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On the southeastern
edge of the city,
For birders, the eastern shore is
especially good with plenty of native vegetation. Towards the northeastern edge, there are plenty of reedbeds
that harbor Many-colored
Rush-Tyrant and Wren-like Rushbird. Great Pampa-Finch is also a good find. A few hours in the morning
(avoid weekends when the area is a magnet for all types of recreation) can
yield over 60 species. Common species include: Silvery Grebe, Puna Teal, Speckled Teal, Andean (Ruddy) Duck, Slate-colored Coot, Black-necked Stilt, Bare-faced Ground-Dove, Rufous Hornero, Bay-winged
Cowbird and Creamy-breasted Thrush.
Fences around private property
(soccer clubs and other sports clubs) make access a bit tricky on the east
side, but a few trails exist to the lake edge across the street from the
"Country Club Cochabamba" (also known as
the golf course) main entrance. Rules are fairly loose so if there is a security
guard or other authority, explain that you want to watch birds on the lake
shore. ("Queremos ver las aves
que estan allá"). Watch for White-tufted Grebe, Red Shoveler, White-cheeked Pintail, Puna
Ibis, and Grassland Yellow-Finch on the southern shore. On migration, when
water levels are right, a variety of shorebirds can be found including Collared
Plover and Black-bellied Plover. Plumbeous Rail is
sometimes seen.
The hillsides to the east of the laguna, just behind the Country Club, have quite a bit of
indigenous vegetation and can also be worth exploring. A good strategy is to
take the first road to the left after the Country Club as you head south from
town. As the road starts to wind uphill, watch for small trails branching off
from the road. This area is best explored in the early morning, as it can get
quite hot by mid-morning. Species to look for include Giant Hummingbird,
White-tipped Plantcutter, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, and
Gray-crested Finch.
The less crowded part of the laguna, on the road south of the golf course can be very
good. One strategy is to take a taxi to the southeast corner of the golf course
and down the road, along the shore, then cut across the soccer (football)
fields and to loop around the lake. This course will keep the sun behind you in
the early morning. Typical birds seen include Black-chested
Buzzard-Eagle and White-tipped Plantcutter.
Logistics: Laguna Alalay is
in the southeastern part of the city. Any taxi can
take you there from anywhere in the city for less than $2. For the budget
conscious, the number 27 bus will also get to the laguna
for about 25 cents. The Christ statue, a