Laguna Hedionda

Laguna Hedionda

This lagoon was by far the most abundant with flamingos. Altitude: 4126 metres. -21.573056,-68.038611


James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

When their food, algae, is getting scarce on the shallows, they venture out as deep as needed to get to where the algae is. Here they seem to be floating as…


Grey-breasted Seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus)

Grey-breasted Seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus)

Not particularly disturbed by human presence, and Laguna Cañapa offered a close encounter, albeit not with both sexes. Thanks to Lou Salomon for…


Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus)

Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus)

The only Andean gull I saw nesting, and this one has done what many have done before - steal the nest from a Flamingo. Apparently the flamingos will abort…


James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

Even at these muddy sections of the lagoon, the flamingos find food that seemingly outweighs the energy spent ovecoming the suction of the mud. A few flaps of…


Parastrephia lucida

Parastrephia lucida

Grows between the shores of the lagoon and the desert. Here they are about 2 metres tall. Altitude: 4135 metres. Native range is Peru to Brazil and Argentina.…


Parastrephia lucida

Parastrephia lucida

A bush that grows between the shores of the lagoon and the desert. Here they are about 2 metres tall. Altitude: 4135 metres. Native range is Peru to Brazil and…


Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii)

Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii)

Present in many of the lagoons and in large numbers in Laguna Colorada. It sounds like this: Altitude: 4129 metres. -21.622778,-68.0625


Xenophyllum incisum

Xenophyllum incisum

The flowers were less torn here at this small lagoon compared to Laguna Colorada. Altitude: 4139 metres. -21.622778,-68.063056


Siloli desert lagoon (unknown name)

Siloli desert lagoon (unknown name)

There are countless lagoons in this desert, and each of them unique in shape and color! No matter how close or wide your view is, this desert provides immense…