It is not without a reason Iceland is sometimes called the bird watchers paradise. Up to 250 different species have been spotted and over 70 of them nest here regularly. But lets look at some good spots to watch these winged friends of ours.
Lake Mývatn is without a doubt the spot to choose if you are not into seabirds. Sixteen different species of duck nest there, including two American ducks, Barrow’s Golden Eye and the Harlequin Duck. At least five different species of geese can be found by Mývatn and in an addition the beautiful Whooper Swan, but Iceland is one of few countries in the world where it is a common breeding bird.
Snæfellsnes peninsula and Breiðafjörður bay is the place to visit if you want to look into the life of seabirds and maybe get a chance to see an eagle. The coast around Snæfellsnes peninsula is a favorite place for seabirds to nest as well as for bird watchers to explore the life of the birds since it is in a short distance from the road and with many quite good viewing points.
Examples of species spotted in Snæfellsnes the last few years are; Slavonian Grebe, Fulmar, Gannet, Whooper Swan, Eurasian Wigeon, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Merling Rock, Ptarmigan, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, European Golden Plover, Dunlin, Great Skua, White Tailed Eagle and many more. As an added bonus, be alert for mammals like the Arctic Fox, Killer Whale, White Beaked Dolphin and seals which all have been spotted from the coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Reykjanes peninsula is another great place to visit and lies only about 30 – 45 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Start by heading to the Reykjanes lighthouse, climb the hill and in a distance you will see Eldey island, the biggest Gannet colony in Iceland. You probably won't spot any Gannets but at least you have seen the colony. The nearby Hafnarberg cliff is a great lively place to where thousands and thousands of seabirds fly in constant battle of space and food. From there you should drive to Sandgerði town, and on the way enjoy whatching large colonies of our Arctic Terns among other birds.