The Icelandic Canadian - 01.04.2007, Side 7

Vol. 61 #1
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
5
Myvatn is renowned for its abundance of
waterfowl. More than 16 species of ducks
are known to nest in Iceland, including two
American species; Barrow's golden eye and
the harlequin duck. The geese are repre-
sented by two nesting species and three
passage migrants. Iceland is one of few
places where the whooper swan is still a
common breeding bird. Swans are most
numerous on lakes lying on the borders of
the central highlands.
Around 70 species of birds breed in
Iceland, but as many as 300 have been
recorded as seen in total. Some birds over-
winter in Iceland, returning to the Arctic to
breed, some are on passage and some occur
as vagrants blown off course. The nature of
the country is more suitable for breeding
seabirds than passerines (perching birds).
Most of Iceland's birds breed also in
Northern Europe, apart from 3 species
where Iceland is the only place these
species normally breed in Europe. These
are Great Northern Diver (Common
The Icelandic Society for the
Protection of Birds, Fluglaverndarfelag
Islands, actively campaigns for wetland
restoration and conservation. Its website
may be found at www.fuglavernd.is.
Also see Iceland’s Birds on stamps ...
www.simnet.is.
The great skua colony on the sands in
South Iceland is the largest in the world.
Seabirds such as puffins can be seen in
many places, as well as eiders, Arctic terns,
waders and passerine birds. Many tour
operators organize tours for birdwatchers
in early summer. It’s worth the trip to
enjoy both “vagrant” and native species of
birds in Iceland.
Loon), and two ducks - Barrow's Golden
Eye and Elarlequin.
Images of birds in Iceland can augment
this brief description. Many images may be
seen at the websites of:
Daniel Bergmann at www.daniel-
bergmann.com; Jon Baldur Hlidberg at
www.fauna.is; Jakob Sigurdsson at
www.aves.is.