There are few locations in the world which are more scenically spectacular than Iceland! Evidence of geological activity is everywhere, and wildflowers are just coming into bloom in early June. Our nature and bird watching tour to Iceland will travel through dramatic landscapes and spectacular scenery. Our walks will be mostly on good terrain and should be no more than about three or four miles per day.
We will visit volcanoes and glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, pools of water laden with sulfur, sea-cliffs, and lakes. Geothermal energy is the main power source and, as a consequence, there is little pollution generated by its nearly 300,000 inhabitants. With its northern shores bordering the Arctic Circle, you would think that frigid temperatures would be the rule in Iceland, but the waters of the north Atlantic moderate the conditions and make it quite livable.
There are about 70 species of birds that breed, and the world’s largest colonies of Atlantic Puffin and Arctic Tern are found here. There are steep seaside cliffs where hundreds of thousands of birds breed, including Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Common and Thick-billed Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Northern Fulmars. Great Skuas and Parasitic Jaegers cruise these colonies in search of prey. There are also many breeding shorebirds, including the beautiful and graceful Red-necked Phalarope, and the Black-tailed Godwit. There are sixteen species of waterfowl, such as Pink-footed Goose and Tufted Duck, many of which can be seen at Lake Myvatn. There are several spectacular raptor species, including White-tailed Eagle, and the Gyrfalcon.
