THE BIRD WATCHER'S DREAM
Flatey Island is a real paradise with unspoiled nature and a haven for birdlife. Being the home of more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season, it realises dreams by bird enthusiasts - and any wildlife lover for that sake.
The other day we went there on board our RIB Amma Sigga together with a local bird specialist called Gaukur, eager to share his knowledge. The tour was a part of a bird watching package which is offered by Wildlife Iceland. One of our passengers was David from England, who's first impression of Flatey Island was that it houses a lot more activity than he had expected.
Surrounded by hundreds of arctic terns we all strolled together along the shore which is crowded with puffin burrows. On our way we saw a gyrfalcon (which is the largest of all falcons), a snow bunting, ptarmigans, loads of eider ducks and their nests, black guillemots, dunlins and plenty of other birds. My personal highlight was to see the hatching chick in a great black-backed gull's nest.
"This is a very special place!" David commented when we were making our way back to the harbour after several hours of fabulous bird watching on Flatey Island.
Text and photos: Lia
Flatey Island is a real paradise with unspoiled nature and a haven for birdlife.
Flatey is the perfect place to watch birds in peace.
The ground closest to shore is undermined by puffin burrows.
My personal highlight: The hatching chick in a great black-backed gull's nest.
A camouflaged eider duck incubating her eggs.
Whale watching is included on the way between the main land and Flatey.
Here a humpback whale going down for a deep dive.
