Birds of Iceland

This is a Whooper Swan at a big pond in Reykjavik.
There are a lot of Malerd ducks in the pond, too.

     During my stay so far in Iceland, I have seen many different species of birds. Some birds, like the Whooper Swan, we don't have in Gunnison, so they have been very fun to see. My mom is really into birds, so she also enjoys watching the birds, too. My family and I saw some Whooper Swans a couple days before the news paper said that the first Whooper Swans were spotted. The news paper made a point in announcing the arrival of the Whooper Swans because it means the coming of spring.

     Some other birds that I have seen include the Eider duck and the White-tailed 'Sea' Eagle. Eider ducks make their nest with the down from their chests that is very soft. Eider duck hunters collect the down from the ducks' nest and sell the valuable feathers while the Eider ducks make a new nest. The White-tailed Eagle is an endangered species native to norther Europe. In Iceland, there are as few as 140to 200 birds in the Westfjórds (the 'claw', or piece that sticks up in the west of the island) and surrounding area. I was lucky enough to see four or five of these rare birds with my family in the spring.

     Despite Iceland being known for its large puffin population, I have still not seen some puffins! My dad has, though, while he was out with his friend Alison. I am SO jealous! Here are the pictures,

Bless,

Alex : )