The "Vuelo Latitud 40" Nature Interpretation Center Opens in Patagonia

The exterior of Vuelo Latitud 40 & El Jahuel on the day of the opening ceremony

The exterior of Vuelo Latitud 40 & El Jahuel on the day of the opening ceremony. Thanks to generous support from the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grants Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the “Vuelo Latitud 40” [“Flight Latitude 40”] Nature Interpretation Center opened on 2 November 2007 at a key Red Knot site in Patagonia.

San Antonio Bay in Río Negro Province is one of the most important stopover sites for Red Knots anywhere in South America. The otherwise small city of San Antonio Oeste, and its beachfront community of Las Grutas, see an enormous influx of tourists during the Argentine summer—representing a possible threat to the habitat and a disturbance to the birds.

Second-floor telescopes provide a view of an important roost for Red Knots and other shorebirds

To combat this threat, the non-profit organization Fundación Inalafquen partnered with WHSRN in our project, “Multinational Conservation of the Red Knot,” to build local awareness, protection, and support for conservation. Key project actions include the construction of a nature interpretation center and the training of environmental guards and teachers. The new center shares space with “El Jahuel,” a wayside restaurant specializing in the traditional foods—and excellent wines—of Patagonia. The beautifully designed and executed displays educate visitors about shorebirds, especially Red Knots and their migrations, and about the importance of their habitats at San Antonio Bay.

Project manager Zonia Sawicki (r.) helps the mayor of San Antonio Oeste color-band his “Red Knot” as one of the first members of the Red Knot Club Photo Credit: S. Gigli

Inalafquen contracted with a psychologist to undertake a study of how Argentine people perceive birds, and incorporated the results into the design—along with elements that convey a sense of freedom of flight and the need for stopover “safe havens.” The center is, simply, word-class. There is even a “Red Knot Club” for children. They become members after they remove a plush, life-sized “Red Knot” from a holding box, place color bands on the legs, and record the weight, bill length, and plumage on a data sheet! WHSRN Director, Dr. Charles Duncan, had the privilege of attending the opening and offering words of support and thanks to the team who have made a dream into a wonderful reality. In his remarks, he mentioned that he feels he no longer has “colleagues” in this region—only friends. !Felicitaciones, amigos y amigas!