iceland

Well, if you haven’t been to Iceland you really need to go. As a very keen bird watcher as well as a photographer, the expression that comes to mind is “like a pig in ….” ! I couldn’t decide whether to grab the camera or binoculars first.

Having been to Iceland a few times, my advice is sometimes sought which, if you are photographer, is to bypass Reykjavik and even the Golden Circle, and travel further east. Although the sites of Gullfoss and Strokken Geysir are well worth a visit, the landscapes become even more dramatic as you travel further east. Driving in Iceland is extremely dangerous though, not because of the conditions of the roads or other drivers, but because of the distractions of such stunning scenery!

I have spent three weeks on each occasion; firstly, in the early summer months May/June in 2014 and, secondly, then the autumn month of October in 2016. In May and June we were blessed with mostly glorious weather; snow-capped peaks, glorious evening light that never quite faded and summer birds were in abundance. The sound of drumming snipe and singing Redwings in the Silver Birch glades pervaded each day, and the Artic Terns and Golden Plover are found nesting in car parks and in the grounds of hotels. You have to watch where you tread! The nesting terns give plenty of warning and attack your highest point - your head, and will draw blood! The wise photographer, however, is safe - extend your tripod with your hat on the top, it works. This time of year the countryside flourishes with blue lupins vying to be the national emblem.

Autumn and the bird life seems to have disappeared, and it becomes strangely quiet. With the absence of the mature trees, it is surprising to see such colour provided by the shallow growing fauna and flora.

I find it difficult to recommend locations in Iceland as there are just so many and the list would be extensive, and you would inevitably encounter new ones as you explore the island. I can’t help but being drawn to the iconic locations of Jokulsarlon Lagoon and the sculptured icebergs on the adjacent black sands, the wonderful black beach and sand dunes below Stokkness, and Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Yes, they have all been photographed before many, many times but I have got to go back.