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Iceland is a wildly popular tourist destination–with good reason. Sparsely populated with just ~340,000 residents, there is nothing to distract you from the emerald green vistas, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, mountains, and fjords. This itinerary focuses on the less-visited but equally beautiful eastern and northern areas.

The birding will be special as we witness breeding colonies of Atlantic Puffins, Dunlins, and Northern Gannets; watch overhead for the flights of high Arctic migrants like Sanderlings, Red Knots, and Ruddy Turnstones. Highlights include bird cliffs where we can expect to find Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars, European Shags and Great Cormorants, breeding Murres, both Common and Thick-billed.

The magnificent Vatnajökull glacier region will give us an opportunity to observe breeding Great Skuas and Parasitic Jaegers, as well as a growing population of Barnacle Goose. From there, we’ll head to Lake Mývatn; arguably one of the most important breeding sites for waterfowl in all of Europe. Another highlight will be the Flói Nature Reserve, which supports one of the densest breeding populations of Dunlins, with Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Phalaropes on almost every pond.

Local guide is well-known Icelandic birder and photographer Daniel Bergmann, this is a gem of a trip.

This itinerary is subject to change with weather and other conditions.

Circumnavigating Iceland: Birding the Ring Road

Leader: Sue MacCallum May 24–June 2, 2020

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ABOUT THIS TRIP

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Black-tailed Godwit

American Golden-Plover

FOCUS: Birds. This is an active birding and natural history

tour that involves some long drives, as well as walking (up to 4

miles each day) often on rough tracks and uneven terrain.

There will be visits to local historical sites along the way.

LODGING+FOOD: Simple but comfortable country hotels or

guesthouses, with en suite bathrooms. Meals are taken from

the hotel’s Dish of the Day with a vegetarian option. Fish

courses are common. Picnic lunches are often prepared ahead

of time so last-minute changes (from vegetarian to non-

vegetarian, for example) cannot be accommodated. Travelers

with serious/multiple food allergies may not be able to be

accommodated. Please call if you have questions.

Surprisingly, not all hotels have darkening shades on their

windows, so be sure to pack eye masks for sleeping. The

daylight hours are very long at this time of year in the high

Arctic.

TRANSPORTATION: Comfortable minibus or van appropriate to

the group size. When traveling between accommodations we

may use a luggage trailer for suitcases and large bags.

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Day-to-Day Itinerary

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Stracta Hotel sauna, via Stracta Hotel

Day 1, May 24: Arrival in Iceland

Arrive at Keflavík Airport in the early morning. We’ll stop in the town of Keflavík for breakfast and then head out to Garður lighthouse, where we‘ll look for birds by the ponds at Útskálar and observe seabirds flying by the lighthouse. This is the only location on the trip where we‘ll be able to see Manx Shearwaters. We should also see a variety of gulls, Arctic Terns, and Northern Gannets.

From Garður we‘ll head to the nearby town of Sandgerði, where we‘ll look for passing migrants on the mudflats. These include flocks of Sanderlings, Red Knots, and Ruddy Turnstones. Common Icelandic breeding shorebirds should also be present, such as Dunlins, Ringed Plovers, and Common Redshanks. We’ll then head to the town of Grindavík for lunch.

Our next stop will be at the Reykjanestá bird cliffs where we can expect to find Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars, European Shags and Great Cormorants. At another bird cliff farther to the west, Krísuvíkurbjarg, we’ll have a chance to see breeding Murres, both Common and Thick-billed.

We’ll then travel to our hotel in the town of Hella on the south coast. An afternoon check-in will give us time to enjoy the sauna and hot tub facilities at the hotel, so that we can rest and relax after a night of international travel.

Overnight: Stracta Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 2, May 25: The Southern Uplands and Flói Nature Reserve

Our second day will be devoted to birding in the south of the country in various habitats, including woodland, moorland, wetland, and farmland. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Flói Nature Reserve, which is a bird and nature reserve located near Eyrarbakki on the south coast. It includes a stretch of the east shore of the Ölfusá River. This reserve, which is managed by Fuglavernd (BirdLife Iceland), supports one of the densest breeding populations of Dunlins, with Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Phalaropes on almost every pond.

Overnight: Stracta Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 3, May 26: Glacial Lagoons and Morraines

After breakfast we’ll head east along Highway 1 (Ring Road). We’ll stop at Reynisfjara near Vík, where we may catch glimpse of our first puffins. Depending on where they are to be found, we may also stop in one or two places to look for vagrants, which may have been blown over from Europe during spring migration. We’ll also make a stop at the Eldhraun lava field, the second largest lava flow in historical times in Iceland. Other stops along the way may include the Skaftafell part of the Vatnajökull National Park, Svínafellsjökull glacier, Fjallsárlón lagoon and possibly a short stop at the world-renowned Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon before arriving at our hotel, which sits at the base of Vatnajökull glacier.

Overnight: Smyrlabjörg Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4, May 27: Vatnajökull Glacier Region

We’ll have a full day in the Vatnajökull region. We’ll visit the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and watch the seabirds fishing in the short outwash river channel. A drive through an area of glacial moraines will give us an opportunity to observe breeding Great Skuas and Parasitic Jaegers. This is also the stronghold of Iceland’s fast growing population of Barnacle Goose. Red-throated Loons are on ponds in the moraines and Wheatears are fluttering about. We’ll

Atlantic Puffin

Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

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do some walking towards a couple of the glaciers and enjoy the spectacular landscape.

We’ll also visit the town of Höfn, which is one of the birding hotspots in the southeast. Ornithologists at Höfn have established a bird observatory in the town where they do bird banding and other long-term bird observation projects. After a full day of birding, we will head back to our hotel at Smyrlabjörg for dinner.

Overnight: Smyrlabjörg Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5, May 28: The Eastern Fjords and Hafnarhólmi Puffins

Today we continue travelling east through fjords towards Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the east. We will stop at Djúpivogur, where we’ll scan the wetlands for breeding Northern Shoveler and Common Shelduck. In the afternoon we’ll visit Hafnarhólmi, which offers outstanding views and photography of an Atlantic Puffin breeding colony. Fuglavernd (BirdLife Iceland) is a majority owner of the area and manages it for bird protection. In the afternoon, we’ll head to our hotel in Egilsstaðir.

Overnight: Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir (B,L,D)

Day 6, May 29: Lake Mývatn: Iceland’s Waterfowl Paradise

Today we head to Lake Mývatn, a two-hour drive, where we’ll overnight for three nights. After we arrive, we’ll walk around the ponds near our hotel and the shore of the lake. Mývatn is arguably one of the most important breeding sites for waterfowl on the planet: in late May, there is lots of activity, and ducks are in full breeding plumage. Here we can expect to see all of Iceland’s breeding duck species, including Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Greater Scaup, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Teal, and Gadwall. Red-necked Phalaropes will also have just arrived at their breeding sites, but they are among the last migrants to arrive. Horned Grebes will offer great views on a pond right outside the hotel, so will Whooper Swans and Common Loons.

Overnight: Sel Hotel Mývatn (B,L,D)

Day 7–8, May 30–31: Lake Mývatn

During our first morning at Lake Mývatn we’ll drive around the lake and take short walks at a few selected stops. We’ll keep an eye out for Gyrfalcons as a number of pairs breed in the vicinity. In addition to the spectacular range of waterfowl, we’ll expect to see breeding moorland species such as Whimbrel, European Golden-Plover, Common Snipe, and Black-tailed Godwit. Male Rock Ptarmigans will also be conspicuous as they’ll still be displaying their white winter plumage although the surrounding landscape will be snow-free. Lava fields will produce Snow Buntings, Northern Wheatears, and Merlins. A walk through the Höfði tree plantation will give good views of Common Redpolls, Redwings, and Eurasian Wrens.

On one of our days at Lake Mývatn, we’ll visit the town of Húsavík where we’ll do a whalewatching tour not just for whales, but also for seabirds. On that day we may then venture farther east along the coast, towards the Ásbyrgi woodlands in Jökulsárgljúfur, which is within the expansive Vatnajökull National Park. On our way back to Mývatn, we’ll enjoy some of the high-plateau mountain landscapes of the northeast. An after-dinner walk near the hotel could produce some additional sightings of local waterfowl, and the low sun may produce ideal conditions for bird photography.

Overnight: Sel Hotel Mývatn (B,L,D)

Day 9, June 1: North Iceland

From Lake Mývatn we will travel westward—across northern Iceland. This will be a long driving day, but with stops along the way. We are headed to Vatnsnes peninsula. Surrounded by waters of Miðfjörður in the west and Húnafjörður in the east, it is home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland.

In the afternoon we’ll circumnavigate the Vatnsnes Peninsula with the first stop being the Hvítserkur rock arch amid an entrancing landscape. Farther along and around the tip of the peninsula, we’ll stop at the church at Tjörn, which plays a major part in the mystery story of Agnes and Friðrik, executed in Iceland in 1830. As we continue along Vatnsnes, we’ll come to excellent spots to look for seals (Harbor and Grey Seals).

Once we’re around the peninsula we’ll be close to the village of Laugarbakki, where we’ll overnight at a hotel with hot tubs to luxuriate in at the end of the day.

Overnight: Hotel Laugarbakki (B,L,D)

Day 10, June 2: Morning Birding, Then Fond Farewells

In the morning, we’ll head south on a three-hour drive to Keflavík Airport. We’ll stop for lunch at Borgarnes and squeeze in some last-minute birding at nearby mudflats, before arriving to the airport around 2:30 pm.

Whooper Swans

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Mass Audubon Naturalist

Sue MacCallum is the Director of Mass Audubon’s South Shore Sanctuaries in Marshfield. During her 20 years with Mass Audubon, she has coordinated and led natural history and birding trips to many North American hot spots.

Her international trips include many visits to Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands, as well as the Amazon Basin in Peru. These trips to the neotropics have sparked her fascination with tropical ecology, which she enjoys sharing.

She graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a minor in botany.

Main Tour Price: $5300 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $800 (single rooms are very limited). Price based on a minimum of 10 travelers (group maximum is 12). If the group does not reach the minimum, additional small group supplement fee (~$300) may be added. Price Includes:

All meals and accommodations as shown in the itinerary Services of Mass Audubon naturalist leader Local guides and naturalists All excursions and entrance fees Extensive trip preparation notes and bird checklist Transportation within Iceland Medical evacuation insurance Carbon offset credits for your international flights All tips and gratuities (included if we have the minim um of 10)

Price Excludes:

International airfare Passport and visa fees; trip cancellation insurance Airport taxes; excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry,

and telephone calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included.

HOW TO BOOK

Email or call us at travel@massaudubon.org or 800-289-9504 to reserve your place.

APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure! All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and $500 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities. Final payment is due 90 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check or money order.

Daniel Bergmann is Iceland’s most recognized nature photographer. He is also a passionate birdwatcher and has been on the board of directors at Fuglavernd (BirdLife Iceland) since 2001. At Fuglavernd he acts as the editor of the annual Fuglar (Birds) magazine and manages the publishing and educational programs of the organization. Daniel has been leading bird and landscape photography tours in Iceland for over 15 years and will be on hand for photographic instructions if needed. www.danielbergmann.com

Local Guide

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RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication (November 2019) but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum, as listed in the itinerary.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the trip’s departure date is required.

FLIGHTS: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our staff will take. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. We ask that you provide us with your flight details

TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application for optional trip cancellation, illness, and baggage insurance will be sent to you upon registration. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself. See insuremytrip.com.

PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photographs taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a compromising nature will be used. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.

COVER PHOTO: Red-throated Loon.

PHOTOS: All nature photos by Daniel Bergmann.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately in writing. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per person fee. For cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure,

no deposits will be refunded, but any payment balance will. There are no refunds for cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours)—hereafter collectively “M.A.S.“—involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients’ property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure. CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation form, including the personal information and a release of liability (see attached). Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.