The recent sighting of the Blue Heron in the Tricao Park in the Valparaíso region has generated a wave of excitement among the ornithological community and nature lovers. For the first time in more than 60 yearsthis species has been recorded in this region, marking a significant milestone in bird watching in Chile.
The Blue Heron, scientifically known as Butorides striatus, is a cosmopolitan bird found on several continents, but is particularly rare in Chile. Your favorite habitat includes lakes, ponds, rivers and swampy areas, where it feeds on fish, insects, crustaceans and amphibians. This sighting is notable not only because of the rarity of the species in the region, but also because it indicates the environmental quality of Tricao Park’s Giverny wetland, which has been able to support such an elusive and solitary bird.
Edu Bartolomé, co-founder of Suroeste Films and the first to observe the bird, described his chance encounter during a photographic walk through the wetland. Initially confused by its similarity to the local huairavillo, it was thanks to verification by marine biologist Carolina Yáñez that the identity of the blue heron was confirmed.
“First I was in Playa Blanca, near the Giverny Wetland. I was walking, taking photos of the place and at first I scared her. It flew to a branch and when I saw it, its proportions and color caught my attention. I know that’s a tough heron to see, so I walked over and started recording it. I continued walking and on the wooden walkways I found her about five or six meters away,” Bartolomé narrated.
The importance of this discovery has attracted numerous bird enthusiasts, ornithologists and photographers to the area, all hoping to observe and document this rarely seen species. Furthermore, the sighting has been celebrated by the Parque Tricao Foundation, with its executive director, Nicolás Vicuña, expressing pride and surprise at the choice of the park as the egret’s temporary habitat.
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“As a Tricao team we are very surprised, but also proud that this little egret has visited us. That a species that had not been seen in the Valparaíso region for more than 60 years has chosen the park as its home for at least a couple of days, It shows us once again that understanding and caring for nature generates positive results.” mentioned Vicuña.
The blue heron is characterized by Its plumage is bluish gray above and white below, a long, thin neck with a black stripe, and a dark steely gray bill. Its presence in Tricao Park highlights the importance of preserving natural ecosystems such as wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and the conservation of migratory and resident species.
This event also highlights the relevance of continuous observation and documentation of wildlife, allowing a better understanding of migratory patterns and the health of local ecosystems. Thus, the blue heron has not only offered a unique observation opportunity, but has also contributed to raising awareness about environmental conservation in Chile.
