Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland - page 6 of 9

Iceland: Seydisfjordur and Skalanes on 19 June 2019

Male Harlequin Ducks and male Common Eiders at Skalanes, Iceland on 19 June 2019.

 

VIDEO: Getting to Skalanes is an adventure. Your vehicle has to cross three cascading mountain rivers.

In the video our local guide got out of the bus when we approached the Arctic Tern colony to remove chicks from the road so that they did not get run over. Skalanes on 19 June 2019.

 

We rode in a special bus that could cross the rivers.

 

The bird cliffs at Skalanes are magnificent with nesting Black-legged Kittiwakes and Northern Fulmars

 

Please watch V|IDEO of Skalanes birdlife

Black-legged Kittiwakes had many young, hopefully indicating a good breeding season with plenty of food to feed young. 19 June 2019.

 

Note the spoonwort or scurvygrass growing around the nests. This plant likes the nitrogen produced by bird droppings. Skalanes on 19 June 2019.

 

Northern Fulmar with one egg. This is the normal size clutch. Skalanes on 19 June 2019.

 

Introduced Nootka Lupins dominate the landscape at Skalanes. 19 June 2019.

 

Arctic Terns breed among all the Nootka Lupins that have grown up around the reserve adn they come to the fresh water pond and open areas like this to preen. 19 June 2019.

 

Common Redshank at Skalanes Nature Reserve on 19 June 2019.

 

Female Common Eiders breed in the area. Skalanes on 19 June 2019.

 

Greylag Goose breeds in the area. Skalanes on 19 June 2019.

 

Roseroot is a succulent that often grows in rocky places with very little top soil. Skalanes on 19 June 2019

 

We passed this attractive ewe with lambs on our way to Skalanes.

 

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