The Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) is found almost exclusively on the west coast and so Melrakkaey island is a perfect place for spotting this species. It nests on low islands and makes it nest in a pile of seaweed lined with feathers and grass and the female lays about 1-6 eggs in a clutch. There are about 7000 pairs on the west coast of Iceland.
Eider duck (Somateria mollissima)
This producer of the eider down is common in Iceland and its down is harvested by specialized eider farmers. They are found all along the coast of Iceland and breeding is done in loose colonies in protected areas. Only the female sits on the nest and if the nest is threatened by a potential predator, the female stays put. Soon after hatching, the chicks take to the water with their mothers where they are slightly safer but still face predation from skuas. They feed on mussels, crabs, sea snails etc. They are also know to eat seaweed.
This producer of the eider down is common in Iceland and its down is harvested by specialized eider farmers. They are found all along the coast of Iceland and breeding is done in loose colonies in protected areas. Only the female sits on the nest and if the nest is threatened by a potential predator, the female stays put. Soon after hatching, the chicks take to the water with their mothers where they are slightly safer but still face predation from skuas. They feed on mussels, crabs, sea snails etc. They are also know to eat seaweed.
The Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a common Icelandic auk species seen on this trip. Puffins' brightly coloured beaks make it easy to identify them. Puffins lay their eggs in burrows dug into the turf of islands and cliffs. They breed in the summer and leave for the ocean by September. They dig burrows in grassy areas and sometimes in rocky slopes on islands. There are literally millions of puffins in colonies in Iceland. These small birds (32cm) feed on small fish like sandeel and capelin.
The Black guillemot (Ceppus grylle) is another common seabird found on Malrakkaey island near Grundafjorður. It nests among the rocks and in winter is found closer to the coast than other auk species. Guillemots gather in the spring to breed in the summer and in late July, early August they return to the sea for winter.
The Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) is one of the gull family and is very common in Iceland. It differs from other gulls in its nesting habits. Like auks and fulmars, it prefers perpendicular cliff faces or low cliffs. The kittiwake spends its time in winter in the north Atlantic but can sometimes also wander further south and has been known to venture as far as Africa.
The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is related to the gannet and like gannets, it has four webbed toes. Cormorants also belong to the same order as pelicans! They are found predominantly on the west coast and nest on skerries and small islands like Malrakkaey. They are often seen on cliffs, with wings spread out to dry. Cormorants feed on demersal fish which means they are usually found in shallower waters.
The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is closely related to the gull. It appears in Iceland around May after spending the winter on the shores of Antarctic and the south Atlantic, flying about 40 000km every year. They are found all over the country with colonies along the coast reaching into the thousands. They are very protective of their nests and can get very aggressive, dive bombing passersby.
The Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) is a ubiquitous species in the fjord and you are guaranteed to see them swarming round the boat at fishing time. This species' population is on the rise and fulmars can be found on all mountains and cliffs.
The Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is part of the snipe family and is a common species all over the country. It has an unusual way of gathering food by swimming around in circles and in this way agitating the water and then eating the food that is stirred up. They, like many bird species migrate to warmer climes in winter.
