Redpolls are the most common birds in our garden this winter. There are about one hundred of them that come here every day. They eat the sunflower seeds that we put out for them and the big old trees probably also play a part in the popularity of the garden.
I keep count of the birds that come here all year round. For information see my Weekly Bird Report.
I never tire of photographing these quick and adorable birds. The Icelandic winter with its endless twilight poses a challenge for me to constantly try to get better photos that are sharp and clear.
River Ölfusá is a popular spot for birds especially during the winter time when creeks and lakes are frozen over. Due to spring water, part of the river never becomes frozen. There are several species of Gulls, mostly Iceland Gull, Whooper Swans and ducks.
River Ölfusá starts about 8 km north of Selfoss where two rivers join, a spring water river and a glacial river. One is River Hvítá which is mainly originated from the glacier Langjökull. The other is River Sog which is the biggest spring water river in Iceland. It comes from Lake Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn) which is usually the biggest lake in Iceland.
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.
Selfoss town and Ölfusá River
My area has for decades been the town of Selfoss and the area around it. More or less the same route is taken every year and I look for birds in gardens and on and by the river.
I also have an area in Grímsnes, Nautavakir, which is about a quarter of an hours drive from Selfoss inland. In my observations I include both the river and the forrest nearest to the river. This year there was no snow, no ice on the river and the ground unfrozen.
Cormorants are often seen by River Ölfusá around Selfoss in winter. In the last few days a young Cormorant has been seen on the river. Today it could be seen by the river bank drying off after fishing.
Cormorants are breeding birds along the Icelandic coastline but they only lay their eggs in islands off the coast. In other countries they are more prone to fresh water and lay their eggs in trees or cliffs. In the winter time many of them stay on rivers and lakes, sometimes in flocks.
A Grey Wagtail has been spotted in downtown Reykjavík in the last two weeks. It has mostly been seen around the Pond.
Grey Wagtails are rather uncommon in Iceland but they have been spotted here around 50 times.They are common breeding birds in West Europe to the east of Asia. Their winter grounds are in South Asia and Africa.
The photos are taken by the Pond in Reykjavík, on Friday, 6 January, (500 mm lens and 70-80% crop), from a distance of 70 m. The birds on the photos are Black-headed gulls in winter plumage.
Hjálparfoss Waterfall in Thjosardalur (Þjórsárdalur) is situated just before the road takes you into the Southern Highlands and is easy to access from the main road. It is a beautiful place, the double waterfall, the lagoon and some interesting lava formations make it a place you should definitely not leave out if you are in the area. It is more than worth the while to hike down the short footpath to the river although the view from the parking place is great.
There are some very interesting places to visit in Thjorsardalur Valley and you should not pass them by. One of these is Gjáin, not far from Hálparfoss.
Today and in the last few days Little Auks have been spotted in the harbour in Thorlakshofn (Þorlákshöfn) where they seek shelter from the storm. The Little Auk is an Arctic bird and rather common by the Icelandic coastline in the winter time.
It used to be a breeding bird by the north coast and in islands north of Iceland but has now disappeared as a breeding bird from these areas probably because of global warming. It is now a common breeding bird in Arctic areas such as Greenland, Jan Mayen and Svalbard.
In the last few days one storm after another has moved across Iceland. Most days the wind has been between 15 – 23 m/s. This has disrupted travels and plans for Christmas. Life for sea birds has also been difficult in the turbulent sea. Some look for shelter in fjords and harbours where the wind is not as harsh as out in the open seas.
The harbour in Thorlakshofn (Þorlákshöfn) is one of these sheltering places where birds flock in bad weathers.
Black Guillemot – Teista – Cepphus grylle (winter plumage)
Groups of Eiders, Long-Tailed Ducks, Red-Breasted Mergansers and Gulls have been there and a few Cormorants and King Eiders have been seen. Also a Black Guillemot and a Razorbill in the company of Little Auks.
After a few years decline the Redpoll population seems to have grown considerably. The summer was extra warm and huge flocks are now seen in gardens and forests. Today there were 80 of them here in the garden.
They are feeding on sunflower seeds that we put out for them. Sunflower seed attracts a wide variety of birds into gardens. It is interesting to study the Redpolls different colour variations, no two are the same.
