The Goosander is a winter guest on River Ölfusá, in South Iceland. Sometimes there are up to 50 Goosanders on the river where it flows through Selfoss. This is in fact a considerable part of the Icelandic breeding population which counts only around 300 pairs. The Goosander is a breeeding bird by rivers and lakes throughout … Continue reading The Goosander on River Ölfusá
The most voluminous river in Iceland is River Ölfusá. Around this time of year you can expect to see a lot of ducks and gulls there, some Greylags and Swans and a Gyrfalcon, a Merlin or even a White-tailed Eagle flying above. Due to spring water a big part of the river never freezes. When … Continue reading Ölfusá River in winter
Last weekend was the annual Winter Bird Count around the country. This time of year is considered ideal because all the migratory birds have by now flown to warmer climates leaving only the ones that will definitely stay and endure the Icelandic winter. My area has for decades been the town of Selfoss and the … Continue reading Winter Bird Count
Here we group together birds that live in and around fresh water. Seabirds, gulls and waders are not included. A lot of ducks live in Iceland, three species of geese breed here, two species of loons, one of grebes and one Swan specie. All of these live more or less on water, they usually breed by … Continue reading Waterbirds
It’s 6 days to Christmas and the Goosanders on the river stay relaxed despite the snowstorms that seem to haunt us these days. The Goosander is one of the birds that stays in Iceland the whole year round. – Can you see the Polar Bear ?