Resumen

GARAY, Gladys; GUINEO, Oscar; MUTSCHKE, Erika  y  RIOS, Carlos. SIZE, STRUCTURE AND SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF AQUATIC BIRDS POPULATIONS FROM ULTIMA ESPERANZA SOUND AND SEÑORET CHANNEL, MAGELLAN REGION. Anales Instituto Patagonia (Chile) [online]. 2008, vol.36, n.2, pp. 33-43. ISSN 0718-686X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-686X2008000200004.

Between September 2001 and September 2002, Ultima Esperanza fjord and Señoret Channel were surveyed, sailing from Puerto Natales. Information on abundance, structure and distribution of aquatic and land birds observed during the sail is presented. We found 30 species of aquatic birds and 3 land birds.: 1 In Danger, 3 Vulnerables and 1 Insufficiently known. Our analysis shows that these fjords contained one of the biggest winter abundance of birds of the region and is a nesting area for many species. Furthermore, we proposed that the fjord constitute a core area for aquatic birds in summer when fresh water lagoons and ponds get dry. Finally, we make special reference to the need to implement a management plan in the area.

Palabras llave : Sea birds; land birds; Southern fjords; aquatic birds; conservation; marine park; subantartic; Magallanes.