FS-086 Mývatn – a Paradise for Bird Watchers

Lake Mývatn is a paradise for birdwatchers. This center of duck-production of Europe is simply loaded with birds, including many Barrow’s Goldeneyes and Harlequin Ducks. Typical list of birds will include 50-60 species, and most likely including Gyr Falcon.

This tour starts from Sigurgeir's Bird Museum which is conveniently located by Neslandavík, one of the best birdwatching spot by Mývatn.There are often large flocks of Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup and Eurasian Wigeon. Here is also good for Common Scoter. It is also likely to yield scarce vagrants such as American Wigeon, Common Pochard and Ring-necked Duck.

From there we start the circle around the lake, make stops to view birds as well as nice and picturesque scenery. Near Reykjahlíð village, we will look for dabbling ducks including Gadwall and the scarce Northern Shoveler. The woodland park at Höfði is great to have a walk, with views towards some unusual lava formation in the lake. Here are plenty of Common Redpoll, Redwing and Winter Wren, as well as ducks on the lake.

Near Skútustaðir are small lakes in extensive wetlands, which give chance for see many species of ducks, including Long-tailed Duck and the occasional Common Pochard. Álftavogur to search the flocks of ducks for scarcer visitors.

We approach the river Laxá which comes from Mývatn. This uppermost part of the river is the prime habitat for Harlequin duck and Barrow´s Goldeneye in Iceland. And can possible show Goosander.

The last place mentioned here is called Álar, nearly as rich in bird as Neslandavík and likely to reveal scarces species.

Mývatn Birdingtrail video