Wildlife Watching on Your Dorado Fishing Trip: Birds of Corrientes
While our primary focus will be the fertile waters as we chase Golden Dorado at Don Joaquin River Lodge in Argentina, it’ll hard not to be captivated by the region’s rich wildlife, especially its birds. From our experiences on exceptional fishing trips to Africa, Brazil, and Panama, we’ve learned that birds aren’t just a beautiful backdrop, they’re an essential part of the ecosystem, signaling the health of the environment and adding an extra layer of fascination, whether or not the fish are biting.
For hardcore anglers, spotting rare or colorful birds is a thrilling bonus. For more casual or “lukewarm” anglers, the vibrant birdlife adds another compelling reason to make the trip—alongside Argentina’s renowned wine, food, and culture. Corrientes’ diversity of birds transforms a Golden Dorado adventure into a complete nature experience.
Why Corrientes is a Birding Hotspot
Don Joaquin River Lodge is a little over 300 miles north of Buenos Aires as the crow flies, up near Uruguay and Paraguay. It’s a naturalist’s dream, where the Paraná River joins the Corrientes River in a diverse and massive ecosystem consisting of wetlands, riverbanks and forests. That makes it a haven for both resident and migratory birds.
For more information about the birds and habitat, here are some authoritative resources:
There are hundreds of species of birds in this region, some of them found nowhere else. Just reading the list, I’m intrigued to possibly see a Toco Toucan, Jabiru Stork, Southern Screamer and Plumbeous Ibis.
A Birding Tour and a Fishing Trip All in One
While there are plenty of specialized tour operators who will be happy to take you birding – and we can get some recommendations – the great news is that for all but the pickiest birders looking for “the last species to complete the set,” Don Joaquin has you covered.
In fact, the lodge offers both half- and full-day wildlife safaris in a boat or a 4X4 truck, as appropriate. You’ll see tons of birds, plus other oddities like caiman and capybaras.
Their sister lodge, Estancia Don Joaquin, is less focused on fishing and more on other adventures. In fact, the lodge’s owner is a passionate birder. In the lodge’s library you will find several bird books and a bird checklist so there’s plenty you can do on your own, but if you’re really hard core they offer a three-day birdwatching program. It’ll involved boats and birdwatching by horseback in three different environments so you’ll knock a ton of birds off of your life list.
More Info:
Resources for Birders and Non-Birders Alike
If you’d like to get a head start on Argentine birdwatching, the following resources will get you pumped up for what you’re about to see, and make you more educated:
There was a time when all I cared about on a fishing trip was the fish themselves, but as we’ve traveled more I’ve learned that it’s the complete experience that makes these distant voyages particularly memorable. Join us at Don Joaquin River Lodge and you’ll get to experience both trophy fishing and the Corrientes region’s vibrant wildlife.
