ASUNCIÓN BAY IBA

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ASUNCIÓN BAY IBA 
PARAGUAY

CENTRAL (W)

25o16’02’’S57o37’39’’W 375ha 60m flat scrub, wet grass areas, open water 
Protected/registered status IBA but now totally destroyed
September-November (winter-spring 2005)

 

Birding Site Guide

From Plaza de los Heroes in central Asunción, take Presidente Franco N to the outskirts of town and turn left at a guard house onto Avinida Artigas (large glass building on the right). Follow the rough dirt road through the shanty town of Mbigua towards the main River Paraguay, and at the end head out of Mbigua left along the river edge then take the first dirt road left towards the bay, the city is visible straight ahead over the bay. Park along this track (care should be taken leaving unguarded vehicles, a taxi is a good idea) walk along to the bay birding the scrub on the right for seedeaters and as you get towards the bay scan the flooded grass area for waders. At migration there can be 1000s of waterbirds and waders present in the bay. Walk through the scrub to the edge of the bay and there are a series of inlets and large areas of reeds each all being good areas to bird.


Species Notes 

At least 250 species have been recorded here. Of the species of conservation concern Buff-breasted Sandpiper (NT) has been found in the flooded grass areas, Bearded Tachuri (NT) in the rough grass and Marsh Seedeaters (EN) have been recorded as well as Chestnut Seedeater along the track to the bay in October and November. In the same area can be found the resident Seedeaters: White-bellied, Tawny-rumped and Rusty-collared. Black Skimmers are easily found at the water’s edge. Ringed Teal are migrant but common on passage. Check the large flocks of White-winged Coots for less common Red-gartered Coots. On passage large numbers of other North American waders are present including Upland Sandpiper, Hudsonian Godwit, and Baird’s Sandpiper are in the wet grass away from the water edge in small numbers. Bare-faced and White-faced Ibis can be present in large numbers and ducks include Brazilian Teal, Rosy-billed Pochard, Ringed Teal, Comb Duck (rare) and Red Shoveler in winter.

In the scrub look for Greater Thornbird, Grey-headed Tyrannulet (Serpophagasp.) and Lesser Canastero. In the reeds look for Warbling and Crested Doradito. 


Charles Hesse (29th June, 2005) 

This site is in easy reach of the city centre and has many waterbirds especially). I went there with Guira Paraguay but it should be quite easy to take a taxi or bus to the junction and walk. The dirt road to the site however passes through a poor area and although is not necessarily dangerous, it is an unpleasant 3km walk. There may also be a boat leaving from the port to the boat club. I saw a number of waders and other waterbirds including an unusual sighting of Stilt Snadpipers and Red Shovelers. Yellowish Pipit is common and we also saw Nacunda Nighthawk. It may be a good idea to take wellington boots. I saw 58 species including 5 lifers 

 

Species seen 

 


Fundacion Moises Bertoni 

Procer Arguello 208. This road is near the intersections of Mariscal Lopez and Republica Argentina which are both large streets. There is also a modern looking building here with TIGO written in big letters. Coming along Mariscal Lopez from the city centre cross this junction and take the next road on the right. A number 31 bus from Cerro Cora in the town centre passes the junction. http://www.mbertoni.org.py



Guira Paraguay (a birdlife partner)

381 Coronel Rafael Franco (near where it crosses with Leandro Prieto) This road is runs from Mariscal Lopez which is a large street. The road is unsigned but is between Chaco Boreal and Cayala which are both signed. It is also accross the road from a shell station. A number 31 bus from Cerro Cora in the town centre passes the road.


ASUNCIÓN BAY BIRD LIST (2005) 


Other Fauna 

Authors: BSG and Paul Smith. Charles Hesse 

For more information on volunteering on bird study projects in Paraguay, or for customised bird tours to anywhere in Paraguay contact Paul Smith via his website Fauna Paraguay or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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