Update From Our Patagonia Birdwatcher

Sending the warmest greetings from springtime in Patagonia where the birds are full of surprises.

Tero mating display Photo by Gail Parker

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - Foreword from editor: I have to admit that Gail Parker's wonderful stories and photos capturing the beauty and interest of the birds of Patagonia are among my personal favorite features at Salem-News.com.

Gail dispatched this update today to remind our readers that all is well in her part of the world, and she was kind enough to include this wonderful tero mating display.

Dearest Readers:

This is to advise you that my long lapse in communication is not due to illness, nor is it due to a vacation. We have been busy constructing a hen house but the truth is---It is primavera (springtime) in Patagonia, and I just can't stay indoors for long.

As you will recall, early spring is pea planting time and yours truly proudly announces a second pea bed this year, in anticipation of severe competition from the teros, who tormented me in the past.

As I was puttering around with my thirty year old Smith and Hawkins trowel this week, I was roused from my reveries by a loud group of teros.

Now, usually the teros arrive in pairs, they seldom make much racket when on the ground and what’s more, this persistent racket was accompanied by charging with wings spread in an impressive display that could only have been related to love, but sounded like war.

I ran for the camera. When I approached, I saw the sweet young thing who was the cause of all this fuss. Her game was keep-away. The 4 males were the ones playing red rover, red rover, send the pretty little gal on over. Well, she flew off without having selected the man of her dreams. I assume it will be one of these guys with the red puas sticking out of their shoulders.

I am back to my garden now but send you warmest greetings from springtime in Patagonia where the birds are full of surprises. gp