Naturalist and photographer Myrna Pearman shared her trip to Argentina during an Armchair Traveller presentation at Leader Library on Nov. 26.
by T. Martin-Schmunk
of The Crossroads
Myrna Pearman of Sylvan Lake, Alta., returned to Leader Library to share an Armchair Traveler presentation on Argentina.
A nice crowd gathered on the evening of Nov. 26 to learn more about Argentina. Pearman has presented for Leader Library on past occasions and was happy to return to the area, incorporating scenic drives and opportunities to catch wildlife at its best. She commented on numerous snowy owl sightings.
Before beginning, Pearman expressed her gratitude to David Thorburn for coming to the rescue with a major computer problem that had threatened her entire slide show!
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Argentina, Patagonia in particular, had always been on Pearman’s bucket list. An avid nature photographer, she signed up for the November 2017 tour through Worldwide Ecotours based in Calgary.
She provided some historical and political background, touching on bits of culture as well, including the Tango dance, mate, a traditional tea-like drink, and gauchos, colourful horsemen and cowhands.
From Buenos Aires to the Ibera Marsh, attendees were treated to an amazing array of photos that focused on birds (Argentina has almost 500 species) and animals. Favourites included the hornero (national bird), anteaters (a threatened species), and the peccary (tiny pig).
Of particular note, were farms/ranches designated as conservation areas by Douglas and Kris Tompkins (founders of North Face and Patagonia respectively). To date Tompkins Conservation has, to its credit, purchased 2.1-plus million acres for conservation, and donated 591.154 acres to create and expand national parks; two facts among many regarding their conservation efforts.
Pearman travelled by plane, boat, bus and horseback during her Argentinian adventure. Another highlight was an excursion to Patagonia at the southern tip of Argentina. There she had the opportunity to walk amongst a Magellanic penguin colony. Rockhopper penguins were of interest as well. Pearman patiently waited for that opportune moment to snap a penguin in mid-hop; they can hop up to three feet high.
It truly was a treat to see Argentina through Pearman’s lens; the photos were stunning accompanied by an informative and often humorous narrative.
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