Winter on the Estancia: Quiet Skies and Silent Hunters

Winter on the estancia brings a different kind of beauty. The air is crisp, the mornings arrive wrapped in mist, and the landscape feels quieter, slower, and more still. But for those who take the time to look up, winter is one of the most rewarding seasons for birdwatching.

This is the season when birds of prey become easier to spot. With fewer leaves on the trees and clearer open skies, the Black-Chested Buzzard Eagle often appears circling high above the fields, watching patiently for movement below. Its broad wings and powerful presence make it one of the most impressive winter visitors on the estancia.

Closer to the ground, the Chimango Caracara is a regular companion during colder months. Often seen perched on fence posts or walking confidently through open grassland, this clever bird is always alert and adaptable. It thrives in winter conditions and reminds us that resilience is part of nature’s design.

As evening falls, another special resident emerges - the Barn Owl. Silent and almost ghost-like, it glides low over the fields at dusk, hunting in near-complete silence. Spotting one on a winter drive near La Verdad is always memorable, especially as the sun disappears behind the hills.

Winter may seem quiet, but the estancia is far from asleep. It is a season of patience, sharp eyes, and rewarding encounters with some of our most remarkable birds.

The Loica, a Bird of the Córdoba Sierras

At Estancia Los Potreros, the beauty of the landscape reveals itself in quiet, unforgettable moments - the golden light over the hills, the sound of horses moving through the paddocks, and the sudden flash of red from a loica perched on a fence post.

Known for its brilliant scarlet chest and confident song, the loica is one of the most distinctive birds of the Argentine countryside. Here in the rolling hills of Córdoba, it is a familiar and much-loved presence, adding color and character to the open grasslands that surround the estancia.

Guests often first notice the loica while riding out across the sierras. It appears effortlessly at home in these wide spaces, moving through native grasses, resting on wooden posts, or singing from a low branch as if announcing the morning. Its bright red breast stands out vividly against the soft greens and golds of the landscape, making it impossible to ignore.

The male loica is especially striking, using both his vibrant plumage and melodic call to defend his territory and attract a mate. Females are more understated in color, blending beautifully into the grasses where they build their carefully hidden nests close to the ground. Their quiet presence is a reminder of how much life exists just beyond the obvious.

At Estancia Los Potreros, where the rhythm of life follows the land, the loica feels like part of the family. It belongs to the same world as the horses, the cattle, and the endless horizon - a symbol of the natural balance that makes this place so special.

There is also something deeply symbolic about the loica. In rural folklore, its red chest is often linked to stories of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty. It is a bird woven into the identity of the countryside, carrying both beauty and meaning wherever it appears.

As native grasslands become increasingly important to protect, birds like the loica remind us why these landscapes matter. Preserving open spaces means preserving the wildlife, traditions, and sense of place that define life in the sierras. For guests at Los Potreros, spotting a loica is often a small but memorable highlight. It is not rare or dramatic in the usual sense but that is exactly its charm. It is part of the everyday magic of the estancia: simple, elegant, and unmistakably Argentine.