From in late May and in late June, I took a few pictures of some typical coast dwellers of the “avifauna” in Texel and Iceland. This purpose was planned for Texel on my part but in Iceland I “just” proposed to realize a series about puffins (I´ll publish those pictures shortly).
But, I certainly underestimated the fact how green Iceland really is during that season of year and therefore how diverse the fauna and flora is. So, in addition to the photos of the puffins, I was able to take pictures of several other scenes – partly out of the car and partly sitting in the Icelandic moss.
I´d like to give you an example just to show you how great the observation possibilities in Iceland are: Especially taking pictures of the Arctic terns was incredible. Even on the “bird island” Texel it is only possible to observe them from a good distance.
In Iceland we experienced the following: On a >400km day trip in the south of the country we stopped for lunch at a petrol station. You find really good restaurants and cafes right beside the stations. Behind the building there was a gravel parking area and I couldn´t believe my eyes: A population of at least 40 breeding pairs in the fallow meadow behind the parking spaces without any fence. The Arctic terns welcomed all arriving restaurant guests with several attacks, but both the Icelander and the tourists took it easy.
Fortunately, there were some clouds in the sky. They are essential for the right exposure concerning the white plumage. I took my chance for about two hours to photograph these beautiful birds before we had to go on.
In this short time period, I took more useful pictures than in the last few years in Texel.
We experienced the same with curlews, Eurasian golden plover, black-tailed godwit, red-necked phalarope etc. Often, we spotted them at close quarters.
Have fun with the feathered coast dwellers.
Best regards,
Thomas
