If you love birds, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes then Parque Laguna Nimez in El Calafate, Santa Cruz province, should definitely be on your list. This peaceful wetland reserve sits right on the shore of Lago Argentino, set against a stunning snow-capped Andes background. One of the first nature reserves in Argentina, in 2005 it acquired the title of IBA (Important Bird Area) from Birdlife International, a global partnership of non-governmental organizations dedicated to bird conservation. It’s a perfect spot for both hardcore birders and casual nature lovers to enjoy Patagonia’s wildlife. 

Most people who visit El Calafate go there for the Perito Moreno Glacier, some eighty kilometres from the town. This very accessible glacier is indeed very much worth a visit, especially if you’re there at the time of a major rupture; unlikely in fact, but you’ll be sure to see and hear smaller bits of ice calving (breaking off) and falling into the lake below. There’s also a fascinating glaciarium (glacier museum) on the road back to El Calafate where you can not only learn more about these exciting natural phenomena but also have a drink in the only bar in the world constructed wholly from glacial ice.

But back to the birds. Parque Nimez isn’t all that big — about 35 hectares — but it’s packed with birdlife. Its mix of nesting reed beds, Patagonian steppe bushes, open grasslands, shallow lagoons and lake shore makes it a magnet for all sorts of species. The trails are easy to navigate, with a number of boardwalks, hides (blinds) and lookout points where you can set up a spotting scope or camera or just enjoy the view. And, for photographers, many of the birds you will see are very confiding — I myself have several times had to back away from shots to get the whole bird in the frame. No need to be an expert to appreciate the variety here — just bring a pair of binoculars (or rent them on-site) and a sense of wonder!

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You’ll see elegant Chilean flamingos wading in the water, black-necked swans gliding by and hawks soaring overhead. You’ll hear the elusive long-billed Magellanic Snipe, drumming with its tail feathers as it moves from point to point. And, if you are very lucky, you might see the rare semi-endemic Austral Rail or the Magellanic Plover, just two of the species that call this place home and help to make it one of Patagonia’s best birdwatching spots. The local wardens claim some 80 species that are regularly seen at the reserve, while Ebird listings for species recorded in and around Parque Nimez are 140.

If your interest is botanical, you’ll also see many local plant species in the reed beds, grasslands, wetlands, lake shore and the Patagonian steppe. Around the vegetation you might spot butterflies and bumble bees, lizards, dwarf armadillos, various rodents and the dens of grey foxes. Look carefully, and you’ll find the legendary Calafate bush. Eat its blue berries: they will stain your fingers and, so the legend goes, ensure that you will one day return to Patagonia. 

In short, Parque Nimez is a fantastic place for birding, whether you’re chasing lifers or just enjoying the sights and sounds. Just head to El Calafate, grab your binoculars (or rent some at the entry point), and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

How to Get There

The Nimez reserve is easy to reach. If you’re already in El Calafate, it’s a short walk or bike ride from the town centre. If you’re coming from further away, there are flights into El Calafate International Airport (FTE), some 22 km from town, from Buenos Aires and Bariloche, and internationally from São Paolo and Santiago de Chile. From the airport, you can get a taxi or shuttle to your hotel and then head straight to the reserve. 

El Calafate has accommodation options for every budget, and most hotels can help arrange birdwatching tours if you want a guide to show you around, although that is not at all necessary to enjoy the park. 

Best Time to Visit

The reserve is open all year round, but the combination of cold and Patagonian wind (April to September) can be quite severe. The best months to visit are undoubtedly October to March. That’s also when the migratory birds return, and the weather is usually pleasant enough to stroll around for a few hours. Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon; the birds are more active then, and the lighting is better for photography. There is a small reception centre there where you can buy books and rent binoculars, and there is a modest entrance charge. 

Why Visit Parque Nimez

• The reserve is home to a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos, swans, and various waterfowl. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 80 bird species recorded in the reserve.
  
• Aside from birds, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife and is a great place for animal enthusiasts to spot different species in their natural habitat.
  
• Parque Nimez features Patagonian steppe vegetation, including native shrubs, grasses, and trees. The flora is diverse and offers a unique glimpse into the natural environment of the region.
  
• The park is located near the shores of Lake Argentino, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. 
  
• The landscape is breathtaking and provides a perfect setting for peaceful walks and photography.
  
• The park is conveniently located just a short distance from El Calafate, making it easy to visit while staying in the town. 
  
• Parque Nimez is close to other major attractions in El Calafate, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Glaciarium.

Birds You Might See

Parque Nimez is home to a fascinating variety of birds. Here are a few highlights, in alphabetical order:

Waterfowl:

• Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
• Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba)
• Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Shorebirds:

• Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
• Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis)
• Magellanic Oystercatcher (Haematopus leucopodus)

Landbirds:

• Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
• Long-tailed Meadowlark (Sturnella loyca)
• Upland Goose (Chloephaga picta)

Birds of Prey:

• Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus)
• Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango)
• Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus)