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I C E L A N D
Common Raven
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Keflavík and
transfer Hveragerŏi
Day 2 Hveragerŏi
Days 3-4 Snæfellsnes
Day 5 Depart Kefllavík
Rock Ptarmigan
in one of the geothermal swimming pools for
which Iceland is famous.
Days 3 & 4
Today we travel inland to the rivers and lakes of
southern Iceland in search of Barrow’s
Goldeneye overwintering in this area. We also
visit the hot springs and geysers at Geysir and
the incredible waterfall at Gullfoss. We look out
for Rock Ptarmigans as we stroll around the
historically important site of Thingvellir – it was
here in the 10th century that the Vikings formed a
Frozen Waterfall
parliament. Around us is evidence of the
geological forces at work here – the rift valley is
world renowned as an example of plate tectonics
in action. We then travel to the coast at
Hvalfjörŏur and look out for Long-tailed Ducks
and Black Guillemots on the sea. There will be
many more Common and perhaps King Eider as
well. Occasionally some waders overwinter and
there is a chance we may see Ruddy Turnstone,
Purple Sandpiper and Eurasian Oystercatcher
feeding on the fjord’s shore. We continue our
journey northwards and westwards across the
wonderful landscapes of west Iceland until we
arrive at the north coast of Snæfellsnes and settle
in to our comfortable hotel for the next two nights.
We can explore the remarkable peninsula of
Snæfellsnes today. The scenery is spectacular and
in winter time it is particularly dramatic. We check
several coastal locations for Harlequin Ducks
which spend their winters on the sea. There is
always a chance of encountering White-tailed
Eagle in this area as well. We can look for flocks of
Snow Buntings and Common Ravens in the small
settlements along the coast. At the very tip of the
peninsula is the icecap of Snæfellsjökull, famous in
literature as the place where Jules Verne sent his
heroes on their journey to the centre of the earth.
The region has many Arctic Foxes and we shall
look out for this sturdy mammal on our travels. We
shall also take a walk around the cliffs at
Arnarstapi. The rock arches, skerries and stacks
here are very beautiful and again we can look out
for more Harlequin Duck in the sea.
Day 5
We drive to Borgarnes for a spell of birdwatching
at the coast. Later we make our way to Iceland’s
capital Reykjavík. The landscapes are delightful
and we can keep an eye out for more Rock
Ptarmigan on the journey. We visit the city centre
and no doubt find time to do a little birdwatching
at the famous city pond, where there are great
views of overwintering Whooper Swans, before
we drive along the Reykjanes Peninsula on our
way to Keflavík Airport to catch our late afternoon
return flight to London.
Party Size
Maximum of five clients.
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation in twin/double
and single rooms, with private facilities.
Transport
By 4 x 4 vehicle.
Includes
All flights, meals, accommodation, transport,
entry fees, services of the leaders, airport
taxes and tips.
Gradings
Good
30
Cold
Low
Normal
Relaxed
Good
Easy
Scheduled
Harlequin Ducks
To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445
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