  The Pierre Auger Observatory, a hybrid detector for the study of ultra-high
energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), is now approaching completion. After describing
Auger present status and performance, with an emphasis on the advantages
provided by the combination of two different detection techniques, this
contribution presents a brief panorama of the first scientific results achieved
and of their impact on our knowledge of the UHECRs' origin and composition.
