Villas marshes

While in Lima we visited the Villa Marshes. Well, we didn't actually visit the marshes as such, just a lagoon behind the beach there. It was quite dramatic with heavy breakers crashing on the beach the spray from which was creating a haze across the scene.

Large Pacific breakers creating a mist

The first sight that we came across was dozens of Inca Terns bathing in the fresh water.

A frenzy of Inca Terns bathing

In among them were several Grey Gulls, migrants from the south.

Grey Gulls (with a singleadult and asingle juv Belcher's Gull)

On the gull theme there was a few Franklin's Gulls dotted among the many Belcher's and Kelp Gulls.

Franklin's Gull

Kelp and Belcher's Gulls

Belcher's Gull is interesting as it is the only gull that I know of that only has a black head in winter plumage.

Adult winter Belcher's Gull

Juvenile Belcher's Gull

On the lagoon itself there were some interesting birds such as the Andean Coot, Great Grebe (just look at that bill), Ruddy Ducks (the black-headed form) and Cinnamon Teal.

Andean Coot

Great Grebe

Ruddy Duck

Cinnamon Teal

As we were leaving we came across this smart looking Long-tailed Mockingbird.

Long-tailed Mockingbird

Good birding in the good company of bird guide Renzo Zeppilli.

Me and Renzo