Here are the final images from Iceland. Our visit was timed with the annual bird migration. While not a “birder”, I find them beautiful and admire the coloration. As a fly tyer, my mind periodically found myself at the vise creating flies using their feathers. I hope you were able to read my original Images from Iceland.

Horned Grebe | www.johnkreft.com

I used Google Lens search function to identify these Icelandic birds I captured, so apologies to the REAL birders reading this if I misidentify any birds.

Loons

Loons | www.johnkreft.com

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper Closeup | www.johnkreft.com

Birds silhouette with wake

Bird Silhouette with Wake | www.johnkreft.com

Godwit

Godwit | www.johnkreft.com

Barrow’s Golden Eye

And the ensuing fight after the initial fly by…

Fighting Male Barrow's Golden Eye | www.johnkreft.com

A different Barrow’s Golden Eye I caught in flight.

Barrow's Golden Eye | www.johnkreft.com

Harlequin Ducks

Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan on Nest | www.johnkreft.com

I found another Whooper Swan in a small pond. As I slowly approached, it began to take flight by running across the water and land.

Red-necked Phalarope

Red-necked phalarope | www.johnkreft.com

Skua

Skua Attacking Guide | www.johnkreft.com

Above – our guide walked towards one to see if it was sitting on a nest with eggs.

Below – upset and ready to fly.

Puffins

And of course, I have to share a few more puffin images.

These were taken at Hafnarhólmi rock and harbor, the most accessible and incredible Atlantic Puffin colony in Iceland.

The snow is obvious and a total of 2 to 4 inches fell overnight, depending on which side of the fjord. Notice the stairway. The puffins made their nests on either side. All of the holes below are nests. The picture below was taken the previous afternoon before it snowed.

Boardwalk at Hafnarhólmi Rock

Here is another view from halfway up the stairs of all the nests.

Puffin Nests at Hafnarhólmi Rock | www.johnkreft.com

Close to the action.

Puffin Nests Close at Hafnarhólmi Rock | www.johnkreft.com

The water was only a short distance away where they flew to wash and feed.

Puffins on Water | www.johnkreft.com

We spent parts of three days here. The first afternoon found us bundled up as we braved the cold rain.

The puffins didn’t seem to enjoy the cold, wet weather as the snow showed up.

Their feet don’t seem to be made for snow.

Puffin Slipping on Snow | www.johnkreft.com
Puffin Pair on Snow with Wings Extended | www.johnkreft.com
Puffins with Wings Extended on Snow | www.johnkreft.com

These two were standing still!

Puffin Pair on Snow | www.johnkreft.com

Final images…

Enjoy…go fish!

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One Comment

  1. Great photos of beautiful birds. Birder (as is Donna) or not, as a fly tier ya can’t help but also think “feathers!”

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