Icelandic Cruise: Iceland

8 - 10 June 

With our docking at Reykjavik cancelled due to high winds it was straight on to Grundarfjordur where we had a good birding experience followed by beautiful stop at Isafjordur where Eider Ducks were the the most popular species and finally Iceland's second city, Akureyri.

Drake Eider Somateria mollissima

Now we were well ad truly in the land, or should I say sea, of the Arctic Terns and Fulmars, the former of which seemed to be everywhere.  Entering Grundarfjordur we were accompanied by Fulmars, Herring Gulls and Eiders and, once ashore, a small number of Starlings before taking a local shuttle bus up to a waterfall where we four could undertake some birding. No sooner had we left the bus to explore the neighbouring fields than we were surrounded by many breeding Whimbrel and even a quartering Great Skua looking for an easy meal.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Below us, at the bottom of the waterfall, we could see a couple of Oystercatchers and a pair of resting Glaucous Gulls.  A Meadow Pipit came in to drink and wash at the edge of the water and looking at the lake in front of us we could seen a large flock of Tufted Ducks. 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Making our way down to the water's edge we came across a pair of Harlequin Ducks resting on a small rock just off the beach, a handful of Mallards and then, to our utter delight, we came across a pair of feeding Red-necked Phalaropes.

Harlequin Duck Histrionicus hstrionicus

On our way back up to the top of the waterfall to further explore the neighbouring fields we found the pair of hiding Red-breasted Mergansers that were now out in the open and then a Northern Wheatear. A Redshank accompanied us for a while letting us know in no uncertain terms that we were wandering onto his breeding territory whereupon, having noted the Great Black-backed Gull, we retreated and took a short walk along the road away from the other visitors.

Red-breasted Mergansers Mergus serrator

In addition to the many Whimbrel we then found a quartet of Black-tailed Godwits in stunning plumage and a Snipe put its lovely flight display including the tail vibration. First time either Derek or I had heard this distinctive sound. Then, making our way back to the shuttle bus pickup point, we came across a Ringed Plover at the side of the road where it had obviously made its nest on the nearby shingle.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Back in the village not only a Redwing in a tree but a passing Raven.  Lovely to hear a calling Cuckoo then, back at the port, both Puffin and Black Guillimot on the water along with a couple of Pochard.

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Isafjordur was certainly noted for its many Arctic Terns and breeding Eider Ducks.  Indeed, we took a fascinating short tour by a local farmer to see the thousands of Eiders that nested on his land giving him a new occupation of collected the used nests to wash, clean and sell, so proving a good income to supplement his earnings.  Leaving the port with its Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots, we made our way towards a waterfall noting Whooper Swan, Oystercatcher and fulmar on the way.  Once there and time to walk to the waterfall we found not only a few local Starlings but a Harlequin Duck flying upstream.  

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Continuing on our tour we found Redwing, Snipe and Mallard and the next stop at a lake produced Pied Wagtail, Shag, Mallard and a single Wigeon.  A couple of Whimbrel before reaching the farm with very close views of sitting Eiders (within touching distance) and a look at the the drying room for the collected nests before returning to the ship.  More Eiders and then both Black-headed Gulls and a Black-tailed Godwit.  Close by a Golden Plover and then a handful of Greylag Geese before saying goodbye to the Redshank as we made our way back to the town and ship.

Redwing Turdus iliacus

very little birding at Akureyri as we walked to the local botanical garden where we did find Raven, Redwing and Blackbird.  Most of the birds were at the port including Eider Ducks, Arctic Tern, Glaucous Gull, Black-headed Gull and a lovely Red-throated Diver.

Red-throated Diver (Loon) Gavia stellata

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Eider Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Harlequin Duck, Fulmar, Shag,  Oystercatcher,  Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Redshank, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Skua, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Arctic Tern, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Cuckoo, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wheatear, Blackbird, Redwing, Raven, Starling.

Puffin Fratercula arctica

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (Male above)

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisea

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago displaying with vibrating tail

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