You could be forgiven for thinking that I only ever post about birds from Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires. The Guira Cuckoo will make an even dozen galleries from the reserve, but I surprise myself that it has taken this long.

EZE 30Nov12 Guira Cuckoo 01

They are common and confiding birds that form small flocks and roost together in a cuckoo knot. The birds that frequent the promenade at Costanera Sur are especially bold and will even try to stare a birdwatcher down rather than give way at the parilla (pop-up café).

EZE 30Nov12 Guira Cuckoo 02

They undulate back and forth between the reed beds and the light woodland on the reserve and the wall that lines the promenade. The promenade has been marooned half a kilometre inland after land reclamation created the wetland on the banks of the Rio Plata. The wall provides a convenient place to tick-bathe. The birds raise the feathers on their backs to allow the UV rays to penetrate to the skin. This deters parasites and must just feel good.EZE 09May16 Guira Cuckoo 05

Though they disperse a little during the day, the cuckoos form up again during the late afternoon as the sun comes inland and lights the Laguna de los Copios to the east of the promenade.

EZE 18May11 Guira Cuckoo 04

This is when the Guira Cuckoo looks its best. It can look scruffy and drab in poor conditions, but the evening sun shows up the subtle colour variations and catches details that are otherwise easily missed.

EZE 30Nov12 Guira Cuckoo 06

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.