Spring in Argentina: Reserva Ecologia Costanera Sur

I found my way to the Buenos Aires Nature Reserve, the journey took 90 minutes of which about 30 mins was spent on the underground, walking fairly short distances takes a long time when there are so many roads to cross.

The Nature Reserve is on the Río de la Plata riverbank to the east side of the financial district of Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires. It was opened as a beach and promenade in 1918. In 1978 the government tried to reclaim the land, but when this failed the land was allowed to flood and wildlife took over. In 1986, it was declared a National Park and Nature Reserve and it is now an important wetland site.

I felt at home and fairly safe amongst the many runners (8km circuit) and cyclists. However the flora and fauna are very different. The site is a good place to see the Seibo (Coral Tree), it is just coming into full bloom with Argentina’s national flower. The site also has a wide range of birds, 28 species of reptiles, 18 species of mammals, including coypu and even a marsupial, the oppossum. So far I have seen one rodent and managed to photograph a woodpecker, so many more to see.

Ceibo (Erythina crista-galli) Fabaceae

Morning Glory (Ipomea purpurea) Convolvulaceae

Carpintero Real (Colaptes melanochloros)

Fumo bravo (Solanum granuloso-leprosum) Solanaceae

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) Poaceae

Small rodent, maybe a guinea pig

Mariposa, butterfly

I chose a wild and windy day, the first day in November for my second visit to the Reserva Ecologia. A good day for walking, especially next to the Río de la Plata, the sea was very rough covering the beaches I had strolled on last time.