nicklittlewood
Well-known member
We're off to Iceland 8-12 March. We're planning to be just in the west: Keflavík/Reykjavik up to Grundarfjörður/Kolgrafafjörður (to look for Orcas), etc. Having not been to Iceland before, I wonder if anyone can help with these questions:
1. I know the weather is unpredictable but is a conventional hire car (with winter tyres) likely to suffice for these areas. Would a basic 4x4 (which is approaching twice the cost) add any significant benefit?
2. If it stays around, are there any tips for seeing the Hooded Merganser at Hrauntúnstjörn/Reykjavík (e.g. direction, coordinates)?
3. Gyr - random chance anywhere I assume but are they attracted to Rykjavik harbour at that time of year.
4. Brünnich's Guillemot - is it way too early for any to be at breeding sites? And if so, what are the chances of picking up the species randomly offshore somewhere?
5. Arctic Fox - any hints for any areas that are readily accessible in March that might produce Arctic Fox in March?
I've already seen Birding Iceland Facebook and The Icelandic Birding Pages, which have proved to be useful resources.
Any further tips or recommendations for these queries appreciated.
Nick
1. I know the weather is unpredictable but is a conventional hire car (with winter tyres) likely to suffice for these areas. Would a basic 4x4 (which is approaching twice the cost) add any significant benefit?
2. If it stays around, are there any tips for seeing the Hooded Merganser at Hrauntúnstjörn/Reykjavík (e.g. direction, coordinates)?
3. Gyr - random chance anywhere I assume but are they attracted to Rykjavik harbour at that time of year.
4. Brünnich's Guillemot - is it way too early for any to be at breeding sites? And if so, what are the chances of picking up the species randomly offshore somewhere?
5. Arctic Fox - any hints for any areas that are readily accessible in March that might produce Arctic Fox in March?
I've already seen Birding Iceland Facebook and The Icelandic Birding Pages, which have proved to be useful resources.
Any further tips or recommendations for these queries appreciated.
Nick
