ECO-TOURISM AND OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY:  
A GUIDED TOUR OF CHILE'S WEALTH

by Francisco Bascuñan and Christian Mc Manus

As eco-tourism explodes in popularity--especially for the outdoor photographer in search of an unusual shot or subject--the spotlight is shifting to previously neglected geographic areas, such as the parks and sanctuaries of Chile in South America.

OUTLET OF ACONCAGUA RIVER:
A Sanctuary of Chilean Birds

Surprisingly, scientists claim to know more precisely how many stars glow in our galaxy than how many species inhabit our Earth. They estimate that Earth entertains around 9000 species of birds, more than double the number of identified mammals. However, these figures are speculative. As scientists continue to investigate previously unknown ecosystems, the addition of new species becomes common. Each year, an average of three new species of birds are discovered.
As unreal as the numbers of bird species might seem, they become less difficult to believe once you visit the beaches of Con-Con. Nestled beside the smoke and flames of a refinery of the same name, the sanctuary of Con-Con is beset with noisy motorcycles and tan bodies, yet it still offers a collection of Chilean birds which would dazzle more than a few foreign naturalists.
Situated near an outlet of the Aconcagua River at the northern limit of the beaches of Con-Con, the sanctuary makes it possible to observe more than twenty different species of birds--resident and migratory, marine and terrestrial. They meet here in glorious profusion: the white herons; the trile (from whose name, they say, the name of the country of Chile was derived); the taguas, the peuquito with its marvelous seven colors; the pinpineles; the zarapitos; the run-run; and the little dog (birds of red paws whose song resembles the bark of a dog). Special mention should also be made of the rayadores. With their red mandible submerged in the water, they capture their prey before they fly. Prehistoric pelicans have an improvised airport here, as well as "the white beaches," birds seventeen centimeters in length and fifty grams in weight. The "white beaches" , undertake a journey of more than 15,000 kilometers, from the Arctic through Alaska and Canada, arriving in our country in the autumn.
Naturally, the observation and identification of birds is an activity which requires many hours of boundless patience. However, although the cultivation of quiet perseverance constitutes a difficult obstacle for many, it also presents a worthy challenge within our fast-paced lives. To advance a step further and photograph these birds intensifies the challenge, since wildlife photography requires that the photographer evolve from a mere technician to a wildlife biologist.

Suggested Photographic Techniques

The photographer would be well served to use a long lens, anchored on a tripod, and to wear camouflaged clothing, although such attire may not be the most comfortable in the hot days of summer. To bring the subjects close to the equipment, a variety of tricks are possible. For example, you may reproduce the song of the desired bird using a small amplifier. With a little luck, the models will arrange themselves within range as they seek out their peculiar "electronic relative."
Another technique, which is a little less sophisticated but equally effective, consists of locating yourself beneath the camouflage of a tarp. The best place is on the shore just before the onset of low tide. As the tide slips out, the birds will unwittingly approach you as they attend to their business of feeding on the beach. This set-up frequently permits shots closer to the subjects than would be otherwise possible.

"LA CAMPANA" NATIONAL PARK

Another excellent location for outdoor photography is : La Campana ("The Bell") National Park in the Central Zone of Chile--which boasts an acreage of 8,000 hectares in the mountain range of the central coast, in the county of Quillota. Although this guarded area lies only two hours drive from Santiago, it preserves a level of wilderness which makes it an excellent destination for ecological tourism. In fact, this park is one of the few remaining places in Chile where it is possible to photograph tropical forests of natural Chilean Palm.
Exclusive to Chile, the Chilean Palm was once distributed throughout the valleys of central Chile. However, the pressure introduced by human habitation has decreased that distribution, isolating colonies in the IV and VII regions of Chile. The palms of greater size grow in the "Cocalan" area (IV region) and in The Bell National Park .
Chilean Palms aren't the only attraction in The Bell, however. The fauna of the park inspire considerable interest due to their great diversity. As you walk along one of the many remote trails dissecting the area, you might well have an encounter with a representative of the mammalian Chileans. With luck, you might see foxes and "vizcachas," and--if you exercise a little more of that patience we mentioned before, you might even photograph families of "degus"--a species of Chilean rodent--feeding on the small coconuts which are the seeds of the palms.
The birds are easier to observe, including species as intriguing as eagles, owls, or "blind hens." A common visitor to the park is the giant humming bird, whose size (20 centimeters) is twice that of the common hummingbird. The giant hummingbird is migratory, resting in our country from August until April. In April, they depart on their flight to Peru and other countries to the north of Chile. Although the photographer must operate with precision in only a heartbeat of opportunity, capturing a shot of a giant hummingbird eating or breeding freezes a moment of magic for nature lovers.
The National Forest Corporation, which administers the park, provides camping areas and environmental information about the region to interested parties.

National Forest Corporation (CONAF)
Address: Av. Eleodoro Yañez 1810,
Providencia, Santiago de Chile
Phone: (52)-(2)- 2052372

For the ambitious outdoor photographer, the diversity of ecosystems and species in Chile's national parks offers a chance to stretch both talent and technique. Even macro photography expands in imagination when the lens is focused on an abundance of colorful insects and butterflies, almost fanciful landscapes, and tropical birds.

 

Christian Mc Manus and Francisco Bascuñan. Christian and Francisco are professional photographers in Chile, specializing in nature photography. All photos are copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. They can be emailed at cmm@cmet.net