SEASONAL CHANGES IN WILDLIFE OF SKJÁLFANDIBAY
During the past weeks, we have been noticing many changes in Skjálfandibay - just as wild nature is! The puffins, which have been staying on Puffin Island the entire summer, are ready to leave whilst huge groups of dolphins and many other seabirds are coming into the bay to join another feeding party: Mackerels have entered the bay in huge swarms, attracting more wildlife to spend time here.
The Puffins
Most puffins have finished feeding the little chicks and are ready to leave their breeding ground to spend the upcoming winter on the open sea - in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. On our trips to Puffin Island we still see some adults being quite busy in collecting the last sand eels inside their colorful bills. The coloration of these funny birds is also changing towards the end of the season. Their faces turn grey and the bill gets darker and less colorful. Soon, they will not be “The Clowns of the Ocean” anymore - until they return for the next breeding season.
More seabirds arriving
Even though the puffins are leaving, we noticed the presence of big mackerel swarms in the bay attracting some other species. Due to this, it is likely to spot young Northern Gannets, Great Cormorants and Skuas feeding - especially close to Puffin Island. It is obvious that they are enjoying the mackerel party. The Northern Gannet is called “The Queen of the Atlantic” in reference to its grace. Also, it is the biggest seabird within Europe with a maximum wingspan of 180cm.
The dolphins
Furthermore, it is not only seabirds that are invited to the mackerel party: Also the dolphins seem to be overexcited during this time of the season. Though, not only because of the mackerel, but also because it seems that their mating season has started. It is very exciting to go out and see big groups of them jumping to demonstrate their power, falling backwards, hitting the surface time after time, maybe in attempt to attract the attention of the females. Sometimes, we could see a few of them diving in couples touching each other and crossing under our boat.
Hence, we experience good times in the bay: plenty of food, hormones and additionally, spectacular rainbows or magical sunsets in the background. In consequence, the continued existence of the wildlife in Skjálfandi is ensured for another year!
- Belén
PHOTOS: Belén Garcia Ovide, Sarah Arndt (dolphins)
A gannet flying above our boat.
The past days we've been saying loads of incredible rainbows.
A dolphin surfacing close to us. Are you able to see its tiny eye?
Two dolphins showing off.
Our oak boat Faldur and a rainbow to its side.