All posts by Kristin

Birds

Aldeyjarfoss in Bárðardalur

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Aldeyjarfoss in Skjálfandafljót in Bárðardalur

Aldeyjarfoss is a waterfall in the river Skjálfandafljót which comes from Iceland’s, and Europe’s, biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. It is situated deep in the valley Bárðardalur where the highland road Sprengisandur starts.

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The waterfall, although not much higher than 20 metres,  is spectacular and no photo can give it enough credit. Beautiful black basalt columns are contrasted by the force of glacial water and the drive to the waterfall and short walk down from the parking space are so much worth it.

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The surrounding landscape consists of lava fields and rich green pastureland, full of birdlife and sheep. There are also a few sheep farms in the area, because although remote and on the edge of the highlands, the area is one of Iceland’s best suited for sheep farming.
See map:  http://mapcarta.com/17612214/Map

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Birds

Gannets at Stóri-Karl

Súla - Northern Gannet - Morus bassanus
Súla – Northern Gannet – Morus bassanus

The Gannet is the largest seabird in the North Atlantic. Gannets eat fish and flocks of them can be seen plunging into the sea from heights up to 30 – 40 metres. They spends most of their life at sea.

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Gannets don’t reach maturity until the age of five. They breed in colonies by coasts and islands and usually lay only one egg.

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Iceland’s second largest Gannet colony is at Stóri-Karl and Skoruvíkurbjarg in Langanes Peninsula. Stóri-Karl is a bird rock in the sea beside the cliff. These pictures are taken there.

Stóri-Karl in Skoruvík, Langanes
Stóri-Karl in Skoruvík, Langanes
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Birds, Landscape

Birdwatching platform at Skoruvíkurbjarg

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Platform with a view to the Gannet colony at Stóri-Karl

Langanes peninsula is the northeasternmost part of Iceland and a treat for birdwatchers. It is one of the most remote places and there is only a dirt road so you should not be in a hurry.  The road leads you to the narrow tip called Fontur where you have the North Atlantic surrounding you in several directions.

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In Skoruvíkurbjarg and Skálavíkurbjarg are steep sea cliffs. The area is known for its rich birdlife and at Skoruvíkurbjarg is the second biggest Gannet colony in Iceland.

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Trying to overcome her fear of heights

There is a very good birdwatching platform at Skoruvíkurbjarg where it is possible to see the Gannet, the Brünnich’s Guillemot, the Kittiwake and more at close hand. From the platform you have a view down to Stóri-Karl, a sea rock, which is home to the magnificent Gannet.

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Landscape

Most active volcano

Iceland’s most active volcano, Hekla, is said to be ready to erupt any time. The pressure inside this famous South Iceland volcano is greater than before the last two eruptions. So we should be on our toes.

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Mount Hekla

Since 1970, when Hekla last erupted, the interval between eruptions has been more less or less ten years. According to scientists Hekla has built up a great deal of magma in recent years. Although the last few eruptions in Hekla have not been big and not involved serious danger one never knows what exactly to expect. The lead up to an eruption in Hekla can be very short and that is a concern.

Hekla is a popular attraction and groups often hike in the mountain. There is some worry  that this could be dangerous in view of the short notice of eruption and people are warned not to be on the mountain. Airplanes flying over could also be in danger if scientist are not taken seriously.

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Birds

Long distance flier

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Kría – Arctic Tern – Sterna paradisaea

Every spring Icelanders eagerly await the coming of the Arctic Tern and its arrival deserves news coverage.  The Arctic Tern is a long distance migrant. Its winter grounds are in the sea around South Africa and Antarctica but it breeds in the Arctic. Can you go any further?

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 Most Terns stay near the coast but they also venture inland, even as far as the interior. The Icelandic population is estimated around 500,000 pairs.

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Birds

Harlequins still here

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Straumönd – Harlequin Duck – Histrionicus histrionicus

A group of Harlequin Ducks are on River Ölfusá. They are common here in  April but will leave when it gets warmer and the river becomes muddier because of snow melting in the highlands. Clear spring water rivers are their favourite.

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The Harlequin Duck stays in the ocean around Iceland during the winter time but comes inland, on rivers, with the coming of spring.

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Birds

Chirping incessantly

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Redpoll nest with chicks

Redpolls are among the first birds to lay eggs in the spring and now the chicks have already started hatching.  On my walk today I came across this nest in a spruce tree. Two chicks were in it but three were already out of it sitting on nearby branches, chirping incessantly for food. The parents must be very busy finding food for all these little mouths.

Auðnutittlingur - Redpoll - Carduelis flammea
Auðnutittlingur – Redpoll – Carduelis flammea
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Birds, Landscape

Gullfoss

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The waterfall Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most visited tourist attractions, along with Geysir. Both are on the Golden Circle, the route that most tourists in Iceland travel. It runs from Reykjavík, the capital, to Thingvellir, the site of the old Icelandic parliament, to Geysir and then Gullfoss.

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Gullfoss is a massive waterfall and special for its two steps. It is in the river Hvítá and is originated in Langjökull Glacier. Gullfoss is very spectacular both in summer and winter.

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One of the tourists last weekend, my wife Kristin.
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Landscape

Geysir and Strokkur

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Strokkur geyser, Haukadalur, South Iceland.

The area is called Geysir although today Strokkur geyser is the one that people come to see. Geysir is a geyser, the ONE that gives its name to the phenomena. Only once in a while does the old Geysir erupt whereas Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes. The term geyser is described: “A geyser…  is a spring characterized by intermittent discharge of water ejected turbulently and accompanied by steam.”

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Last weekend was beautiful, the countryside was covered with snow and the sun was shining brightly, as can be seen in the photos.

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 The Geysir area is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Iceland and an increasing number of tourists visit it daily. It is situated inland in the South of Iceland about one and a half hours drive from Reykjavík, the capital. From Selfoss it is about one hours drive. A trip to Geysir usually also involves a visit to Gullfoss which is only about 10 minutes drive away.  

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