Birds in Northeast Iceland

Diverse bird habitats are found in Northeast Iceland. They range from different shore types and sea cliffs to very vast and largely unspoiled moorlands, marshes and unique freshwater systems. Many of these habitats are very productive, which attracts large numbers of birds to the area during the nesting season. Of the 75 Icelandic breeding bird species, 62 nest annually in the area. By adding the migrant and vagrant birds one can anticipate over 70 species of birds in Northeast Iceland on a good spring/summer day. This makes Northeast Iceland the best birdwatching area in Iceland during this time of year.

Birding trail at the Edge of the Arctic

A group of local birding experts and enthusiasts has in recent years been working on improving information and access to bird wathcing in Northeast Iceland under the theme Birdtrail at the Edge of the Arctic. Several prime locations for bird watching have been identified and marked on a map.

Information is being gathered, signs have been put up at some of the sites and more are in the planning. A checklist of birds in the area has been published in english as well as a bird watching guide for Northeast Iceland. An introductory video about birds in Northeast Iceland has also been produced.

A website dedicated to the Birding trail in Northeast Iceland will open shortly. Until then we invite you to browse these pages for various information on the the Birding trail at the Edge of the Arctic.