Experiencia de Aviturismo en la Patagonia Argentina: Programa Balneario El Condor Cielo de Aves

Abstract

Birdwatching is one of the most widespread and valued of tourist recreational nature experiences. Nature tourism is a worldwide activity, engaged in by 80% of international visitors to Argentina. The Balneario El Condor (BEC) (41° 3' S / 62° 48' W), Patagonia Argentina, is considered an Important Bird Area, because of its great diversity of birds. And also, because of the presence of its colony of Burrowing Parrots (Cyanoliseus patagonus), which is considered the largest colony of parrots in the world. The BEC protects its remnant areas of Monte and Espinal vegetation, both habitats with serious global conservation problems. This report explains the scope of the birdwatching program “Balneario El Condor / Cielo de Aves” during the summer season 2013/2014, complemented by an analysis of the participants. Four bird watching trails were designed: "Birds of the beach", "Birds of the cliffs", "Birds of the Monte and dunes" and "Birds of the salt marsh and estuary of the Río Negro River". Organized by the Municipality of Viedma, 21 (free) guided trips along the Birds of the Monte and dunes trail were made. 582 people participated for an average of 28 persons/trip. Only 15% of them said that they had been bird watching before coming to BEC. 63 percent (n = 368) of the participants were from other places in Argentina or from North America and Europe; while 37% (n = 214) were local residents from the Viedma / Patagones area. More than 40% of the participants were between 21 and 50 years old. There was an average of 2.6 persons in 220 surveyed groups, with most groups consisting of families. Forty-one species of birds were seen, belonging to 10 orders and 22 families. An average of 16 birds species were seen per trip. Of 300 users questioned, 93% said that the activity reached their expectations. Responsible birdwatching development in the BEC would promote the addition of this site to the Patagonian circuit that specializes in nature tourism destinations, and there by promote the conservation of the local biodiversity and environments. “Balneario El Condor / Cielo de Aves” represents the first massive, free birdwatching program in northeastern Patagonia. Emphasizing the presence of the largest parrot colony in the world, added to the diversity of wildlife and landscapes available within minutes of the service centers, could greatly enhance tourism to the BEC.