ICELAND 23–30 May 2009 Leader: Andy Jones

Iceland is world famous for its spectacular volcanic scenery, its hot springs and its geysers, and its breeding wildfowl, waders and seabirds. For the UK birder, it is perhaps more frequently thought of as home to a suite of highly desirable and charismatic species: Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, White-tailed Eagle, Gyr Falcon and Brünnich’s Guillemot. We have a good chance of seeing all of these specialities during a tour that will take advantage of the country’s long summer days and light nights.

Day 1 Scheduled flight from London to Keflavik, the airport that serves the capital, Reykjavik. On our way along the Reykjanes peninsula we will stop several times to see some of Iceland’s most widespread species including Red-throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Common Eider, Black-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Redwing, all of which will be encountered throughout the tour. We may also see Manx Shearwater and Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Overnight in a hotel in the south of the island.

Day 2 Though we will be undertaking a long drive today, there will be many localities to visit en route. In addition to Merlin, Ptarmigan, Purple Sandpiper and Short-eared Owl, we will look for our first Icelandic speciality, Harlequin Duck, which should prove to be a real favourite with photographers. Our destination will be a guesthouse in the north of the country, where we will stay for three nights.

Day 3 Wildfowl enthusiasts will be in their element as we visit the famous and beautiful Lake Myvatn, where American Wigeon, Greater Scaup, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Barrow’s Goldeneye and various other ducks occur, several in impressively large numbers. Hot springs, a still-smouldering volcano and sulphurous mudpools are further attractions in this fascinating area. We will also search for Common Redpoll and Snow Bunting and keep our eyes open for one of the local Gyr Falcons.

Day 4 Great Northern Diver, more engaging Harlequin Ducks, Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting may all be seen during our visits to various sites including Hrisey Island, which we will reach by ferry. In addition, there will be the opportunity to join a whale-watching trip at a cost of about £55.

Day 5 After three days spent just south of the Arctic Circle we will head south and travel across Iceland’s interior. We will stop to look for Pink-footed Goose and Ptarmigan and, if we were unlucky with Gyr Falcon at Lake Myvatn, a special effort will be made to find one during the journey. Three nights at a guesthouse in the south of the island.

Day 6 Today we will experience both the grandeur of glaciers and the excitement of seabird colonies. Target birds include Great Skua, Glaucous Gull, Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin and we will also have a good chance of locating the inappropriately named, non-native Iceland Gull.

Day 7 Our attention will focus largely on wetlands today, which will give us another opportunity to see Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Grey Phalarope is unlikely, though possible, and we will certainly try to find one. Other species to look out for include White-tailed Eagle, Iceland Gull and Snow Bunting.

Day 8 We will have time to admire Slavonian Grebe and Brünnich’s Guillemot before we head for Keflavik airport to catch our afternoon return flight to London.

General Information The climate can be highly variable but it is unlikely to be hot! Rain is possible. The tour pace is moderate but with some early starts and late finishes, as there will be 20+ hours of daylight at this time of year. Walking is generally easy but there may be some uneven surfaces. There are no special health requirements. Insects may be a problem at times and repellents are recommended.

Group Size Minimum number for tour to go ahead: 5; maximum group size: 8 with 1 leader.

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