THE WHITE EAGLES OF PATAGONIA

During our expedition of March 2004, we were highly surprised to see in the heart of Patagonia, at 4,600 ft /1,400 m above sea level, four White Eagles (white-breast eagles).

We learnt that although they are very rare, they could be seen in these desertic landscapes.
We also learnt that the Guenaken (Tehuelchian) Indians would consider them "Sacred Birds". According to the story, if they show their white breast, that would mean a good omen or a sign of success of one's own endeavours, while if they show their grey "back", they are anticipating a bad omen.

Fortunately they have always showed their white breasts to us.
In addition, we could learn that the "predictive" nature of these birds has not been the exclusive domain of our Patagonian Indians, but the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations also used to worship these birds for such sacred gift.

Furthermore, we should also mention that our camp, located at 2,600 ft / 800 m above sea level, was visited by a full-white ostrich or "choique", that would climb down the neighbouring slopes around 11 a.m. every morning. This event, that is unprecedented according to the few inhabitants of the area, occurs daily. Although normally the white ostrich does not come close to the people, it shows up at a distance of approximately 330 ft / 100 m.

The attached picture depicts the first White Eagle we saw. Alert at the top of a huge elm tree.