngite (see appendent). Upon arrival I censused the area (see below). At dusk we tried to establish where Tryngite were roosting, unsuccessfully. (see appendent) Census results: Vanellus 25, Pluvialis dominica 36, Oreopholus rubicollis 59 Tryngite subruficollis 54. Also present: Nothura maculosa, Milvago chimango, Larus maculipennis, Zenaida auriculata, Sprotyte curicularia, Colaptes campestroida, Cinclodes fuscus, Ptinangus sulphurescens, Lessonia vita, Anthus coenendera, Anthus forcalus, Pseudoleiste virescens, Spinus magellanicus, & Lambs flying over Bomotrichia capensis, Euphernagra capensis. Returning from the Rte 11 field we came upon 5 Thinocorys in (12,12). Arroyo Chico-(3,13) to (15,27), Estancia Medaland, 35 km S of Tuancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 11 September 0815 left camp. 100% clouds. Temp = 8°C at 0630! (how warm in contrast to last several weeks). no wind. The cloud cover was also different from previous days—not only was it >70% at dawn, but it was a high, thick stratus with little of the usual few thin cirrus. The tropo level had dropped perceptibly in the lower reaches, almost certainly because there is no longer a wind to pile it up. The channel was due N from (un wide at (9,13). By 0930 I was at little grid 11 (15,27) and managed 2 readings before a combination
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JPMYPS 1974 Journal (5,13) to (15,27), Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tandil by road, Pto. de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 11 September (contd) of disturbance rendered further observing impossible: sheep, cattle, and Kesy, a local Irish peon. Grid totals: White-rump 12.5 (8-17)25; Baird's 2.5 (2-3)5. See Baird's and WR sp. accent. The water line at the grid was up, running ~1 m in land from the (n,1) stake. Recighting today: Rplg White-rump banded I-15-74 in the Arroyo, Hallerijn! Collected 2 WR to camp, also 1 Thincocus (9,18) Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Lois and I drove out to the bumpy foraging field by Rte II at 1730 in order to look for a roosting site again. On arrival, I began to census, but light was too low to allow adequate checking. Clouds 100% with a slight W wind, ~15°C. Oryzomys and Tryngite appeared to be the prevalent species, the former less abundant but more widely dispersed and therefore more evident. The huffers, ~40, were in one flock. They took off at 1803 and flew off (see Tryngite sp. accent). Plavialis present but not many. Farmhouse Monte (#2) to La Orqueta (2,3), Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Tandil by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 13 September 0815 left the monte in order to survey the effect of yesterday's rain, 17 mm which fell between 0430 and 2030. Temperature at dawn this morning = 10°C; clouds, 100% (fog) and no wind. I followed farmhouse road ~500 m NE, and then began working my way through a series of Spathio ridge and across a broad field to La Orqueta. This took ~50 min. I remained along the midway at La Orqueta until 1045, and then followed it and another body of water ~1000 m S, then I turned around, and returned via the old Medaland Farmhouse Rd to Farmhouse monte, arriving at 1230. Although the early morning fog disappeared before I left camp, at 1105 a SE wind began, quietly blowing over a dense fog presumably of ocean origin (the smell of salt and spray was unmistakably just as the fog arrived). Habitat of this area was described 26 August; it has changed little - a new mushroom line or blade there, the grasslands may be a bit greener, the sound is certainly thicker as a result of the heavy rains - but the precipitation did not [illegible]
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JPMYERS 1974 Journal La Orqueta (11,8) to (2,3) Estancia Medaland 35 Km S of Juncalco by road Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 13 September (cont'd) alter appreciably the amount of surface water now even contribute that much to the quality of habitat appropriate for white-rumps. Indeed, the La Orqueta mud-water system is at least now, as wet as it was 26 August. i.e. the rain appears to have done little more than replace that which had dried since then. Estancia La Driana tule stand of Solamum Estancia La Atlantida Arroyo Chico old Arroyo channel dredged La Orqueta flat semi-short grass Estancia Medaland cyclic up & low grassland low hummocky Farmhouse Monte Pampas Grass ... north taken today 0 0.5 1 2 3 Km from map of the Instituto Geografico Militar hoja 3757-29-2 1:50000 ↑ N The southern part Taille 8 of La Orqueta Marsh is a human-induced oxbow lake, created by the vestiges of the old Arroyo channel before the new one was dredged. The northern part is a dammed 'drainage ditch', which has been widened toward the southern end. The old channel today was soporific shorebird habitat - shallow water generally less than 1" with generable muddy substrate. If (lack) only quantities of shorebirds. It is bordered by Spartina and sawgrasses. The 4 fields traversed by the old Medaland road are reminiscent of those described 26 August with a diagram. Here the periodicity instead of the Distichlis (lowland) - short grass (upland) cycle is shorter and less regular. Close to Farmhouse Monte it deteriorates into small detailed 'dunish' hummocks with dried Solanum puddles, Spartina and other wettable things in the 2 depressions. Pijard armadillo digging are very evident and Gtenways can be heard frequently in the sandy
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J.P.Myers 1974 Journal (1,0) to (2,3) [La Orqueta] Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Arg. 13 September (cont'd) upland areas. Vanellus chilensis Columba pic枢ra Anthus corcorac Species seen 'for heard Pluvialis dominica Lophophla venauxi Tachycineta leucorrhoa Rhea americana Charadrius fallaxlanticus 21 Asio flammeus Molothrus sp. Nothura maculosa Lonchya modesta 1 6
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (8,12) to (13,24) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 kms of Juancho by road, Pato de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs As, Argentina. arrived at the curve below the tower, (8,13) in Arroyo Chico, at 1700. The water level has increased somewhat since from its low level just prior to the 12 September rains, reaching a level comparable to that which we encountered in Medaland 23 August upon our return. Cloud cover this afternoon: 190%, with a coastal fog poised to Haulet up bright. Slight SW wind, temp. 215°C. We drove from the curve (8,12) to (13,24), country pears as we went. Very few were foraging in the Arroyo, a total of 13 bairdi, 9 francolli, and 5 Charadrius falcklandius. Perchance the recent increase in the level has rendered the area less attractive. (5,21) Estancia Medaland, 35 kms S. of Juancho by road, Pato de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs As, Argentina. 1730 - as we were turning around in (13,24) to run back down the Arroyo, Pichon (a local peón) and Pedrito (the Huici's nephew) passed by as they tried to hunt paca with bateador (unsuccessful), and a very infrequent activity probably provoked by the nephew). As they passed they spooked into flight a large flock of upland shorebirds. We drove near to the birds in order to census the flock and watch. This field I censused 26 August with a diagram. The flock was distributed largely in the upper areas of the field, but spread well into low places. There was no obvious habitat division by species. Present within the flock were 180+ Florialis dominica (≈250), Tryptate ≈75 Tryptate, 100+ bairdi, ≈20 Zonibys. The height of the grass made species census difficult, particularly for the calidridiids, low light and the great size of the flock compounded censuses. No Oropholus. Birds began to leave at 1750, then a group of Zonibys. Buffets began to fly at 181755 when one flashed a wing, but the first flights were local, i.e. between different parts of the scene field. 1800 almost exactly the flock took off (see Trying to supp accent 10,4 September). The flock swirled overhead and broke into smaller flocks, many of them single species composition. I tried to follow Tryptate, but wound up with a large bairdi flock and our Tryptate. After 2 or 3 minutes of flying over this field they went to the ESE at a higher altitude, some splitting off to the south. I can fairly certain that they roosted in the (21,20) area, as for 5 minutes after they lost altitude, they flew low over this area, circling low, landing, taking off again - typical pre-roost behaviour. As I watched them infrequently a Tryptate would pass through my field of vision
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (5,21) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Jvaracho, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina almost invariably headed SE. This would be consistent with the observations that I made on buffle roosting (flights 10 and 11 September). The whirling flights of the different flocks appeared to have something of a segregational effect (by centrifuging?) on the flock as a whole. As far as I could tell, flocks became progressively more numerous, and the final direction of the species may have been difficult as well. However, by concentrating on following one particular flock I sacrificed part of the overview. I must admit that it was a remarkable event - hundreds of the birds engaged in various independent lots of aerial acrobatics. I suspect also that other flocks from joining fields were recruited. Equally remarkable was the suddenness with which it ended: by 1845 there were no shorebirds flying. Incredible #s of shorebirds were flying. ~ 47.25 ha (1,18) Region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Jvaracho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 15 September 0945 entered the (1,18) etc region by Rte 11. Temperature this morning was 11°C at 0800, heavy fog, slight SE Gage. Numerous shorebirds present upon my arrival, and listed other species seen: S. Horchords: Vanellus chilensis 39; Pluvialis dominica 57; Ortyxolus ruficollis 31; Tryngites subruficollis 74; Calidris bairdii 2. eburn. Chauna torquata, Larus dominicanus, Larus marilgenis, Circo cinereus, Nothura maculosa, Speotyto cunicularia, Cinclodes fuscus Colaptes campestris, Pitangus sulfuraceus, Lessonia rufa, Ecomada quinulata, Columba picoguera, Mimus saturninus, Meloethorus bonacensis, Agelaius phillipsi, Pseudoleucopsar maccians, Sturnella defilippi, Anthus corvusenda, Zenotrichia capensis, Sicalia luteola, Spinos magellanicus. I remained in (1,20) for the rest of the morning, leaving at 1145. See Tryngites, Pluvialis, Vanellus egg count. Located 2 Vanellus nests w/ incubating adult (see Nest). Also see couple accent. [illegible] (5,21), Estancia Medaland, Ptdo. de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1715 drove to (5,21) in order to follow roosting flights. Clouds 100%, Temp = 11°C wind light SE. Heavy fog lying over the coast, moving upon us rapidly. Reached (5,21) region at 1730 - large shorebird flock present was here, again predominately golden's, with some buffle, David's and a few Zenayga modestus. This evening the flights took off at 1745, leaving en masse as they had the evening of 14 September. But there was not the awesome simultaneity of flight which had occurred 14 Sept.
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J.P. WILYAS 1974 Journal (15,21) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 15 September (only) nor did it appear that few were as many shorebirds involved. The behaviour of departing flock was also difficult: about was the local whirling + swirling of the birds over this particular field; instead they flew directly off to the east. I followed several flocks 300m as they flew, and it appeared as if they landed in the vicinity of the 2nd Windmill (i.e. (24,15)). Those appearing to land there included Tryngite and Pluvialis, and flocks which passed over us from the W several minutes after the main exodus. Other birds took a more northerly course. Incident vertical light at the time of departure (measured with Weston Lima Pro light meter) = 200 ft.cnd. (10,13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Pteo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1815 stopped at the curve in the Arroyo downstream from the Tower while returning from previous location. A mixed flock of Calidris baikii and fuscicollis, and Charadrius pallidulus were there foraging in shallow water and exposed mud. During some 45 minute observation period took notes on the calidridine flock. See Calidris baikii. This location is described 5 September journal. Rain lightly and briefly during our stay there. (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 17 September reached (2,19) at 0645, ~ 0.5 hours after first light of dawn. I parked the car in a close position to where I'd been during the morning of 15 September as I could obtain with the scout light available for navigation. A heavy cloud cover (100%) accompanied a persistently moderate SE wind which blew all night. Temp at 0530 = 7°C. Drizzling infrequently and lightly. I heard the first Pluvialis dominica ~ 7 min after arriving, and am certain that more speckled in front of the car en route. By 0623 I could just barely perceive Pluvialis and Oxyrhynchos ~ 70 m away. Tryngite did not appear until 0632, and in number only after 06415 (see apparent) I remained until 0930. Weather conditions remained fairly constant. Collected one Tryngite (160) returning to camp in (3,16). (24,16) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1630 drove to the second windmill, 4.5 Km NE of farm house works. Clouds 100% low and H/catering but thin. Strong, persistent SE wind. Temp = 13°C. Was this one of the Estancia we first entered this season 25 August. Upon arriving at the [illegible] windmill [illegible]
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J.P.Myers 1974 Journal (2416), Estancia Weedland, 35 Km S. of T. vauchoby road, Pte de Madariaga, Ricia de Bs. Aires Argentina. 17 September (cont'd) climbed to the platform just below the whelb, 5m above ground (and 6 m above average local level). Remaind on top until 1815, censusing shorebirds. From the wind will are das an excellent view of the surrounding area (but we must look either east or west, as the platform forces a choice). I looked to the western half of the day, and counted all birds flying in the sky the NE-SW fence line running beneath the windmill (see 23 August may). Habitat overlooked from the wind will include a flint stretch of NE-SW flooded grass - Solanum swamp, extensive Spatina. (also NE-SW) in some places several hundred meters wide, some tide savannas, partly distributed along the W side of the Spatina grove, and the extensive grass fields which extend for over 1.5 km E to Arroyo Chico. Directly along the NW fence line beginning at the windmill, ~2 km NW, are the fields where during 2 recent evenings (14,15 September) we watched upward shorebirds may before going to roost. The 15th I had traced some flocks to the vicinity of the 2nd Wind mill. At 1700 only a few fluvialis were visible ~300m to the W from the wind will. The following data were taken: Time Light intensity (ft candles) Tringa Pluvialis Gallinago WRump Baird's Buffy Peckford Common Unid) Total ft candles dominican 1700 700 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 1705 700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1710 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1715 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1720 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1725 400 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 1730 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1735 300 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1740 300 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1745 260 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1750 260 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1755 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 6 1800 200 0 2g 0 0 0 3 0 6 37 1805 130 0 80 0 0 15 20 0 0 116 1810 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1815 65 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 208 2 17 30 8 8 30 The figures are accurate in so far as relative #'s of a species in different time periods, as general numbers + comparisons through between species. However I found that a considerable number may have gone undetected because by the time that
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (24,16) Estancia Medaland 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 17 September (cont'd) They reached the vicinity of the windmill among the flock were flying low. We found that a large number of golden plovers and geese were roosting in the shallow flooded grass and Solanum swamp beneath the windmill. (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 18 September 0625 reached location where I observed buffle from yesterday, light level upon arrival 38 ftcdl. light a continuous SSE wind was blowing (as it had all night), cloud cover: 100%, temp at 0530: 10°C. Golden were on the field when we arrived. Buffle appeared at 0631, flying across the field + then NE parallel to the road. At this time light intensity = 40 ftcdl. Lois and I remained in the stationary car until 0800, when because Trygite were no longer visible from the car, we left, driving first to the SW corner of the (0,18) field, and then following the fence as far as the farmhouse road bridge. From there we took the Arroyo to (7,12), around the fence at (9,10) and returned to the Arroyo. We had planned to continue up the Arroyo, but at that point I managed to rupture a gas line in the car, so after jury-rigging a temporary tube we returned to the Estancia. shorbird see Trygite 3pp. accent. Today I began a new form of recording sitting of species. Under each exp. that is a subset of species accent is a table containing a column for date, location (co-ord or numbers), light system value on Medaland), activities (flying, foraging, etc.) and accompanying species. (24,16) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Late afternoon drove out to the second windmill, as yesterday afternoon. 1710 climbed to same position, 5m above ground. Temp ± 15°C, strong steady SSE wind, clouds increasing from <10% to almost 100% by 1915. The cloud encroachment came in the form of a several km wide line extending SSW-NNE as far as either horizon as we could see. It was composed of a low layer of dark but relatively thin cumulus, with a few enormous cumulus at various points along the length. Until the "line" moved across, light levels were much higher today at equivalent times than they were yesterday. Therefore I was surprised to find that shriekbirds were coming to roost earlier and without the overwhelming unison that has characterized their flight on previous days of observation, particularly yesterday (for timing). At ~1735 I descended
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SPD Myers 1974 Journal (24,16), Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S of Trenelbo by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina and began searching for flocks from a slightly raised portion of the surrounding field. I found that a down position helped tremendously in picking out low flying flocks, as it put them above the visual horizon, whereas their height cut in fixing a precise landing location. Because you have to see the birds before you can see their landing spot, I stayed down. Between 1755 and 1805 we saw myriads of goblins flying west, presumably from western foraging areas. As last night, 200+ settled in the wet area beneath the second windmill. We were able to pick up one very large flock (100 individuals minimum) more than 5 minutes flight time to the west in the direction of the (6,18) region (but who knows?). Calidris melanoto settled down in the wet area slightly to the north, but may have moved (ADVANCED) down to the main roost later. After it became apparent that the wind was going to continue past landing hours, we left (1840), driving Salay Huérfano. (19.9) Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina At the pond beside the Polyporus planus nest (see journal 10 September) we found a large flock of roosting Puvialis dominica, Calidris (melanoto + baardi i + WR?), and Tryngite (at least one). Habitat identical to roosting site by (24,16). Left at 1945, almost dark. Rain. Wind continuous. Sun set at 1830. Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S of Trenelbo by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 19 September 0630 temp=9°, cloud cover 80%, a very slight, barely detectable E wind. Entered the Arroyo early in the morning, passing through the (4,10) gate on Tower Claus. I followed Arroyo Chico, occasionally skirting into the surrounding uplands, as far as Rte 11 Bridge (23,30), when I crossed it. I then returned along the eastern side, visiting the large lake + swamp system N of the 3rd Windmill in the (25,30) region, and traveling most of the remainder of the Arroyo uplands. From 0800 to 0910 I watched a flock of C. fuscicollis as they foraged in (15,76) just S of grid 11 (which had no birds out during my stay in the vicinity). As can be seen from the sighting records, C. baardi i is now infrequent in the Arroyo, much reduced over previous outing. However, it still appears to be plentiful in the uplands. C. fuscicollis appears to have increased markedly, and the flocks are now using the linear
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tucumc6 by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina grid regime more than the more northerly portions of Arrago Chico. Both Tryngite and Pluviali- [illegible] continue to appear in new foraging areas. Oreopelidos & Zonibys, and especially Thinocon- numbers respectively are much less frequently seen, as in Chaetodus fallaxadicus. For distribution see species sighting records. (19.9) Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1700 reached the La Manga pond where later evening we found roosting shorebirds (see journal) By evening the morning S/E breeze had shifted to E/N/E and air ceased in adversity. Clouds less than 10% during afternoon but increasing (from SW) in the evening (a large cirrus formation) to 60%. Temperature rose to ~16°C mid-afternoon. When we arrived at about 2 nts to facilitate placing them after dusk. As I unfolded plans a few goldens passed over. IVL at 1715 ±3000 fc. First goldens landed in the roosting site at 1755, and were immediately, dispersed by creaking, louring Vanellus. This pattern continued; however eventually the numbers began to build. 1801 regular flights of goldens began to appear (IVL= ~750 fc). Many were coming in from NW, particularly along the fence which runs from (19.9) at along the N edge of Tower Llano. 1810 IVL = 600. few birds had actually landed in the roost by this time. Some appear to be using Tower Llano swamp. There are many flocks of shorebirds visible in the air. 1815 potential flock of buffle- herd in (15/12) region, just on the W side of the fence. 1816 bird landing in (19.9). A curious feature of the roosting flights this evening is the inordinate amount of cross-crossing of paths of flocks - there seem to be many directions of flight. [1818 - a buffle in (19.9)] Another interesting feature is the # of shorebirds flying very high and always to the south. Often with ducks, swans, other birds, etc. Gadwits, Tringa, peeps, etc. The sun set at 1834. We waited until ~1930 and then walked 2 nts into place, downwind of the roost ~25 m. I then circled around, turned on my headlamp, and tried to speed the birds. In order to do so I had to approach within ~ 5 meters. They rose, flew a few meters across the wind, and then upwind, all avoiding the net. Cheers. Got a good look at a vizenacha returning (19.9) to camp
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Tower Llanos, Estancia Medaland 35 Km S. of Juan de la Cuesta by road, Pto. de Madariaga, Provincia Bs. Aires, Argentina 20 September 1700 drove to Tower Llanos in order to search for Tryngite roosting areas. Last evening from 19.45 we had seen buffins apparently landing in the (0,12) region. Accordingly, we drove to the area, parking in (15,11) in order, hopefully, to observe without being a disturbing factor. Temperature: 17°C, 100% cloud with a NE breeze. We reached (15,11) at 1720, at which time IVC = 500 ft. Shortly after we arrived intense rain (sprinkling) began, continuing until 1930. Both sp. tetramor (Rhynchobotes refusus) and Nithura muculosa are very active, calling all evening. Dawn: During the early morning we watched the western + southern horizons for shorebirds, recording sighting records. By 1745 T. tryngite appeared regularly, most flying in from the SW (IVC at 1745 = 400 ft). At that time a large flock of buffins (50?) came in from beyond Tietepars Cornfield i.e. the NW and the (0,18) region. See Tryngite sp. accent. When the buffin flock landed in (14,13) we moved to within 180 m (1806). From that site we found not only the roosting buffins, but also saw large flocks of Pluvialis flying, and small groups of buffins flying low in many directions over the lances. [See Tryngite sp. accent for tale of mobile rest aggregations]. Banded 2 buffins [see banding schedule]. The vegetation in the (14,13) → (15,11) region is marked a transition from short grass → dry patches → very thick high grass → swamp and bare mud → thick, high grass → short grass. The buffins were on the edge of the short grass zone, moving into the taller + thicker grass. These transition zones are a common habitat on the Estancia, so there would not appear to be a shortage of roosting areas. (23) La Orqueta, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juan de la Cuesta by road, Pto. de Bs. Aires, Argentina 22 September 1215 drove to the nearest point on Medaland to La Orqueta and walked to the holding pond (see map 13 September). A moderate SW wind blew throughout the evening, continuing into afternoon. Clouds increasing from 10% cover. Temperature ~13°C. The holding pond has dried beyond its state beyond the last rains, making it drier than I have ever seen it. In one place, several hundred makes of the toke stand, dried low ascended and dried across the surface. However there is no other as guanaying crossing, but the prime areas of shorebird feeding (prime 10 days ago) appear to be
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J.P. Myers 1994 Journal (2,3) La Orqueta, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Javendo by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 'withering away' - narrowing to a thin <5 m strip in the center of oogy mud. Peeps occur here and along the border of open water areas in other portions of the pond. The shorebird community has changed considerably: Baird's sandpipers are essentially gone, so are Charadrius falklandicus. I saw the following species: Calidris paerdi 3 Calidris fuscicollis 164 Limosa haemastica 8 Tringa flavipes 15 Himantopus himantopus 4 The change in Baird/WR ratio is striking (as previous exp. to La Orqueta) I began to observe WR, especially searching for banded birds (none) but was deflected by a tremendous spoonbills in the sandpipers, alerted by pernicious Vanellus and Larus maculipennis. As I approached the birds they would continue foraging, but slowly gather into a tightish + tight flock. Finally, almost invariably, they flew. (8,12) & (11,17) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Javendo by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 1740 drove toward Arroyo Chico, passing through the (9,10) quite and entering the Arroyo in (8,12). Strong S wind blowing all day, 100% clouds, temp ~ 9°C. Arroyo level was down lower than it was just previous to the last major rain, i.e. lower than it has been all spring. We drove after an subadult of (4) fuscicollis / paerdi flock, Reducing reaching the north fence of Torres llanos at 1749. See fuscicollis accent re: flocks seen (see a new, returned banded bird!) (13,13) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Javendo by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. Parked in 13,13 within 200 m of the 20 September Tryngita roosting site at 1745. N/L at that time = 750 ft. We remained in that vicinity until 2030 trying to capture Tryngita with a portable Car headlamp which I borrowed from our car + rigged for hand carry. Late during the session, just before it was too dark to see flying birds, we lost track of the major traffic flock. Although we did find it again later, it was only by accident, as we stumbled across them in the dale. As a result, we caught none. Details of the evening roosting flight: 1757 we saw Major
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J.Phillips 1974 Journal (3,13), Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Pato de Madalinga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 22 September (cont'd) flock of Tryngite + Ploviatis, presumably) take off from (9,18) region. 1VC at that time = 600 ft. They whirled over that area for several minutes and then apparently landed in that vicinity. There were at least two large groves, visible from that distance (2.5 km) against a sitting soup. 2 obvious size clears. 1803 5 Tryngite appeared in front of us (1VC = 500 ft.), flying around, apparently holding but not landing in the 20 Sept. roosting site. 1865 Cinereous harrier going over. 1VC at 1810 = 2400 ft. 1810 - 3 Tringa f. going over and 10 Tryngite beginning to circle, going down in the roost site and last year at the edge of a patch of Salamanca, in trampled short-grass. 3 more Tringa at 1815. Buffle at 1816. 20 buffle going toward Tower (Viano) swamp and beyond - 1816, going down beyond now fence butt before Sparkina. 1820 1VC = 260. golden going over them and a Tringa, 1825 6 WR. Flying toward 2nd windmill, 7 Tringa at 1826. 1827 4 WR. + 8 Tringa. 1828 6 Tryngite. 1829 big flock of peces over tower (Viano) 1830 5 buffle went down exactly on last year's roost site. 1VC = 130 ft. at 1830. 1832 30-40 Tryngite flying low over 22 Sept. roosting site. 20 WR flying by in distance. 2 Ploviatis with buffle flock, which is still flying low over area used 20 September. Described as figure 8, flying 200 m + beyond. 1835 (1VC = 80 ft.) the buffle flock went down of 20 Sept site. 1836 18 WR going off toward 2nd windmill. 1838 buffle group allows started to feed after sitting quietly all Sunny E. 1838 the flock took off. At this point I stopped doing anything but following the major buffle flock. They eventually landed ~ 500 m E from the car, just W of a bare-mud part of Tower (Viano) swamp in Distachio. It was approximately at 1840 that goldens became very numerous in the air, including a flock of 30-40 which landed where the buffles had been. At ~ 1910 4 Rheas scared the buffles, and I lost them as they flew. We found much later, that they had landed in the same area. 10/13 (8,10) Fe (3,24) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Pato de Madalinga, Proia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 23 September 0640 lift for Arroyo Chico via 8,10 gate. Sun up before 0644. Slight-mod E wind, 100% cloud cover, temps 79C at 0600. Reached (10/13) at 0655. see sighting records. The wind has receded; bared water in the Arroyo, exposed a corner hat, exposing a few new areas, throughly shifting the water edge from E->W by several horizontal circles. But in
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico (8.12) to (13.24) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina most places there is simply not enough H2O to make a significant shift. First concrete signs of space-specific aggression in fuscicollis this morning - one WR specimen. Suggests slight doubt that it is coincidence that this is occurring shortly after reappearance of last year's barked birds, particularly as it occurred in a flock w/ an odd bird in it. 2 more old breedos reappeared in WR flocky along the Arroyo this morning. By 0900 the wind had increased to a point where it shook the car. From 9 until 1145 I took micro-hope data on Tryngita, Calidris f., and Charadrius falllilandicus across A through the early morning passage north to (3.24) yielded few bandiis in the Arroyo, by 1000, as I worked back, it was obvious that they were increasing. Many (30+) birds were foraging along the upland border of the Arroyo, in the grass. This is particularly true between linear grid subunits B and C, the (11.19) region. totals - (see sighting records) Calidris fuscicollis 106 arroyo Calidris bartrii 6 arroyo 44+up Tringa subruficollis through Arroyo 27 up Tringa flavipes (3.5) CPE, 5 arroyo Pluvialis dominica 100+ up Charadrius falllilandicus 6 arroyo Zonibyx modestus 1 arroyo 1up (11.1) to (19.9) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 24 September 1430 left Farnhouse Monte walking to La Manga in order to survey the effect of today's rain and to move the blind into final position in front of the Polyborus nut. It began raining late last night and by 0300 was going steadily. By 1700 it had accumulated 22 mm. Wind continued throughout the day, and as the rain ceased to dizzle a fog came in, lifting and then closing in by 1800. As a result of the rain there are small puddles in many places, the ground is saturated, yielding water when stepped upon, and some of the Solomon swamps have a small area of surface water (the (19.9) region where the River has been a small shorebird roost gained considerably water as a result of drainage patterns. Other similar depressions in the short grass - marsh / humidity area (oll seed dam) in that vicinity are also reflecting, probably the rain showing some
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J.P.Myers 1974 Journal (11,1) to (19,9), Satania Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proin de Bistina, Argentina. 24 September (cont) water, particularly those w/ stink grass substrate that has been riddled with livestock hoof print. Actually some of these areas show more water gain than the big swamp in proximity, which we are used. I walked from Farmhouse monte to the first windmill along the road, then cut W to the fence, following it to (19,9), arriving ~1630. After remaining there n 0.5 hours, I returned via the broad Spartium belt which parallels the fence (NE-SW) all the way to farmhouse Road at (10,0). Species seen: Vandellus chilensis Speolybo curicularia Rhynchos rofuscens Pluvialis dominica Colomba pigacu Nothura maculosa Charadrius falklandicus Leptoptila venaxi Euxenura magvari Calidris fuscicollis Zonaido auriculata Chauna torquata Calidris melanotos Chrysophila melanolacina Anas sybillatrix Tryngite subruficollis Colaptes campestris Anas georgica Gallinago gallinago Formacus rufus Anas flavirostris Tringa flavipes Cinclodes fuscus Polyborus plancus Himantopus hispautopos Synallaxis sp. Milvago chimango Larus maculipennis Paleocryptis ↓ Hymenops perspicillata Anthus coracina Molothrus bonariensis Pitangus sulphurescens Anthus fuscatus Zonotrichia Lenania rufa Tachycineta leucorhyncha Boopiga nigrae Maculornis rixosa Agelaios thalius Embernagra platensis Satrapa Pseudolobus virescens Sicalis flutola Taegyora [illegible] Stornella One of the flocks at La Murga (19,9) (perhaps a T. colineum flock but certainly < a sort of juxtaposed flock) was composed of Tryngite, Pluvialis, Tringa f., Charadrius falklandicus, and both Calidris melanotos and fuscicollis.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (11.) to (2,3), Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 26 September (See map 13 September) The Sun appeared on the horizon at 0634, temp 8°, 0% clouds, light wind. I left Camp at 0710 and walked fairly directly to La Orqueta (2,3). Today there was considerable water remaining on the surface from 24 Sept's rain. However, this was not enough to do more than leave a trace of water in many of the swamps and low areas. Curiously, in lighter lying puddles near larger lower areas which last year contained rainwater, there is more water down in the low areas themselves. The La Orqueta holding pond did rise noticeably, there now being a thin, almost continuous strip of open water running the entire length of the pond. Down below the earlier dam, the old Arroyo bed is also much fuller, covering most of the sand and mud that previously had dominated the area. Along the borders of La Orqueta holding pond, the 'ditches' inlets were saturated, some with standing water, and most, when crossed had trails, with micro mosaic ponds 3-4" across. I [illegible] arrived at La Orqueta at 0830, and remained until 1100. By then, a fine wind had come up out of the SW, making walking in that direction difficult. It is one of the strongest winds we have had here. Temperature rose to 17°C. Sky remained clear. See sighting records + camp list for species seen. Also see [illegible] fusciolla sp. accent (one new, returned WR-Loy) 19.9 Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires 1615 left for La Manga (19.9), driving from camp, with the intention of trying to spotlight roosting sandpipers. The wind had dropped somewhat from this morning's bluster, clouds <10% and temperature -14° at 1600. The area between Farmhouse Monte and La Manga show the effects of the last rain—several new puddles exist, most of them lying along the border between the hummocky, sand dune (vegetation covered [short grass]) and the Spantina lowland lying to the west. Reached La Manga at 1700 (see sighting records re [illegible] - Pluvialis melanoleuca, fusciolla, Tryngites) ATM I observed a Tryngites flock until 1800 (see sp. accent) and then began recording flights of shorebirds into the roosting area. See flocking accent re details and habitat description. Over 350 shorebirds roosted there. Failed to spot light any; it appears that the light is not bright enough.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (9,18) region Estancia Medaland 35 km S. of Juninco by road, Ptdo de Malvajing y Pto de Batias, Argentina 27 September Sun on horizon at 0633, temp = 3.5°C. no wind, 30% clouds. By 0710 cloud cover increased to 80-90% and by 0845 it was raining hard. At dawn we drove to the (9,18) region and immediately censused birds present. Along Facultous road leading to (9,18) there is considerable water lying in the ditch running parallel. The (8,4) swamp now has several hundred m² of surface water. Arroyo Chico water level is not greatly increased, but enough so that a small series of islands just S. of the bridge are now covered. Arrived at the (9,18) region 0730. Census white Tryngita subruficollis 142, Vanellus chilensis 43, Pluvialis dominica 208. Also present: Molothrus maculatus, Larus maculipennis, Mihirango chinango, Eremophila curvirostris, Speotyto cucullata, Colaptes campestris, Phragus sulphureus, Agymenops perspicillata, Anthus coruscans, Molothrus bonariensis, Agelaius thilius, Pseudoleistes virescens, Sicalis luteola, Zonotrichia capensis. Finished census at 0755. As the other day, the census, at least in so far as Tryngita is concerned, is laws: offer something by running down the fence and back way along the eastern edge of the field (i.e. the two long sides), [illegible] to the site where bufflews were densest (1,18) and counted, from one position, 600 151 Tryngita, 50 goldens, and 3 Vanellus [2 incubating @ ~75-100 m apart]. The last census taken here was 15 September. Accepting the #s of each species in both samples as a representative index, the following changes have occurred: Chrotoptilus ruficollis is gone; Pluvialis dominica has increased fourfold, Tryngita has doubled. Vanellus remained constant. After censusing this morning I also found 6 Tripsa harmonia in the field, Trio flammeus, and 2 Cisticola buffoni - one hunting near fly-field along the roadway. At 0845 we were forced to return to camp because of rain (had left birds out to dry). (10,13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland 35 km S. of Juninco by road, Ptdo de Malvajing, Pto de Batias, Argentina 29 September 0445 reached the curve below the tower for banking. Slight W breeze, temp 35°C, cloud cover low and heavy, observing an almost full moon. We put up 2 nets and would have done more but for the unexpectedly early first light - 0610. We stopped working on the nets 0520. However, no birds appeared until 0543, when the first golden flaw over calling At 0546 white groups called near the nets, and by 0655 there was a mixed flock of bairds/white-rump numbering ~30 birds foraging by the nets. We caught and banded
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JP Myers 1974 Journal 29 September (09.13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Trenque by road, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires. 7 fuscolillis, 2 bairdii, and 1 Cinclodes fuscus. Also caught, but did not band, a Sicilis lubola. After banding we placed a grid in the area, 50 x 15 m in dimensions with subunits of 5 x 5 m, finishing ~ 0930. Between 0930 and 1130 I recorded the local wip flock for landed birds (see ap. accent) (12.13) Tower Llanos, Estancia Medaland, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1800 entered the roosting area of Tower Llanos, after briefly surveying Tower Llanos swamp (and finding nothing). We parked facing west near the edge of the short-grass habitat in a position where I could see several places where we have found bairdii roosting previously. At 1806 we saw the first bairdii flight. See flocking occurrence details of evening movements. Although we were not lucky after able to locate a mixed roost of goldlens + bairdii and successfully follow them until dusk, I decided not to net because they were very spooky. Returning to camp from W which still on the Llanos (from where we found 3 CW) as they pooped from a roost site after dark. (see ap. accent). 30 September (01.19) region, Estancia Medaland, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina 0445 arrived in the newly gridded area along Rk II in order to net Tryngites. Placed 4 nets by 0530. (Clouds = 0. No wind). Temp at 0345 = 3°C, but by dawn there was a heavy front. At 0557 I heard the first Pluvialis call, at this time 1V L day not register, even though I can see the nets from the car. 1V L at 0600 = 0.065fc; could cover increasing to 10%. 1V L at 0610 = [illegible] 2 fc, at which time I began to see a few Zemaidas. However, after the first Pluvialis no more appeared until 0613 when a burst in calling came, many goldlens began to appear, and a flock of ~ 30 bairdii appeared, avoiding the net, flying low. 1V L at this time = 7 fc. From this sighting on bairdii were flying continuously over the field), but we caught none. The only bird which fell was a Zemotrichia, which I cursed and released. 0620 1V L = 13fc. Sun on horizon at 0628. Just before it appeared a heavy mist almost enveloped the nets, but stopped just short. It does not appear that foreign site-banding will work for Tryngites
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J.P. Murray 1974 Journal Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 30 September (cont'd) 0745 entered the leucar grid area in order to fit work on stakes and to search for banded birds. We drove along the east bank from (0,13) to (13,24). At (13,24) we repaired subunit 10 and placed a new grid in the area between subunit 10 and the fence to the north. This grid measures 50 x 15 m. Territorial white-rumps continued to compliment from the area as we pounded stably. See resighting chart and sighting accents for its seen in Arroyo. 10 October (13,24) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina barking again - reached subunit 10 - grid 13 at 0745. Temp 2.5°C at 0330. 0 clouds, no wind. At several places along the Arroyo I came across roosting Pluvialis d., and suspect strongly that Calidris was roosting there as well. There was a large flock of places at 13 when I arrived. 3/14s were up by 0530, shortly after first light. I caught 2 Pluvialis in the 1st net while pulling up the 2nd. They were the only birds to fall this morning: fuscicollis and Bairdi appeared only after light levels were too high. In fact Pluvialis did not start calling very much until 0550. I suspect that the heavy frost may have affected the birds' daily time of arrival. Even after the came, many remained stationary, feeding (particularly upland Pluvialis) the large flock of Bairdi, which I often see here foraging in the up- lands with Pluvialis foraged along the upper reaches of the sand banks of the Arroyo until after sun-up (and frost melt). A very unproductive, but beautiful morning. 2 October 0900 L mod W wind, clouds 55%, temp at dawn = 3°C. I entered the Arroyo at (6,13) and drove north. See sighting data for its seen. Species: Vanellus, Himantopus, Pluvialis d., Charadrius falklandicus, Charadrius collaris, Calidris fusc. + bairdi, Tringa, tringa, flavipes, Steganopus tricolor, Micropalama himantopus. Took micro data for fuscicollis, Ch. falklandicus, and Micropalama. See WR supplement re definite territorial birds.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Arrigo Chico (114)-(132-4), Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Piste de Madaniage, Provincia Buenos Aires, Argentina 4 October dawn (i.e. sun on horizon) at 0625. temp = 11°C no wind. 100% clouds. reached subunit 1 of the linear grid at 0717 and began w/ sampling, finishing (i.e. completing to subunit 10) lay 0750. Grid totals: Calidris fuscicollis 25, Calidris bairdi 11, Calidris melanotos 1, Micropalama himantopus 1, Charadrius fallax 1, Pluvialis dominica 3, Thinantopus h. 2, Anas georgica 10. Upon reaching the Grid 13 region I pulled the car and began observing fuscicollis three (see sp. accent) in addition to sample D. Took 1 hour following data on 10-4-74 A and 10-4-74 B (adjacent subunit 10). (Grid totals: C. fuscicollis 23 (0-4) 35; C. bairdi - (0-1) 1 [15 samples]) Territoriality was the dominant theme of the grid this morning - 3 birds controlled the entire area, producing a % territorial bird calculation = during 1 hour's Simon census = 76% see WR sp accent. Returning down the Arrigo I searched for banded birds, but did not record anything. Arrigo water level has been going down continuously since the last rain, but it has not yet reached the level known to have been achieved just prior to said rain. And today it started to rain as we drove in. See sketch of water level at grid 13 in notebook. By @ 1730 rain produced 2.5mm 5 October Began reading linear grid at 0728. 80% clouds, temp = 9°C, with a moderate SW wind. By midmorning the wind picked up considerably and the sky cleared to <5% cover. Finished reading the linear grid sample at 0805. Totals: Calidris fuscicollis -32; Calidris bairdi 6; Calidris melanotos 3, Tringa solitaria 2, Pluvialis dominica 3, Charadrius fallax 1; Thinantopus 2, Lymnaea hians 1, Larus marilipennis 2, Tachyrix ruficollis 2, A. georgica 2, Anthus correndera 1. see sighting cards. (7-1) Estancia Medaland, Piste de Madaniage, Provincia Bs Aires, Argentina 1800 parked car off Farmhouse road in (8-11) - the fallow field S. of Tower Flavors, where we had found roosting bufflehead and gulls earlier in previous evening (see Tringa sp accent) 2 October By that time the SW wind which had been blowing most of the day had stopped, and very little cloud cover remained. Temperature 10°C. The field which we were watching lies between Farmhouse road and the South Tower Llano Fence, encompassing
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (11) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tucumc by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 5 October (cont) with (6,12), (7,10-11-12), add (8,9-10-11), and (9,9). It was plowed 3 years ago, and planted with corn, the signs of which did appear thus part water. However, obvious furrows remain, giving the area severe microtopographic relief - 'hills' of 6-8", 2' apart + running in a N-S line. The area in which the flocker was was noticeably more flourishing than other surrounding areas. When we arrived at 1800 I was surprised to see a considerable number of birds already in the area - 100+ Tryngas and 200+ Pluvialis. See flocking accent re behaviors. Shortly after sunset (1855) they flew, but we were able to keep track of some until after dark. At 2000 we marched out to their position and placed stationary nets. Unfortu- nately, the kick in the stomach which I had received 3 October prevented me from working mobile nets or pulling out a full complement of stationary ones, see flocking accent re lack of success + lack of strategy + lack of success. Linear Grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 7 October Began reading the linear grid at 0655 - temp 80, 70% clouds, no wind, a boiling morning. Given the lack of rain the waters on its way down again, revealing new islands' or various points along the length of the arroyo. This does not seem to have done very much for total wrk #3, though: grid totals Calidris fuscicollis 24; C. bailii 5; Limosa hamatica 1; Tringa flavipes 2; Pluvialis dominica 6; Charadrius falconarius 1; Himantopus leucocephalus 1; Phalaropus lobatus 0.1; Euxema maguari 1; Anas georgica 6; Anas flavirostris 2; Larus maculipennis 2; Lepomis refa 1. After sampling we turned about, searching for banded birds and ensuring total birds along the 3Km stretch. Dismal: C.fuscicollis 42, Charadrii 10, Microcera lana 9 Limosa h. 1; Tringa f. 2; Pluvialis dominica 7, Charadrius falconarius 4; Himantopus 4, Phalaropus olivaceous 1, Chauna torquata 2, Anas georgica 27, Anas flavirostris 9, Anas (shoulder) 2, Larus maculipennis 8, Sterna trudeaui 1. (23,16) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tucumc by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina After a very warm afternoon taking microtopography (temperature up to 24°C!!) I paited beads the second windmill in order to observe roosting flocks coming in to the area. At 1830 I began taking notes, oriented in flocking accent, re timing + numbers of birds flying in
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J.P. Myas 1974 Journal (23,16) Estancia Medaland 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina and over the rooting area. This site has been described previously. Briefly it consists of a series of parallel habitat strips - grassy old down, shallow marsh, sparsely, marsh, grain fields, which run in a NE-SW direction parallel to the fence (or vice versa). The bird roosting site is described in Judy Heckenberg. Grid 15 (0,18) region Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 8 October 0745 began reading the large scale (ruffy grid) which we placed a week ago in the region previously used 0,18 region. The grid extends parallel to the road, 1 km long and 100 m wide. Each subunit is 100 x 100 m, i.e. 1 hectare: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Fence -> 9 has been displaced 50m closer to the road in order to avoid a blind spot caused by a low rise which would obscure the run of 9. Sampling procedure involves driving along the fence (100 m away from running parallel to grid) and stopping at painted fence posts, placed so as to position unit 100 m from the middle of each unit: unit n | | | | 100 m | \__ route of sampling | \/ | marked fence post Sampling is done from a blind on top of the car, at a height of ~2.5 m, with binoculars for 3 min from each sampling point. During today's sample I was pleased to see that the birds paid very little attention to me, remaining to forage and, indeed, to supplement. Within 25m of the car. Finished sampling at 0848 - a long time. totals: Tryngite subbuccalis 187 (0-44); Vanellus cinereus 13 (0-3); Pluvialis dominicus 125 (7-24) Of course density (hectare) can be calculated by dividing by 10. For details see grid 15 data book. (22,17) Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 1700 drive to the area NW from (23,16) where last night I saw a large flock of unidentified birds swimming over as if to roost. It turns out to be a scant 300 m from the 2nd windmill
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (22.17) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Atio de Macharaga, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina 8 October cont'd actually lying just along the far edge of the wide Spartina strip (which defines the wedge of last night's roost). Upon arriving, I tramped about in the vicinity for ~0.75 hours in order to find the most likely roosting areas. [diagram with labels: Spartina, short swamp grass, bunchgrass, tole, small palms, car, North, ~300m, 100m of Spartina, roost area observed! 4 October (seasonal flushing accent)] The above diagram presents the distribution of vegetation/habitat types in the area. there is a very obvious polarity in a NE-75° direction; it continues for km's on both side of the diagram. We parked in the NW most part of the 2nd Spartina patch, S of the fence. I walked to the open, short swamp grass area near the car, and through several hundred m of tole to the NE. No Nycticephalus, but one Polyborus roost (see next accent). The obvious candidates for roosting were the 2 open areas lying on either side of the fence, the SW one being a beautiful green swamp of grass <6" high, heavily trampled by cattle with water filling the holes and occasionally forming small open puddles, and the NE one being
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (22.17) Estancia Medaland, 35 cm S of Juancho byroad, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 8 October (conts) an area worked over by pigs - heavy rooting amidst the bunch grass, plus some 'short-grass'. Swamp area also trud by cattle. The Southern area is ~ 135 x 200 m long. See flocking accent ve movements of shorebirds during the evening. Temperature at 1730 ~ 15°C, 75% cloud (high haze), mod WSW wind. Totals flying over from 1730 - 1920: Calidris fuscicollis 188; Calidris melanotos 149; Calidris bairdii 12; Tringa subruficollis 12; Micropalama himantopus 39; Tringa flavipes 48 Tringa melanoleuca 1 Pluvialis dominica 181 @ Grid 15 (0.18) region, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina. 9 October 0750 began reading Grid 15 with temp ~ 13°C, Wd = 2000 ft., mod NE wind, 70% cloud. During the sampling period (until 0842) the wind picked up considerably, (it Fugio making Ma total range ear shake, thus rendering it difficult to sample. Grid totals: Tringa 117 (5-31); Pluvialis dominica (24(7-16)); Cauellus citatus 7 (0-2); Calidris melanotos 1 (0-1). We had some trouble with sheep today: they were all over the grid, and moved ahead of the car. They did not panic, but rather would move steadily + slowly, keeping just ahead of us. They probably observed some 'buffalo' activity, and probably equally for all aircraft. After sampling we dug the holes for the tower (which will be placed ~ 100 m E of subunit89. (8.11) Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina sci 5 October journal) 1735 reached observation point for area survey. 5 October we tried to not rooting buffies. Cloud cover ~ 20%, a decreasing WSW wind (strong this morning + afternoon) temperature ~ 23°C. Immediately began counting flying birds. See flocking accent. At 1820 a wind picked up. Actually, that is a terribly poor description. From almost a dead calm, which had developed earlier, at 1828 we were hit with a wind 'front' out of the S which hit at moderate velocity + continued steadily thereafter. We remained until 1915 - totals: Tringa 456, Pluvialis d., 303. Buffies: Butthymeasurements showed a strong peak between 1835 and 1845, at light intensities of ~ 150-250 ft. (Golden showed a less pronounced peak between 1855 and 1905 - 71 golden among them at light intensities of 8-40 ft. Sun set between 1855 and 1900. It appeared that very few, if any, of either sheep actually rooted in our 8.11 vicinity. Buffies were obviously congregating in the (11.10) region
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (8,11) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Jujuydo by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 9 October (cont'd) of Tower Llanos. A vast flock of several hundred birds built up there, with a large majority of those counted to night settling in that area. We witnessed a remarkably constant in flight path of both species involving flocks approaching from the West of the Arroyo and presumably (almost certainly) involving (9,18) region birds: they entered the arroyo after diving low on the far side, swooping down into the arroyo out of our line of sight, then coming out of the Arroyo following the drainage ditch which begins on tower llanos in (8,11) and enters the Arroyo at (8,12). The flocks fly both in the ditch + parallel to it on T. Llanos, less than 1m above the ground, and then parallel the fence to the 11,10 region. 4 separate flocks of [illegible] followed this path. 11,10 Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 13 October mid afternoon we took micro-daln for Pluvialis and Tryngites in the (6,12) and 194 regions. The birds proved to be very difficult to work with, not allowing good site-specification very often. As a result in 3 hours we got only 4 points (2 of each spp). Weather during this time period was charac- terized by the threat of rain - heavy clouds moving over from NW + W, and occasional light sprinkles. Temp ± 16°C. At 17:30 we moved to 11,10, to an observation point slightly removed from the area where 9 October we had discovered a large Tryngites roost. (9,10) gate fence cattle tod area ditch area of concentrated roosting short grass with interspersed with patches of bau dirt Cover-grazed stubble of bunch-type grass Patch of bau dirt ~ 1 month See flocking count for details of the birds movement this evening. Due to the very heavy cloud cover light levels were low, earlier in the evening. To my surprise, however
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J.P. Myers 1971 Journal (1110) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pcto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs Aires Argentina 13 October (contd) the birds appeared to be coming into the coast area considerably later than 9 October, though not considerably so. Made for 9 October was the 1835-1845 period (incident vertical light ranges of 80-210 fc). Whether today modal movement occurred between 1845 and 1855 (IUC range of 10-50 fc). Thus, at least for these two samples, absolute value of light intensity do not appear to cause voicing flights earlier. If anything, they occurred somewhat later today total seen flying: Tryngite 559 Pluvialis 29. I suspect that the Pluvialis figure is so low because 1) we were near no extensive Pluvialis foraging areas (making early evening detection low) and 2) movements were occurring after light levels fell too low for us to make satisfactory sightings (see flocking accent). We remained in the vicinity until 2045, waiting for light levels to fall to a point where the night-light (strobe) would work — however, it began to rain steadily + we vacated. By dawn the next morning rain accumulated to 10mm. (1110) to (2215), Estancia Medaland, Pcto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs Aires, Argentina 14 October 1330 drove from Faranhouse Mount toward the 22nd Windmill with the intent of taking mininotopo data. It was a very warm afternoon, temperature reaching 24°. Modest NW wind, and a 5% cloud cover exaggerated by a heavy, threatening approaching haze. I encountered Pluvialis immediately upon leaving the mount, and began taking micro data immediately (see Pluvialis nightly record + spread). After getting 3 points from a series of Pluvialis groups between the mount & La Marga, I drove to the long stretch of Pectoral habitat near (2215). There was a good flock there (15 birds) and several Tringa flavipes 3 vagrants + 1 Tringa point. At 1745 I returned to the mount in order to pick up Lois so that we might night-light Tryngite. (1110) Estancia Medaland, Pcto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs Aires, Argentina At 1845 reached the (1110) region where we observed voosting Tryngite during 2 previous evenings. I quickly located several voosting flocks, and parked between them so as to facilitate finding them after dark. We waited in the car until 2045 when I could no longer detect any light difference between E-W horizon, and then began walking through the voosting area carrying a carbally hunting light, and hand net (0.5m diameter on 2m pole). Located 3 flocks, but netted only 2 birds, a Tryngite and a Pluvialis. (see flocking accent + band)
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (11.10) Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Tandil by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Schedule). During the evening a moderate - strong N wind continued. Temperature dropped to 4/3 °C. Very few clouds, all on the S. part of the horizon. Sunset at 1857 or so, perhaps as late as 1900. (11.9) region, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina On tower at 0545, temperature 13°, slight S-SE wind, clouds 20% and increasing rapidly. I remained on the tower until 1145, taking grid samples from 16a ad 16b, and following data for buffets and goldens - the story of the morning, unfortunately, was the scarcity of Tryngita - depressingly few near the tower or populating my grids. In absolute terms, in the 1/18 region as a whole, buffets are not scarce; at any given moment I could count 100- 200 within a 250 m radius of the tower. But in the immediate vicinity, i.e. on the grids, very few grazed one of their presence. Grid totals: 16a (64 samples) Tryngita 0.13 (0-2)9; Pluvialis dominica (39 samples - will explain discrepancy later) 1.1 (0-3)42); Grid 16b Tryngita (42 samples) 0.6 (0-4)25; Pluvialis (17 samples) 0.6 (0-2)11. The discrepancy in sample number results from the fact that I was able to reconstruct 27 hours of 5 minute samples from following data in which I was able to record minute by minute position of all buffets on the grids (only because there were very many). Others, while doing this ignore Pluvialis position. What is not reflected in the grid totals nor the raw data is the general pattern of foraging exhibited by the small group of Tryngita here this 4 a.m. see flocking accent. We also took following data on 2 Pluvialis, one of which [illegible] demonstrated classic space-specific [illegible] behaviour (see 16a following data book). With respect to the tower: it is placed ~75 m from the edge of a rise which runs in a NE-SW direction along the western boundary of the Estancia in 1/18. Otherwise I described the area in previous journal entries beginning 13 and 17 October 1973 4 September 1974 and others, a cross-section : [hand-drawn sketch with labels: E, N 3-5 m rise, tower, 1 km, grid, slight rise, fence, road, short grass, grazed ≤2 cm high, pond extending out of page]
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JPMycs 1974 Journal (1,18) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Pdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina. 15 October [illegible](cont'd) Although not represented in this cross-section, a typical formation in the 'ridge' is a depression much the converse in dimension to the slight rise down in [illegible] to the W of the tower. They are shallow - less than 3 m deep, usually fairly ground and perhaps 100-150 m across maximum. Vegetation now is all under 5 cm and the vast majority is less than 3 cm high. I have taken plants for ID. Most are grasses, there is Trifolium [illegible] in abundance. Thistles have not yet begun to regenerate. An impossibly high density of leaf-cutter ants covers the field, and there are many clumped groups of armadillos digging. I have also taken for ID various insects which we have found - most coleopterans and some Leptidopteran larvae. 2 scorpions. Many grubs are in the substrate, and in fact they appear to be common golden and Oreophalus food - see appendix. Grid 16a lies 25 m NW of the base of the tower; 16b lies 25 m NE : SW ↑ [illegible] 16a [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Each grid 25 x 25m total (i.e. 625 m²) with subunits of 5x5m. I will be pulling in 16c and 16d and 16a, which can lie SE + SW of the tower, and he built the same as 16a and b. Also, I plan to add grid 17, a series of 75x75m units composed of 25x25 subunits (i.e. the same as 4a). 17a, 17b, 17c etc. [illegible] to [illegible] Estancia Medaland, Pdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 17 October 0700 began draining out towards 2nd windmill, taking microdata en rock. Temp ~10°C, clouds ~80% consisting of low, dense but thin (a high fog bank) cumulus, light S wind. Everywhere on the ground are puddles as a result of 22 mm of rain (actually drizzle) which fell from the afternoon of the 15th until yesterday evening. Although this makes an accumulation of over 30 mm in 3 days, the campo does not show the effect of the rain as much as we are hidden in camp while the wind blew - hoped that it would. Many wildflowers are starting to pop up in the grass fields - it has turned a rich green. During the morning [illegible] was able to take 8 points -
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SP Mycus 1974 Journal (11,1) to (2,14), Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S of Juanico by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg., 17 October (cont'd) 3 Pluvialis dominica, 3 Calidris melanotos, & 1 Tringa flavipes, ad 1 Micropalama. Also found 2 Vanellus chilensis nests (see nest account) (22,17) Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina; Arrived at 18:50 day the roosting site which we had webbed the evening of 8 October (see journal that day). I had some trouble gaining entry into the area because of the recent rain, and in fact could not penetrate the Spartina as far as previously possible. Nonetheless the actual roosting area shrank little if any change in surface area covered by 4:0. Placed 3 nets by 16:45-50 I finished the last set of birds began to fly around & over. This was surprisingly late considering the data from @Estancia 8 October (see flocking count). It was also true that only 1 Tringa and a few (2?) melanotos were in this area when I arrived. Sunset at 19:05-0% cloud, no wind. By then goldies were going overwhelmingly mostly towards the (23,16) roost area. No large flocks of peeps ever came in, although WIR and Pictorials did eventually enter. Caught 2 fuscicollis and 6 Pluvialis (see banding schedule), also one small bat, which I released. Streaked Whimbrel like a cormorant? I remained at the roosting site until 22:05, spending the last ~30 min flushing the nets. During the evening several predators came by the roost area— out fox, a possible cat, & Asio flammeus, and Circus cinereus. Returning to camp I found many many roosting shorebirds along the route, including Vanellus, Pluvialis, and peeps (see flocking count) Arroyo Chico (11,14)-(3,24), Estancia Medeland, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 18 October 07:57 Arran reading the linear grid. 0% cloud, temp 8° after a 4° dawn (sun on horizon at 05:33) no wind. Arroyo back to level of ~2 weeks ago, but—the tardo appears to have gone. Total: Calidris fuscicollis 9, Calidris bairdi 2, Limosa haemoptica 2, Pluvialis dominicus 1, Charadrius falcklandii 4, Steganopus tricolor 1, Thinornis himantopus 3, Anas versicolor 3, Anas georgica 5. Oh misery. I counted a total of 23 war while returning down the Arroyo, with one banded wire (Reply A). —real fuscicollis Last night's banding fraise may not be a result, simply, of the birds heavily moved their roost. Rather it would appear that a large % left. 9,18 region, Grid 15, Estancia Medeland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina Proceeded from Linear grid to the 9,18 region and immediately began to sample Grid 15 (see journal @ October also 15 October for description of area). Temperature rising rapidly this morning, up to 18°
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 15, (0.18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S of Juncha by road, Pte de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. 18 October (cant'd) by 0930. We sampled the grid twice, from 0915→0946 and 1115→1148. Grid totals (species: 1st sample, 2nd sample) Tryngite subroficollis 71,64; Pluvialis dominica 120,126; Vanellus chilensis 6,8; Limosna haemastica 1,0; Speohto coniculatia 3,3. Recall that Grid 15 covers 10 hectares (see 8 Oct. description). Tryngites have obviously decreased since the last sample (9 October) but Pluvialis is remaining remarkably constant: Oct 8: 125; Oct 9: 124; Oct 18: 120 and 126. Equally interesting are these graphs of #’s of units containing a given number of birds (i.e. a frequency histogram): [Graph with axes labeled: # of units (y-axis) and #’s of individuals within a given unit (x-axis). Data points marked as circles for Pluvialis and crosses for Tryngites.] What the graph reflects is the remarkably even dispersion of golden in grid 15 — a dispersion strongly suggesting either a very precise individual spacing plus a packed habitat or a strong tendency towards territoriality. Tryngites, on the other hand, is quite clumped in dispersing, showing many units with ≤5 birds/unit, as well as a smattering of units with up to ≥30 birds/unit. (8.11) Estancia Medaland, Pte de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1740 began counting flying shorebirds from some area that we had observed 9 October, i.e., in the SW part of Town’s claim near the drainage ditch which that might have served as a funnel for roosting traffic coming in from the west. 5% clouds, and 5 wind temp. 12°C. The evening remained largely clear until we stopped counting at 1930.
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{ "text": "SP Myers\n1974\n\nJournal\n\n(B.11) Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia di Bs As.\n(6x flatting accent.) As before, buffets moved onto tourned flu route well before sunset\n(1906) while the peak of golden movement was just around sunset. totals:\nTryngito subroficollis 311; Calidris indiculata 2; Micropluma himanopus 3, Tringa\nflavipra 11; Limosa haemastica 5; Vanellus chilensis 63; Pluvialis dominica 327\n\nGrid 15 (0.18) region Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Pcia di Bs As Argentina\n\n19 October\n0630 began taking & samples from grid 15, Sunrin was at 0600, at which temp t=\n9°C, moaned, and 90% clouds. We continued sampling throughout the day,\n& sample every 2 hours, until 18 after the 1630 sample, when rain forced us in\nDuring the early afternoon rain began intermittently, and by 1630 it was coming\ndown steadily. Wind picked up out of the NE by 0830, and big began shifting around\nfirst to the N, then NW, and finally out of the SW. Grid totals (6 samples)\naverage range total\nTryngito subroficollis: 76.6 (51-100) 460 ; Calidris baicali 3.3 (0-7) 20;\nLimosa haemastica 0.3 (0-2) 2; Vanellus chilensis 72 (5-11) 43; Pluvialis dominica\n129 (111-153) 774; Nothura maculosa 1 (0-2) 6; Scepbyb cunicularia 2.5 (2-4) 15\n\n30 -\n & golden plovers\n25 -\n & buff-breasted sandpiper\n# of units\ncontaining\na given # of\nbirds\n20 -\n15 -\n \n10 -\n \n5 -\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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S.P.Myers 1974 Journal Grid 15 (0,18) region, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Tandil by road, Ptdo de Modaniaga, Puna de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 19 October (contd) the graph shows a frequency histogram of the mean distribution of birds in the 10 subunits over 6 samples. As did the 18 October data, this set reflects a difference between buffy and golden not only in average density but also in the evenness of the dispersion pattern. This could be a result simply of uneven habitat distribution for buffy, assuming that their preferred micro habitat is different from that of golden and differently distributed. It could be by result if buffy have a denser "maximal packing" and spread out into their preferred areas only after that "maximal packing" is achieved, whereas golden - showing a consistent tendency towards 12.9 birds /hectare - tolerate only lower densities, and because there are more of them, they have achieved a more stable even dispersion, i.e. reached maximal packing in most if not all of the units. On the other hand, if the evenness of golden dispersion is maintained independent of density, as the mean crowding calculation will lack (more comments) then this simple hypothesis will not suffice and one must introduce an incorporate different dispersion system features into the models of the two species dispersing patterns. As the afternoon wore on, buffy appeared to be concentrating more toward the 7-8 region. Golden, on the other hand, remained fairly even throughout the day. Considerable "cumulative use" differences built up between different units; i.e., buffy throughout the 6 samples showed a strong tendency to restrict their presence to only a consistent subset of the ten units; golden on the other hand, showed much less so, although they too appeared to prefer certain units. This can be seen in the following table showing mean #s in each unit: unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Xbuffy 1.2 10.1 1.3 2.7 10.0 13.7 24.7 14.8 1.7 0.7 Xgolden 7 14.5 11.2 9.8 14.0 14.5 15.3 13 11.3 13.9 [illegible]
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JPMyers 1974 Journal Grid 15, (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Peia de Bs. Aires Arg. 19 October (cont'd) The table shows almost a 40 fold difference between mean buffle densities. However golden density varies only 2 fold. The graph below, showing the relationship between X-bar sub 6 and X-bar sub 7, reveals a strong positive correlation between the two variables. This could be a result of a number of factors: 1) both birds/habitat could be distributed similarly, as is certainly the case. (but why the vast difference in ranges?) 2) one species may be attracted by the presence of the other (prob. true, but not always, or at least not simply, because there is golden -> buffle aggression and supplementary. 3) some factor could be keeping both birds out of some areas, but operating more heavily on buffle. this is certainly true to some extent -> Vanellus chaeas both birds out of the vicinity of nests + foraging chicks. Sprotylo causes buffle + sometimes golden to speak. Thus, if we make the following table: subunits with - i.e., 1,2,3,9,10 subunits Sprotylo, incubating Vanellus, or Vanellus chilin malky without i.e. 4,5,6,7,8,11 X-bar sub 6 #golden 11.6 (7-14.5) 13.3 (9.8-15.3) X-bar sub 7 #buffle 3.0 (0.7-10.1) 24.8 (12.8-36.8) Although I don't have the means here to test for significance, it is apparent obvious that those sub- units without Vanellus incubating (or with chicks) and that for Sprotylo have greater densities of both buffle and golden. Buffle densities vary much more than do golden densities. While this table shows a strong effect, I also suspect that habitat differences are also operating. The trio of subunits 1,2,3 are all a bit Varae thicker in vegetation, possessing Distachlis instead of the Tripliium tual. association dominating the grid. This factor should reveal itself when we take habitat measurements. Linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Peia de Buenos Aires 20 October 0742 began sampling the linear grid. temp > 9°C, SW wind, strong; clouds 30%, TVC = 4000 fc. finished at 0820. Total: C. fuscicollis 15; C. bairdii, 1; Mimus parvulus, 5; Linsana hacaemotia 1; Pluvialis dominica 4; Hymenopus 3; Chaunotius falluklondus 1, Anas georgica 9, Anas flavirostris 2
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J.R. Myers 1979 Journal Linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 Km S. of Jujancho by road, Ptdo de Malaringa, Pucia de Bremer Aires, Argentina. the morning was remarkable for the first strong S wind which piled water up against to the northern ends of most (1-2) keep of the Arroyo. The effect was particularly marked behind the linear grid at the curve, 19:15, where water was shifted around to such an extent that there was no net downstream current. In fact the channel was bailed of all (but a surface film at the s point). It was along here that a flood of 25" WR and Microptera had congregated, including a recent bandee, Rp Lg B, handed in [22,17] on 17 Oct. Two new returned, also (but not in this flock): Rply and RyLyo. (22,15) Estancia Medland, Ptdo de Malaringa, Pucia de Bremer Aires, Argentina. 1700 drove to the roosting area by the second windmill in (23,15) [see journal 9 October], and immediately placed mist nets spaced evenly along the length of the swamp and perpendicular to its long axis. We had some trouble putting the nets up because of a hard-strong south westerly wind which diminished only after ~ 1845. (Cloud cover during the evening - 0; temp dropped to < 8°C. At ~ 1945 I began walking the area, in an attempt to sneak the now roosting birds into the nets. However I found that even at that time, 45 min after sunset, the birds were able to avoid the nets if they were flying SW (i.e. toward a glowing horizon). And then they did, almost without exception. I therefore waited another 30 minutes and began pacing again, this time w/ ears: I walked through the middle of the swamp and then walked along the border ~ 15 m from edge. As found that the birds, when they flew, still took off in the SW direction. However, I had to approach them quite closely - even with all the stalking - in order to get the fasciollis or melanochroa to fly at all. When their tendency to remain became apparent, I began using the headlamp (a weak 9 volt affair) to attract speak them. Even with the light they were unwilling to leave. In fact, I was able to catch a fasciola: by spotlighting with the headlamp and thus saving my shot upon it. (We Rply B - subhanding school). Anyway, despite a large number of birds in the roost, we caught only that one w/ 2 golden plovers and one peotral. Returned to camp at 2230. The lesson of the evening is to wait till birds come in, locate their precise roosting spot, and then, afterwards, walk them into place them between the birds and light. Then, after a brief wait, try to speak them into the nets.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal The Tower, (J18). Sotanica Medaland, 35 Kms S. of Juvando by road, Ptdo de Maduringa, Provincia de Buenos Aires Argentina 21 October With a late start I reached the tower this morning at 0830. Has driven me out and then left with the car. Until 1030 I remained in the blind writing note. At that point I began to sample grids. Since the last tower observation period (see journal, 15 October) we had placed a new series of stakes, finishing the grid 16 set and adding a new grid, 17a and 17b. [Diagram] 16c and 16c are identical to 16a and b; 25x25m with 5x5m subunits. 17a and 17b are 75x75m with 25x25m subunits. 16a and 16b lie within them as indicated in the diagram. After some practice, and using the stake on 16a and b, and landmarks in the 5x5m subunits (large copping an anthill, armadillo digging - very prominent indeed in this habitat) I was able to locate with a fair ac- curacy any bird to within 5x5m subunits on 17a and 17b even if they fell outside of the 16a orb limits. Thus all samples are now taking showing the position of each individual in the grid (see grid linkback). After a few attempts to sample 17a and 17b concomitantly, I decided to concentrate on 17b as to record aggressive interactions in space in addition to the sampling, which were taken all day at 15 min intervals. Grid table: 17b 32 samples Tryngite subnigriollis 7.0 (0-17) 224; Pluvialis dominica 4.6 (0-10) 176. No other shorebirds were recorded on the grids. During the morning grid 17b was the scene of considerable instances of supplanting; None were largely limited to several areas (see aggression site chart). At 1330 everyone spooked, many congregated in 17a (for which I have 2 readings at 5 min interval) but within 20 minutes what appeared to be literally all the buffle and most of the Pluvialis from the (J18) region - i.e. the considerable radius of vision that I have from atop the tower - flew towards the array. They began reappearing in double ~45 minute later - small flocks of buffle and other flocks, but mainly solitary, golden. The first traffic reappeared on 17b at ~1528 and immediately picked them up
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J D Myers 1974 Journal The Tower (16) Estancia M[illegible], 35 Kms S of Juanelo by road, Route de Buenos Aires Argentina 21 October (cont'd) up in the 1530 sample. The pattern of usage changed to a much less aggressive one during the afternoon. In some cases I continued to note occasional instances of aggression. However big and large the buffalo on the grid in the afternoon were foraging in directional flocks. # samples with graze # birds present 25- 20- 15- 10- 5- # birds on 17b in a given sample • bufflo • goldens During both morning and afternoon survey, Pluvialis were very territorial. For all samples taken during the day on 17b I have computed a measure of the dispersion of the birds in terms of their degree of clumping to random dispersion. The ratio of λ/μ from Cloyd's article on mean crowding, λ being the mean number of individuals in a unit per individual and μ being the mean/unit area. A value of 1 indicates random dispersion. Values exceeding one indicate a clumped or patchy dispersion and <1 indicate an even dispersion. The following table presents mean values computed for bufflo and goldens during the morning and afternoon. morning 11 samples afternoon 12 samples bufflo 1.81 (0.76 - 5.5) 2.79 (1.1 - 6.67) golden 0.48 (0 - 1.0) [illegible] (0.83 (0 - 1.78)) Note that the samples for which the means were computed cannot be regarded as independent. In a graph of λ/μ = f(twin of sample), one feature stands out. (The graph is not shown here, see grid data book). Bufflo rhythmically move in and out of a clumped dispersion. The period appears to vary, but, eyeballing the graph, there appear to be definite oscillations - alternations between periods when the birds were largely clumped (peaks on the λ/μ graph) and when they were largely dispersed. In the afternoon, bufflo tended to be more clumped than they were in the morning. Recall that observations in qualitative terms noted directional flocks in the afternoon but more
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Tower (1,15 region), Estancia Melalaland, 35 Km S. of Juanlicha by road, Pto de Madeninga, Parid. Bs. Aires, Arg. 21 October (cont'd) space-specificity in the morning. Goldene also showed oscillation but they were nowhere nearly as pronounced. However, both species increased in X in the late afternoon. If we act whither, in time over the whole unit - i.e., treating 176 m at a given time as a subunit, the whole of which is 176 throughout the day - to what extent are bufffuo and goldene clumped; X values are 1.34 for bufffuo and 1.27 for goldene. In other words, both species tend to aggregate in time on the subunit slightly more than random, but not differently from one another. Explanations: this is to be expected given that both species move in and out of the general area in flocks, but local movements occur in small groups or individuals. Initially, both goldene and bufffuo appear to get to the foraging area in a similar fashion, but once there, disperse differently. We remained until the birds took off at 1817, took an 1830 sample (two birds) and left. I am afraid that for some reason bufffuo are not using the 5x5 m stated units (i.e., 16). One possible factor is the pair of Kiskadee flycatchers which are building a nest on the tower. I became aware of the fact that they were a disturbing influence several days ago, and I saw them (while scanning grid 15) perched on the tower and flying out after goldene and bufffuo when the Alcidae (the shrikes) caught anything which took sure them a second or two to digest. Both species will fly from stakes (as does Oreophylax). When we are in the tower, an occasion the Kiskadees have used the grid 16 stakes as perches. I therefore have removed the first several beginning of the next several trims from the tower, and may be forced to collect the Kiskadees. 22 October We reached the tower this morning at 0615, before any bufffuo were in the area. However, Murciels were already present on the grid. Sampling began at 0645 - 8 on 17a and 14 on 17b. Totals: 17a Bufffrested sandpiper 14 (8-18)112; Golden plover 6.4 (4-10)51.176 B.b.-spiper 9.0 (2-15)126; G.plover 5.8 (5.8)82. No clouds throughout the morning. temp increased from 9°C at 0645 to 17.5°C at 1100. Wind came up during the latter part of the sampling session. As yesterday, examination of X = f (time) revealed oscillation in the Tryngitidae dispersion pattern: the birds appeared to fluctuate in and from an under-dispersed state into a nearly random pattern (over even slightly over dispersed) and
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal Tower, (117) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Sancho by road, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires 22 October (cont'd) then back to the under-dispersed condition. Unfortunately the morning's observation period was too short to reveal whether the oscillations are truly cyclic, although the graph (see data book) certainly suggests it, with a period (if I can be permitted to call it that) of an hour from peak clumping to peak clumping. Unfortunately, the tape commentary color (it was to accompany the f(tin) plot disappeared beneath a linear grid reading. Hence, possible external factors influencing the change are unknown except for one definite speaking which occurred at 1045 on 17b. Here, the [illegible] shot up from 1.74 at 1050 to 4.9 at 1045. However, the buffle quickly dispersed to an over-dispersed value (0.87) at 1100. I examined the possibility that [illegible] was affected by the % of birds feeding but using a scatter diagram and eye-balling (the only possible here in the field) found no strong effect. It does appear that, except when spoken, [illegible] decreases with increasing density (using data from 10-21 and 10-22 and an eyeballed scatter diagram). In other words, if there are few birds (X < 0.4 birds/625m²) they are likely to be very clumped. However with larger groups the dispersion achieves a more even effect. For this there are many possible explanations. However, in order to understand the temporal process involved I must take exclusive qualitative info. on the events in the area (grid + surrounds), take grid data over smaller time intervals (is it possible?) and supplement the material with qualitative info. on feeding rates, aggregation rates etc., doing the falling and rising phases of the dispersion pattern. linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Proia de Bs. Aires Aug. 23 October ran linear grid beginning at 0905, few birds - total. Calidris fuscicollis 17; Micropalama bimaculata 6; Tringa flavipes 3, Tringa maculosa 1, Chroadeus fullelandi 1, Himantopus mae, 2, Larus maculipennis 2, Aras georgica 2, Ayas flavirostris 1. Running back down total: Calidris fuscicollis 54, Calidris bartrici 2, Micropalama 15, Limosa haemastica 5, Tringa flavipes 6, Phylaidis dominica 1, Chroadeus fullelandi 21, Himantopus 6-15, Larus maculipennis 1, Steganopus tricolor 1, Sterna hirundo 2, Aras georgica 7, Ayas flavirostris 10. 3 banded white rampa from last year plus 1 WR and 1 falcklanders from this year.
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S.P. Myers 1974 Journal Linear grid: Arroyo Claro, Estancia Medallan, Peto & Nederiago, Pina de Bs. Aires, Argentoni 3 November We have been away from the estancia since 24 October, and approaching the riadumb it has not rained here since we left. It looks as much - the arroyo is a bare trickle in many places, although elsewhere it has even not shrunk horizontally. Dawn this morning at ~0545. I began reading the linear grid at 0629 - a slight NE wind was up, temp = 17°C, clouds 90% and an ave of ~2000 ft. grid totals: Calidris fuscicollis 31 (!), Calidris baicalensis 3, Calidris melanotos 1, Arenaria interpres 1 Tringa linosa harrimaniae 1, Tringa flavipes 2, Vanellus chilensis 1, Pluvialis dominica 6, Rhodostethia falklandicus 2, Ch. collaris 1, Himantopus 4, 8, Anas georgica 5, Anas flavirostris 2. The remarkable feature of today's grid reading was the large number of sandpipers and the species diversity. In addition to the number of fuscicollis present, the sample was remarkable for the number of territorial fuscicollis (which I saw while doing it). By the time that I had finished the sample the wind had shifted to out of the W and grown in strength to moderate. Running down totals: Calidris fuscicollis 31, 39 (110); C. baicalensis 5, 13 (18); C. melanotos 1, 2 (3); Thiacopelma 1, 2 (3) Tringa 1, 1 (2); Tringa linosa harrimaniae 1, 6 (2); Tringa flavipes 1, 4 (5); Vanellus chilensis 0, 1 (1); Pluvialis dominica 2, 2 (9); Charadrius falklandicus 1, 2 (3); Charadrius collaris 10 (6); Himantopus 3, 5 (8); Steganopus tricolor 2, 1 (3) Anas georgica 16, 0 (16); Anas flavirostris 8, 0 (8); Larus maculipennis 0, 3 (3). 5 old banded Cark one from this year (see roughing chart). During the count I found territorial WKA on 10+ 10, 10-9, 9, 8, 4-3, 3 and 3-2 (see running down data sheet). — general note. In the afternoon (~1530) a violent windstorm developed, quickly cooling down the excessive temperatures, and delivering early afternoon (30°C+). It developed into a lengthy thunderstorm. At some time during late afternoon winds reached sufficient velocity to tear the blind off of the tower placed in the 1/8 region. Oh well. When we found it the next afternoon it was hecho oil pedegos total. Every knot in the frame had found a way to break. I only hope that it fell on top of a cow. The storm produced a miniscule quantity of rain. 4 November The storm continues, still without rain but sufficient wind to fill any sail. We arrived at subunit 7 of the linear grid at 0834 and began sampling. Cloud cover was low and heavy, there were a slight drizzle and strong S wind.
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Journal Linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 km E of Tramelo by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. As., Argentina 4 November (cast) I was surprised that the storm continued, especially as yesterday it began as a summer thunder- storm out of the NW. But the temperature dropped to 13° and the wind shifted to SW after south, in fact it blew all day.* This had a remarkable effect upon the distribution of H2O, -w-rump foraging habitat, and white-rumps in the Arroyo. The linear grid count contained 45 birds, over half of which were on subunit 1. There was another concentration of fusicolis between subunits 7 and 8. And, above the linear grid, in N(5,25), there was a third concentration. Although individuals and small groups could be found all along the linear grid, an overwhelming majority were to be found in these 3 areas. The locations were notable because in common they shared one characteristic: all 3 lie at the southeast of a lengthy S-N running strelch of the arroyo, and they because of local topography, all are structured such that a strong S wind, coming on top of (pre-existing) low water conditions, blows the water upstream, and because of natural 'dams' at these water levels, water to the soil these strelchus is pre- vented from filling the void & created. Therefore expanses of newly exposed bottom, and new areas of low water are made available for foraging. A servus, in effect, as a slow tide. (Bekman thus the storm introduced a fair degree of temporal instability to the arroyo, shifting (probably) areas of maximal foraging efficiency. Yet despite this 'instability' an incredible amount of space-specific aggression was occurring during our observation. Whatever interpretation is to be made, it is complicated by the fact that there was a large influx of birds into the area - at least 100 we mowed in, most in a different polymage than the mono-gray (that the local population had developed) (see our specimen + 1 August they are juveniles). Linear grid totals: Calidris fusicolis 45; Calidris baistii 10; Micropalama brisbanensis 1; Cinclus maculatus 2; Tringa flavipes 4; Charadrius fulvus 1; Himantopus 6-8. Returning to the question of stability: while I said that the storm had introduced a 'fair' degree of instability - that 'fair' is only in relation to the Arroyo, not to a good tidal mud flat (like
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J.P. Nippers 1994 Journal Linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Tornichely road, Pto. de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. As., Argentina Punta Raya. Everywhere along the Arroyo (i.e. at any point), could be found appropriate w/r habitat, although some of it - the newly exposed areas - was apparently better than others. And 4 hours after the morning grid count there was still a large flock (in fact larger than it had been) on subunit 1. Thus the instability was small in comparison to a tidal mudflat where the location of a minimum foraging point might shift several hundred meters on an outgoing tide. If for a moment, we consider the dispersion of the habitat, it would appear intuitively obvious that the 'damned' areas represented patches of extremely favourable habitat, and thus I suspect that was a measure of the dispersion of optimal w/r habitat along the arroyo available. It would reflect an otherwise rare under-dispersed pattern relative to flat which it usually is. For the w/r sample this morning was 34. This compares with values of ~1.7 for the last 2 samples. There we were very patchily distributed, as was their habitat. However there was considerable space-specific aggression, and a degree of instability (but not 'successive'). [illegible] [illegible] I must say that my first reaction to this morning's dispersion - before looking at the bird's behaviour - was that the crowd had broken down the territorial system. That it did, if one limits the 'territorial system' to that precise dispersion of focal on 3 November, i.e. the same set of territories. But the birds were obviously at work at defining new territories in the new areas. [Note - muddy banks preceded me from running down.] Grid (14) (A013). Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medland, 35 km S. of Tornichely road, Pto. de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. As., Argentina. 1600 drove from camp out to the curve area and stopped at the observation point for grid 14. The change in habitat between this morning and now is striking: this morning their ha (been) one of the 'damned' sites, within the water blown off of it to the north. Although the wind still contin- ues calculated, water has covered the area which this morning was prime habitat. What happened was that the 'dam' gave way on at least the water below the dam reached such a high level that the area was flooded and the water made it past the damned site. When we arrived at 16:20 there were still over 100 birds in the immediate area but instead of staying (and) being on the newly flooded bottom they were lining the sides, spread from grid 12 (below grid 14) to well above # subunit 1 of the linear grid. Amazing. And their space-specific behavior continues. Among
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 14 area, (0,13) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S of Truncado by road, Pto de Wladarising, Pria & B.S. Aires many others, Ro+BrB defending an area on grid 14. However, there are also non-ss individuals. We (Cass + E) remained at Whitfield Grid 14 until 1800, taking samples and following data: (average) (Grid total of 8 samples) White-rump sandpiper - 18 (15-23) 144; Micropalama - (0-1); Brown yellowlegs 0.35 (0-2) 3; Black-necked stilt - (0-1). White rumps showed dispersion values of 0.8 - 1.6 with an average of 1.18. Territorial, in the process of formation obviously, were quite small, usually only a 3-4 m stretch of shoreclear. Both old and new plumage types were engaged in both ss and non-ss behavior. During the sampling period the habitat continued to fill up as water rose. 5 November. We had intended today to test make a % ten. buffy calculation on a grid we had placed last evening. But a non-starting car prevented us from getting to the site on time. Therefore we returned to the Grid 14 area and in order to run a % ten. We carried Calculation stuff. Began censusing at 0800 and at the same time I began recording time, location and topography of aggression on the grid (we limited observations to that season units (1,n) -> (3,n)). Lois took following data on several birds including Ro+BrB which was here again this morning. Observations continued until 1100. We then began taking habitat measurements, doing so for the remainder of the day. The usage pattern on the grid had changed somewhat from yesterday - a large drop in CR density. Water level has dropped considerably also, but not so far as it did last night (see journal). At the beginning of the observation period there was a slight Swirl, and temperature was ~5°C. Both increased during the day, temps reaching 25°C and the wind becoming moderate. No clouds. During the observation period a maximum of 3 km/h wind birds, one being Ro+BrB were in the area. Calculations (mean % of 10 censuses) revealed a % territorial bird value = 43.7%; ranging from 17 - 100%. The other two territorial birds were not banded, and did not always remain on the grid. As a result, I counted them as territorial only if they had been behaving in space- specifically whenever a bird entered their territories during the previous 10 minutes.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 14, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Tucumcara by road, Pto de Malargüe, 300 m b.s. This day this means that the % value may be slightly low. It also reveals difference in degree of spare-specificity between them and RobrB, which remained on their territories throughout- even when all the rest of the flock specked and flew. Incidentally, I think it significant that RobrB and other birds were territorial this morning on the grid, and that the density is lower (+ territories much larger). The habitat looked much larger than it was last night - when RobrB and others were territorial. Time produces an expansion of territory and a reduction in density. Or vice-versa. Or both. ?? See we spp. accent or observations. During the afternoon we took habitat data and (dispersion of micro-habitat of wemyps) and continued to measure the stability of the habitat as we'd begun the morning. During the day the periphery of the water gradually dried and the shore line considerably receded. Barely in most places there was no more than 30 cm recession during the whole day, caused by a maximum water drop of 2 cm. 2 larger areas were uncovered and dried, but they are small with respect to the total available habitat ( < 5 m²). temporal stability plot will look something like this. 15 10 % change 5 0 start → 0800 1100 1400 1700 Admittedly a crude measure, it is generated by asking, for each one of the 30 5x5 m subunits, whether their flow is appropriate or habitat contained within at each of the sample times. Every sample % change is calculated by asking for each sample set what % of the units differ with respect to the 'answer' (yes-no) first obtained during the starting time sample. Can you do any better? Habitat measurements were marred somewhat by the fact that it took us 5 hours (steady) to complete them. Thus there was some change. But I don't think that it altered appreciably the results.
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JF Myers 1974 Journal (Grid 1, Arroyo Chico (10,13), Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tucumc by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Airo, Argentina). 5 November (cont'd) The Habitat data manipulation has yet to be done. Visually, the unit is a typical part of the Arroyo, except for the presence of several islands. So certainly there is a 'special effects' type of patchiness present - i.e. there are chunks of dirt spotting the water (see diagram in % km. calculations). It remains to be seen how patchily distributed is appropriate line [illegible]. Linear grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tucumc by road, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina 6 November 0615 spring went to linear grid. sunrise at 0542 at which time temp = 6°C. Wind happened up to a slight W at 0615. 5% clouds. Linear grid totals: Calidris fuscicollis 42; Calidris bailii 1; Limosa haemastica 5; Tringa flavipes 2; Pluvialis dominica 3; Charadrius fallaxiocos 2; Himantopus h. 4; Steganopus tricolor 1; Ardea gryphus 3; larus maculipennis 1. C. fuscicollis was very evenly distributed along the grid with a σ = 0.76. Lack of wind and preceding water produced (at least for the eye) an even dispersion of habitat as well. Because of time considerations, we put off running down the linear grid until after running grid 15: Grid 15 (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina. Today in our first reading of grid 15 series returning to Medaland on 3 November. In several places it is obviously more ragged (the grass, that is). Sample went off without a hitch. Wind wind from SW, 5% clouds. total. Buffly 74 (0-14); Golden Plover (6-19); Baird's s. 7 (0-6); Vanellus chilensis 16 (0-4); Speedyto 2 (0-2) See grid 15 data book for counts. Linear Grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs Aires, Argentina. R30830 were back at subunit 1 of the linear grid prepared to read up (instead of dawn), recording shorebirds and recording sightings of banded birds. Total: Calidris fuscicollis 23,62 (85) ; C. bailii 4,7(11); Limosa haemastica 3,4(2). Tringa flavipes 1,4 (5); Arenaria interpres 1,0 (1); Pluvialis dominica 6,4 (10); Charadrius fallaxiocos 0,3 (3);
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J.P. Myers (1974) Journal Linear grid Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tuenchelo by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 6 November (cont.) Vanellus chilensis 1,0(1); Steganopus tricolor 1,5(6); Himantopus h. 4,13(17); Chauna forquata 1,0(1); Anas flavirostris 2,0(2); Anas georgica 3,5(7); Larus maculipennis 3,5(12). In summary for the linear grid reading of this morning and this running up — the difference between today’s WR dispersion pattern and that of 4 November is considerable. Today they are evenly spaced almost along the whole length of the Arroyo. Everywhere was evidence of territoriality — much supplanting. There were a few groups of birds, although there were some. Ry Lya which had been territorial on 11–3 and between subunits 9 and 10 and then switched to sub 8–7 on 11–4, was back between sub 9–10 today. Ry Lya also switched back, although I had no indication of its territoriality. Ry Lya did the same. If anything, the dispersion of optimal habitat along the arroyo today is much more even than it was 4 Nov. The birds are also even, and they are territorial. (B)1 Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Tuenchelo road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 1800 began counting flying shorebirds from position used 9 October and 18 October. Weather during the day has been eventless — a moderate NE wind backtown continuously, cloud cover remained below 10%. Temperature risen to 25°C. Temperature at 1800 = 24°C. We counted until 1945 at which time light intensity fell (below 1 fc). total: Tryngites subruficollis 651 (+360 spooked); Calidris fasciollus 11; C. laicalis 2; Limosa haemastica 24; Tringa sp, 8; Vanellus chilensis, 62; Pluvialis dominica 29, 278 (+272 spooked); Himantopus h.j. temperature at 1745–1755. It began to look as if another thunderstorm was forming, advancing from the S. However, it never developed. Sunset at ~1927 (Obscured by cloud). There was some variability introduced into the count by the fact that 2 horse riders working taking sheep through a prime upland unit of habitat on the western side of the Arroyo, and later they passed along the road, going to the farmhouse. Large flocks flew in front of them. These were tallied separately in the flock account. If the spooked flocks are separated from the main body of 10 buffy flocks, and the latter latter plotted
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (B.11) Estancia Mcdaland, 55 Km S of Juncal hoy road, Pto de Madaniaga, Provincia de Bs As, Argentina # buffalo flying / to units, period 6 November (cant) the resultant figure shows a peak at buffy overflying flights at 1900-1940, rising smoothly beginning at 1820 but dropping sharply after until 1920. Golden, on the other hand, are much more spread out, and in fact show 2 peaks - 1910-1920 and 1930-1940. Both species retained approximately the same relationship between period of peak movement and times at which the sun set (when compared to 10-18-74 data): buffies peaked 20-30 minutes before sunset whereas golden were moving around sunset. (12.19) Estancia Mcdaland, Pto de Gral J. Madaniaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina: 7 November Before sunrise drove to the newly placed quasi-grid upland from subunit 6-7 of the linear grid in Arroyo Chico. Called grid #18 (grid 18 is placed in typical upland short-grasslanded in a field bordered on the west by the Arroyo and the east by a lower area of Dactylis). The gridded area is 50m x 50m, and was placed in order to allow a calculation of 90% buffalo buffies. Then, adequate stakes were placed so as to allow an observer to visualize the limits of the area and to provide scale. When I arrived at 0520, I found that almost 50% of the stakes (placed 4th Nov) had been pulled. I therefore had to replace them, and while doing so saw the morning influx of buffies. Unfortunately, they saw me, as well, and things never returned to normal. I remained until ~0815, but then left when it was overly apparent that I was to continue to be a disturbing influence. The flock spooked several times, were very ragged, and never consistent in their space relations, although several times it looked as if they were going to settle down. From the observation post (in the blind atop the car) I could see territorial supplementation by Trypophorus further out (far out?). Meanwhile, The sun came above the horizon this am. at 0537. Temperature = 11°C. Slight E. wind developing and steadied by 0800 and swinging to the west (cloud cover ~80%). Sea buffie sporecent Linear grid Estancia Mcdaland, Pto de Gral J. Madaniaga, Provincia de Bs Aires, Argentina 8 November After placing the padded-up blind again atop the car we drove to the linear grid, beginning to sample at 0903. Temperature this morning at 0530 = 8°C, at 0900 = 17°C. Wind light E. Clouds = 40%. The arroyo this morning had flowed to a bare trickle, in some places about stopped, less than 1m across and ~2cm deep. Then? As a result [illegible] and in
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JPM Myers 1974 Journal Linear grid, Arroyo Llano, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Trenelos by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 8 November (cont'd) combination with the fact of the damming effect which appears in the arroyo at low water levels, there are areas exposed to WR which are probably of a better quality than the usual mud along the water. That is, flat expanses of silt, freely exposed by the falling water, become available. Grid totals: Calidris fuscicollis 13; C. bairdi 5; C. melanotos 1; Limosa haemastica 2; Tringa flavipes 3; Tringa melanoleuca 1; Himantopus h. 7; Vanellus chilensis 1; Charadrius fallax 2; Pluvialis dominica 3; Anas georgica 2. Running total linear grid totals: C. fuscicollis 72; C. bairdi 6; C. melanotos 1; Limosa haemastica 5; Tringa flavipes 8; Tringa melanoleuca 1; Vanellus chilensis 3; Pluvialis dominica 12; Ch. fallax 7; [Ch. semipalmatus 1]; Himantopus h. 19; Charadrius forquatus 4; Anas georgica 5; Anas flavirostris 4; Larus maraculipennis 3. After completing this latter sample, we continued down the Arroyo to the place at (7,13) surveying flocks for band-tailed birds. Then, we turned around, and began repairing the linear grid, whose status have been depleted by horncrass and crows. After completing this, we put in a buffle grid at (13,21) for 90 min. bird calculation, and also surveyed the local (buffle and golden flocks). During the morning and afternoon we also took microhabitat data for Tryngites, fuscicollis, fallax, melanotos, Tringa f. and Pluvialis. Finally at 1415 we returned to camp. Throughout the day cloud cover never rose above 10%, the wind was light to moderate, continuous out of the east. Temperatures rose to ~23°C but by late afternoon (1800) had dropped to 16°C. (13,21) Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs Aires Argentina quasi- tempo 6° at 0500 0525 arrived at grid 19, which we had placed yesterday afternoon in order to facilitate a calculation of % territorial Tryngites. The whole grid measures 100 x 100 m and is divided into 16 25 x 25 m subunits with strategically placed stakes at other points in order to allow more precise position determination. The grid lies in a uniform (to the eye) expanse of typical short-grass buffle habitat where in the past we have invariably found Tryngites (Phaegaeus). I directed my attention to a 75m x 75m portion of the grid, choosing an area with a maximal number of Tryngites present. During the first hour 9 November
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JPMayers 1974 Journal (1321) Estancia Midland, 35 Km S. of Franco ley road, Pueblo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 9 November (cont'd) I watched only a 50 x 50 m sub-portion, but censuses during that period showed too few birds were included, so I expanded the area of focus. From 0640 - 0810 I merely censused the area, familiarizing myself with the local terrain, the birds, and at the same time recording all instances of space-specific aggression (e.g. to form, location and behaviour). From 0810 to 0940, 10 minute censuses were broken down into two groups - total buffin and the number of these showing space-specific aggression (i.e. territorial). Lots of s-s. aggression was contained. See buffin sp. accent: An average of 47% of birds present on the grid during each census were territorial. Numbers were small, ranging from 2-7 total and 1-2 territorial. Three territories camped upon the grid, one of which lay almost entirely within, and occupied an amazingly ~1550 m² Frequency of aggression dropped sharply as the morning went on, at least partially because during the early hours several (at least 2) buffins were behaving territorially in an area which later was used only by a directional flock. After completing the % territorial calculation, I tried unsuccessfully to collect the Tryngite which had occupied the large central territory (bird increased during the morning from 0 cipre dawn to with a light E breeze, clouds a constant 0. Low mist which burned off by 0630 Grid 15 (9,18) region, Estancia Midland, Pueblo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 10 November began a sample of Grid 15 at 0650 - light E wind, t = 18°C, clouds 30%, the cloud cover all on the southern horizon was sufficiently similar to previous formations which had resulted in afternoon thunder showers for me to make that prediction at dawn - high and continuous cumulus hanging far to the east. Sweat coincided with high early morning temperature. On the grid, shoulder bird density seemed showed a disturbing drop, not only in Tryngite but also Pluvialis total: Tryngite subcorcollis 54 (see chart = 1.22); Pluvialis dominica 109 (see chart = 1.04). Vanellus chilensis 5; Sprolyto curicularia 2. Two possible explanations for the decline in migrant %s: first, on our way to the grid, we saw large flock of Tryngite, totaling well over 100 birds, in the (4,9) - (5,14) region. This flock had been building but today the numbers were remarkable. This area lies between the (1,8) region where Grid 15 is, and the known Tryngite roosts. Secondly,
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 15, (0.18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juandolo by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Rcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina for the first time, this morning we saw significant #s of Tryngites and Pluvialis continuing on in flight westward over the road into a newly finished, plowed field. Another words, there are areas to descent the 1.18 region for. I did not however that I was seeing many more nests of Sumpulatania lay Tryngites on Grid 15 this morning, suggesting that %T bird is up. Three 3 things are possible, it would seem: 1) That the increased incidence of Sumpulatania bears no relation to reduction in density of Tryngites; 2) That it is the cause of it, and 3) That it is the result of it. I suspect that if anything it is both a cause and a result. Rain 30 mm during the night Tower Grids, (1.18) region, Estancia Medaland, Pteo de Madariaga, Rcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 0600 → 1820 in tower taking buffle grid data. Weather at dawn 12°C, low 100% clouds inland fog, moderate southerly. See Tryngites sp accent for running communication events on grid 17b. It was a very long day with weather conditions essentially constant throughout. (Grid totals (on 17b): average range total Tryngites subruficollis 10.8 (5-24) 527; Pluvialis dominica 5.2 (0-24) 245. Three totals represent only those sample taken at the regular 15 min intervals. In addition, there are 2 samples of spooled buffles (buffle only) with 12 and 26 birds on them on the grid. The general picture of the Tryngites situation today can be summarized: a solid core of 5-108 constantly territorial birds with territories either completely, or on partially on 17b, plus a group of ~5 which showed considerable over space specificity in aggression and foraging, more in mid and late morning and early afternoon than in early morning or late afternoon. The calculation of (Mx)6 showed fluctuations in time unit has in the past. Running commentary (see Tryngites sp accent), plus recording of all instances, instances of buffle acquisition from 0615 - 1500 suggests that the peaks in (Mx)6 are spontaneously occurred, but sometimes not, and that peaks are quickly reduced via an increase in acquisition. See grid 17b data book, for (Mx)6 data and aggression material. We also have Pluvialis and Tryngites following data from tower area grids, as well as buffle picking data. See Grid 16 data book. Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Pteo de Madariaga, Rcia de Bs. Aires. 13 November 0701 began reading the linear grid. This morning the weather which (began the 10th
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JPMYAS 1974 Journal Linay Grid, Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S of Juancho by road, Pto. de Madalanga, Provincia de Bs. Aires of Worembur and continued today, a low heavy cloud cover with occasional drizzle. Accumulated 5mm during the morning. Grid totals: C. fuscicollis 12; C. bairdi 3; Limosa haemoptica 2; Tringa flavipes 1; Vanellus chilensis 1; Pluvialis dominica 5; Chenidius falklandicus 1; Himantopus h.1, Ardeola ralloides 2; Anser gryphus 6. The strong S wind, which has picked up since yesterday created arroyo conditions very similar to those created 4 November by a similar but even stronger wind. Thus three were flocks of WR at 14.13 in the Arroyo, between subunits 7-8, and above Hullican grid (15.25) actually as there were 4 November. After running the grid I collected two non- territorial Tringa tots (172-173) from (13.23) and 2 territorial WR from (15.25). See repeat acoustics. (17.28) Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Pto. de Madalanga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 17 November - left camp in pre-dawn hours with the intent of beginning calculation for another fuscicollis % territorial bird calculation. However as the light increased the weather turned ominous, dark clouds cumulonimbus piled to the SW, from where the wind came. Dawn itself was one of the red- dot I have ever seen here. Cooling morning temperatures ran 11-13°C. So upon reaching Tower Clancy I decided to take microhabitat data and to collect a territorial fuscicollis before being forced in by the rain. But the weather developed contrary to my expecta- tions. By 0830, after a period of 25 minutes during which it rained 5mm at the farm hours, the bulk of the storm had rolled over, leaving a dark mass still to the W NW, but one which contained NE only without dumping upon me. Accordingly, I pulled the canopy a previously chosen site and begin the % territorial WR calculation process. The unit of habitat chosen lies in a fairly typical stretch of Arroyo where I have seen numbers of fuscicollis foraging in both space-specific and n.s.a. fashion. There is 5 ft in ~10m wide at the narrowspot of hug, with a broad overpass on the N edge where a spit of water extends several meters in the upstream direction away from the main body, leaving a narrow cape of saturated mud running down the center of the grid in that portion. I took microdata there early a, the morning (face
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal (1728) Arrayo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Trancas by road, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires Argentina 17 November (cont'd) micro-habitat data book) See WR spp. acct for a description of events on the court, and also the % time bird calculation book, # determination #3. In brief, the dispersing male prevalent on the court was unsettled - a [illegible] majority of the birds did not have territories, but a % of these birds did at times behave as if they were established- anywhere. One bird held a well-established territory, which it supplemented fairly consis- tently, although with occasional lapses. Supplementation were of an obvious S-S nature. At various times other birds were consistent about other areas, indeed they began contesting boundaries with 11-17-74 A. The number of such birds increased toward the end of the sample period, reaching a total (including 11-17-74 A) of 4 territorial birds. Censuses were made every 10 minutes from 0830-1110, 17 in total. There were an average of 15.5 fuscillitis/sample. During the final 10 censuses I noted the % of birds present which were behaving in a space specific fashion. This averaged 16%. Area of the unit was 900 m², being 15 x 60 m. Because of the state of flux in the WR system, I decided to postpone measuring habitat variables until I could calculate % TB on a subsequent morning in order to look for change. By the end of the observation period (1110) cloud cover reduced considerably, to under 30%, but the N wind continued at a moderate intensity. Tower Clamos, Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires Mid afternoon (~1545) we came to Tower Clamos in order to take baffle microhabitat data and then during the evening, count roosting flights. Birds during the first hour were extremely spotty, however by 1630 we found a group of Tolerant Trygites and got a good series of data. It looked as if there were some territorial buffets established in the (12,15) region, particularly along the edge of the Arrayo (see spp. acct). Then at 1800 we began counting flying birds from the usual (8,11) observation post. See flocking account. Scattered clouds reduced 1V readings during the first 45 minutes but there was a gradual [illegible]
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medaland Tower Llanos, 35 Km S. of Juncha by road, Pteo de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 17 November (cents) Clearing until at sunset (1936) cloud cover was under 20%. In the llanos around the observation post was a flock of foraging, supplanted Tryngite. Thus for the first time in three roost counts Tryngite has a low but finite based rate of flying during the pre-roost hours. The importance of these birds in the total count is exaggerated because the total % of traffic was down considerably. Why, I know not - observation conditions were excellent, and I knew that buffy still abounded in usual foraging areas, although there have been some shifts. It was obvious, however, that we were not placed any longer along a major flight path to the roosts. One clue may have been provided by the fact that I spotted flocks going down on the other side of the Arroyo in an area which was just sowed with corn - a place where they could now be conceivably roosting. Totals observed: Tryngite subroficollis 506; Calidris fuscicollis 22; Calidris baudii 1; Micropalama him- antopus 21; Limosa haemastica 58; Tringa s. 1; Vanellus chilensis 14; Pluvialis dominica 313; Stagnops tricolor 2. See Tryngite sp. accent re possible function of early roosting times of buffy. (10,0) to (23,15), Estancia Medaland, Pteo. de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. 18 November Sigh - it rained this morning, enough to make roads impassable but not enough to open the marshes. 20mm accumulated. A strong NW wind and much electrical dra- matics. So we weren't able to get to 17,28 for a continuation of the cve % TB calculation begun here yesterday. 1400 we drove from the farmhouse to the NW or far as the 2nd wind- will, taking microhabitat data on various species and reviewing cens. In general, the area is abysmally dry - the roost site at 189-19.9 has almost dried, even with today's rain. The small (18,30) tide bordered lake has finally developed mud borders - the first time that I have ever seen it with water running to or beyond the edge of the vegetation. In fact there were fuscicollis and other shorebirds foraging along the S shore. One notable event of the afternoon was the sighting of 200+ Swainson's hawks, soaring in a large flock over the Pampas grasslands.
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J.P. MycIs 1974 Journal 19 November Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, 35 Km. S of Juvando by road, Dpto. de Mendoza, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina. Began the morning at 0643 by running the linear grid. The Arroyo flood is up and as a result it has expanded horizontally over a 10 meter, in many places. Clouds = 5%; temperature = 12°C; a light W wind. Grid totals: Calidris fuscicollis 10; Arenaria interpres 2; Charadrius fallaxlandicus 2; Himantopus h. 3; Anas georgica 3; harus chaeulipennis. Although I cannot be certain, I suspect that the increase in water level + thus decreased suitable of habitat for fuscicollis (in that these areas which were in optimum condition for foraging are no longer available because of increased water depth, and that areas now under suitable water-depth ranges have not 'matured', given the short time since inundation.) is responsible for the uniscible # of wading flocks. We went as far upstream as (17,28) looking for concentrations of WR and found only a few small groups. A heavy % of those seen were territorial, suggesting I think that these birds are 1) either more space constant + thus less likely to respond to weather-induced variations in habitat or 2) the areas where they are territorial are less variable, perhaps by being less susceptible to weather for some reason. At 1030 we began census ing a newly placed 'grid' between sub-units 2 and 3 of the linear grid - i.e. (15/16) - for % territorial bird calculation #4. See Calidris fuscicollis sp accent, % TB book #1, Linear grid 74B following data book. The array of territories was clear and consistent throughout the morning - by 1200 we had 10 % ten. b. calculation with an average of 75%. White-rumped on the grid averaged 3.7 /sample. The grid was 80m x 15m divided into 45 5x5 in subunits and placed with the long axis along the direction of flow of the Arroyo current. I placed the grid deliberately to incorporate part of Rplp D's territory, and also to include as much Arroyo as possible. See % TB post for map of area and WR territories. 3 WR controlled the entire stretch, and only occasionally did other WR penetrate the defenses. During the calculation period and throughout the rest of the day we monitored the units for a habitat stability measurement and performed the requisite microhabitat measurements for the paleolimn measurement. The latter must wait analysis, but at 1430 there was 0% change. Water level did decrease by 1.5 cm during
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Argentina Arroyo Chico, Estancia Widdeland, 35 Km S. of Juan de la Cruz by road, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, the 1.5 hr. cunn period and as a result retract 24 cm along the shore, but this did not cause any measurable change by the stability measure. Nor did an afternoon 3 cm water level increase (increasing 5 wind blowing upstream), nor a plus 1.5 cm decline when the wind died (in fact it returned it to the morning's level. Grid 17B, Tower, (1,18) region, Estancia Widdeland, 35 Km S. of Juan de la Cruz, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires 20 November on Tower at 0630 after an early morning light rain and wind. By 0650, however, weather was clearing and it was obvious that the storm never was to develop - clouds moving quickly off toward the NE. By 0730 sky cleared to 80% cloud cover. I began sampling 17B at 0730. At 0800 Lois began a simultaneous monitoring of sites of aggression on 17B. with me spotting sites between sample times. This slu continued until 1100. I sampled every 15 minutes until 1230, and then we left the tower, See Tryggestes for accent or specifics of events during the morning. Also 17B data book and Grid 16-17 data book for aggression sites. Density of buffalo wood down from our last observation period (11/12-24), from 10.8/sample to 8.5/sample. There was a marked increase in the number and consistency of space-specific birds during today's observation period as compared to that of 11/12-24. And, as one would hope, the [illegible] index showed a much more even dispersion pattern, staying below 1.0 for almost all samples except during spooked and the period immediately following spooked. I was able to get an excellent series of spooked points, including a succession of Emini sample following one spooking (at 1030) from an [illegible] of 6.8 → 1.69 in 6 minutes. Gulew maintained the even dispersion which has been their characteristic since we began these calculations. It appears that there are an equivalent # of turtled birds on 17B (mean of 5.5 birds/sample). Also, the 16a golden for which we have a number of days of following data showing no little change in boundaries was true again this morning, although we did not take any more following data. Grid 15, (0,18) region, Estancia Widdeland, Pto. de Madariaga, Pcia. de Bs. Aires, Argentina 21 November 0635 reached the large scale buffy grid, #15, and began sample immediately.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 15 (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 Kms. of Juancho by road, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 21 November (contd) sun rose at 0528, clouds ~10%, light W wind, temp=13° (8°C at dawn), VLC=18.6. Finished subunit 10 at 0700. Grid totals: Tryngito subruficollis 46; Calidris bairdii 3; Limosa haemastica 1; Pluvialis dominica 109; Vanellus chilensis 4; Nothura maculosa 2; Spechyo coninclusa 1. Thus the daily decline in buffle numbers continues, although goldene appear to be maintaining themselves. Buffles now can be found only in subunits 5-10. Interestingly, whereas before they were not using 9 or 10, now these are the most heavily used subunits. Today, as during the last sampling day (10 November) there was considerable supplementary going on as we sampled. Recall that the tower, where we've been working, lies just beyond subunit 8 of Grid 15. Thus it may be reasonable to assume that some of the events occurring on 17b have also been happening on 15. During the rest of the morning we took Tryngito microhabitat data (reaching #51) in the (4,15) region. I also collected a territorial Tryngito (#172). Grid 17b, Tower, (0,18) region, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Arg. 22 November reached tower at 0630, somewhat later than I had hoped, but slowed by a non-starting car. Birds were on the grid when we arrived, and lights, but quickly adapted to our presence & have no fears that any of them, even the gallinaceae, are in the least bit spooked by us once we get into the blind. We even have territorial Tryngito beneath the 43 cm! Temperature at 0700 when we began sampling (all day at 15 min intervals plus adding more if the birds spooked) was 7°C, 0% clouds, light NW wind. Dawn was at 0527. See Tryngito sp. accent for a running count of grid events. Also see grid 17b data book for dispersion samples, see grid 16-17 following data book for plots of acquisition site and time through. See % TB calculation #5 for a calculation of the % of territorial buffle made between 1000 and 1300. The bulkline Grid totals (calculated for regular sample, i.e. those from the 15 min intervals) Tryngito subruficollis 7.3 (0-17) 35% (419 samples) Pluvialis dominica 3.9 (0-7) 122 (31 samples). Means are somewhat lower today than 20 November, in part because there was a series of
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 17B, Townen (1,18) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 kms. of Juvanelo by road, Ptdo. de Madariaga, Provincia Bs. Aires, Argentina 22 November samples during which the birds were off the grid for one reason or another. In addition, (puffy territories) had expanded to a point when several territories present 20 November had been devoured, leaving fewer territories once impinging upon the area encompassed by the grid. In fact, there were 13 territories vigorously defended during the morning (see Tryngites spacet). The %TB calculation yielded a value of 97% !!! I have considerable confidence in that figure being either so, or higher. During the morning, following an unusually long spoke during which the birds may have gone to the Arrayo, territories ruled the grid. Then in early afternoon, after the birds went to the Arrayo, territories were less vigorously maintained in some areas, the' they were kept up in others. I obtained a nice series of samples following a spoke induced by the overflight of a Swainson's hawk, (taking points for 3 successive 2min intervals). We remained somehow on the tower until 1900, by which time all but one of the birds had left, although Flur. remained as would be expected. During most of the day we have data which will allow frequency of aggression to be determined. Weather remained clear throughout most of the day. Temperature rose to ~25°C. Wind grew to a moderate NW wind and remained steady until late afternoon. Linear grid subunit 5 (11,16), Arroyo Chico, Estancia Medaland, Ptdo.de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Arg. 25 November down from camp along Arroyo Chico looking for concentrations of LWR with the intent of locating an area for calculating %TB, etc. The low level of water surprised us - yesterday evening it rained ~7 mm, and such downpourings have not, in the past, receded so quickly as this one has. This morning there was no current. But it was obvious from the water line that within the past 48 hours water had been up ~80-100 cm, 10-15 cm, at least freely. Probably the series of days with continuous, strong W and NW winds has had considerable drying effect, serving not only to increase evaporation but also
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Linear grid subunit 3, Arroyo Chico (11,16) Estancia Viedeland, 35 Km S. of Juandio by road, Palo de Madriguera, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina. 25 November (cont'd) to literally push the water downstream. Many event, there were several considerable #s of fasciollis along the linear grid - in fact I sighted 5 birds banded last year and 2 since August, the majority of which I'd not seen in the Arroyo for a month or more. Although I made no total count, I estimate there to have been fairly over 100 fasciollis. Anyway, tracking up the linear grid, the two densest concentrations (now both conveniently located on already gridded subunits), appear sub-3 + sub-4. When we passed by at 0715, more were on 3 than 4; thus when we reached the end of the grid we decided to work subunit-3 for another calculation of % territorial birds and related habitat variables. Returning to 3, we found at 0805 that many of them had left, leaving a group of ~15 in the area. We opted to remain there + make the calculations. See % TB Calculation #6, also Linear grid following data book, and the Calidris fasciollis sp. count. We counted birds from 0825 to 1025, censusing at 10 min intervals (13 samples). During the final 10 samples, the total count was broken down into territorial and non-territorial categories, and a % TB figure was calculated for each of these 10 censuses. Finally, the ten %TB figures were averaged. Results: 4.8 birds/sample; 36.7% territorial birds present/sample. During the observation period not only did the # of birds decline, but the consistency of territorial defence increased (until a few lapses). For the early portion of the observation period, some interactions were confusing as to their degree of space-specificity. This is very no doubt due in part to the complications induced by increased numbers. But I think it fair to say that intermediate birds were present and eventually left, given that perhaps as a result of the constant action of the 2 consistent territorial birds using parts of the grid. We are not sure how long the flock has been present, nor indeed, if the 2 main territorial birds came in with the stock influx. I do know that the flock was not here 20 November, and that few birds are ever in this unit under the conditions which must have prevailed here yesterday morning after the rain. Thus, I think it reasonable to suggest that
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Lincangrid Subunit 3, Arroyo Chico, (11,16) Estancia Medaland, 35 Km S. of Juancho lay road, Ptdo. de Madariaga, Provincia de Bs. Aires, Argentina 25 November (cont'd) That the influx has occurred within the last 24-36 hours. The behaviour thus birds present also suggest, strongly, a non-climax situation. Territories were being established (except 11-25-74A's - which were quite large), and boundaries marked did not have the fixity which we have found in other places. Further, the actions of the intermediate birds, and the fact that there was a steady decline in numbers suggested that the array was still evolving here. But this is stretching our knowledge of this particular unit too much. During the afternoon we made the requisite habitat measurements. Sky remained 0% clouds, the wind continued strongly out of the WNW, and temperature rose to 25°C. However, at 13:20 there was a dramatic shift in the wind to a S direction, a wind that by the smell of it (or our sardine lunch) had been on the sea. The air took on the appearance of one above the Big Sur Mtns just after the fog's been burned off. And the temperature dropped 6°C. As a result of the wind, in the next 2 hours water heights rose ~1 cm, causing up to 20cm horizontal expansion. This did not, however, effect the habitat stability measure, which showed 0% change at and before 1900. 27 November We spent the entire morning out along the upper regions of Arroyo Chico, taking microhabitat points on Lainosa, Micopalamo, and a few others. The array continues on its drying way - retracting to a series of disconnected paddies which themselves are long, narrow, and quintessential WR habitat. They abound, and many are showing space-specific aggregation. I collected 3 territorial WR this morning (178, 180 and 181), as well as one of unknown status (179) which was in a flock with 180 and 181. Three 3 were within RPR P-1-g A, a new resighting for returned WR (see WR sp. accent re activities of that particular flock). Weather during the morning was cool with intermittent bursts of heavy rain, precipitating from cumulus coming out of the S. Typical of weather we had here last spring.
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal Grid 17b, Tower (018) region, Estancia Medaland, 35 km S. of Juancho by road, Pto. de Madalanga, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina 28 November reached tower at 0550 and quickly repaired the damage caused by a windstorm of several days ago. Began sampling at 0630. This morning contrasted with recent days because of the extensive light frost, both in and around camp as well as out in the open grasslands. Birds were arriving with us, although some had already invaded the area. [back to weather-7 0% cloudy a light NW wind which was all that remained of hefty gales winds present from 0300->0330. During the morning until 1130, I sampled buffy and golden dispersion every 15 minutes (see 176 data book.) Simultaneously, Lois recorded finer, positions, and types of aggressive behaviours occurring on the grid (see 16-17 data book). Grid totals: Tryngite subnifollics 7.1 (3-10)/49 Pluialis dominica 5.0 (4-7)/105. 21 samples plus one spooled sample (the latter not included in the grid totals.) The general picture on the grid this morning was, again, for both buffy and Tryngite, territoriality. The bird's dispersion was very stable; indeed we saw only two teritorial spools, one of which was caused by one yelling at naughty sheep. Observation revealed that 12-13 territorial criping upon the grid. Their size and shape were similar to those of teritories of 11-22 (see buffy spacent), although in parts of the grid there had been some cage- expansion. (Given the conformity of the area + the fact that there are not enough prominent landmarks present to allow one to hypothesize that any group of buffy would use the same borders, I am led to conclude that the same birds are involved. See Tryngite spacent. A % territorial bird calculation for Tryngite for c samples taken between 0900->1130 yielded a value of 97% TB. This may be somewhat low. (yes, low.) Wind circuared to mild-strong NW by 1130. (7.12) Estancia Medaland, Pto de Madalanga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina at 1820 I began counting shorebirds flying / 5 min time periods, recording circuit vertical flight (Vc) with a gossen-luna pro spot meter. Records all transcribed from the tape into the flocking accent of this notebook. We moved the observation post from (8.11) to (7.12) (that (at the former site we have several evening data; see flocking accent) because the low total number of Tryngite pairing was at (8.12) last 17 November and because
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S.P. Myers 1974 Journal (7,12) Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juanico by road, Partido de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 28 November (contd) the new site at (7,12) lies directly above the Arroyo and a flightway for other species, particularly fiscicollis, which otherwise we miss. As usual, procedure is for the two of us to count all flying shorebirds within 500 m of the car on all directions; Lois takes on 'e' circle, I take the other. Any flying shorebird is counted, even if, for e.g., it is a bird which is obviously supplementing or supplemented. Usually, on this evening, these contributions of fiscicollis to the total are overwhelmed by the flux during roosting flights. Totalo: Calidris fiscicollis 124; Calidris baili 25; Calidris melanotos 8; Micropalama himalayana 9; Tryngite subficollis 322; Limosa haemastica 135; Tringa flampe 6; Platalea leucorodia culeyrae 1; Porzania Dominicana 58; Vistello dulcissimus 29; Heimankopas 4-6. Several surprises, but first — Tryngite peaked strongly at their usual time, ~20 min before sunset: the peak was considerably stronger last time, not smothered by a pre-peak (although there was a slight pre-peak). Further, most of the birds were picked up in flocks of 10+, including one of 40. The drop in golden plovers was precipitous — disastrously and enigmatically so. (We picked up no roosting flights. I see two possibilities, which must be interpreted in light of the fact that golden are still the most numerous species of migrant on the Estancia. 1) — (7,12) is not on a roosting pathway — but I can see golden roosts for more than 1 km distant and tonight, even though we knew they were out there this afternoon, there were none. 2) they are flying back individually. Difficult to believe such a drastic change would occur so quickly. 3) they are remaining on territories. I know that there were birds supplementing by us until 20:10, when we could just barely see them. But this too would require a drastic change to produce such a difference in the count. Anyway... Estancia Medeland, 35 km S. of Juanico by road, Partido de Madariaga, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina 29 November Spent this a.m. taking micro-habitat data on an assortment of species of shorebird in both upland and shore habitats. We began by driving along the road to (4,15), then cutting north to the (8,20) gate, and following the series of gates along the Rk II side as far as (2,34). From (2,34) we followed the Arroyo all the way back down to (8,13) and then returned directly to camp. I did not count #'s of shorebirds seen
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J.P. Myers 1974 Journal 29 November (Contd) Sotania Medaland, 35 km S. of Juan de la Cruz by road Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina and only in a few areas was I did I take sighting records. However, I have the following impression of distribution + abundance of the different species: Vanellus chilensis abundant but dispersed, prevalent in flocks, rarely more than 2-4/hectare, occurring in all grass types under 8" in height + higher if the grass density is not too great. Pluvialis - dominicana - numerically the dominant species with several thousand birds using the grasslands; predominately a short grass bird, but will utilize higher than grass types will also use patches of short grass within other grass types (as opposed to Tryngite, which will not). Pluvialis also can be found along the Arroyo, foraging either from shallow water to the grass edge. But the contribution of Arroyo users to the total # of Pluvialis is minimal. - Charadrius falcklandicus - almost exclusively an Arroyo bird. Fewer now as compared to summer, fall + winter when migrant non-breeders are here. There is a breeding population present this year: minimum of 6 pairs (fixed, probably more), along 5 km of Arroyo. - Tryngite subbricollis - easily the 2nd most numerous shorebird. Almost exclusively a short grass bird, using heights under 4 cm. Very occasionally do I see flocks in grasses up to 10 cm and then only in very thin vegetation - e.g., Junus. They appear to require expanses of uniform suitable habitat, not using the small (25x50 or so) patches of short grass one occasionally finds Pluvialis in. At least 2000 of them on the Sotania. I was amazed this morning - even after roosting flight observations, particularly those of 6 Nov. - to see the numbers very great overall dispersion of them. They appear to be in all suitable areas available. Along our route, the only place we did not see them (except the Arroyo proper) was the potrero between the (8,20) and (10,26) gate. They were especially abundant - more so than Pluvialis, along the (29,17) gate. - Micropalama himantopus - few seen this morning; 528? Their habitat has never really developed this year, and most sightings are in the Arroyo, which last year they did not prefer. Calidris foxicollis - #3 in abundance, perhaps 300-400 including three along the Arroyo and in other marshy areas. Still, their abundance does not compare favorably with last year. Their hide forage almost exclusively on water ≤ 4.5 cm deep.
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S.P. Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Urdeland, 35 Km S. of Juandio by road, Partido de Madariaga, Proin de Buenos Aires, Argentina 29 November (cont'd) to just above the shoreline - and there almost never unless the substrate is very moist (or it might be given receding water). This year they have not had much of a choice of habitat as most of the marshes are dry. Nonetheless, when marshes were available fusciolis chose places with little emergent vegetation - usually bare mud. Typically, they surface their bill points concentrated in depressions in the substrate. They choose places with a % of algal mat. Other - Calidris melanotos - very few in areas we visited this morning. Almost invariably these foregoing areas have emergent vegetation - in fact, they are as likely to occur or more so in upland fields than as in the Arroyo where there is no vegetation at all. Calidris bailii no more than 100 remain now on the Estancia, the heavy majority of which are in upland short grass with Trigonia. They do occur regularly in the Arroyo, although typically one finds them above the shoreline on dry substrate, even though they do seem will forage in the H.O. (Trigonia fusciolis does supplement bailii, apparently play a role in keeping them away from the water's edge - the population here is nothing. I have seen no sign of territoriality during the last 2 months. - Tringa flavipes - common but very dispersed, as a result of well developed territorial system. This species has also suffered from lack of G-1 habitat, which last year was the typical drying pond cluttered with emergent vegetation (grass + Solanum). Limosa haemopteris - common in the Arroyo in areas with a high proportion of mud (sod) also present in uplands although less than air water for uplands. I've seen them only in short-grass habitat. During several journal entries, e.g., this morning's, I have referred to microhabitat data, which we are taking on the various members of the shorebird community. By that I meant the following procedure: a bird is selected and followed for 2 min (if possible, 2 birds are followed simultaneously). At the end of the following period, I note the next place where the bird places its bill (with a peck, project, thrust, etc.). (Going to that point, I measure
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J.P./Myers 1974 Journal Estancia Medeland, 35 Km S. of Juancho by rond, Pto de Madariaga, Pcia de Bs. Aire Argentina 29 November crityd 1) distance to water 2) % cover a) vegetation b) mud c) dirt, d) water - done by placing a 20 cm x 20cm grid over the bill point and counting the number of 2x2 cm squares falling within each category. Read directly to % as there are 100 squares. 3) penetrability: depth to which a vertically dropped brass bar 100.5 cm long (weight) and 0.25" diameter (weighing 268 gm) will penetrate the substrate. Recorded in cm. The tip of the rod is sharpened to a point. It is held vertically, and dropped from a standard height of 46 cm by raising it to a standard point in a brass tube of 3/8" inner diameter + 52 cm long. [illegible] 4) water depth - sampled at 5 points - a) at the bill b) in a pattern around the bill: [illegible] 5) microtopographic variation. - measured at same points as b) in water depth pattern - measured as distance to a bar held horizontally 10cm above the point of bill contact 6) vegetation horizontal density - # of contacts with vegetation a 3/16" bar made in 20cm, 10cm on each side of the bill. Area 2 sample, one in direction as indicated for water depth above soil 7) time, wind, temperature (air in shade at 10cm above substrate, and substrate)
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