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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 133
I C E L A N D Iceland Land of Ice & Fire Wednesday 28 May – Wednesday 04 June 2014 Leaders: Andy Jones and Simon Boyes 2014 Cost: £2,499 single room supplement £210 Eyjafjörõur ICELAND Snæfellsnes Peninsula Reykjavik Skálholt Keflavík celand – the very name conjures up thoughts and images of ice, fire, water, legends and sagas! It is not a large country, being slightly smaller than I England, but during the Icelandic summer it is a land full of interest and beauty with hot springs, geysers, lakes, waterfalls, virgin meadows and snow-capped mountains. Long days and light nights make early June the best time for a birdwatching trip in Iceland. Although the number of bird species is relatively small, the abundance of many of the waders and seabirds is tremendous. Northern Fulmars, Common Eiders, European Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Common Redshank, Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and many auks breed in enormous numbers and it’s quite likely that you’ll never have seen so many birds in one place before. The island also possesses some breeding specialities – Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Red-necked Phalarope, Purple Sandpiper, White-tailed Eagle, Gyr Falcon, Brünnich’s Guillemot and Snow Bunting. Cetaceans are regularly seen offshore and we hope to see White-beaked Dolphin, Killer Whale, Minke Whale and maybe Sperm Whale from the shore. The very small human population (about 320,000), slow pace of life and lack of intensive cultivation add to the charm of the island and make Iceland a beguilingly different place to visit. Our tour will concentrate on the breeding birds of the island as well as the geological phenomena that make Iceland so interesting. Of course, we shall not forget the wild flowers or cultural history as we travel around the amazing landscapes. Our trip is a leisurely introduction to Iceland’s birds and natural history. We’ll base ourselves in just two areas and plan gentle days in the field. Our accommodation is comfortable and relaxed and there are many opportunities for short walks to explore the surrounding countryside in both places we stay. Our leader Andy Jones is an expert on Iceland’s natural history. ITINERARY Days 1 to 4 We take the early afternoon flight from London or Glasgow to Keflavík. On arrival we meet our local guide Andy Jones and then make the one and a half hour transfer to Skálholt in south Iceland, where we stay in our lovely guesthouse for the next four nights. Our first common birds will include Red-breasted Merganser, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, Dunlin, Northern Wheatear, White Wagtail, Redwing and Common Raven. Majestic landscapes provide an incredible backdrop to our gentle birdwatching forays into the surrounding countryside. We’ll visit the geologically fascinating and historically important Þingvellir National Park and expect to find both Great Northern and Red-throated Divers. Other streams and pools will produce the Barrow’s Goldeneyes for which Iceland is so famous. Wherever we travel there’ll be breeding waders and we’ll enjoy Common Snipe, Whimbrel, Common Redshank, Dunlin, Eurasian Oystercatcher and Black-tailed Godwit. A favourite is, of course, European Golden Plover though it has to compete with Red-necked Phalarope and we expect great views of these species which always delight photographers. We’ll explore the volcanic areas near the famous volcano, Hekla where we expect to find Harlequin Ducks in the fast flowing streams – another photographer’s delight. There are Slavonian Grebes on pools, Rock Ptarmigan in the moss-covered lava, Merlins hunting Meadow Pipits and we’ll keep a special look-out for Gyr Falcon as well. Of course we’ll see the falls at Gullfoss. This “Golden Waterfall” is spectacular and plunges over rocks into the River Hvítá, producing a spray with beautiful rainbows in the sun. We also visit the famous geysers at Geysir. There is a good chance of finding another Gyr Falcon or Pinkfooted Goose along the way. The infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier provides the backdrop to a delightful day along the South Iceland coast. Arctic Skuas harass the other seabirds and we’ll see our first Atlantic Puffins of the trip. We’ll look for cetaceans offshore and will learn more about the volcanoes and glaciers that have shaped this wonderful part of Iceland. We shall also travel to Mýrdalsjökull. The tumbled moraines at the edge of the glacier provide much interest for botanists and geologists, whilst the birders can find the powerful Great Skua here. Harlequin Ducks 134 For a previous tour report or further information please call: 01794 519445
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ORNITHOLIDAYS 2014 49 Our Forty-Nin
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49 Our Forty-Ninth Year ORNITHOLIDA
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I S O R N I T H O L I D AY S R I G
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L AT E 2 0 1 3 T O U R S Summary of
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T O U R G R A D I N G Tour Grading
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G R E E N TA X E S A N D C A R B O
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Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA
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U S A - U TA H & A R I Z O N A USA
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M E X I C O Mexico Western Mexican
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C O S TA R I C A Costa Rica Classic
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C U B A Cuba Endemic Birds & Winter
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T R I N I D A D & T O B A G O Trini
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S T LU C I A St Lucia at Leisure Pi
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G U YA N A Guyana Rainforests, Wate
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C O LO M B I A Colombia Birding’s
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B R A Z I L Brazil Atlantic Forest
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Waterhole at Etosha, Namibia
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G H A N A Ghana In search of Picath
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U G A N D A Uganda Birds & Primates
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N A M I B I A Namibia Etosha & the
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T H E G A M B I A The Gambia A Tast
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M O R O C C O Morocco Atlantic Coas
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Sing-sing with Huli, Papua New Guin
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J O R D A N Jordan Birds & History
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