Iceland next weekend (1 Viewer)

[MacHector]

Hi

I have the chance of taking a short birding trip to Iceland next weekend. I'll be looking for Harlequin Ducks and Gyrfalcon. HDs seems fairly straightforward, but any advice about Gyrfalcons would be appreciated. In particular Lake Myvatn seems to be the best place for them, but is there anywhere good a bit closer to Reykjavik? Lake Myvatn quite far a weekend.

Many thanks

Andrew

 

[Edward]

Hi Andrew
Indeed Harlequin Duck is straightforward in May and can be seen at any number of places in Iceland. Gyr Falcon is a tougher nut to crack and one of the hardest birds to give concrete advice for, especially in the breeding season. It is decidedly rare in summer in southern Iceland. Northern and eastern Iceland are undoubtedly the best places to see them in summer (in Reykjavík and south-west only Oct-March realistically). Mývatn and the Tjörnes peninsula north of Húsavík are good bets but even then there is a good chance of dipping on a short weekend trip. And yes, Mývatn is a long way for a weekend trip, 5-6 hours one way. They do occur elsewhere, but it's a bird you just come across as a matter of luck.

E

 

[MacHector]

Thanks for the advice. 4-0 Liverpool Barcelona. I think this is shaping up to be a lucky week. Fingers crossed!

 

[temmie]

When I went some years ago in July, I heard of sightings North and East of Grundavik and North of Eyrarbakki.

The area North / West of Eyrarbakki was worthwile for birding in general.