A botanist, nature lover, and avid bird watcher, Pat writes often on these subjects for Eye on Iceland. ased on sheer numbers of birds and their accessibility, one would expect Iceland to be counted as one of the world's great birding destinations. While the incredible abundance of birdlife is certainly known and appreciated by Icelanders, this knowledge has not penetrated mainstream North America. Just scan the ads in any birding or nature magazine.
Tropical destinations dominate.
Only about 120 bird species are regularly seen in Iceland and, of these, only about 70 are regular nesters. Unlike their showier tropical cousins, most are the muted colors of earth ash and sea foam. However, what Iceland lacks in biodiversity it makes up for in avian biomass. For here, where eastern hemisphere meets west, at a latitude between high Arctic and temperate, surrounded by the bountiful waters of the North Atlantic and blessed with rugged topography, lies an irresistible avian magnet. It is quite surprising how approachable the birds are.